Stern thruster problems 2020 G23 - current threads tried

[Red_Duck]

The stern thruster is not operating. On the Linc screen the manual operation appears to work (lights up) but no movement at the prop itself.

Lots of useful comments on the forum on several threads. My question is, ‘should the prop in the thruster turn freely when the boat is off?’ Mine is stuck as if ‘in gear’ at all times.

I’ve checked the batteries, no voltage drop, disconnected both and waited a while, checked the CANBUS screen and no errors on the thruster. Checked fuses under the helm.

Second question, where is the cable to the thruster motor. I thought I’d check that connection.

it has worked without a single issue for the 100 hours since new. Now today after the winter layup it’s a problem.

thank you for any help you can provide.

[Red_Duck]

Update. The thruster motor has three cables coming out of it into the engine bay. Positive and negative battery and a control cable that unscrews. All are secure. In the starboard locker there is a side thruster control box - large sealed thing. Any tips?

[bird_dog0347]

I haven't looked at mine and it's 70 miles away, but I know there's also an exhaust port (above thruster near water line) that must be open and in use for the thruster to work, check for the servo that controls the exhaust routing and make sure it's wires are also good.

[morrow]

Following, similar issue.

[Red_Duck]

Update. Dealer tech inspected and diagnosed the problem. The system screen that the customer can get to did not show any errors but behind the dealer only screen the over heat messaged showed. Kind of annoying. Anyway it didn’t change the outcome. The tech downloaded the latest software which apparently often fixes the issue. Here’s a thought….. Nautique wouldn’t it be a good idea to send a message to customers with the old software and a link to update it? I guess it’s too much on a 200k boat ;-0

anyway the software update didn’t fix it. A few more tests and now a warranty claim for the control unit and motor. I will update with how Nautique handle the claim. Dealer service said more than 50% of their Gs had this issue. The supplier of the thruster unit was changed on (i think they said) 2022 onwards. Not surprising.

[jpwhit]

Are they putting the new Thruster on your boat, or the old one that'll just fail again in time? I would insist on the new one....

[bird_dog0347]

Update. Dealer tech inspected and diagnosed the problem. The system screen that the customer can get to did not show any errors but behind the dealer only screen the over heat messaged showed. Kind of annoying. Anyway it didn’t change the outcome. The tech downloaded the latest software which apparently often fixes the issue. Here’s a thought….. Nautique wouldn’t it be a good idea to send a message to customers with the old software and a link to update it? I guess it’s too much on a 200k boat ;-0

anyway the software update didn’t fix it. A few more tests and now a warranty claim for the control unit and motor. I will update with how Nautique handle the claim. Dealer service said more than 50% of their Gs had this issue. The supplier of the thruster unit was changed on (i think they said) 2022 onwards. Not surprising.

I'm not sure about your boat, but on my 2021 G23 it alerts us when there's new software available... usually in the middle of our outing on the lake and I ignore it until the boat is safely back on the lift. Or in the case of the last outing I forgot all about it and I still need to install the update.

[Red_Duck]

Update: The issue with the thruster is a 'known problem' to Nautique. In fact they changed the supplier of the control unit and/or motor for the thruster in (I think they said) 2022 because they had so many issues. Anyway, Nautique were very good about replacing the control until, motor and wiring harness under warranty. I had to pay labor of course which ran to $900. Anyway, works fine now and the new setup is the post-22 supplier so fingers crossed.

[SilentSeven]

Oh. Interesting. Old boat owner here; never had a warranty.

I had to pay labor of course which ran to $900.

The warranty is a 'parts only' warranty?