VETUS BOW PRO Series Thrusters User Manual

Introduction

This manual provides guidelines for the use of the VETUS 'BOW PRO' bow thrusters. The bow or stern thruster system consists of the following basic components: Side thruster, Tunnel, Energy storage, Energy supply, Operation.

Please consult the user manuals of all components before putting the complete system into operation.

The 'BOW PRO' bow thrusters have the following features:

• The thrust is continuously variable.
• The runtime is mainly limited by the capacity of the installed batteries.
• The thrust delivered is, within certain limits, not dependent on the battery voltage.
• With a decreasing battery voltage, the controller ensures that the thrust will be maintained (APB, Active Power Balancing). However, the current will increase with a decreasing battery voltage. If the current goes higher than is desirable, the delivered power is reduced (ACC, Automatic Current Control).
• When the batteries are discharged such that the voltage has dropped to 10.5 Volts (12 Volt system) or 21 V (24 Volt system), the power supplied is reduced (AVC, Active Voltage Control).
• If the discharge of the batteries proceeds still further, so if the voltage has dropped to about 10 volts (12 Volt system) or 20 V (24 Volt system), the bow thruster will stop.
• Overheating of both motor and/or regulator is prevented by decreasing the output power after a very long period of continuous use. The thrust only decreases slightly (ATB, Active Temperature Balancing).
• In the event of a sudden overload of the motor, caused by an object in the tunnel, the motor will switch off for safety reasons (ABC, Active Blockage Control).
• The maintenance is minimal because the motor does not use carbon brushes.
• Alterations made to the bow thruster by the user will void any liability on the part of the manufacturer for any damages that may result.
• The actual thrust force will give different results with each individual vessel, depending on windage, displacement, and underwater shape.
• The nominal thrust quoted can only be achieved under normal conditions. Make sure that the batteries are supplying the correct voltage during use.

Safety Measures

Warning indications

DANGER ❗ Indicates that great potential danger exists that can lead to serious injury or death.

WARNING ⚠️ Indicates that a potential danger that can lead to injury exists.

CAUTION ? Indicates that the usage procedures, actions etc. concerned can result in serious damage to or destruction of the device. Some CAUTION indications also advise that a potential danger exists that can lead to serious injury or death.

NOTE ℹ️ Emphasises important procedures, circumstances etc.

Symbols

✅ Indicates that the relevant procedure must be carried out.

❌ Indicates that a particular action is forbidden.

WARNING! Be aware of the danger to swimmers or light boats near the bow thruster tunnel openings when using the bow thruster.

Pass on the safety instructions to others using the bow thruster. General rules and laws with regard to safety and accident-prevention also need to be applied.

• Never touch the moving parts of the bow thruster whilst in operation.
• Never touch hot parts of the bow thruster and never place flammable materials in the vicinity of the bow thruster.
• Always stop the bow thruster before checking or adjusting components.
• Always disconnect the battery terminals during maintenance work.
• Ensure maintenance work is safe by only using suitable tools.
• Always deactivate the main switch when the bow thruster is not in use for long periods.

Model Specifications

The BOW PRO Series Thrusters are available in various models with different thrust ratings and dimensions:

Maintenance

For maintenance, please consult the 'Maintenance and Warranty Book' supplied.

Following the recommendations will result in longer life and better performance. Carry out the recommended maintenance regularly.

The maximum continuous length of usage and the thrust as specified in the technical details are based on the recommended battery capacities and battery cables.

Protection

The bow thruster is equipped with protection against:

• Overheating of the motor or controller. If the temperature exceeds a certain value, the output power will be reduced.
• Overload of the motor.
• Batteries being deeply discharged.

If a problem occurs, the control panel will sound a warning sound (didahdididah) and the LED will flash red. If the problem is no longer present, the control panel sounds a signal (didi) and the red LED turns off.

In case of problems, the LEDs on the indicator panel indicate:

Trouble shooting

Electric motor does not operate

• Check that the main switch is 'ON'.
• Check battery voltage: 12V (10.5-14.4V), 24V (21.0-28.8V), 48V (42.0-57.6V).
• Check control current fuse [1].
• Check CAN bus power supply fuse.
• Check main supply fuses [2].
• In all these cases, the 'POWER' LED on the motor does not light up.
• An overload has occurred (see protections).
• Once the controller cools down, the LED turns blue and the thruster can be used again.
• Check if the propeller can be turned. A piece of wood or similar may be caught between the propeller and tunnel.

Electric motor turns slowly

• Motor or regulator too hot, running at reduced power.
• Weed or fishing line caught in propeller.
• Control panel fuse blown [1].
• Short circuit in operating circuit; check wiring.

Electric motor rotates, but there is no thrust

• Propeller blades damaged by foreign object.
• Drive pin*) on propeller shaft broken due to foreign object. Replace drive pin and check propeller hub for damage. (*Except BOWB150 which has no drive pin).

After pressing the on/off switch on the panel, the panel does not switch on.

• Press the on/off switch a second time within 6 seconds. The LED will turn green, and a buzzer will confirm readiness with a signal (-.-).
• Ensure the joystick is in the middle position when pressing the on/off switch.

[1] The control circuit fuse is located on the controller. [2] See table on page 32.

Service Parts

Diagrams showing exploded views of components for various thruster models are provided. The following tables list the service parts for different series and models.

BOWA Series (110mm, 125mm, 140mm, 150mm tunnel tubes)

BOWB Series (150mm, 185mm, 250mm, 300mm, 400mm tunnel tubes)

Controllers and Motors

Fuses