Squadron 58 Stern Thruster

[mikesyam]

Off to Dublin Saturday to do a few jobs on my recently purchased 2006 Squadron, main one being trying to get the stern thruster working, its the Side Power one fitted by Fairline, it doesnt work at any of the 3 controls and wondered if there is a common problem which would save me time investigating or maybe take spares with me, dont even know if they work off the main batteries or if they have there own?
Thanks in advance
Mike

 

[volvopaul]

Sounds like the main fuse has blown.

 

[Nick_H]

Start with the simple things. Obviously check the trips and emergency stop button if there is one. Do you hear anything when you try to engage it, if you can hear motor but you get no thrust, then maybe the flexible coupling needs replacing (never had a stern thruster but I assume they have a coupling). They're cheap, and its a good idea to have a spare, so worth getting one to take with you. Also make sure you take a multi-meter.

 

[DougH]

You do not state the size of the thruster but as the vessel is a Squadron 58 it is safe to assume that the unit will be on the larger side.

Some of the units,which normally have their own battery source do not have ' trips ' but have an overload unit built into the connection/emergency button unit. This is the box that has the large red button.

The supply from the battery may come via the main switch panel where there is sometimes a solid copper link so that he supply from the battery can be isolated.

Check if there is any noise of the motor running if any joy stick is operated.

If there is a noise but no drive present then there could be a shear pin broken and depending on the age of the thruster will depend if you can replace the pin without taking the vessel out of the water.

If the motor does not operate then I suggest you start at the battery and check if it is dead or alive and then work back to the thruster checking all connections very carefully

 

[jfm]

As others have said we need loads more symptoms, including to know if it is "dead" or if you can hear anything, and if so what

The main breaker is in the heavy current panel. To access this go into the lazzerette hatch in the aft cockpit. Remove the clobber and open the panel on the aft face of this locker. Just pull it - it is only attached with dualock. In there you will see a stainless steel lid. Remove this by turning the little black latches with a screw driver and the main 400amp breakers are in there

This breaker is a solenoid operated job, operated remotely from one of the six little black switches top centre of the inside breaker panel ahead of the inside dinette. But it can be operated manually too, by a lever on it. Check the little black switch is on, and suspect the low current wiring from this switch to the solenoid, if the solenoid itself operates ok.

If you tell me the year of the boat it would help too

But dont worry, you dont actually need a st/t on a sq58. The stern kicks sideways very well using the props, better than any thruster would do it

 

[SteveE]

JFM, he said it was a 2006.. You are a good reason to buy a Squady either new or second hand...