Vetus Bow Thruster Woes

[rmashton]

Vetus bow thruster on Sheerline 740. Works well when it can be bothered. Problem is you just don't know when it will actually work. Sometimes you press the switch and just hear the solenoid click and no propellor, other times it appears to just stop after a couple of seconds when being used - other times works just fine. In a 5 hour trip on the Thames last Sunday it stopped working probably 90% of the time.

Anyone got any ideas what it might be/where to start looking?

 

[boatone]

Sounds very much like loose connections somewhere. For starters try checking all terminal connections and making sure they are clean and tight. If still problem, try connecting battery direct to solenoid and see if all works ok in which case wiring/switches are suspect. If direct connection still shows problems then need to check solenoid and motor connections.

BTW where on the Thames are you? I'd offer to help but I'm being held for ransom at present by a load of rabid rowers...........

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[DavidJ]

This sounds exactly the same problem that I had with my electric winch (same sort of electrical set up really)
You will have a separate solenoid for each direction. If it's a solenoid problem then the chances of both breaking down are remote so:
Logic 1 If the problems occur in both directions then it is the motor not the solenoid. (maybe as simple as an electrical connection to the motor...It never is though!!)
Logic 2 If the problem is in only one direction then it is one of the solenoids.
Logic 3 If the solenoid is clicking then the low current side is ok ...so it's a poor internal contact ...check by bridging the terminal with thick wire or a spanner (the current is quite high)
if this sends the motor going then ....new solenoid
hope this helps
David