Vetus Bow Thruster Question

[jrmccoy]

Gentlemen,

Maggie Mae is on the hard getting a load of work done. I have maintained a great relationship with the PO who has been an invaluable resource over the years. When I shared with him what I was doing to "our girl" he suggested that I have the seals in the Vetus Bow Thruster changed while on the hard.

It is a Vetus 24V electric bow thruster which I call more of a "bow suggester" as it wont push against a moderate or worse wind or current BUT she helps suggest the bow direction and sometimes Maggie Mae will listen to her. I can hear many of you old salts now: "You don't need no (*&*& bow thruster anyway!!!"

Do any of you have a Vetus Thruster and if so have you ever changed the seals in it? Currently have no evidence of any water intrusion around/about the thruster so this is entirely preventative maintenance.

 

[Captain Ralph]

If you are considering thruster service and the max thrust prop is on it, maybe time for a more robust (new) thruster.
While you are on the hill, I luv to spend your money.

 

[kelpy]

It sounds as if the thruster is severely undersize for your application. At any rate, nothing you can do about that now. Change the seals while hauled. Cheap insurance.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Or glass the hole back in and save on future maintenance and batteries.

 

[Freeebird]

Or glass the hole back in and save on future maintenance and batteries.

Spend money to devalue the boat?

A little thruster is better than none an at all, and it would add some value at resale. Maybe he needs to get a Tim Allen type to rewire it for more power.

 

[JD5652]

Here is the size I have on Miss Maggie and it pushes her bow pretty good. I also have the seven blade high performance prop which helps.

Don't forget the zinc while you're at it.

Mine is also 24V. I have two Northstar AGM batteries that power the thruster which provides good thrust and enough power when I need it while docking.

 

[jrmccoy]

Grateful for your feedback gentlemen. I believe she has the 7 blade type. She has spirit and gets the job done. I’ll get the seals and zincs changed

 

[bigbill]

if it is marginal in thrust, do they offer a more powerful motor and prop that will fit your gearbox? just a thought