SLEIPNER SX35 External Stern Thruster Installation Guide

SLEIPNER SX35 External Stern Thruster

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

Responsibility of the Installer

• The installer must read this document to ensure necessary familiarity with the product before installation.
• Instructions in this document cannot be guaranteed to comply with all international and national regulations. It is the responsibility of the installer to follow all applicable international and national regulations when installing Sleipner products.
• The recommendations given in this document are guidelines ONLY, and Sleipner strongly recommends that advice is obtained from a person familiar with the particular vessel and applicable regulations.
• This document contains general installation instructions intended to support experienced installers. If you are not skilled in this type of work, please contact professional installers for assistance.
• If required by local regulation, electrical work must be done by a licensed professional.
• Appropriate health and safety procedures must be followed during installation.
• Faulty installation of Sleipner products will render all warranties given by Sleipner Motor AS.

General Installation Considerations and Precautions Guidelines

For thruster systems

• Do not install the thruster in a position where you need to cut a stiffener/ stringer/ support that may jeopardise the hull integrity without checking with the boat builder this can be done safely.
• We advise painting the gear house and propellers with anti-fouling. (NB: Do not paint the anodes, sealing, rubber fi ttings or propeller shafts)
• There is only room for a thin coat of primer and two layers of anti-fouling between the tunnel and the props.
• Never run the thruster out of water.

For SX/P35 and SX/P50 thruster systems

• Ensure that the external thruster assembly does not disturb the water flow under the hull. At higher speeds, if the thruster is installed to low it can cause damage to the thruster and/ or add additional drag and unwanted water splashing.
• The minimum tunnel depth from the water surface is 140mm (5,51‘) to the centre of tunnel diameter. Place the Thruster as deep as possible for better performance and reduced noise.
• When installing the thruster ensure it does not foul existing equipment inside the boat like motor bedding etc.
• If able ensure that stern-drives/ trim-tabs do not interfere with the water flow from the thruster as this can reduce the thrust effectiveness considerably. We recommend the use of our Sleipner cowls to enhance the performance and allow installation in shallow draft boats. Sleipner cowls will also minimise the effect if stern-drives/ trim-tabs obstruct the thruster.
• Ensure there is enough space both inside and outside the transom of the boat and the thruster does not get in conflict with existing equipment inside the boat like steerage links etc. (NB: It is possible to mount the tunnel offset from the boat’s centre line if necessary.)
• Heat protection cut off is calculated from the thruster motor. To avoid cable overheating do not install place the volt cables from the thruster to the control box near any heat sources. (NB: excluding SXP thrusters)
• Do not lift it by internal cable connections, main terminals.
• The thruster power supply circuit must include the recommended sized fuse and a battery isolation switch.
• The electro motor, components and cables must be mounted so they remain dry at all times.
• Do not use abrasive tools damaging the existing Epoxy coating when preparing for antifouling paint.

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 Measurements

Measurement code| Measurement description|

mm  inch

---|---|---
H| Motor Height| 374| 14.72
W| Width| 183| 7.20
L| Length| 171| 6.7
(a)| Standard tube length| 171| 6.7
(b)| Extended tube length for thicker hulls| 276| 10.9
(c)| Main tube diameter| 50| 2
(d)| Support bolts diameter| 18| 0.7
(e)| Height of support bolts from tube| 35.8| 1.4
(f)| Distance of support bolts from tube| 65| 2.6
(g)| Distance of support bolts| 130| 5.1

Product Specifications

SX/P Thruster

SX/P Control Box

Product

| SX35 SXP35| SX50 SXP50
---|---|---
Nominal voltage| 12V| 12V
Max current| 250A| 380A
Motor duty cycle| Short time duty (S2)| Short time duty (S2)
Max ambient temp| 50ºc| 50ºc
Min ambient temp| -25ºc| -25ºc
Cross section power cables| 35 – 70mm²| 2.8kw * 3.75hp

Galvanic Isolation MC_0483
The SX models are produced with a seawater resistant aluminium frame. Without galvanic isolation from other electrical sources the SX seawater resistant aluminium frame will act as an anode on the vessel. This will add considerable corrosion to the SX thruster frame.
WARRING
IF installing on any metal surface with contact to the SX seawater resistant aluminium frame (vessel hull, supports or frames) the SX thruster must include a galvanic isolation solution.

