Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43DS Bow Thruster Identification + Propeller Replacement Help

[Sailingpops]

Hello everyone,





I am trying to identify and source a replacement propeller for the bow thruster on my 2000 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43DS.





The thruster appears to be the original factory installation. There is unfortunately no identification plate visible on the motor or gearbox.





Boat details:

• Model: Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43DS
• Year: 2000
• HIN: FR-IRI00006B000
• Vessel currently in Portimão, Portugal

The propeller is damaged and needs replacement during haul-out for copper coating works.





From research and feedback so far, it may be an early Side-Power (now Sleipner) tunnel thruster, possibly SE80 class, but I would appreciate confirmation from anyone with the same model boat or installation.





I have attached photos of the tunnel and propeller.





Questions:

1. Does this look like a Side-Power installation used by Jeanneau around 2000?
2. Is this likely a 185mm tunnel (SE80)?
3. Has anyone upgraded to the 5-blade composite propeller, and was it a direct fit?
4. Any recommended EU suppliers for replacement props or service kits?

Any guidance from other Jeanneau owners would be greatly appreciated.





Many thanks in advance.





William

 

[Norman_E]

Your Photos have not appeared. They might need re-sizing.
My older Jeanneau 45.2 had a Vetus bow thruster, which I think was Factory fitted, but it was identifiable fairly easily.

 

[lustyd]

Probably better to ask on the Facebook “Jeanneau 43DS” group which has 137 members who likely own that model or have owned it. Much more focused advice in such groups for questions like this.

 

[Sailingpops]

Here is a photo of the thruster. Some are too large so will need to resize. Thank you both very much for your ideas and help!

 

[Norman_E]

It needs a better photo, but it looks a bit like the old three blade Vetus propeller, but minus the two plastic pieces that held it in place. If it is a Vetus one, minus its fixings, it will just pull straight off the shaft, as the missing bits held it on by engaging in a groove.

 

[Sailingpops]

I have reached out to Vetus and no one is replying but I will follow up. Thank you for your help and time. I have provided some additional photos.

 

[Norman_E]

That looks like a Vetus propellor to me. The two blue bits look to be the broken off pivots of the missing pieces, and the two holes are where screws should fit. Give it a pull, if it is Vetus it is now only held on by marine growth and a firm pull should take it off, revealing the cross pin that drives it. If it is Vetus the newer and more efficient design is a straight replacement.

 

[Sailingpops]

Awesome, thank you for your help! What makes you think Vetus over a Sleipner, curious for my knowledge in this process.

 

[Norman_E]

Awesome, thank you for your help! What makes you think Vetus over a Sleipner, curious for my knowledge in this process.

I only know the Vetus thruster that I had on my boat, and the propeller you show looks very like the original 1998 vintage one I had, before replacing it with the later 6 bladed propeller. Give it a good pull, if it comes off, take it to the nearest chandlery and see if they can identify it. I cannot remember if there was any identification moulded in to mine.

 

[Sailingpops]

I gave it a good pull, but it didn't come off. I'm not sure how to manage it, as I haven't been able to find any bolts or anything to unscrew to get the propeller off. We don't want to force it until we know if it can be replaced, and we haven't confirmed a possible replacement model yet.

 

[nigel1]

I first thought Vetus, based on the colour, but then noticed it has only 4 blades.
My Vetus thruster has a 6 blade prop

Edit
Late correction, a google search does show a 4 bladed Vetus prop

 

[Norman_E]

If you cannot pull it off get something that will dissolve fouling (I used to use chlorine bleach) and spray it on, then try. If a pull does not work, then examine the end of the shaft. The Vetus shaft has a groove into which two plastic pieces fit. You need to examine the shaft end in case someone has made a makeshift repair with a piece of wire. If it is clear use a piece of wood pushed against the back of the hub and give it a firm hit with a mallet. Look at the picture posted by nigel1 and see the similarity of the hub to your pictures.
EDIT: If you have or can borrow a three leg puller, try it. The prop may just be stuck on to the shaft and need more force than you think.

 

[Sailingpops]

I only have 3 blades. Not 4.

 

[Norman_E]

I suggest you look at this web page. Replacement propellers for bow thrusters | ABCstore.co.uk
Scroll down to the note under BOW50/60/75/95. You will see that the three bladed props had blue collets, and your pictures clearly show the broken off stubs of those.
Your propeller appears to be stuck on the shaft right at the end, whereas the shaft should project by about 6mm. Tap it back in, and remove whatever is stuck in the groove on the shaft.

One thing to note, if it is Vetus, and I am pretty sure it is, I once had a rope caught in mine and that resulted in the motor spinning freely. I obtained the Vetus parts list and concluded that it must have stripped its gears. Not so. The parts list had no mention of the fact that the motor shaft is connected to the gearbox by means of a 3mm brass shear pin. I made my own and kept a spare on board after that.

 

[Sailingpops]

Thank you all! I will share with the contractors and hope to sort this mystery out! I am not so knowledgable as this is my first boat and appreciate all the help and sharing of information to help me learn.