2022 OS 325 Lexmark bow thruster

[GaryS]

Three questions:

1) Iwas inspecting my boat while it on the hard and noticed a small plastic cap in the bow thruster tunnel. After some research I determined that cap is what sealed is the cover for the bottom of the lower unit gearbox. It must have popped off over the winter however was surprised that there was any sins of oil coming out of the opening the cap covered or in the tunnel through the hull. Is that gearbox oil free?

2) I was told by Pursuit that the bow thruster is a Lewmar TT140 and that the lower unit can’t be serviced and needs to be replaced. They provided me with the pn 5735346 for the lower unit replacement but can’t find it online. What I can find for this model is pn 589156. Does anyone know if this one is compatible?

3) How do I access the mounting bolts to remove it? I removed the middle v berth cushion and found the battery for the bow thruster but did not see the bow thruster motor. I have read it’s located under the floor where the table is, is that true?

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

[GaryS]

I should have checked my spelling. The bow thruster is a Lewmar not Lexmark

[PaulH]

I had the same issue on a 315OS I just purchased. The unit in question is accessible from the outside, a couple of screws within the tunnel and the drive unit will come down. I did not have to replace mine, but was told it is not too difficult.
I have been under the v berth floor too, under the table mount plate you ll find the motor and controller. But the drive is removed and replaced externally..

[GaryS]

Thanks. I removed the floor panel which exposed the thruster motor unit. Removed it which exposed the two Alan head screws. I was able to replace the lower unit. Strange thing was the oil from the gearbox leaked upwards and into the forward bilge just in front of the drive motor. I also noticed that the lower unit was not outfitted with a zinc. I think due to that, galvanic corrosion occurred at the upper seal which allowed the oil to leak. Not sure how it went upwards, maybe due to the rotating gears forcing the oil that way. It has a zinc on it now !

[PaulH]

So now I'm asking, the screws were accessed from inside ? Was told mine were outside but I never actually confirmed. Mine leaked oil too, but since "not serviceable" we leave it alone and replace if and when it dies .. good luck