Vetus BOW12524D Manuel D'entretien page 7

1 Introduction
1.1 About this Maintenance and Warranty Manual:
The Maintenance and Warranty Manual is a document that informs
you about the necessary maintenance of your thruster, warranty and
the VETUS service network and can thus make a considerable contri-
bution to your cruising pleasure!
This Maintenance and Warranty Manual accompanies the Installation
and Operating Manuals.
Before operating your bow or stern thruster for the first time, it is im-
portant that you study the contents of these Manuals.
Keeping the records in this Service Manual up to date is the
responsibility of the owner.
Failure to maintain a proper service record may void the
warranty.
2 Maintenance
A bow thruster requires some periodic maintenance. Perform each
function at the indicated time interval. The intervals stated are for
normal operating conditions. Service the unit more frequently under
severe conditions.
Failure to carry out maintenance can result in faults and permanent
damage to the thruster. No warranty claim can be made if mainte-
nance has been neglected.
Disconnect cables to the battery terminals (first negative,
ground) before carrying out maintenance work.
Carry out maintenance procedures safely by only using suitable
tools.
2.1 Maintenance Schedule
2 to 3 weeks after first time operation
Checking electrical connections
Every 2 months
Batteries
Every 3 months
Checking electrical connections
Once every year
Brushes *)
Checking cathodic protection
*) - For very intensive use such as in rental vessels it is required to
check the brushes once every 2 months.
- The motors of the BOWPRO series bow thrusters don't have
carbon brushes, they are brushless motors.
Maintenance and Warranty Manual for Thrusters
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14 days page
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60 days page
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90 days page
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360 days page
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2.2 Electrical installation
Corrosion protection
Don't allow your thruster motor, solenoids, cables and other conduc-
tors to become dirty or corroded. Clean if required and use an anti-
corrosion agent.
Never spray an anti-corrosion agent into the ventilation openings of
the motor or on the contacts of the solenoids switches, this will af-
fect the proper functioning.
Batteries
• Check the voltage of your batteries every 60 days at a minimum.
The battery voltage must be not less than:
Nominal voltage
Thruster not operating
BOW Serie
Thruster
operating
BOW PRO Serie 10.5 Volt 21 Volt
With a lower battery voltage, the battery is insufficiently charged or
the battery needs to be replaced.
The instructions of the manufacturer should be followed for the
maintenance of the batteries. VETUS batteries are maintenance free.
Connections
• A complete check of all electrical connections between the bat-
tery/batteries and the bow thruster and the connections on the
motor solenoid must be made after 2 or 3 weeks of operation of
the bow thruster (after initial installation) and then at least once
every 3 months.
Because of the high currents that occur with electric bow thrusters,
a lot of heat will develop in places where a high electrical resistance
occurs.
The most common points of high resistance are corroded, loose and
poor connections in the power circuits
Temperature fluctuations and high levels of vibration are normal con-
ditions on a boat. Expansion and contraction of metal components
due to temperature fluctuations and vibrations, leads frequently to
threaded connections working loose.
Such connections can become very, very hot, possibly result-
ing in a very dangerous condition.
To avoid this potentially hazard , it is essential that all power cir-
cuit connections are checked and maintained on a regular basis.
• Only use appropriate tools to check that each bolt and/or nut is
securely tightened. Prevent the nut and bolt from turning at the
connection of the battery cables to the motors. This is also why
you should always use a second wrench when tightening these
connections. Failure to do this may result in a terminal post be-
ing twisted out of the solenoids or motor, both being difficult or
impossible to repair.
ENGLISH
12 Volt 24 Volt
12.6 Volt 25.2 Volt
9.5 Volt 19 Volt
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anGer
020901.02
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