Sleipner DC SE & SE-IP Electric Thruster User Manual

General Operation Consideration and Precaution Guidelines

Failure to follow these considerations and precautions can cause serious injury, damage, and will render all warranties given by Sleipner Motor void.

For the operation of thrusters

• Never use thrusters when close to objects, persons, or animals in the water. The thruster will draw objects into the tunnel and the rotating propellers, causing serious injuries and damage to the thruster.
• Always turn the main power switch off before touching any part of the thruster. An incidental start while touching moving parts can cause serious injuries.
• It is the owner's, captain's, or other responsible parties' full responsibility to assess the risk of any unexpected incidents on the vessel.
• If the thruster stops giving thrust for some reason while maneuvering, a plan must be in place to avoid damage to persons or other objects.
• Always turn the control device off when the thruster is not in use or when leaving the boat.
• When leaving the boat, always turn off the main power switch for the thruster.
• Never use thrusters out of water without load.
• If the thruster stops giving thrust while running, there is possibly a problem in the drive system. Immediately stop running the thruster and turn it off. Running the thruster for more than a few seconds without resistance from the propeller can cause serious damage to the thruster.
• If two panels are operated with conflicting directions at the same time, the thruster will not run. If both are operated in the same direction, the thruster will run in that direction.
• If any faults with the thruster are noticed, switch it off to avoid further damage.
• The primary purpose of the thruster is to maneuver or dock the vessel. Forward or reverse speed must not exceed 4 knots when operated.

For the operation of electric thrusters

• Never store items (e.g., equipment, sails, ropes, etc.) in the same compartment as the thruster. When the thruster runs for an extended period, it can reach 150°C and cause damage to nearby items or a fire.
• Any loose items near the thruster motor can cause problems with electrical wiring coming loose and short-circuiting.
• Ensure the location of the main battery switch that disconnects the thruster from all power sources (batteries) is known, so the thruster can be turned off in case of serious malfunction.
• It is advised to keep the main engine(s) running while using the thruster. This will keep the batteries in good charge condition and provide better performance to the thruster.
• If the performance of the thruster is reduced, check the battery system or the tunnel for marine growth.
• The electric motor, its components, contacts/plugs, or other joints in the control cables must be mounted so they remain dry at all times.

For the operation of DC electric motors

• The DC electric motor will generate some carbon dust during operation. Ensure any storage compartments are separated from the thruster area to prevent nearby items from becoming dusty.
• The maximum continuous run time of the electrical thruster is approximately 3 minutes. The electrical motor includes a built-in thermal cut-off switch that will shut down the motor when it detects overheating. Consider this when planning your maneuvering.

Lithium Batteries for on/off thrusters models SR, SE and SE-IP

• High capacity lithium batteries are capable of supplying a higher operating voltage to the thruster than SR, SE and SE-IP thrusters are rated for. Running thrusters at higher than rated voltage will reduce operating time, increase wear, and damage the thruster. Operating the thruster outside specified ratings will void the warranty.
• NEVER disassemble any part of the Ignition Protected assembly. Tampering with the Ignition Protected assembly will cause it to lose this safety feature. If there is a problem with your Ignition Protected motor, please contact your dealer.

User Operation

This is an operation guide for all Sleipner control products. Familiarize yourself with the functionality and operation of your specific control device.

Take time to practice operation in open water to become familiar with the thruster and to avoid damages to your boat or people.

General Operation

1. Turn on the main power switch for the bow thruster. (NB: Always turn off the main power switch when not on-board.)
2. Turn on the control panel by pushing the "ON" button(s) on the original Sleipner panel simultaneously. To turn off the control panel, push the "OFF" button.
3. To turn the bow/stern in the desired direction:

Button Control Panels

For button control, push the button in the corresponding direction you wish the bow/stern to move.

Joystick Control Panels

For joystick control, move the joystick in the direction you wish the bow/stern to move.

(NB: If equipped for proportional control, move the joystick equivalent to the amount of thrust you intend to receive.)

For other controls like foot switches or toggle-switches, please refer to that product's user manual for detailed operational use.

Hold Functionality

If equipped with 'hold' functionality, push the button in the corresponding direction you wish the thrusters to engage a holding pattern:

[Up/Down Arrows] Will increase or decrease the holding force output of the thrusters.

