MaxPower VIP 150 Electric Owner's manual

INSTALLATION OPERATION MAINTENANCE
THIS MANUAL MUST BE KEPT ON BOARD AT ALL TIMES
VIP 150 HYDRAULIC
Serial Number:..............................................
Date of Installation:.......................................
Via Philips 5, 20900 Monza (MI), Italy
Tel.:
[phone] Fax: [phone]
www.max-power.com
e-mail:[email protected]

NumberDescription Page
1. POSITIONING 3
2. DETERMINE THE LOCATION OF THE AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT 4
3. MECHANICAL INSTALLATION
3.1.
MOUNTINING BASE INSTALLATION 5 - 6
3.2.
CONSTRUCTION OF HULL OPENING & CLOSING PLATE 7
3.3.
FINAL FITTING OF THE THRUSTER UNIT TO THE MOUNTING BASE 7
3.4.
FINAL ADJUSTMENT OF THE CLOSING PLATE 8 - 9
4. HYDRAULICINSTALLATION 10
5. ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION
5.1.
GENERAL 11
5.2.
POWER CABLE SELECTION 11 - 12
5.3.
POWER FUSE 12
5.4.
BATTERY REQUIREMENTS 13
5.5.
BATTERY ISOLATOR 13
5.6.
CONTROL CIRCUIT 14
5.7.
CONTROL PANEL AND THRUSTER CONTROL BOX FUNCTIONS 15 - 16
6. TESTS & CHECKS
6.1.
BEFORE LAUNCHING 17
6.2.
AFTER LAUNCHING 17
7. OPERATION LIMITATIONS 17
8. BASIC MAINTENANCE
8.1.
CONTROL PANEL 18
8.2.
THRUSTER MOTOR & RELAY 18
8.3.
BATTERIES 18
8.4.
COMPOSITE DRIVE LEG 18
8.5.
BRONZE DRIVE LEG 19
8.6.
GENERAL 19
9. DRAWINGS & DIAGRAMS
9.1.
PRINCIPLE DIMENSIONS 20
9.2.
HYDRAULIC SYSTEM 21
9.3.
WIRING DIAGRAM 22
9.4.
ELECTRONIC CONTROL BOX CONNECTIONS 23
9.5.
WIRING LOOM OF MOTOR/RELAY UNIT 24
9.6.
POSITITION SWITCH ADJUSTMENTS & PARTS 25
10. PARTS LISTS & DIAGRAMS
10.1.
PARTS DIAGRAM: B 26
10.2.
PARTS LIST: B 27
11. WARRANTYCOVERAGE 28 - 29
12. DISTRIBUTER CONTACT LIST 30 - 31
13. WARRANTYFORM 32
Your thruster is a high quality technical product and should be treated as such. The employment
of a qualified marine technician, with experience in bow thruster installation, is strongly advised.
Where possible, the boat manufacturer’s architects, design departments and/or shipyards should
be consulted, prior to the installation of the unit. For any boat requiring official classification,
bodies of approval should also be consulted at the earliest opportunity. In any case, all other
bodies, governmental or otherwise, should be contacted to ensure conformity with legal
regulations relating to the boat in question.
BEFORE STARTING THE INSTALLATION, IT IS RECOMMENDED TO CAREFULLY READ THE
FOLLOWING GUIDE.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Last update: December 2013
2

 Consider the following, when determining the position of the thruster unit in order to
ensure the most efficient operation:
 Find the point the farthest forward (or aft), while keeping in mind the space available,
given the vessel’s fixtures, space and shape and while respecting the minimum
immersion depth of one full turbine diameter (185 mm).
As far forward
as possible.
185 mm
90°
Water Line
 Always check and make sure that there is enough room to allow for the complete
removal of the VIP unit and enough room for the connection of the electric power
cables. These cables must be able to flex freely without kinking when the VIP goes up
and down.
 To install a VIP in the stern, make sure that the turbine flow is clear of all obstacles, or
select the best possible compromise.
3

