Bow thruster battery on 340

HallOfDreams

Member
Sep 11, 2019
88
Boat Info
2003 (2004 face lift) Searay 340 8.1L Mag. Outdrive.
Engines
Mercruiser 8.1L 496 mag
i just purchased an 04 340. I am getting battery alarms when using the thruster. I can’t seem to locate its battery? Or it charger. Does anyone know if they are separate? My other boats all were independent. If combined do you know if it is powered by boys or engine batteries?
Thanks
 
In my boat the batteries (2) are right next to the thruster and are charged by a dedicated charger.

This may be a stupid question, but have you looked where the thruster compartment is to see if they're there? If you have, and the batteries are not there, follow the power wires back from the thruster and they'll be at the other end.
 
In my boat the batteries (2) are right next to the thruster and are charged by a dedicated charger.

This may be a stupid question, but have you looked where the thruster compartment is to see if they're there? If you have, and the batteries are not there, follow the power wires back from the thruster and they'll be at the other end.

Thanks.yes that was my first place to look. No batteries by thruster. I followed the lead back to as far as the rear cabin then they disappear. I am thinking it could an after market install although done very well.
 
Thanks.yes that was my first place to look. No batteries by thruster. I followed the lead back to as far as the rear cabin then they disappear. I am thinking it could an after market install although done very well.
Found it! Goes right back to main distribution panel! Has a huge inline fuse. This makes it fairly easy now to isolate and put its own battery in. But I think my assumption is right, it’s an aftermarket installation.
 
Mine is a Sea Ray installed thruster and is wired exactly as you state. It gets it power from the port bank. I too get a battery alarm (continuous beep) when using it. I do not get this when the genny is running. If I feel I am going to need the thruster other than a couple of bump thrusts (i.e. wind, current, tight maneuvering, etc) I start the genny and have no alarms. Didn't start having the alarm til after port bank was 2+ years old.
 
Mine is a Sea Ray installed thruster and is wired exactly as you state. It gets it power from the port bank. I too get a battery alarm (continuous beep) when using it. I do not get this when the genny is running. If I feel I am going to need the thruster other than a couple of bump thrusts (i.e. wind, current, tight maneuvering, etc) I start the genny and have no alarms. Didn't start having the alarm til after port bank was 2+ years old.

Interesting thanks for the reply. Mine are wired to the starboard house batteries. My guess is the batteries are a bit worn. I am installing anywAy this winter 4 x 6v batteries as we go off hook a lot so that should help.

Curious if having separate power source for the thruster was an optional extra
 
My 340da had a factory thruster and was wired as Korkie’s and I always got an low volt alarm when using it. I thought about a dedicated battery but it wasn’t that big of a deal and I only needed to use the thruster for a few bumps here and there so it was a non issue for me and wasn’t worth the work and upkeep of a dedicated battery bank.
 
My 340SDA had a bow thruster added and it was wired with a single dedicated battery in the forward sole storage along with the bow thruster (it was a 12V unit). If it is pulling from the batteries back in the engine compartment it certainly seems like a long distance for such a load. Along with the voltage drop across the extended run it has got to add a lot of stress on those banks.

-Kevin
 
My 340SDA had a bow thruster added and it was wired with a single dedicated battery in the forward sole storage along with the bow thruster (it was a 12V unit). If it is pulling from the batteries back in the engine compartment it certainly seems like a long distance for such a load. Along with the voltage drop across the extended run it has got to add a lot of stress on those banks.

-Kevin
I would agree until I saw the cable thickness. The cables are just huge . But without doubt your set up is optimum and how my rinker 360 was set up.
 
Kevin, that is quite true. Like Jeremy, usually only bump it unless bad cross wind. If I run the genny, alarm is not an issue no matter how long I use it. Not sure I would want battery under wear I sleep. Although probably fine, just feel uncomfortable.
 

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