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Problem with bowthruster

Willem Kroes
 

Hello Eric, Thierry and Paul,

October 2018, I had the same problem with the bow thruster and I ordered the kit from Amel. The mechanic of the Ascar boatyard in Cartagena (Spain) complained that the new endcap did not fit well. In any case, the holes were not on the same spot. Therefore he used the old endcap. After using the bow thruster not more than 12 times it failed again in the spring of 2019. Same problem as before. I sailed to Preveza in Greece and looked for a mechanic who was familiar with Amel boats and with the Amel bow thruster. I found such a mechanic at the Aktio boatyard (Mr Markus). With the Amel special tool, I managed to get the foot on to the deck and took that to the Aktio boatyard. The conclusion of Mr Markus was that there was too much play on the gears and the mechanic in Spain failed to check this. According to Mr Markus, it was not a problem to use the old endcap, but then shims were needed to get the amount of play down. After communication with Maud on this, she came back to me after consulting the Amel technicians, and they confirmed that with the old endcap, shims had to be used. So I ordered, with a small discount Maud granted me, another kit for the bow thruster foot. Mr.Markus told me the new endcap included with this kit was deeper inside than the old cap and therefore, reducing the amount of play to be within the margin of tolerance. In the new endcap, the holes were right on the spot.

So, it seems that there was a difference between the endcap as part of the kit they sold before when the boat was in Spain and the endcap as part of the second kit.

I think this is an important point to check with Amel before ordering a new kit.

Best regards,

Willem Kroes
SM2K#351 Kavanga
Marina di Ragusa
Italy
   
eric freedman <kimberlite@...>
 

Hi Alexandre,

They now only sell a complete set.

Fair Winds

Eric

 

 

From: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io [mailto:main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io] On Behalf Of Alexandre Uster von Baar via groups.io
Sent: Monday, October 26, 2020 2:51 AM
To: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io
Subject: Re: [AmelYachtOwners] Problem with bowthruster

 

Good morning Eric, 

 

In 2017, I had a similar happening with the bow thruster.  

High pitch sound and no propeller turning…. 

The gear also did not look that bad.   

http://supermaramu2000.com/bow_thruster_spin.html

 

Previously I had purchased from Amel the Tufnol shaft, but the one I received was not the one I had on the boat…. Pictures I sent to Amel at the time:

http://supermaramu2000.com/bow_thruster_tufnol_shaft.html

 

Maud told me at the time, that they did (from memory) 3 models/size/gear dimensions.  

So, I opt to purchase the complete kit:  Amel part 1110 - called in French “MECANISME PIED DE PROPULSEUR SM”

Which you can see at the bottom of the page: 

http://supermaramu2000.com/spare_parts_bow_thruster.html

When I received it, I was a bit disappointed that I had to re-machine one of the gear to fit the key.  

 

So back to your issue, I believe that Amel sent you the wrong gear dimensions.  

Either measure the gear to have to give them, or purchase the complete kit (small and big gear).  

 

Hope that help, sincerely, Alexandre

Currently visiting Switzerland.

 

On Sunday, October 25, 2020, 06:40:59 PM CDT, eric freedman <kimberlite@...> wrote:

 

 

I recently rebuilt my bow thruster, . Upon leaving the dock today my bow thruster  did not work and made a whirring noise. When I took it apart I saw that the gears were worn. My gears on my old bow thruster did not look that bad after 18 years of use. I know I assembled it correctly. My thinking is that the new end cap that I received from Amel with the rebuild kit is too deep and allows the gears to move apart and not mesh properly. Any Thoughts?

As a p.s., when i received the new end cap the mounting holes did not line up with my bow thruster. I simply drilled and tapped 2 new holes.

Fair Winds,

Eric
SM 376 Kimberlite.

 
eric freedman <kimberlite@...>
 

Below  is the answer from AMEL—I wonder if anyone else had the same problem. I had to order an entirely new kit.

