360 docking recall, technical fix notice?

[fas]

Just notified of a recall and technical fix notice issued on my 2011 45 ds 360 docking system. ZF needs to come out and do the work. Not sure at this point what is involved.

Anyone have the work done yet? Details?

Thanks

[woolde]

360 system broke during commisioning and disabled engine by disconnecting the drive gear--got towed back to dock. Is being replaced with new VMS etc. There should be an over-ride button for such emergencies in tight traffic or open sea?

[woolde]

ZF came and replaced the non-waterproofed joystick, VMU computer system and installed new software on the new Jeanneau 50DS. All mechanical properties were restored on the 360 Docking system. Howver, after 2 days of exhaustive work by ZF, the red default light in the new joystick did not go out and the 360 docking system continues to BEEP everytime its placed in gear. Technically, the new boat is not supposed to leave dock but we were accompanied 100 miles by a power boat to Annapolis in case of another breakdown in tight channels and canals. The beeping and blinking red light persisted after 4 days of use and the boat has now been docked permanently while we wait for ZF to correct this commissioning new boat problem. This continuing problem has potential fatal consequences since the ZF 360 docking system is fragile with no obvious override and is unusual for a new boat. Since the ZF jotstick takes over the helm and throttle, the breakdown has very serious consequences since it does not default back when a glitch occurs and the boat is left without steering or power, every sailors nightmare on the Delaware Bay or C&D canals or in-harbor piloting such as at Annapolis. Having had a Benneteau 473 for teh last 10 years, I am used to highly sophisticated electronic nav systems breaking down but none ever disabled the boat or put the crew in danger. Other than that, the new Jeanneau 50DS is a dream machine from a sailing and luxury living point of view when its not endangering all hands with the fragile 360 docking system. I have ordered new spring lines for this boat as it may be tied up for a long time in Annapolis. What should have been the happiest times of our lives taking possession of a new Jeanneau 50DS with the worlds most sophisticated 360 docking system turned out to be a real sad story. The good news is that it didnt happen in that narrow channnel in front of the many tankers we passed en route to Annapolis. It should be possible to make the 360 docking system safe and robust and this should be done before some sailor gets killed.

[woolde]

The 360 docking system was fixed by ZF and all mechanical properties were restored. The new joystick has 12/6 (forward/reverse)and 3/9 (right/left) orientations vs all points of the clock. Coupled with the rotating head, the handling feels very good. After extensive trials, the 360 system proved to be spectacular and a big step up from the traditional engine/bow thruster combination.

Should a breakdown occur again, emergency methods to solve the problem were explored with ZF. If the joystick goes out, below deck, the leads from the VMU can be switched in about 30 sec and forward motion only restored. If the auto pilot goes out, the helm remains but the power to the prop is lost. This requires a crew member to manually engage the throttle cable on the engine below decks--takes about 1 min. If the VMU or harness malfunction, manual rotation of the pod prop shaft can be attemped along with manual throttle cable control at the engine. Future generations of 360 docking systems shoudl be able to fix these problems when all parties get together.

One happy but cautious skipper

[gdefalco]

We had some problems last season with the 360 going into fault mode on our 44i. I had suspected a water intrusion issue since the problems did not manifest themselves until halfway through the season. The original joystick and throttle which sit exposed in the cockpit were evidently not waterproofed well enough. The Jeanneau techs also suspected that the VMU (basically the CPU) was too sensitive to voltage drops in the batteries as well.

Last summer, Jeanneau replaced both joystick and throttle, and made several improvements to the system including bigger batteries, bigger alternator, etc. All done under warranty. These fixes were not 100% effective. We were always able to do a quick re-boot of the system though (takes 5-10 seconds) and get things working again while underway.

Jeanneau promised to spend the off season coming up with a permanent fix, which they did supply a couple of weeks ago. As Woolde and Fas refer to above, this recall kit features new joystick, VMU, battery wiring, a new propeller spacer and a couple of other bits.

ZF calibrated the updated system last Thursday, and had no faults. Boat was then delivered 15 miles with no issues in 360 or regular drive mode. I then sailed this weekend (2 days, multiple engine uses) with my family and had no problems either. With any luck the ZF team has found a permanent solution this time.

Have to agree with Woolde - the system is unbelievable around the dock. Having had the benefit of a full season using it already, I'm very happy to report that the advertising is not all hype. Jeanneau has thus far been responsive with warranty support. I certainly hope that the system will not require any further fixes though.

[fas]

Zf came out a few weeks ago and replaced the joystick and VMU. Also replaced a transmission breather, the old type would leak oil. The spacer on the prop was not switched out yet.

Anyone know the reason for the new spacer?

All seems to work well.

One important point the Rep from ZF mentioned was, Do not let the batteries run down below 12 volts. the system may not operate below that.

Important point to remember...

Thanks

[tailwinds]

It’s been a long time since this thread but does anyone have any information on the work arounds or emergency bypass methods to be used if the ZF POD 360 system glitches?

In particular I want to have some peace of mind there is a way to at least get forward thrust working to get out of trouble.

I have a 2015 360 system installed in a new (to me) boat - which seems to be working fine and have all of the fixes incorporated - but I would like to be prepared just in case.