 The hydraulic directional valve should be located near to the thrusters unit, in a
horizontal position, installed in an accessible and dry place.
 The hydraulic oil reservoir must be located above and as near as possible to the
hydraulic pump. The hydraulic oil must gravity feed the pump.
 The electropump (if used) must be as NEAR TO ITS BATTERIES AS POSSIBLE, it must have
a reasonable supply of air for ventilation and must be KEPT DRY.
 A Max Power main fuse, of the correct size (see section 4.3), must be installed in the
positive supply cable, as close as possible to the electropump battery bank and it must
be easily accessible and clearly marked.
 A manual battery isolator, of the correct size, should be installed in the positive supply
cable, as close as possible to the electropump battery bank and must be easily accessible
and clearly marked
4
Thruster assembly
Control box
Hydraulic distribution DCV
Control panel
Hydraulic oil reservoir with filtration system
Electro hydraulic pump EHP
Power relay/power fuses
1
3
4
5
6
7
8
3
5
6
7
+_
8
1
VIP HYDRAULIC
General auxiliary equipment location
 An electrical battery isolator, as supplied by Max Power, should be installed in the positive
supply cable, as close as possible to the electropump battery bank, in order to benefit
from all automatic safety features of the electronic control system.
 The thruster electronic control box should be installed in proximity of the electropump
unit in a completely dry and ventilated area.
 The control panel(s) should be installed as desired at the helm station(s) in a protected
and waterproof manner.
2.DETERMINE THE LOCATION OF THE AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT
4

3.1 MOUNTING BASE INSTALLATION
(Please refer to “Build Drawing” at back of this document ):
 MAX POWER can supply, either a steel reinforced G.R.P. mounting base or a 5086
aluminium alloy-mounting flange. These bases save considerable shipyard time while
assuring solid and precise installation.
a) For GRP hulls the mounting base should be laminated into the hull. The base
supplied is only to help give the initial form; its strength will come from additional
lamination (inside and out) added when laminating the hull.
b) For alloy hulls the mounting flange should be welded onto the base, which has
been fabricated into the hull.
 The method and materials used for making the mounting base must be adapted to the
particular hull material (laminated wood, GRP, sandwich, aluminium, or steel). Naval
Architects, Classification Societies or specialised firms should be consulted.
 The thruster(s) mechanical stresses are spread over the hull by the mounting base. Its
installation reinforces the hull, if well calculated, but it might be necessary to attach it by
gussets to frames and stringers.
 When setting the mounting base, do not forget to take into account the overall
dimensions of the VIP.
243
243
296
286
Hull parts
Thruster parts
820
Stroke
Stroke
Total Unit Weight = 28kg
3.MECHANICAL INSTALLMENT
5

( a )
( b )
< 2 mm
Thrust Plate
Mounting
Base
Mounting
Base
Flange
90°
CORRECT
Water
Line Water Line
Not 90°
WRONG
 Before fixing the thruster unit onto the mounting base flange it is important to ensure
that the top surface of the mounting base flange is perfectly flat in order to accept the
« O » ring seal of the VIP base flange in order to ensure perfect water tightness.
 The bolts fixing the VIP onto the mounting flange must be inserted from top to bottom.
Provide sufficient access underneath the flange to allow for tightening the nuts. If the
access is not possible, provide a special mounting flange with metric studs or tapped
holes.
 The VIP pushes its thrust plate sideways
against the inside of the mounting base
when running. This means that one must
totally lower the unit and check the
following:
(a) That the VIP’s thrust plate is free to
move up and down.
(b)
A
nd also that there is no more than
2mm horizontal movement
between the thrust plate and the
mounting base, especially when
fully down.
 The mounting base
flange should be parallel
to the waterline.
 In other words the
thruster unit must be
installed vertical with its
turbine totally clear of
the hull in the down
position.
6

