Bow Thruster Problem
 

4 weeks ago I bought a 3 year old boat that has a Vetus 80 kgf electric bow
thruster. The other day while docking the control panel did not operate
unless I hit the button 2 or 3 times. I read the instruction manual and
cleaned the brushes. Now it works every time the button is pushed on the
control panel. At the end of my test when I pushed the control button to go
to starboard it came on and stayed on even when I released the button. I
turned off power at the control panel but it still stayed on. I had to shut
the battery off in order to stop it. This could have been a big problem if I
was trying to dock. I think the relay solenoid locked up until the power was
removed. Has anyone else had this experience with your bow thruster? Can the
solenoid be repaired or should it be replaced.

--
Ken


--

Ken,

I believe the question is can the relay be repaired?? Don't know anything
about your thruster.... but, generally defective relays are replaced.
Exceptions are large relays which are desigined for service, adjustment and
repair.

If, in fact, you want to know if the solenoid can be repaired the same
applies as per relays, above. If the solenoid is not sealed it may be
possible to open it, clean it, burnish or replace the contacts, inspect the
spring, lubricate as needed and reassemble. I remain doubtful.

Good luck.

Butch
"Ken North" wrote in message
news:5xTse.14930$qr1.3215@trndny07...
4 weeks ago I bought a 3 year old boat that has a Vetus 80 kgf electric bow
thruster. The other day while docking the control panel did not operate
unless I hit the button 2 or 3 times. I read the instruction manual and
cleaned the brushes. Now it works every time the button is pushed on the
control panel. At the end of my test when I pushed the control button to
go
to starboard it came on and stayed on even when I released the button. I
turned off power at the control panel but it still stayed on. I had to
shut
the battery off in order to stop it. This could have been a big problem if
I
was trying to dock. I think the relay solenoid locked up until the power
was
removed. Has anyone else had this experience with your bow thruster? Can
the
solenoid be repaired or should it be replaced.

--
Ken


--

That's a pretty important part of the system, and you are absolutley
correct to be concerned about a failure during docking that would leave
the thruster stuck "on".

Were it mine, I'd opt for replacement rather than repair.
Brand new usually has a lower rate of recurring failure than recently
repaired. It may cost more now, but wind up costing a lot less in the
long run.

Can the solenoid be repaired or should it be replaced.

You can take a voltmeter and put it on the input to the relay/solenoid to
see if it is actually that part that is "sticking" or if the switch in the
control unit is sticking. If it's hard to get to the solenoid, then you
might be able to take a reading at the control unit.