Update : The local "support agent" felt that the voltage as measured at the stern thruster of 11.8 volts was too high. Strange, given it is a 12 volt system and there was nothing in the Sleipner documentation about this ( the only mention of a voltage range in their documentation gives up to 16 volts as acceptable). In order to resolve this the yacht importer picked up the cost of installing a separate battery pack for the stern thruster. After this and after the stern thruster coupling was replaced again ( 3 had sheared), it has worked fine, although has not been subject to heavy use. So maybe the voltage was the problem or maybe Sleipner had re-engineered the coupling strength in the replacement units ( there has been no communication from Sleipner on this). The bow thruster has not sheared again, the apparent logic being that the long cable run from the house bank drops the voltage enough to prevent it from being overpowered. However given it had sheared previously when a solenoid lock in issue occurred, I'm still not confident in its reliability and in my opinion Sleipner should issue a communication addressing whether there is a weakness with the flexible couplings.
Sleipner/Side Power Thruster Failures in new units
- Thread starter James E
- Start date
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Update: Stern thruster sheared again today. This was after a separate battery bank was installed for the stern thruster, proving that the advice given by the Sleipner support agent ( i.e. voltage to high) was irrelevant. Count is now 4 stern thruster couplings sheared and one bow thruster coupling sheared. Now seeking legal advice.
Comodave
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I don’t believe that 11.8 volts is too much. I installed a stern thruster on our last boat and the battery was within 3’ of the thruster and I used 4/0 cable so I had more voltage than 11.8 volts and never had an issue with the thruster. It feels like some smoke being blown with that info…
tiltrider1
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To take this seriously I would need to know which exact model is being installed. Also what has Sliepner’s response been to this?
O C Diver
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I broke three Side Power blades in 8 years of cruising. Twice I could see the remains of the fish that got between the blade and the down leg.
IMO, I don't think you will be able to prove in a court of law that something didn’t get between the blade and the down leg.
Ted
IMO, I don't think you will be able to prove in a court of law that something didn’t get between the blade and the down leg.
Ted