Operating a Combined Bow and Stern Thruster

The combination of a bow and stern thruster offers total maneuverability to move the bow and the stern separately from each other or in unison. This enables the boat to move sideways in both directions or turn the boat around a 360° axis while staying stationary.

Remote Controls

The remote control design reflects the vessel for orientation guidance. Be aware of the remote control orientation during operation.

Drift

Depending on the sideways speed of the bow/stern, you must disengage the control device shortly before the vessel is in the desired position. (NB: Be aware the boat will continue to move after disengaging the thruster control.)

At any significant cruising speed (+1-2 kn), the side thruster will have little effect to steer the vessel.

Control Panel

Activating the Bow Thruster

Using your control device/panel, press the button or move the joystick in the direction you intend to turn the boat. Ensure to use the control device/panel designated for the bow thruster.

Activating the Stern Thruster

Using your control device/panel, press the button or move the joystick in the direction you intend to turn the boat. Ensure to use the control device/panel designated for the stern thruster.

Activating Full Sidewards Maneuver

Using your control device/panel, press both buttons or move the joysticks in the same direction you intend to move the boat. Requires both a bow and stern thruster to perform.

Activating Stationary Spin to Rotate the Boat on its Axis

Using your control device/panel, press both buttons or move the joysticks in opposing directions. Requires both a bow and stern thruster to perform.

For additional information on your control panel or device, refer to your control device's user manual.

Maintenance

As part of the seasonal service of your Thruster before every season, always check that:

In Water

• The area around the thruster inside the boat is clean and dry. Ensure there are no signs of water leaks.
• All electrical connections are clean and fastened firmly.
• Ensure that your batteries are in good condition.

Out of Water

• Check the propeller(s) or tunnel for any damage, for example, impact damage.
• The propeller(s) is fastened securely to the gear leg.
• Check all components of the thruster are fastened securely.
• Clean the tunnel and gear leg from marine growth.
• Paint the propeller and gear leg with anti-fouling before every season to keep it clean from sea growth. (NB: Never paint the anode, sealing, or propeller shaft. Ensure paint does not enter the space between the propeller and the gear leg.)
• Change the anode before every season, or when half the anode has eroded. Always use a sealant or thread glue on the holding screw to ensure that it does not fall off.
• Check the gear leg is not leaking oil.

NEVER disassemble any part of the Ignition Protected assembly. Tampering with the Ignition Protected assembly will cause it to lose this safety feature. If there is a problem with your Ignition Protected motor, please contact your dealer.

Product Specifications

Service and Support

Find your local professional dealer from our certified worldwide network for expert service and support. Visit our website: www.sleipnergroup.com/support

Product Spare Parts and Additional Resources

For additional supporting documentation, advise visiting the website: www.sleipnergroup.com and find your Sleipner product.

