Widebeam Vetus Bow Thruster Issues

None Operational bow thrusters are rarely just the batteries. This was no different but two faults compounded the issue.
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[@tonyw.6813]

What an interesting and informative video. I have recently purchased my first boat, with bow thruster issue. Which I have yet to attempt a repair on. I got a very interesting insight into how a bow thruster is wired. My background is that I am a qualified electrician on land, (although I might add it was a long time ago)! Also the mere fact that you are using a Fluke digital test meter, tells me that you know what you’re talking about! Thank you for producing this video, which I found by searching for bow thruster issues. I have subscribed to your channel and will work my through your past videos.

[@narrowboatelectrician]

Hi Tony, welcome aboard! Bow thrusters are pretty straight forward but overuse keeps me busy with them. Replaced a controller panel yesterday on a Vetus unit. I always trust Fluke, this one is auto ranging and works well. I’ve seen some meters that have quite an error on DC, and when faultfinding on charging can send you right off the rail.

[@MrDiscoseeker]

cheers brother, you've given me a starting point to check. (im getting a red flash on my controller then green, no thruster operation) i'll post when it's solved. appreciated as ever

[@narrowboatelectrician]

Had another one recently which was also the over temp switch.

[@MikeFD2424]

Good video - got problems with my Vetus - so a few more thngs to check :-) Thanks

[@narrowboatelectrician]

Glad it helped, hope you sort it out.

[@iancaldwell1489]

Really enjoy your technical videos. Always learn lots. Love the format and your style of presenting. Regards to Fran.❤

[@narrowboatelectrician]

Thanks Ian. Appreciate that.

[@robtheplod]

Great vid thanks so much for this - I love following the thought process with you! Rob

[@narrowboatelectrician]

Cheers Rob. Really appreciate that.

[@jimm7165]

Great video. Nice clean engine bay to work in. That's gotta be a treat

[@narrowboatelectrician]

Cheers Jim, not too bad at all , and lots of space. Think your idea of treat and mine are poles apart lol.

[@davidcook380]

Top Job mate

[@narrowboatelectrician]

Cheers David.

[@CaptainK007]

Collingwood 😂😂 my neighbour asked me to have a look at his intermittent bow thruster put in by Collingwood (no quality check). Half of the nuts on the terminals were only hand tight and getting warm.

[@narrowboatelectrician]

Loose terminals a on a bow thruster will burn fast due to current taken, well done for fixing the issue, could have cost him a lot.

[@zenaasura1769]

Always with Collingwood 😂

[@narrowboatelectrician]

Don’t think any of those faults were anything to do with boat builder to be honest.

[@russellesimonetta9071]

Uhh, is your boat done?? How's the wifey?? I enjoyed your fit out vids!

[@narrowboatelectrician]

Hi Russell, I wish!! Will be working on Moonshine at the weekend. Videos will be coming soon. Frans been to dentist ad we getting a £400 bill, getting insurance to respond is a challenge.thanks for commenting

[@JP-mu5ic]

Another informative video thank you Martin. Enjoying your series. I’ve noticed how bow thrusters can slow an engine because of the extra load on the alternator. I’d like your opinion - If a bow thruster draws say 150 amps and your alternator is say 65 amps surely that will put a destructive load on the alternator. ?? Cheers.

[@narrowboatelectrician]

Hi JP. All thruster power should come from local batteries, not the alternator. However, with overuse they become depleted and start to pull from alternator and starter battery along the charge cable. This isn’t designed to supply motor current so should be fused accordingly. Any load on alternator will place load on engine too, no free power to be had. The main factor is over use. But in this case there were two genuine faults causing the issue.

[@JP-mu5ic]

@@narrowboatelectrician Thank you for your reply - Best wishes

[@jeremytoms5163]

What's the betting that the crimp was done with those abominable car crimpers? Might as well use a hammer and chisel , got the same chance of success. I hate those crimpers, if you're going to be crimping get some proper ratchet crimpers. None of them are expensive these days, its quite easy to buy crimpers with replacement jaws that allow you to carry ferrule, uninsulated crimp, pin crimp and insulated crimp jaws as a kit. When I used to work on process control panels the majority of the faults fell into two categories, either incorrect fuses/mcbs or badly made crimp joints. Its surprising just how many faults could be laid at poor installation and/or poor maintenance. Used to make me despair at the quality of maintenance training.

[@narrowboatelectrician]

Great comment Jeremy. And could well have been. I’ve seen all sorts used to crimp. I only use ratchet type. My first job today is one full of bad crimps with tape around.nothing works properly. I got one to look at next week where owner can either have tv on or lights, but not both??? Lol all 12v. The stuff I see.