Sleipner SE40 Tunnel Thruster 12V
#2 in Under 45 kgfFull 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 eBay$1,450
40 kgf2.2 kW12 V
3.8/5
A light, long-running thruster for a 20 to 30 ft boat with a 150 mm tunnel. A Sleipner SE40 gives more thrust for less.
- 35 kgfThrust
- 1.5 kWMotor
- 12 VSupply
- 150 mmTunnel
Check price at Fisheries Supply$1,786.04Search eBay
Price checked November 7, 2026. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Pros
- Runs 4 minutes continuously at 220 A
- Only 12 kg
- Bow or stern use on 20 to 30 ft boats
Cons
- Needs a 150 mm tunnel for 35 kgf, where rivals use 125 mm
- About $51 per kgf
- Costs about $340 more than a Sleipner SE40 with less thrust
The Vetus BOW family
Every Vetus BOW model we rank, smallest first. Ratings compare each against its own thrust.
| Model | Thrust | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vetus BOW2512E Bow Thruster 25 kgf | 25 kgf | 2.9/5 | $1,618.64 |
| Vetus BOW3512E Bow Thruster 35 kgf (this one) | 35 kgf | 3.8/5 | $1,786.04 |
| Vetus BOW4512D Bow Thruster 45 kgf | 45 kgf | 3.3/5 | $1,829.02 |
| Vetus BOW5512D Bow Thruster 55 kgf | 55 kgf | 3.9/5 | $1,845.97 |
| Vetus BOW6012D Bow Thruster 60 kgf | 65 kgf | 4.6/5 | $2,242.61 |
| Vetus BOW7512D Bow Thruster 75 kgf | 75 kgf | 3.5/5 | $1,893.23 |
| Vetus BOW9512D Bow Thruster 95 kgf | 95 kgf | 3.2/5 | $3,729.30 |
| Vetus BOW9524D Bow Thruster 105 kgf | 105 kgf | 3.7/5 | $3,901.41 |
How it scores
The rating comes from 4 measured or published factors, each scored 0-100 against fixed reference points for its thrust. How we rank explains each one.
Specifications
| Model number | BOW3512E |
|---|---|
| Thrust | |
| Rated thrust | 35 kgf |
| Style | Tunnel |
| Propellers | Single |
| Bow or stern use | Yes |
| Boat length | 20-30 ft |
| Electrical | |
| Supply | 12 V |
| Motor | 1.5 kW |
| Current draw | 220 A |
| Continuous run | 4 min |
| Build | |
| Tunnel diameter | 150 mm |
| Weight | 12 kg (26 lb) |
Alternatives in this thrust
Sleipner SE30 Tunnel Thruster 12V
#3 in Under 45 kgfFull 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 eBay$1,341
30 kgf1.5 kW12 V
Lewmar 140TT 2.0 kW Tunnel Thruster
#4 in Under 45 kgfFull 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 eBay$1,613.74
37 kgf2 kW12 V
Compare
Compare the Vetus BOW3512E Bow Thruster 35 kgf with any other bow thruster →
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