Bow & Stern thruster replacement

[danclev]

Recently purchased a 35 SS with inop Volvo Penta QL 600 12v bow thruster. Appears it got locked up and corroded when the forward bilge previously flooded. Like many components, it's discontinued and direct replacements are not available.

Has anyone replaced theirs with a different thruster on the same tunnel successfully and were you able to use the existing QL thruster control units or does anyone have any advice in this area?

I would assume in theory I should be able to use another 12v thruster with the existing control unit and Side-Power joystick controls, or am I missing something?

[Viper]

Contact Imtra and explain your situation, they're used to dealing with QL retrofits. https://www.imtra.com/

Trust me, you don't want to use any part of the QL installation, especially if it was submerged, like cables, control/solenoid boxes, etc.

You can also try http://thrusterparts.com/ and see if they have any of the components for your model.

[danclev]

Source of the post Contact Imtra and explain your situation, they're used to dealing with QL retrofits. https://www.imtra.com/

Trust me, you don't want to use any part of the QL installation, especially if it was submerged, like cables, control/solenoid boxes, etc.

You can also try http://thrusterparts.com/ and see if they have any of the components for your model.

Thanks! Miles at Imtra was phenomenal in helping sort it out.

[Viper]

Are you replacing everything with Side-Power?

[danclev]

Hi Viper - yes I am. Already have side power joystick, just swapping out the thruster unit with SE60 or SE80. Not sure if I need the 80 or the 60 would be just fine for the 35SS?
Thanks!

[Midnightsun]

If it fits and the price is close, go with the bigger unit. Never heard of anyone complain they have too much power regardless of boat or car. On that super windy day you will appreciate the extra power.

[pepmyster]

Source of the post If it fits and the price is close, go with the bigger unit. Never heard of anyone complain they have too much power regardless of boat or car. On that super windy day you will appreciate the extra power.

Totally agree. Mine works fine, smooth as silk, BUT, it would be great if it had that extra power on those super windy days. If we were to replace, I'd look into the larger unit for sure.

[Viper]

Ya I'd go with the bigger unit as long as the size of the current tube will accommodate it. You'll also have to ensure the current battery cable will accommodate the size required to run the 80. When you place your order through Imtra, I recommend getting one or two extra main fuses for their control box. They look like an ANL fuse but are a slightly different size. They're not at all expensive and worth having spares on board just in case.

[danclev]

Thanks for the advice! I’ll surely do it. Thanks again!

[danclev]

Ok guys, the saga continues.... Imtra indicated the Sidepower Se60 and Se 80 is drop in replacement.... doing the final spec check, I found that the tunnel on the existing CT60 thruster is 170 mm ID, Sidepower is 185 and up. I really don't want to replace the tunnel if I don't have to.

Does anyone know of a potential replacement thruster with a 170 mm tunnel ID? I've searched and coming up empty.

Thanks!