Positioning the Stern SX Thruster

For best performance, the thruster must be installed as deep on the stern as possible but not disturb the natural water flow dynamic of the hull as the vessel travels.
The thruster should be installed as deep under the waterline as possible for two reasons

1. So it does not suck air from the surface which will reduce performance and increase noise levels.
2. To receive maximum effi ciency in turning force.

The thruster must be installed to ensure the propulsion water flow must not be obstructed by other objects. Objects that obstruct the water flow from the thruster will greatly reduce the thrust output.

Position
The thruster can be installed in multiple locations on the boat transom. Installing the thruster slightly off centre will not affect the overall effectiveness of the thruster. Installing the thruster off centre may be required to avoid any obstructions externally or internally on the vessel. Ensure that the external stern thruster assembly does not disturb the water flow under the hull. At higher speeds, if the thruster is installed to low can cause damage to the thruster, additional drag and unwanted water splashing.
Alignment
The thruster can be installed at a slight angle if required for the water flow to avoid obstructions. These obstructions can include propellers systems, trim tabs or the hull. The average force the thruster propels water is 5-7 meters per sec, therefore angled installations must be as deep as possible under the water to minimise spray breaking beyond the water surface. (NB: install the thruster at an angle only if no other suitable location can be found.)

Guide for Stern Thruster Cowls or Grids

Installing a stern thruster cowl for stern thrusters that will allow installations in boats with shallow drafts or due to other obstructions on the stern.
These can include obstacles such as trim tabs, jets or surface drive propeller systems where shallow installation of a stern thruster is the only option.
Cowls:
Designed to aid in water redirection and reduce air entering the tunnel in shallow installations.
Grid’s:
Designed to protect the thruster from objects while in use.

IMPORTANT
Angled cowls out of horizontal, must be installed deeper to avoid air entry in the thruster tunnel

Tunnel Installation

1. Connect both ends of the tunnel to the thruster motor. All hooks must be completely interlocked making the inside of the tunnel smooth. (NB: Ensure tunnel moulding around the gear leg and tunnel top align.)

IMPORTANT
Ensure all snap-lock positions are correctly connected into place.

SX Spacer

Follow the installation of the SX thruster in the Motor Installation to step 3. see next page

1. Defi ne the location to install the thruster. (NB: Ensure the thruster does not protrude past the transom profi le on any side and there is no obstruction to the thrusters water flow. Also, check internally the thruster will not obstruct any objects.)
2. Mark the locations of the three drill holes using the defi ned measurements in this manual or from a template. (NB: Maximum hull thickness is 50mm including optional spacer or 150mm for extended hull thickness models.)
3. Drill main hole, then two support bolt holes. Clean the area from dust for installation of the thruster. (NB: Hull holes must be drilled fi rst before attaching the spacer as the top support holes are larger than the spacers.)
4. Drill out the two support bolt holes in the spacer.
5. Apply MS Polymer sealant or equal to the back surface face of the spacer.
6. Place the spacer to the hull.
   Continue the installation of the SX thruster from step 4 in the Motor Installation.

IMPORTANT
If using the 50mm spacer ensure you have the extended tube SX model.

IMPORTANT
The spacer and hull have different hole diameters for the support bolts. This is to allow the compression rings to be inserted into the hull only.
The spacer and hull for the main tube have the same hole diameter so compression rings can be inserted for the total length of the hole.

Motor Installation

Before installations all aluminium parts of the thruster must be coated with an epoxy primer before antifouling process.

1. Define the location to install the thruster. (NB: Ensure the thruster does not protrude past the transom profile on any side and there is no obstruction to the thrusters water flow. Also, check internally the thruster will not obstruct any objects. Ensure cables internally do not obstruct any objects. Do not place cables or control box close to high heat radiating parts EG. Turbo/ exhaust manifolds etc.) Roughly estimate the location of the control box inside the vessel. Plan for the control box to be installed above the waterline.
2. Mark the locations of the three drill holes using the defi ned measurements in this manual or from a template. (NB: Maximum hull thickness is 50mm including optional spacer or 150mm for extended hull thickness models.)
3. Drill main hole, then two support bolt holes. Clean the area from dust for installation of the thruster.
4. Install a bolt and washer to ensure top bolts contact surface area is level with the main tube. Temporally place the thruster through the holes to ensure correct fitting. Using the cable leads from the thruster define the finial location within the vessel for the installation of the control box. (NB: If using a spacer the support bolt and washer are not required.)
5. Check the length of the compression rings. Compression rings must be longer than hull thickness to allow for compression (NB: Cut compression sealants to length top achieve 10% compression.)

