QL Bowthruster

[zingaro]

My mate has a QL Bowthruster fitted to his Sealine F33,when he had it lifted out of the water he noticed Oil in his Bowthruster tunnel,this is causing him some concern.Does anyone know how you check the Oil level on these and were you top them up if needed,also where and how do you fit a new anode on to it. Thanks to anyone who can offer any answers to this. I'm not sure myself as I have only had Sidepower bowthruster as well as a Vetus ones fitted to my boats so dont know anything about the QL bowthruster.

 

[chrisharris]

Hi, we have a QL thruster - a bp600 I believe. It has an external oil reservoir that should be fitted approx 2ft above the water line to ensure that the oil pressure is sufficient to stop sea water getting in past the seals. I guess its just a case of keeping the reservoir topped up.

The earlier sidepower thrusters used the same system, before moving to sealed for life drives...

The anode on ours is on the center of the prop, I think some used bar anodes on the bottom of the drive.

 

[jparham]

Hi Zingaro,
The oil reservoir is under the bed in the bows cabin. Unclip the front of the bed and swing it to the side. You'll see the reservoir straight in front of you. Straightforward to keep an eye on it. Pretty big reservoir so should be easy to keep it topped up.
Presume it's leaking because of lack of use and crud built up around seals.... You might find with use it tightens up again
Anode and allen screw are a standard service item (from Keypart or others). Fits on the other side to the prop on a small log that sticks out on bronze fitting.

Trying to get the prop off is a real pain. I tried on mine. Got the allen screw retainer out, but couldn't move the prop.... then cross threaded the allen screw when I put it back in.....just turns and turns..... prop's still there though.

 

[zingaro]

Thanks jparham for the reply, very helpful,can you tell me does he need to use QL brand oil or will any gearbox oil do, Do you know what spec the oil is?