Best Thrusters for Bow or Stern Use

Last updated: November 4, 2026

Thrusters the maker offers for both bow and stern installation.

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.

Best Thrusters for Bow or Stern Use: Under 45 kgf

  1. Sleipner SE40 Tunnel Thruster 12V
    #1 of 23.6Full 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 23.5Full 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

Best Thrusters for Bow or Stern Use: 45 to 75 kgf

  1. Vetus BOW6012D Bow Thruster 60 kgf
    #1 of 54.6Full review

    A step up from the BOW5512D for a 27 to 40 ft boat, though Vetus gives two different thrust figures and a Sleipner SE60 costs less.

    Amazon $2,242.61
    $2,242.61
    65 kgf3 kW12 V
  2. Vetus BOW5512D Bow Thruster 55 kgf
    #2 of 53.9Full review

    The Vetus pick for a 26 to 39 ft boat, at about the price of a Sleipner SE60 but with less thrust.

    Amazon $1,845.97
    $1,845.97
    55 kgf3 kW12 V
  3. Sleipner SE60 Tunnel Thruster 12V
    #3 of 53.9Full review

    The best value in the range for a 30 to 39 ft boat, with enough thrust for a heavy cruiser in moderate wind.

    Amazon $1,900
    $1,900
    60 kgf3.1 kW12 V
  4. Vetus BOW7512D Bow Thruster 75 kgf
    #4 of 53.4Full review

    The lowest price per kgf in the list and the best value for a 30 to 45 ft boat.

    Amazon $2,026.32
    $2,026.32
    75 kgf4.4 kW12 V
  5. Vetus BOW4512D Bow Thruster 45 kgf
    #5 of 53.3Full review

    A solid, well supported thruster for a 26 to 37 ft boat, but you pay about $390 more than Sleipner for similar thrust.

    Amazon $1,836.41
    $1,836.41
    45 kgf3 kW12 V

Best Thrusters for Bow or Stern Use: Over 75 kgf

  1. Sleipner SE130 Tunnel Thruster 12V
    #1 of 43.9Full review

    For a 43 to 62 ft boat with a big battery bank. Most boats this size are better served by a 24 V version if the maker offers one.

    Amazon $4,013.39
    $4,013.39
    130 kgf6.5 kW12 V
  2. Sleipner SE80 Tunnel Thruster 24V
    #2 of 43.7Full review

    The better SE80 when your boat has 24 V batteries: thinner cables and a lower price for the same thrust.

    Amazon $2,500
    $2,500
    80 kgf4.4 kW24 V
  3. Sleipner SE80 Tunnel Thruster 12V
    #3 of 43.7Full review

    Strong thrust for a 33 to 49 ft boat that has only a 12 V system. If you can run 24 V, the 24 V version needs about half the current.

    Amazon $2,700
    $2,700
    80 kgf4.4 kW12 V
  4. Vetus BOW9512D Bow Thruster 95 kgf
    #4 of 43.2Full review

    For a large boat on 12 V that needs more than 75 kgf. At this price compare the Sleipner SE80 and its 24 V version.

    Amazon $3,734.35
    $3,734.35
    95 kgf6 kW12 V