Motor Installation

• The thruster assembly must sit flush on the transom. Grind and sand the area if required to ensure a secure fi t. (NB: Use caution when grinding/ sanding surfaces as to not remove too much fi breglass.)

• Ensure both bolts and washers to the support bars on the thruster are attached.
  Prepare surface according to sealant supplier specifi cation:

  • the inside surface of the cut-out holes on the hull.
  • To the surface of the washer to the thread and
  • in the recess of the main tube to the thread.
  • 1cm deep inside all compression ring.
  • place all compression rings to bolt threads. (NB: Ensure ample sealant (MS Polymer) around the bolts and centre tube for a watertight fi tting.)

• Insert the thruster with compression rings into the hole.

• Fasten the thruster

Propeller Installation

1. Centre the drive pin and Insert the propeller onto the shaft spine. Rotate the propeller until the drive pin aligns with the internal slot in the propeller.
2. Insert the washer to the end of the shaft spline. Tighten with the propeller lock-nut.
3. Apply anti fouling to the gear leg and propeller. Do not apply anti fouling to any rubber elements of the gear leg or anodes.

WARNING
Do not use abrasive tools damaging the existing Epoxy coating when preparing for antifouling paint.

Grids or Cowls assembly

1. Attach the cowls or grids with included bolts. (NB: If installation of the cowls ensure the appropriate twist of the cowl to direct water away from obstacles)

Electrical Installation

1. Plan the location of all electrical components before starting with the electrical installation. Main electrical components will typically consist of battery, fuse, main switch, Proportional Power Controller (PPC) and Control Box, see Wiring Diagram chapter for an overview. For safety reasons it is always recommended to install a fuse and a main switch on the power cable and as close as possible to the positive battery pole. Distance between battery and fuse should be less than 1 meter. The main switch must be installed such that is easily accessible to disconnect the thruster when not on-board or in the case of an emergency. Sleipner offers both manual main switches and Automatic Main Switches (AMS). Sleipner AMS is controlled by the control panel in addition to the option of manual operation. Turning on the control panel does also turn on the automatic main switch. When the control panel is turned off the automatic main switch is also turned off. This ensures that the control electronics and motor is only energized when the control panel is turned on. Sleipner offers AMS supporting either S-Link or ON/OFF control panels. Ensure to select a main switch with voltage and current ratings according to the specifi cations of the chosen thruster motor. Note that the AMS requires separate power supply which should be protected by a dedicated fuse. For installations which requires ignition protected equipment ensure to use ignition protected fuse and main switch. Ensure to follow your national regulations.
2. Estimate the total length of the power cables to determine the recommended cross section. The total power cable length is defi ned as the distances from the positive battery pole, via fuse, main switch and PPC to the Control Box and all the way back to the negative battery pole. Compromising the cable sections named B+, M- and B- on the drawing in the Wiring Diagram chapter.
3. Find the recommended power cable cross section for you installation by using the estimated total power cable length and the table shown in Electrical Reference Guide chapter. Note that maximum cross section that fi ts through the grommet of the Control Box is 70mm2. Maximum cross section that fi ts with the power cable terminal inside the Control Box is 50mm2. If a 70mm2 cable is used some of the wire strands must be cut off to fi t the cable inside the terminal. If recommended cross section exceeds 70mm2 it is recommended to use as short as possible cables between PPC and Control Box with maximum 70mm2 cross section. The recommended cross section or larger should then be used for the rest of the power cables.
4. Find the recommended fuse rating by using the table shown in Electrical Reference Guide chapter. Use slow blow rated fuses to hold stated nominal current for minimum 5 minutes.
5. Select appropriate dimensioned battery with Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) according to according to recommendations in Electrical Reference Guide chapter. Battery voltage must be compliant with the voltage rating of the thruster motor and control circuitry. Capacity and rated discharge current of battery should be according to rated nominal current drawn and typical duty cycle for thruster operation. Nominal current drawn is listed in Electrical Reference Guide chapter. The actual voltage at the motor while running the thruster determines the motor RPM and thrust. Cable losses can reduce the voltage level and result in reduced thrust. Use larger cable cross section and high-capacity battery for improved performance.
6. Install the Control Box according to instructions in Control Box Installation chapter.
7. Install the control panel according to instructions in the installation manual of the selected Control Panel.
8. Install the battery, fuse, main switch and wiring according to instructions in Wiring Diagram chapter and installation manual of selected fuse and main switch.