Warranty Statement

1. Sleipner Motor AS (The "Warrantor") warrants that the equipment (parts, materials, and embedded software of products) manufactured by the Warrantor is free from defects in workmanship and materials for the purpose for which the equipment is intended and under normal use and maintenance service (the "Warranty").
2. This Warranty is in effect for two years (Leisure Use) or one year (Commercial and other Non-leisure Use) from the date of delivery/purchase by the end user, with the following exceptions:
   • (a) For demonstration vessels, or vessels kept on the water, the dealer is considered as the end user from 6 months after their launch of the vessel.
   • (b) The warranty period starts no later than 18 months after the first launch of the vessel.
   Boat manufacturers and dealers must pay particular attention to correct maintenance and service as described in the product manuals and general good practice. In cases where the 6 and 18 months grace periods for boat builders and dealers have passed, a full warranty can be obtained upon inspection and approval by the warrantor or representative.
3. Certain parts, classified as wearable or service parts, are not covered by the warranty. Failure to follow the required maintenance and service work as described in the product manual voids all warranty on parts or components directly or indirectly affected. Time is also a factor separately from actual operational hours for some parts.
4. This Warranty is transferable and covers the equipment for the specified warranty period.
5. The warranty does not apply to defects or damages caused by faulty installation or hook-up, abuse or misuse of the equipment, including exposure to excessive heat, salt or fresh water spray, or water immersion, except for equipment specifically designed as waterproof.
6. In case the equipment seems to be defective, the warranty holder (the "Claimant") must do the following to make a claim:
   • (a) Contact the dealer or service centre where the equipment was purchased and make the claim. Alternatively, contact a dealer or service centre found at www.sleipnergroup.com. The Claimant must present a detailed written statement of the nature and circumstances of the defect, including product identification and serial number, the date and place of purchase, and the name and address of the installer. Proof of purchase date should be included with the claim to verify that the warranty period has not expired.
   • (b) Make the equipment available for troubleshooting and repair, with direct and workable access, including dismantling of furnishings or similar, if any, either at the premises of the Warrantor or an authorized service representative approved by the Warrantor. Equipment can only be returned to the Warrantor or an authorized service representative for repair following pre-approval by the Warrantor's Help Desk and with the Return Authorisation Number visible, postage/shipping prepaid and at the Claimant's expense.
7. Examination and handling of the warranty claim:
   • (a) If the Warrantor's or authorized service Representative's examination determines the defect results from defective material or workmanship within the warranty period, the equipment will be repaired or replaced at the Warrantor's option without charge and returned to the Purchaser at the Warrantor's expense. If the claim is determined to result from circumstances described in section 4 or from wear and tear exceeding that for which the equipment is intended (e.g., commercial use of equipment intended for leisure use), the costs for troubleshooting and repair shall be borne by the Claimant.
   • (b) No refund of the purchase price will be granted to the Claimant, unless the Warrantor is unable to remedy the defect after a reasonable number of opportunities. In the event that attempts to remedy the defect have failed, the Claimant may claim a refund of the purchase price, provided that a written statement from a professional boating equipment supplier is submitted, confirming compliance with the Installation and Operation Manual instructions and that the defect remains.
8. Warranty service shall be performed only by the Warrantor or an authorized service representative. Any attempt to remedy the defect by anyone else shall render this warranty void.
9. No other warranty is given beyond those described above, implied or otherwise, including any implied warranty of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose other than the purpose for which the equipment is intended, and any other obligations on the part of the Warrantor or its employees and representatives.
10. There shall be no responsibility or liability whatsoever on the part of the Warrantor or its employees and representatives based on this Warranty for injury to any person or persons, or damage to property, loss of income or profit, or any other incidental, consequential or resulting damage or cost claimed to have been incurred through the use or sale of the equipment, including any possible failure or malfunction of the equipment or damages arising from collision with other vessels or objects.
11. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from country to country.

Patents

Sleipner continually reinvests to develop and offer the latest technology in marine advancements. To see the many unique designs patented, visit our website: www.sleipnergroup.com/patents

Basic Troubleshooting

Before seeking assistance from the website help desk or your Sleipner dealer/distributor, please perform these tests. (NB: If you are unable to understand or perform these checks, you must consult a Sleipner distributor.)

* Not applicable to SX thrusters.

Seasonal Checklist

The following is a checklist for seasonal maintenance:

Diagrams of Thruster Models

The following diagrams illustrate the components of various Sleipner SE / SEP thruster models:

SE / SEP Models

• SE / SEP *20, *25, *30, *40: Illustrates the electro motor, solenoids/cables, coupling, motor bracket, gear leg, propeller, anode, drive pin, washer, lock nut, and fastening screw for anode.
• SE / SEP *50: Illustrates the same components as above.
• SE / SEP *60: Illustrates the same components as above.
• SE / SEP *80, *100, *120, *130, *150, *170, *210: Illustrates the same components as above.
• SE / SEP *250, *300: Illustrates the same components as above.

SE / SEP (IP) Models

• SE / SEP (IP) *30, *40: Illustrates the electro motor, solenoids/cables, coupling, motor bracket, gear leg, propeller, anode, drive pin, washer, lock nut, and fastening screw for anode.
• SE / SEP (IP) *50: Illustrates the same components as above.
• SE / SEP (IP) *60: Illustrates the same components as above.
• SE / SEP (IP) *80, *100, *120, *130, *170: Illustrates the same components as above.

Key:

1. Electro motor
2. Directional Solenoids/ power & control cables
3. Coupling (inside motor bracket)
4. Motor Bracket
5. Gear Leg
6. Propeller
7. Anode
8. Propeller Drive pin
9. Washer
10. Lock Nut
11. Fastening Screw for anode

Notes

This section is for user notes and observations.