VIP 150, Hydraulic with Electronic Controller 25/12/2005
7
3.2 CONSTRUCTION OF HULL OPENING & CLOSING PLATE:
 The opening made for the thruster in the hull is closed by a plate, which can be made from
the cutout hull section, or specially fabricated.
Hull
Closing
Plate
15 - 20 mm
wide rebate
in hull.
Hull
( a )
( c ) ( b )
 To prevent marine growth inside the turbine enclosure, it is essential that once the unit is
raised, no light be allowed to enter.
On an excellent installation the enclosure may even be watertight. If this is achieved anode
life will be greatly increased (No circulating water, no oxygen and no corrosion!).
 The use of antifouling or other paints on the thruster unit is not necessary if the closing
plate closes properly onto its seal.
However, if painted, never use copper based paints and do not paint the vertical
column of the unit.
3.3 FINAL FITTING OF THE THRUSTER UNIT TO THE MOUNTING BASE:
 Final installation of the thruster unit onto the mounting base must be made after
thoroughly cleaning and then liberally coating both joint surfaces (thruster base flange and
mounting base flange) with good quality marine grease. This is so that the «O» ring seal is
compressed flat, evenly, smoothly and squarely when the bolts are tightened.
 Under no circumstances should the thruster be glued or bedded down with a marine type
mastic/glue such as Sikaflex or other similar product(s).
 The flange bolts should be tightened sequentially and in successive passes until the two
surfaces touch.
a) The closing plate should fit into a 15 – 20
mm wide rebate in the hull when in the
raised position. This is to transfer all the seas
slamming forces to the hull and not to the
electric rams!
b) The closing plate must be securely fixed to
the supplied adjustable aluminium-mounting
fitting.
c) A gasket must be installed in the hulls
rebate. This gasket can be made either from
neoprene or moulded in «SIKAFLEX» (or
similar product). Precautions should be taken
to ensure that the gasket does not stick to
the closing plate. The plate must rest evenly
on this
g
asket when the thruster is closed.

VIP 150, Hydraulic with Electronic Controller 25/12/2005
8
3.4 FINAL ADJUSTMENT OF THE CLOSING PLATE:
 Once the thruster is permanently bolted onto the mounting base, reinstall the closing plate
to do the final adjustments.
( c )
( d )
( b )
( e )
( f )
( f )
( a )
Thrust Plate
Hull
Closing
Plate
Motor Support
Proximity
Switches
"Down"
Position
Detector
"Up" Position Detector
Adjustment Nuts
Hose Clamp
Alloy Plate Bracket
a) Lower and raise the turbine to determine correct position of the hull closing plate so
that it fits evenly and squarely in the rebate in the hull, then tighten the hose clamps
(delivered with unit). The closing plate must rest evenly on its gasket, with pressure so
that no upwards movement of the plate is possible even in heavy sea conditions when
the hull is subjected to slamming forces.
b) Once the hull closing plate adjustment has been completed, adjust the "up" position
detector and tighten its grub screw with a 2.5 mm Allen key. This should be done with
the unit fully retracted.
c) Note that the down position detector is pre-adjusted (before leaving the factory) and
should not be touched.

VIP 150, Hydraulic with Electronic Controller 25/12/2005
9
d) If re-adjustment is necessary, care should be taken to re-adjust the detector so that
adjustment nuts do not touch the motor support when fully down and that the
detector grub screw (2.5mm Allen key screw) is tightened down after re-adjustment.
e) The thrust plate should not protrude from the mounting base, since it absorbs the
horizontal stresses when thrusting or manoeuvring. If protruding, adjust the down
position detector as described above.
f) When finished with the final adjustments, fix the alloy plate bracket by bolting through
the GRP turbine in addition to the cable clamps.
 IMPORTANT:Please keep in mind that the power supply to up/down motors is not
automatically interrupted if the proximity switches do not detect the position detectors. Care
must therefore be taken to remove ones finger from up or down button as soon as the unit
blocks in fully up or fully down position when closing plate adjustments are done and if
position detectors are not adjusted yet.
-
12 V / 24V
Depending on
motor voltage.
+
Fuse
( 10 A )
-
+
-
+
Up/Down
Motors
Adjusment
Nuts
( b ) ( b )
( a )
 Installation Advice: In order to make sure that VIP is
raising and lowering smoothly and when closing plate
adjustments are made, one can do the following:
a) Connect 12V/24V directly to the two up/down
motors (depending on up / down motor voltage)
and simply reverse the polarity to change direction
(raise/lower).
Note. The Drive Screws rotate in opposite
directions, therefore the motors must turn in
opposite directions. If a supply is going to be
directly fed to the up / down motors for ease of
installation, then the positive of one motor should
be connected to the negative of the other motor
and vice versa.
It is important to install a 10A fuse in the
p
ositive cable and to keep in mind that wires need
to be disconnected as soon as the up or down
position is reached or as soon as the unit blocks,
to avoid damaging the up/down motors.
b) If the unit blocks before reaching the up/down
position or if the unit vibrates excessively when
going up/down one needs to adjust the two
adjustment nuts to ensure the unit is completely
vertical to its base.

