Best Bow Thrusters Under 45 kgf Ranked

8 thrusters of 45 kgf or less for runabouts and small cruisers.

Last updated: November 4, 2026

These thrusters make 28 to 42 kgf and suit boats up to about 34 ft: the maker ranges run from 19 ft to 34 ft where published. They cost about $1,340 to $4,170. Sleipner’s SE30 and SE40 lead on value, while the Quick on Amazon and the discontinued Sleipner external unit cost two to three times as much per kgf of thrust.

Prices were last checked November 4, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon or the retailer's site at the time of purchase apply. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Full ranking 8

  1. Sleipner SE40 Tunnel Thruster 12V
    #1 of 83.6Full review

    A strong value pick for a 26 to 34 ft boat: about $36 per kgf from a compact unit. Check that your battery bank can feed 315 A.

    Amazon $1,450
    $1,450
    40 kgf2.2 kW12 V
  2. Sleipner SE30 Tunnel Thruster 12V
    #2 of 83.5Full review

    The cheapest way into a Sleipner tunnel thruster, for a small cruiser or runabout. Pick the SE40 if your boat is near the top of its length range.

    Amazon $1,341
    $1,341
    30 kgf1.5 kW12 V
  3. Lewmar 140TT 2.0 kW Tunnel Thruster
    #3 of 83.5Full review

    The older Lewmar 140TT. Buy it only to replace an existing unit; the Gen 2 2.2 kW version gives 5 kgf more for about $225 more.

    Amazon $1,613.74
    $1,613.74
    37 kgf2 kW12 V
  4. Lewmar 140TT 2.2 kW Gen 2 Thruster
    #4 of 83.4Full review

    The current Lewmar for a mid-size boat. Fine if you already have Lewmar controls; otherwise Sleipner is cheaper for the thrust.

    Amazon $1,839.37
    $1,839.37
    42 kgf2.2 kW12 V
  5. Lewmar 110TT Tunnel Thruster Kit
    #5 of 83.4Full review

    A kit for a small boat up to about 28 ft that wants everything in one box. Sleipner SE30 gives more thrust for about the same money.

    Amazon $1,342.88
    $1,342.88
    28 kgf1.5 kW12 V
  6. Lewmar 140TT 2.0 kW Thruster Kit
    #6 of 83.1Full review

    The 140TT 2.0 kW sold as a kit. Compare it against buying a Gen 2 unit and a panel separately.

    Amazon $2,364.25
    $2,364.25
    37 kgf2 kW12 V
  7. Quick BTQ 140-30 Bow Thruster
    #7 of 82.8Full review

    A small Italian thruster for a boat of about 7 to 9 m. At the only Amazon price found it is poor value next to a Sleipner SE30.

    Amazon $4,166.15
    $4,166.15
    30 kgf1.5 kW12 V
  8. Sleipner SX35 External Stern Thruster 12V Discontinued
    #8 of 82.8Full review

    Only worth it when a tunnel can not be cut, such as a shallow or cored hull. For every other boat a tunnel thruster is far cheaper per kgf.

    Amazon $3,700
    $3,700
    35 kgf1.8 kW12 V