NC 795 Bow Thruster Cap Repair

[Rob]

I have a 2019 NC 795 with Bow Thruster. I've had multiple problems with the Fiberglass Cover / Cap that's under the bow thruster leaking.  This started when Grand Yachts International on delivery day, tried to POWER LOAD my boat on a low tide and smashed this Fiberglass Cap on the cross member of my brand new trailer that I purchased with the boat. It smashed a hole in the cap about the size of a quarter. They repaired the hole with some kind of patch and bottom painted over it. It held for over a year but the second year when I pulled the boat at the end of the season their "PLUG" had fallen out. So it was not repaired as they promised to be like new.  That was the same year that Grand Yachts International closed all their dealerships and moved out of the USA.

I called a couple Jeanneau dealers and they told me they would need a new fiberglass cap which were not available from Jeanneau.  I had difficulty trying to find a Fiberglass shop that was even interested in fixing it, but finally I did. I was very impressed with the work that was done which was quite pricey.  This year when I pulled the boat, it was dripping water out of the Fiberglass cover again.  I crawled under the boat and it still looks in perfect condition.  I called the owner of the Fiberglass shop and he told me to bring the boat back, that he stands behind his work and he would make it right !!!  This guy is a stand-up guy and I have total confidence that he will fix it.

Now my questions ??  What is the reason that fiberglass cap is even there? Other manufactures don't use that cap, only Jeanneau and Beneteau boats that I'm aware of.  The hull is above the cap and I've never had any water enter the boat where the thruster motor is located.   Is there any reason why that fiberglass cap would ever need to be removed to work on the bow thruster ?  From what I see the motor is under the bed.  The only thing that pernitrates through the hull is the straight shaft between the motor and thruster prop.  

The fiberglass shop, and I agree with him, wants to eliminate the fiberglass cap and fiberglass under the bow thruster tunnel solid so there would be no cap and seal to leak.  The open air space / compartment would be maintained.  His and my only question or concern again; would there ever be a reason to have to open it back up for bow thruster repair?

If any one can help me with this question it would greatly appreciated.

Thanks Rob

Note: See Repair with pictures under the following Thread updated 3/28/2024:

Sea water inside the pocket under the bow thruster tunnel.

[ihsan]

                              I have the same boat with bow thruster. If you mean the unit enclosing the space under the bow thruster, filling the hole, in the hull, yes I have had problems with it. I am not sure if it is fiberglass. I think it is hard plastic. Definitely not the same material as the hull.  It is composed of two pieces welded together. Miine let in salt water from welding points up under the propellor. We had to drill a small hole from the bottom of the unit and the water was drained. About 10 liters of water ran out. We then filled the hole and the above welding cracks with paste.  

                               If this is the unit you are mentioning I think the dealer can provide one from the factory. It may take time but there is no reason they would say no. It is a piece of continous production going on.