The best Bow thrusters

T

TimHenn

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Jan 1, 2000
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126
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346
I'm done loosing props on my bow thruster - I want to replace what I have. I've lost three props in 2 seasons. Each time was after an extended cruising period (3+ hrs) but no heavy seas, no debris that I'm aware of. The prop is just gone. Here now in Nantucket, no prop.

What are my options for bow thrusters? I'm reading about Vetus and Lewmar for brand names. What other brands should I look at? Yacht thruster.com has a replacement but not sure about them as a brand.

I want something reliable, serviceable and well designed. While I don't rely on the bow thruster as a must have it's great to have in a pinch and it's a major component of the boat that should always work.
 
I didn't have any problem with a boat like yours without a bow thruster, sounds like you don't know how to handle it and over use the thruster.
 
quote:
Originally posted by JimPend

I didn't have any problem with a boat like yours without a bow thruster, sounds like you don't know how to handle it and over use the thruster.

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I think you don't know what your talking about and should be ignored.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Shake n Bake

Where do your propellers go?

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With this design The prop is held in place by a bolt. The bolt backs out and the prop slips off. One theory is the studded shaft is incorrectly threaded and more susceptible to vibration. But idk.
 
I have a SidePower bow and stern thruster. They have worked very well for the past 7 years. A shear pin did break this summer but that's it. On a side....who is this guy from Ohio? So rude
 
Can you use a nylok nut or two nuts and back one against the other like your propulsion props are held in place. I'd say a castle nut with a retainer but don't know how you would drill a hole in the bolt.
 
Perhaps some reengineering is in order. An easy fix might be thread locking cap screws. Perhaps, use a stud with red Loctite and then two nuts tightened against each other. What's the bolt size?
 
Perhaps some reengineering is in order. An easy fix might be thread locking cap screws. Perhaps, use a stud with red Loctite and then two nuts tightened against each other. What's the bolt size?
 
Interesting, WalterV has the same issue and the same boat.
Who makes it? QL? That is a volvo line I believe.
 
Tim,
I have the same boat and the same problem.
Last year replaced the prop because a blade was broken. All season last year all was well (keep in mind I rarely use the thruster combine that with I probably don't use the boat as much as you).
This season, went to check the thruster at the dock and heard the motor going but no thrust. Had a friend dive down, and he told me the prop was gone!

I just received my new prop in the mail yesterday.

David,
the prop comes with an Nylok nut.

Tim I am thinking like David, 2 nuts and locktite on the threads. I was going to have my friend dive down to put the new prop on but after reading your thread I may just get a short haul instead. This way I can use the locktite.

Thoughts???

Walter
 
Tim,
My thruster is the QL CT900 is that the same as yours?

Walter
 
Tim - Yes, as Shake n Bake suggests have you been using Loctite to secure the screw each time a prop is installed?

Is there an anode squeezed between the screw/bolt head and prop hub? That, is, if the anode deteriorates does that have any affect on fastener security?

You mention Vetus and Lewmar as possible alternatives, but what is your present thruster? Wesmar? Or possibly as CurrentSea asks, QL ?

By the way, you do know Nantucket is the NE corner of the Bermuda Triangle , right? ;)
 
Tim,
If you really are going to replace it, I had great luck with the Lewmar I installed in my 2004 34C. In 8 seasons never a problem (used that thruster all the time). Broke a shear pin once and was a 5 minute repair. 11 years ago I researched heavily about thrusters, Vetus and Lewmar were the top pics back then. I went with Lewmar because of the warranty and it was easy to service.

That was 11 years ago, things do change. Of course you need one that is going to work with the tunnel already installed.

Walter
 
What brand of thruster do you have now? What does the thruster manufacturer and boat builder have to say about this issue?
 
What brand of thruster do you have now? What does the thruster manufacturer and boat builder have to say about this issue?
 
quote:
Originally posted by Capt. Bill1

What brand of thruster do you have now? What does the thruster manufacturer and boat builder have to say about this issue?

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Silverton is now Egg Harbor, Volvo (mfg) stopped making thrusters because they sucked at it LOL
 
Tim
You need to take a breath here as I did. This is a simple nut and bolt problem. Our thrusters are the best of the worst :) I think it silly to replace it, our thruster was the last made before Volvo through their hat in on the thruster market.
 
Hi all,
The bow thruster is, indeed, the Volvo QL 900. Not only has Volvo dropped bow thrusters from their product line but the original manufacturer s(QL) sold the whole thing to a well known company (something like Solder out of Norway ??, not sure I heard the information correctly). Yacht thrusters.com now markets a replacement but admits the hardware is mostly the same but the electronics/control panel has been significantly upgraded for safety an ease of install. I love the idea of a bolt-in replacement but if it's the same thruster what would I gain except the serviceability of the new brand and warranty. Still looking into it....

Walter, yes, same thruster as you. I admit I haven't gone the loctite route cause the boats been in the water 2 seasons so I could only halve a diver replace the the second prop I lost. The first was replaced on a haul but I don't think they used loctite. I would love a design with a shear pin so you don't loose the prop!! That way you buy a dozen shear pins and it's an easy fix. I too don't use the thruster much but I don't like anything on my boat that doesn't work. I'm going to get prices for replacement. I'll look closer at the Lewmar, thanks.
 
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