VIP 150, Hydraulic with Electronic Controller 25/12/2005
10
4. HYDRAULIC POWER SYSTEM INSTALLATION
 The hydraulic power equipment, such as the oil reservoir/filter, pump and
directional control valve, should be installed in compliance with the usual rules of
accessibility to enable periodic checks and maintenance.
 Remember that:
(1) The oil tank must gravity feed to the pump.
(2) The directional control valve must be fitted as close as is convenient to the
thruster unit, in order to verify the hydraulic pressure gauge.
 All hydraulic high pressure power circuit piping must comply with high pressure
standards (Flexible hose – HP SAE 100 R8 or R9), and have a diameter at least
equal to that recommended in order to reduce head loss especially when the
installation’s layout requires long hose lines. These hoses or pipes should
preferably have 1/2″interior diameter.
 No hose, pipe or fitting in the power circuit should ever have an interior diameter
less than 3/8″.
 All power circuit piping must have a service pressure rating of at least 250 bar,
with a rupture pressure rating of 500 bar.
 Fittings must be of good quality and crimped as per manufacturers instructions,
and pressure tested to at least 400 bar.
 All pipes and hoses must be absolutely clean when connected to the circuit!
 The pump intake hose line (from the reservoir) must be of a quality that is not
subjected to pinching or crimping due either to vacuum, to an excessively small
radius of curvature, or to variations of temperature.
 This hose or pipe should always be shorter than 2 meters and preferably have 1″
interior diameter but not less than 3/4″ID
MAX POWER recommends the use of ISO GRADE 15 to 32 hydraulic oils for the hydraulic
power circuit. Max Power has already used this oil during the run in tests and consequently the
Thrusters motor and piping are already filled with such.
CAUTION: Biodegradable and mineral (commonly used) oils are non-compatible and should
not be mixed or used together. Mixing them will deteriorate certain hydraulic elements. If you
intend to use biodegradable oil, thoroughly flush the existing mineral oil from the unit first with
the appropriate oil.

VIP 150, Hydraulic with Electronic Controller 25/12/2005
11
5 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM INSTALLATION
 It is important that a qualified marine electrician does the electrical installation, since an
incorrect electrical installation will result in the rapid deterioration and/or failure of the unit.
 All electrical components (Electro Hydraulic Pump, Directional Control Valve, Electronic
Control Box, etc.) should be installed in dry and ventilated areas.
 Under no circumstances should any inflammable products be stored next to the electrical
components of the thruster.
 When choosing cable sizes and the battery bank size and type, special care should be given to
voltage drops, since excessive voltage drops will cause premature failure of motors and relay
contacts.
 Great care should be taken to correctly tighten all electrical connections.
Voltage drops in the power circuit will cause relay and brush failure. Special attention must be
given to the battery’s quality, capacity and condition, and correct cable sizes must be selected.
The minimum voltage should be 21V at the Electro Pump terminals with the thruster running,
boat in water and batteries being charged.
The installation of a manual and/or electric battery isolator and power fuse in the Electro-
Pump’s positive power line is essential.
Please Note: When using a manual battery isolator it must be visible, clearly marked and easily
accessible.
The Electro-Pump does not have a specific polarity.
5.2 POWER CABLE SELECTION:
 According to the ISO 10133 standards: “The length and cross sectional area of conductors in
each circuit shall be such that the calculated voltage drop shall not exceed 10% of the
nominal battery voltage at any appliance if the circuit is switched on at full load”.
 The cable lengths as given in the table below are the total length of the positive cable,
measured from the thuster battery bank to the thruster, plus the total length of the negative
cable measured from the thruster back to the battery bank.
 When choosing or calculating the cable size needed for your thruster installation, do not
forget to take into account the thermal rating of the conductor insulation which are directly
related to the ampacity (current carrying capacity) of the cable. Always try to use cables with
the highest thermal insulation rating available or at least 85° - 90°C.
Cable lengths
To and from batteries/relay
VIP 150 DUO
HYD
1 m (2 x 0.5m) 70 mm²
3 m (2 x 1.5m) 95 mm²
5 m (2 x 2.5m) 120 mm²
10 m (2 x 5m) 150 mm²