I also had to redrill the holes in the end cap. I noticed that the thickness of the back if the new cap was 2mm higher than my old cap.

When they drilled and tapped the cap the drill and tap ran into the cap material inside. I thought that was odd at the time.

I think this was the problem. I believe there are a number of bad end caps. The gears in the photos have about 15 minutes on them.

The pair that I changed out after 18 years looked better.

Unfortunately I cannot discuss this at length with Amel as I am leaving Wednesday for the Caribe.

 

I would love to hear from any other owners who have or had the same problem with a new kit.

 

Please keep me posted..

Fair Winds

Eric

 

Amel Super Maramu #376

 

 

Dear Eric

Sorry to read such trouble.

The bow thruster mechanism kit is in used since years without having heard about similar problem.

The only way is to send you again a new complete kit (we can’t mismatch the parts )  and to be fair a 20% commercial discount will be granted.

If agree please confirm where to send it

With my kindest regards

Thierry

 

From: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io [mailto:main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io] On Behalf Of Paul Osterberg
Sent: Monday, October 26, 2020 9:55 AM
To: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io
Subject: Re: [AmelYachtOwners] Problem with bowthruster

 

Eric!
We had the same issue I bought a new kit from Maud this summer, put everything together, but the new lid did not fit with the old screw holes , so I used the old lid, looked very similar to me. 
I tried it when finished with, it worked. Next time when we were to go up on the hard the thruster motor is spinning but not the prop, a great disappointment. Have not digged into it further as have other project ongoing, My guess is that the new shaft is too "short". Further the shaft had a very rough surface so all oil has leaked out by now. Will sand it down to a smooth surface when at it.
Paul on SY Kerpa SM#259 Lagos, Portugal

20201025_230018[1].jpg

20201025_225807[1].jpg

Paul Osterberg
 

Eric!
We had the same issue I bought a new kit from Maud this summer, put everything together, but the new lid did not fit with the old screw holes , so I used the old lid, looked very similar to me. 
I tried it when finished with, it worked. Next time when we were to go up on the hard the thruster motor is spinning but not the prop, a great disappointment. Have not digged into it further as have other project ongoing, My guess is that the new shaft is too "short". Further the shaft had a very rough surface so all oil has leaked out by now. Will sand it down to a smooth surface when at it.
Paul on SY Kerpa SM#259 Lagos, Portugal
Philippe BELLOIR
 

Hi, perhaps this file can help you,

Fair winds

Philippe

M207

 

De : main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io [mailto:main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io] De la part de eric freedman
Envoyé : lundi 26 octobre 2020 09:20
À : main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io; Alexandre Uster von Baar via groups.io <uster@...>
Objet : Re: [AmelYachtOwners] Problem with bowthruster

 

Hi Alexandre,
I had just installed a new complete kit .
It failed in 15 minutes of use.
I have another complete kit.
I cannot figure out what the cause of my problem was.
I hope to be in SXM about November 9th.
Fair Winds
Eric


On October 26, 2020 at 2:51 AM "Alexandre Uster von Baar via groups.io" <uster@...> wrote:

Good morning Eric, 

 

In 2017, I had a similar happening with the bow thruster.  

High pitch sound and no propeller turning…. 

The gear also did not look that bad.   

http://supermaramu2000.com/bow_thruster_spin.html

 

Previously I had purchased from Amel the Tufnol shaft, but the one I received was not the one I had on the boat…. Pictures I sent to Amel at the time:

http://supermaramu2000.com/bow_thruster_tufnol_shaft.html

 

Maud told me at the time, that they did (from memory) 3 models/size/gear dimensions.  

So, I opt to purchase the complete kit:  Amel part 1110 - called in French “MECANISME PIED DE PROPULSEUR SM”

Which you can see at the bottom of the page: 

http://supermaramu2000.com/spare_parts_bow_thruster.html

When I received it, I was a bit disappointed that I had to re-machine one of the gear to fit the key.  

 

So back to your issue, I believe that Amel sent you the wrong gear dimensions.  

