Bow thruster failure: Vetus 80 kgf (BOW8012)

[Segelplaner]

Hi!
The bowthruster has failed in Norway some 2 weeks ago ( we just arrived to Scotland/Inverness) During my investigation there is no electric fail - the solenoids are ”clicking” both ”ways” when measure 12 volt electricity. But the thruster engine is completely dead, no response at all.
My best guess is that the bow thruster is installed with the boat at year 2000. The product is Vetus 80 kgf - se attached technical details.

What is the recommended action?
A total replacement of the thruster system or just the thruster engine ( maybe product too old)?

Many Thanks in advance!
Jonas

[flyingfin]

Get stick, dive overboard, spin thruster prop blade while crew pushes thruster button.

[billknny]

Originally Posted by Segelplaner

Hi!
The bowthruster hasAttachment 172159Attachment 172160Attachment 172161 failed in Norway some 2 weeks ago ( we just arrived to Scotland/Inverness) During my investigation there is no electric fail - the solenoids are ”clicking” both ”ways” when measure 12 volt electricity. But the thruster engine is completely dead, no response at all.
My best guess is that the bow thruster is installed with the boat at year 2000. The product is Vetus 80 kgf - se attached technical details.

What is the recommended action?
A total replacement of the thruster system or just the thruster engine ( maybe product too old)?

Many Thanks in advance!
Jonas

Electric motors are not forever parts that never require maintenance, contrary to the way people treat them.

First, check right at the terminals of the motor for power when the relays are activated to be sure everything on the upstream end is right.

If you have power, remove the motor. Before you do anything else, check the drive train to the propeller. If it is free to turn, you know can suspect the motor. Could be lots of things. Have you ever inspected/replaced the brushes? Maybe the windings have a short? Bad bearings could be frozen.

Take the motor to the local shop that services electric motors. If the cause of the problem is not serious corrosion, they will likely be able to rebuild it to good as new. Electric motors do not die because they get "old". They can have fixable problems however. Industrial motor shops are pretty common.

[Segelplaner]

I have removed unmounted the thruster and measured all the brushes. They are worn by 0.1,0.5 - 1 mm - hope new ones will help. Thanks

[Segelplaner]

It was the brushes, works again! Need to buy and replace with new ones [emoji106]