VIP 150, Hydraulic with Electronic Controller 25/12/2005
12
For large diameter cables it may be easier to use two smaller cables instead (in order to allow
for a greater flexibility of movement). For example: 2 x 50 mm² instead of 95 mm². Cables at
thruster unit should be free to move, without kinking when VIP goes up and down
+
_
Power Relay
24V
High Power Starting
Type Battery Bank
Fuse
Electric Motor
Hydrualic
Pump
Electric/Manual
Battery Isolater
From Oil Resevoir
To Directional Control Valve
5.3 POWER FUSE:
 Sizing of fuses for overcurrent protection are a function of the cable sizes in the circuit, not the
amperage drawn by the appliance (electropump motor) in the circuit. It is thus not the
electropump motor that is protected by the fuse, but the power cables supplying the thruster
motor. Fuse
Fuse
Holder
VIP 150 Hydraulic
Max Power Fuse Size 250 A
Regular Fuse Rating 450 A
Max Power Part Number
for fuse.
Max Power Part Number
for fuse holder.
 The Max Power fuse has been application selected for it’s
time and current characteristics, consequently a much
lower rated fuse than traditionally rated may be fitted. Ma
x
Power recommends the following fuses and fuse holders as
supplied by Max Power:
35018
35027

VIP 150, Hydraulic with Electronic Controller 25/12/2005
13
5.4 ELECTROPUMP BATTERY REQUIREMENTS :
 When choosing the type of batteries needed for your thruster’s battery bank, keep in mind
that it is the CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) capacity that is the most important and not the Ah
(Amp-hour) capacity. This is because thrusters draw high currents, but only for very short
periods of time (maximum 3 min.)
 Max Power would recommend using Exide, Maxxima 900 type batteries, which have an
800CCA and 50Ah capacity.
-
+
12 V
800 CCA
50 Ah
-
+
-
+
12 V
800 CCA
50 Ah
12 V
800 CCA
50 Ah
-
+
-
+
12 V
800 CCA
50 Ah
12 V
800 CCA
50 Ah
-
+
12 V
800 CCA
50 Ah
To 24 V Electropump
Series/Parallel
To 24V Electropump
Series
Pos. ( + ) Pos. ( + )
Neg. ( - ) Neg. ( - )
OR
Minimum Battery
Bank Size Ideal Battery Bank Size
VIP 150 Hydraulic with 24V Electropump
 If the dedicated batteries are charged by the alternator, the reference of the charge must be
taken after the diode-splitting block (if in doubt, consult a marine electrician).
 If the batteries or cables are inferior to those recommended, the VIP will not reach its
potential thrust. The greater the batteries and cables size, the better the thrust.
 Do not ground the VIP.
5.5 BATTERY ISOLATOR:
 A manual battery isolator, of the correct size, should be installed in the positive supply cable,
as close as possible to the thruster battery bank and should be easily accessible and clearly
marked.
 An electrical battery isolator, as supplied by Max Power, may also be installed in the positive
supply cable, as close as possible to the thruster battery bank, in order to benefit from all
automatic safety features of the electronic control system.
VIP 150 Hydraulic 24V
Type of Batteries Exide, Maxxima 900
Number of Batteries 2 to 4
Type of Connection Series or Series/Parallel