Either measure the gear to have to give them, or purchase the complete kit (small and big gear).  

 

Hope that help, sincerely, Alexandre

Currently visiting Switzerland.

 

On Sunday, October 25, 2020, 06:40:59 PM CDT, eric freedman <kimberlite@...> wrote:

 

 

I recently rebuilt my bow thruster, . Upon leaving the dock today my bow thruster  did not work and made a whirring noise. When I took it apart I saw that the gears were worn. My gears on my old bow thruster did not look that bad after 18 years of use. I know I assembled it correctly. My thinking is that the new end cap that I received from Amel with the rebuild kit is too deep and allows the gears to move apart and not mesh properly. Any Thoughts?

As a p.s., when i received the new end cap the mounting holes did not line up with my bow thruster. I simply drilled and tapped 2 new holes.

Fair Winds,

Eric
SM 376 Kimberlite.

 


 


 

Propulseur Etrave Amel.pdf

Propulseur Etrave Amel.pdf

eric freedman <kimberlite@...>
 


On October 26, 2020 at 4:20 AM eric <kimberlite@...> wrote:

Hi Alexandre,
I had just installed a new complete kit .
It failed in 15 minutes of use.
I have another complete kit.
I cannot figure out what the cause of my problem was.
I hope to be in SXM about November 9th.
Fair Winds
Eric

On October 26, 2020 at 2:51 AM "Alexandre Uster von Baar via groups.io" <uster@...> wrote:

 

Good morning Eric, 


In 2017, I had a similar happening with the bow thruster.  

High pitch sound and no propeller turning…. 

The gear also did not look that bad.   

http://supermaramu2000.com/bow_thruster_spin.html


Previously I had purchased from Amel the Tufnol shaft, but the one I received was not the one I had on the boat…. Pictures I sent to Amel at the time:

http://supermaramu2000.com/bow_thruster_tufnol_shaft.html


Maud told me at the time, that they did (from memory) 3 models/size/gear dimensions.  

So, I opt to purchase the complete kit:  Amel part 1110 - called in French “MECANISME PIED DE PROPULSEUR SM”

Which you can see at the bottom of the page: 

http://supermaramu2000.com/spare_parts_bow_thruster.html

When I received it, I was a bit disappointed that I had to re-machine one of the gear to fit the key.  


So back to your issue, I believe that Amel sent you the wrong gear dimensions.  

Either measure the gear to have to give them, or purchase the complete kit (small and big gear).  


Hope that help, sincerely, Alexandre

Currently visiting Switzerland.

On Sunday, October 25, 2020, 06:40:59 PM CDT, eric freedman <kimberlite@...> wrote:


I recently rebuilt my bow thruster, . Upon leaving the dock today my bow thruster  did not work and made a whirring noise. When I took it apart I saw that the gears were worn. My gears on my old bow thruster did not look that bad after 18 years of use. I know I assembled it correctly. My thinking is that the new end cap that I received from Amel with the rebuild kit is too deep and allows the gears to move apart and not mesh properly. Any Thoughts?

As a p.s., when i received the new end cap the mounting holes did not line up with my bow thruster. I simply drilled and tapped 2 new holes.

Fair Winds,

Eric
SM 376 Kimberlite.



 

 


 
eric freedman <kimberlite@...>
 

Hi Alexandre,
I had just installed a new complete kit .
It failed in 15 minutes of use.
I have another complete kit.
I cannot figure out what the cause of my problem was.
I hope to be in SXM about November 9th.
Fair Winds
Eric

On October 26, 2020 at 2:51 AM "Alexandre Uster von Baar via groups.io" <uster@...> wrote:

Good morning Eric, 


In 2017, I had a similar happening with the bow thruster.  

High pitch sound and no propeller turning…. 

