Vetus 95kg 12v Bowthruster motor service??

[Biggles]

Hello everyone.

 

Long story short my BT locker got down flooded whilst I was filling the water tank.  Don't ask. Freak accident.

 

The result was for about a day my BT motor was submerged.  I have removed it and dried it and it and the contactors work so there's still life in it yet. but from a 110aH battery I can't really test it properly.  

I would like to have the motor serviced i.e. new bearings, brushes etc.  but as soon as I mention to DC motor "specialists" is a BT motor the drawbridge comes up.

Does anyone know where I might get it looked at?

[jonesthenuke]

The Vetus thruster is basically a starter motor (made by Bosch IIRC)  with a changeover contactor strapped on the side (made by Albright). Any vehicle electrical equipment repair company should be able to repair the motor if you tell them its a Bosch starter motor. The bearings should be replaced, these will be standard items available form many suppliers at low cost. For the contactor it may be better to buy a new one, you can purchase from Albright or they occasionally come up on auction sites. I would advise against Vetus spares as the prices are ridiculous.

 

The battery will need replacing and I would replace the isolator and probably the cables (if they look corroded) as long term they will suffer from the immersion.

 

The Albright contactor (on our thruster) is an Albright International Ltd DC182, there are details on the Albright website, they are too large to upload here.

 

The motor brushes are available on Ebay for a fraction of the Vetus price.

Edited January 27, 2023 by jonesthenuke

[matty40s]

I dont know your location, but Electrostart in Daventry is our go to place for motors, alternators and bowthruster bits, along with a grotto full of 12v/24 kit.

1 hour ago, Biggles said:

 

Does anyone know where I might get it looked at?

Its no wonder your grass is so green...

[cuthound]

When my BT motor siezed up due to condensation and lack of use I took it to Cox Auto Electrical at Atherstone who sorted it out for less than 30% of the cost of a new motor, including new contactors,   brushes and a coat of grey  paint!