VIP 150, Hydraulic with Electronic Controller 25/12/2005
14
5.6 CONTROL CIRCUIT:
 A double pole isolator/breaker clearly marked “Thruster” should be installed on the yachts
main equipment breaker board in order to isolate the control circuit and/or electropump
power circuit, when thruster is not in use.
 This isolator/breaker should ideally be supplied from an independent battery bank, to the one
used for powering the thruster unit.
 Please note that VIP thrusters equipped with an “electronic control box” can only be used
with Max Power’s range of control panels as shown in this manual.
 The VIP electronic controller can be supplied by either 12V or 24V – depending on the
up/down motor specification.
 The installer must protect the positive supply cable of the VIP electronic control box by means
of a fuse as indicated in the drawing below. The size of the supply wires (red & black)
depends on the length of the cable run and the voltage drop in these cables should not
exceed 5% of the nominal battery voltage.
 For safety reasons and in order to benefit from all the functions provided by the VIP electronic
controller, an electric battery isolator must be installed in the thruster motor’s positive supply
cable.
12/24V
High Power Starting
Type Battery Bank
DATE
DRAWN CHECK
DATE DATE
RELEASE
CADD
SCALE MATERIAL
HEAT TREAT & FINISH
REF.
TITLE REVISION PART NO.
Max Power
25/12/05 POWER
VIP 150 Hyd: Wiring Diagram
+
-
Fuse ( 15 A )
ON
OFF
+
-
ON
OFF
+
-
ON
OFF
+
-
ON
OFF
+
-
ON
OFF
+
-
ON
OFF
+
-
ON
OFF
+
-
ON
OFF
+
-
Yachts Main DC Equipment
Breaker Board
Control Supply:
To be connected
to seperate battery
bank (advised ) or
thruster battery bank.
4
3
2
8
77
1
11
1 - Thruster Battery Bank
2 - Fuse & Fuse Holder
3 - Manual Battery Isolator
4 - Power Relay / Electro Clutch
5 - EHP with N/O N/O Heat Sensor
6 - Directional Control Valve
7 - Up/Down Motors
8 - Proximity Switches
9 - Electronic Control Card
10 - Double Pole Isolator
11 - Control Panel
10
Control cable as supplied with unit.
A
JH
Black
6
5
Control Panel Limit Switches Motor
Heat
MAX POWER
Controller
Type MP - VIP
Isolator Thruster
Aux
Neg.
1 - ve
2 +ve
Raise/Lower
Com Heat
Com
Down
Com
Up
Alarm
Down LED
Up LED
On LED
Down
Up
Right
Left
On/Off
+ve Out
Red
White
Brown
Blue
Orange ( Raise )
Grey ( Lower )
Black
Purple
Green
Yellow
Left
Neg.
Right
9
Yellow
Yellow
Blue
Brown
Yellow
Black
Yellow
Blue
Brown
Brown
Blue
White
Black
Black Red
Yellow
Yellow
Please refer to the drawings “Wiring Diagram”, “Wiring Loom of Motor/Relay Unit” and
“Electronic Control Box Connections” in the back of this manual for more detail on the
complete wiring installation.

VIP 150, Hydraulic with Electronic Controller 25/12/2005
15
5.7 CONTROL PANEL AND THRUSTER CONTROL BOX FUNCTIONS:
Control Panel:
Joystick
To switch "ON" or "OFF" push down
the black push-button, while pushing
joystick to the right for one second.
To "Lower" or "Raise" press and hold
the "Down" or "Up" pushbutton until
buzzer in control panel double beeps,
which indicates unit has reached fully
down or fully up position..
"On/Off" Push-button:
Black with Green
"On" LED.
"Up" Push-button:
Green with Green
"Up" LED.
"Down" Push-button:
Red with Green
"Down" LED.
5.7.1 Switching System "On" or "Off":
a) To switch the thruster "ON" or "OFF" follow the instructions on the diagram above.
b) When switched "ON" the unit will double beep and the LED's in the black and green push
buttons will light up.
c) When switched "OFF" the unit will double beep and the LED's will go out. It's only
possible to switch off the unit with thruster in the fully up position.
5.7.2 "Lowering" & "Raising" Thruster Unit:
a) Once the unit has been switched on, as described above, press and hold the "Down"
pushbutton to lower. The buzzer will start beeping and the "Down" LED will start to flash
as soon as the thruster leaves the up position.
b) If "Down" or "Up" pushbutton is released before "Down" or "Up" position is detected, the
buzzer will start to beep (short) once every ½ second and both "Up" & "Down» LED’s will
start flashing.
c) When thruster is detected to be fully down, the "Down" LED comes on and the buzzer
double beeps to indicate that thruster is completely down and ready to thrust.
d) As long as the thruster is in the "Down" position the buzzer will beep (short) once every
three seconds, to indicate that thruster is still in the down position.
e) To raise thruster, press and hold the "Up" pushbutton. When thruster is detected to be
fully up the "Up" LED comes on and the buzzer double beeps to indicate that thruster is
completely up and ready to be switched off.