The gear also did not look that bad.   

http://supermaramu2000.com/bow_thruster_spin.html


Previously I had purchased from Amel the Tufnol shaft, but the one I received was not the one I had on the boat…. Pictures I sent to Amel at the time:

http://supermaramu2000.com/bow_thruster_tufnol_shaft.html


Maud told me at the time, that they did (from memory) 3 models/size/gear dimensions.  

So, I opt to purchase the complete kit:  Amel part 1110 - called in French “MECANISME PIED DE PROPULSEUR SM”

Which you can see at the bottom of the page: 

http://supermaramu2000.com/spare_parts_bow_thruster.html

When I received it, I was a bit disappointed that I had to re-machine one of the gear to fit the key.  


So back to your issue, I believe that Amel sent you the wrong gear dimensions.  

Either measure the gear to have to give them, or purchase the complete kit (small and big gear).  


Hope that help, sincerely, Alexandre

Currently visiting Switzerland.

On Sunday, October 25, 2020, 06:40:59 PM CDT, eric freedman <kimberlite@...> wrote:


I recently rebuilt my bow thruster, . Upon leaving the dock today my bow thruster  did not work and made a whirring noise. When I took it apart I saw that the gears were worn. My gears on my old bow thruster did not look that bad after 18 years of use. I know I assembled it correctly. My thinking is that the new end cap that I received from Amel with the rebuild kit is too deep and allows the gears to move apart and not mesh properly. Any Thoughts?

As a p.s., when i received the new end cap the mounting holes did not line up with my bow thruster. I simply drilled and tapped 2 new holes.

Fair Winds,

Eric
SM 376 Kimberlite.



 

 

Alexandre Uster von Baar <uster@...>
 

Good morning Eric, 


In 2017, I had a similar happening with the bow thruster.  

High pitch sound and no propeller turning…. 

The gear also did not look that bad.   

http://supermaramu2000.com/bow_thruster_spin.html


Previously I had purchased from Amel the Tufnol shaft, but the one I received was not the one I had on the boat…. Pictures I sent to Amel at the time:

http://supermaramu2000.com/bow_thruster_tufnol_shaft.html


Maud told me at the time, that they did (from memory) 3 models/size/gear dimensions.  

So, I opt to purchase the complete kit:  Amel part 1110 - called in French “MECANISME PIED DE PROPULSEUR SM”

Which you can see at the bottom of the page: 

http://supermaramu2000.com/spare_parts_bow_thruster.html

When I received it, I was a bit disappointed that I had to re-machine one of the gear to fit the key.  


So back to your issue, I believe that Amel sent you the wrong gear dimensions.  

Either measure the gear to have to give them, or purchase the complete kit (small and big gear).  


Hope that help, sincerely, Alexandre

Currently visiting Switzerland.

On Sunday, October 25, 2020, 06:40:59 PM CDT, eric freedman <kimberlite@...> wrote:


I recently rebuilt my bow thruster, . Upon leaving the dock today my bow thruster  did not work and made a whirring noise. When I took it apart I saw that the gears were worn. My gears on my old bow thruster did not look that bad after 18 years of use. I know I assembled it correctly. My thinking is that the new end cap that I received from Amel with the rebuild kit is too deep and allows the gears to move apart and not mesh properly. Any Thoughts?

As a p.s., when i received the new end cap the mounting holes did not line up with my bow thruster. I simply drilled and tapped 2 new holes.

Fair Winds,

Eric
SM 376 Kimberlite.
eric freedman <kimberlite@...>
 

I recently rebuilt my bow thruster, . Upon leaving the dock today my bow thruster  did not work and made a whirring noise. When I took it apart I saw that the gears were worn. My gears on my old bow thruster did not look that bad after 18 years of use. I know I assembled it correctly. My thinking is that the new end cap that I received from Amel with the rebuild kit is too deep and allows the gears to move apart and not mesh properly. Any Thoughts?

As a p.s., when i received the new end cap the mounting holes did not line up with my bow thruster. I simply drilled and tapped 2 new holes.

Fair Winds,

Eric
SM 376 Kimberlite.

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