Vetus Bow Thruster Question

[Lake Erie Boater]

I went to change my Vetus Bow Thruster Oil today (50 kgf model) and when removing the plug (bolt) at the bottom of the tail piece, some debris seemed to have fallen off. The debris was circular in shape and I cannot discern if it was some kind of gasket, or just krud.

I spoke with Vetus and asked if there was any kind of gasket or O-ring part number that I could order and the guy told me no and stated that I simply reinstall and snug the plug and will be good to go.

Not that I don't trust the guy, but I am simply looking to see if anyone here on CSR can confirm this. Have any of you noticed or found a gasket or O-ring at the plug?

 

[Greg]

I have not changed mine yet (160kgf), but the manual does not talk about any gasket or show any in the diagram. I looked at my drain plug however, and is does seem to have a bit of krud around it.

 

[Lake Erie Boater]

My skepticism was confirmed today when I returned to the boat to find a small oil slick on the floor and oil laying in the thruster tunnel. So much for no gasket required. I had brought an o-ring kit with me and had one that seemed to fit over the bolt nicely. It is installed and now seems to be holding back the oil (and hopefully will keep water from getting into the tail piece as well).

I plan on going back mid week to check on it. Hopefully the problem is solved as I am set to splash on Friday.

 

[Greg]

Thanks, good to know, I am going to be extra careful now when I pull my plug. I'll see if mine has a gasket

 

[Sundancer123]

Who installed in Ohio???

 

[Lake Erie Boater]

Who installed in Ohio???

Sorry, I don't know as it was done by the PO.

 

[bmac]

I've never changed the oil in my 95kgf model Vetus and there's no mention of a service interval in the owners manual and no indication of where the tail shaft plug is??? The only mention of oil is the note that the thruster uses long term lubrication. Anyone have an idea what that is supposed to mean?