VIP 150, Hydraulic with Electronic Controller 25/12/2005
16
5.7.3 Thrusting "Left" or "Right":
a) Use joystick to thrust either left or right.
b) Please note that it is only possible to thrust left or right when thruster is detected to be
fully down.
c) The thruster controller provides a time delay between left and right thrust in order to
avoid rapid direction changes, but no delay when thrusting to same side.
5.7.4 Overheat Alarm & Shut-Down:
a) If the thruster motor overheats the "On" LED will flash with one-second intervals until the
motor has cooled down.
b) During this overheat condition one has a total of ten seconds of actual use (left &
right thrust) of the thruster, after which it will not be possible to continue thrusting in
either direction.
c) The thruster must then be raised by pushing the "Up" push button. Once thruster is
detected to be fully up the system will automatically switch off.
d) After this overheat shut down it will not be possible to switch "On" the system again until
the thruster motor has cooled down.
5.7.5 General:
a) If the thruster unit is in the "Up" position and has not been used for a period of ten
minutes, the unit will automatically switch off. Before automatically switching off the unit
will warn you by beeping once, followed by a second beep a few seconds later, after
which the unit switches off.
b) In order to isolate the power circuit of the electropump each time the control circuit is
switched off, one would need to install an electric battery isolator, as advised by Max
Power (see " Wiring Diagram " in the back of this manual for more detail).
c) When electronic control box is powered up and "Up" position detector is not detected,
the "Up" LED will start flashing and the buzzer will beep once every second. The "Up"
push-button should then be pressed until unit is detected to be fully "Up". After which the
buzzer will beep twice and the system will be switched off automatically.

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6. TESTS and CHECKS
6.1 BEFORE LAUNCHING:
a) Check all fittings for tightness and leaks
b) Raise and lower thruster.
c) Check operation of the DCV
d) Check that the hull closing plate shuts firmly.
e) Confirm that all bolts have been sufficiently tightened, especially the base bolts.
f) Correct the adjustment of the position detectors, if needed.
 If the up/down motors function the wrong way round, reverse the two wires connected to
the up/down motors.
 Never test the thruster to the left or right with the boat out of the water..
6.2 AFTER LAUNCHING:
a) Check the water tightness of the thruster installation.
b) Fill the hydraulic power circuit taking care never to let the pump run dry
c) Turn on power to both circuits (power and control).
d) Purge the system by executing a few short left and right manoeuvres, check the hydraulic
oil tank and refill if necessary.
e) Check the operation of the Directional Control Valve.
f) Thrust tests must be carried out under NORMAL conditions:
- with the batteries fully charged and in good condition.
- with the engine running and the alternator charging the batteries.
g) Check thrust direction: Wth the joystick to the left (port) the vessel should move to the
port and conversely. If the direction is not correct then inverse the connections on the
hydraulic Directional Control Valve.
h) Check the Voltage at the electropump (if fitted) You should not read less than 21V
i) Check the hydraulic pressure on the DCV under load, the pressure should be in the order
of 130 to 140 Bars. The relief valve has been factory set and should not require
adjustment.
Close Pressure valve after checks.
7. OPERATION LIMITATIONS
 Never leave the VIP in the down position when not in use. Any calcium, or shellfish deposits
that accumulate after a long period in the down position will deteriorate the column’s water
seal.
 The VIP must be in the up position during normal navigation. The VIP should only be
used under conditions with less than 5 knots forward speed.
 Please note that the electropump motor of the VIP is rated S2-2min. This means the motor
can run continuously for 2 minutes, after which it should be stopped for a sufficient time to
cool down to the ambient temperature.
 Please keep in mind that the supply to the up/down motors is not automatically interrupted if
the proximity switches do not detect the position detectors. Care must thus be taken to
remove ones finger from the up or down button as soon as unit blocks, before fully up or
down positions are reached.
 The VIP thruster should always be used when the batteries are fully charged and the with the
engine alternator running. Discharged batteries will damage the electropump motor.

