Side power Sliepner bow thruster stuck

[Hastalavista]

Hello!

I am having some trouble with the bow thruster on my boat and this looked like a great place to bring my question to.

I have a single prop sleipner bow thruster. The boat has sat for 2 years and the bow thruster worked perfectly when the boat was put away. I just installed 5 new batteries today and when I hit the buttons on the thruster is sounds like a solenoid is click.

When I go outside an examine the prop and try to move it by hand there is slight play but it will not make a complete revolution.

Are there any simple fixes for this before I have to pull it apart?

[Seeking Solace]

Have you tried to contact the manufacturer? Was it freely moving before sitting? What kind of maintenance does the unit require?

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Hastalavista.

[Hastalavista]

Originally Posted by GordMay

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Hastalavista.

Thank you! I'm sure I'll be back with many tech questions over the next few years!

[Hastalavista]

Hey so I just disassembled the unit today. It was very obvious water was entering the boat and the motor was jammed along with the leg. I just ordered a new leg and tomorrow I will be bringing the motor to a shop to see if they can rebuild it,
After both of these parts are fixed I should be good!

Thanks for your help

[Seeking Solace]

Thanks for the update. If you can post some pictures and what might have caused the failure.

[Hastalavista]

Originally Posted by Seeking Solace

Thanks for the update. If you can post some pictures and what might have caused the failure.

So today I just finished up my bow thruster project and now have a working unit. I sourced a brand new leg off ebay for $450, and I was able to have the motor rebuilt for $350 by a local starter shop. I am very happy with this because buying directly from Imtra would have cost at least double.

The reason the unit locked up is because the seals in the leg went bad and water got in. After sitting for close to 2 years with salt water in them, they were corroded heavily. I am leaning toward the combination of lack of oil, as well as old age (13 years) that resulted in the seal going bad, which eventually allowed water in.

I only was able to get a few "after" pictures because by the time I saw your post I had already removed both units and I sent the motor to the shop. For some reason I can not figure out how to upload them to the forum!

PS: excuse the mess in my truck! It is like my mobile office haha