WARNING
Check the following with the main switch is set to off. After all electrical connections have been completed check with an ohm meter that there is no electrical connection between

1. electro-motor flange and the positive terminal on the motor
2. electro-motor flange and the battery negative terminal on the motor (If unsure contact skilled personnel.)

Electrical Reference Guide

Model Size

|

System Voltage

|

Nominal current draw

|

Min. battery CCA

|

Rec. fuse

| Cross Section Guide for Power Cables|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---

Unit

| < 7m total + & –| 7-14m

total + & –

| 15-21m

total + & –

| 22-28m

total + & –

| 28-35m

total + & –

| 36-45m

total + & –

|
Min.| Rec.| Min.| Rec.| Min.| Rec.| Min.| Rec.| Min.| Rec.| Min.| Rec.|
 |  |  | DIN: 200|  | mm²| 35| 50| 50| 70| 70| 95| 95| 120| 120| 2 x 70| 2 x 70| 2 x 95|
35/140| 12V| 245 A| SAE: 380

EN: 330

| ANL 150|
AWG| 2| 1/0| 1/0| 2/0| 2/0| 3/0| 3/0| 4/0| 4/0| 2 x 2/0| 2 x 2/0| 2 x 3/0|
 |  |  | DIN: 350|  | mm²| 50| 50| 70| 95| 120| 2 x 70| 2 x 70| 2 x 95| 2 x 95| 2 x 120| 2 x 120| 2 x 120|
50/140S| 12V| 370 A| SAE: 665

EN: 600

| ANL 325|
AWG| 1/0| 1/0| 2/0| 3/0| 4/0| 2 x 2/0| 2 x 2/0| 2 x 3/0| 2 x 3/0| 2 x 4/0| 2 x 4/0| 2 x 4/0|

Control Box Installation

Follow the below steps to install the Control Box. Additional installation details can be found in the corresponding graphics.

1. Pull the blue SX Thruster Hose around the cable harness coming out of the SX Thruster. Fasten the hose clamp.
2. Defi ne the location to install the Control Box. It can be mounted in any orientation, preferably with cables facing down. The control box must be positioned within 0.75 meters from the thruster attachment bolts. Ensure that the SX Thruster Hose will not obstruct any objects and not placed near any object that radiate high temperatures.
3. Mark the locations of the four drill holes and drill the holes. Ensure that the back wall where the Control Box is to be mounted have suffi cient thickness and strength.
4. Follow the cable marking and fasten motor power cables coming from the SX Thruster in the control box. The motor power cables are marked A1 and A2 and should be fastened to the terminal with corresponding marking. Place the ring cable lug connected to the white wire between the lug of the motor power cable and the nut. Fasten the nut with recommended torque. Ensure that the ring cable lug is kept at same terminal as originally placed.
   • Insert the B+ and M- power cables into the grommet or external connectors as shown in fi gure below. Fasten the power cables to the terminals with recommended torque.
   • Connect the Temp Switch and NTC connector
5. Tighten hose clamp on Control Box.
6. Fasten the control box to the hull.

IMPORTANT
It is the installers full responsibility to follow instructions and ensure total Ignition Protection.

Visual Wiring Diagram

*Automatic Main Switch can be replaced by a fuse holder and manual main switch.

Contact

• SLEIPNER MOTOR AS
• P.O. Box 519
• N-1612 Fredrikstad
• Norway
• www.sleipnergroup.com.

References

• Sleipner - Ocean born. Tech bred.

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