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8. BASIC MAINTENANCE:
8.1 CONTROL PANEL:
a) Control panel(s) should be protected from the natural elements while the thruster is not in
use.
b) The area behind the dashboard should be kept dry at all times to avoid the risk of oxidation
of the cable connector contacts.
8.2 HYDRAULICS:
a) Check hydraulic oil reservoir level.
b) Check hydraulic hoses for chafing, kinking and leaks.
8.3 BATTERIES:
a) Check regularly the condition of the batteries used for the thruster and its charging system.
b) Weak batteries (low voltage) may cause of deterioration of the electropump.
8.4 COMPOSITE DRIVE LEG:
a) The composite drive leg is lubricated for life
b) The composite drive leg does not require an anode.
c) When the boat is ashore, check for evidence of fishing line, etc… in the propellers.
d) For prevention of calcium build up on the drive shafts, which would damage the oil seals,
before fitting the propeller(s), cover drive shaft and the oil seals stainless steel cover with
silicon grease. This should be done on an annual basis after cleaning of outside of leg.
e) Do not use aggressive solvents as they might damage drive leg seals.
f) If drive leg oil seals are found to be worn, replace drive leg with exchange unit.
g) Always keep the propellers and tunnel clean.
h) Please contact your closest Max Power distributor for local service points.

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8.5 BRONZE DRIVE LEG:
a) Check the oil in the leg every year, and change if necessary (oil drain plug is under the
anode - copper joint should be changed).
b) The anode should be frequently checked and changed when necessary (At least every
year).
c) When the boat is ashore, check for evidence of fishing line, etc… in the propellers.
d) For prevention of calcium build up on the drive shafts, which would damage the oil seals,
before fitting the propeller(s) cover drive shaft and oil seals, with silicon grease. This should
be done on an annual basis after cleaning of outside of leg.
e) Do not use aggressive solvents as they might damage drive leg seals.
f) Always keep the propellers and tunnel clean.
g) Do not paint the anode.
h) Please contact your closest Max Power distributor for local service points.
8.6 GENERAL:
a) Regularly check that the power cable connections are tightened correctly and that they are
free to move when VIP is going up/down, and that they are in good condition.
b) If the vessel is to remain out of the water for some time, for example dry storage for winter,
the underwater mechanism must be thoroughly rinsed with fresh water, then the thruster
column must be liberally greased.
c) Inspect and repair the hull closing plate gasket for deterioration or missing pieces. Check
and tighten, if necessary, the hull fixing plate bracket screws.
d) Every two years drain the entire hydraulic oil system, clean and replace filters and recharge
the hydraulic system with new oil.
e) Every two years change column seal, part number 52 on parts list.
f) Every five years complete removal of unit and return to factory or authorised dealer for full
service, which include
 Complete overhaul of the unit, replacement of column seal, bearings, bushes oil seals etc
 Service of complete hydraulic oil system including pump, distributor, etc.
For more detailed maintenance procedures, please contact your closest Max Power distributor (See
“ Distributor Contact List ”) for further assistance.
A copy of this manual must remain
on board for consultation.

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9. DRAWINGS & DIAGRAMS:
9.1 PRINCIPAL DIMENSIONS:
240mm
10mm
216mm 216mm
10mm
270mm
216mm Construction Point
Sikaflex Gasket
Gussets
Other Hull Shape Other Hull Shape
13,00mm
TITLE: DRAWN: PRODUCT REFERENCE:
REVISION: DATE:
VIP 150, Electr. & Hydr.
Build Drawing
J C A 24/09/04