Sleipner SE50 Tunnel Bow Thruster 12V
#2 in 45 to 75 kgfFull review
A mid-size bow thruster for a 26 to 36 ft boat. Buy the SE60 instead if you also want a stern thruster of the same family.
Amazon $1,700$1,700
4.6/5
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.
- 65 kgfThrust
- 3 kWMotor
- 12 VSupply
- 185 mmTunnel
Check price at Amazon$2,242.61
Price checked November 4, 2026. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Pros
- 60 kgf in a 185 mm tunnel from a 3 kW motor
- Integrated thermal switch guards the motor
- Works for bow or stern with a separate stern tunnel
Cons
- Vetus titles it 65 kgf but its description says 60 kgf; the lower figure is used here
- Costs about $340 more than a Sleipner SE60 for the same 60 kgf
- Vetus publishes no weight or current draw
The Vetus BOW family
Every Vetus BOW model we rank, smallest first. Ratings compare each against its own thrust.
| Model | Thrust | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vetus BOW4512D Bow Thruster 45 kgf | 45 kgf | 3.3/5 | $1,836.41 |
| Vetus BOW5512D Bow Thruster 55 kgf | 55 kgf | 3.9/5 | $1,845.97 |
| Vetus BOW6012D Bow Thruster 60 kgf (this one) | 65 kgf | 4.6/5 | $2,242.61 |
| Vetus BOW7512D Bow Thruster 75 kgf | 75 kgf | 3.4/5 | $2,026.32 |
| Vetus BOW9512D Bow Thruster 95 kgf | 95 kgf | 3.2/5 | $3,734.35 |
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 | BOW6012D |
|---|---|
| Thrust | |
| Rated thrust | 65 kgf |
| Style | Tunnel |
| Propellers | Single |
| Bow or stern use | Yes |
| Boat length | 27-40 ft |
| Electrical | |
| Supply | 12 V |
| Motor | 3 kW |
| Current draw | 280 A |
| Continuous run | 5 min |
| Build | |
| Tunnel diameter | 185 mm |
| Weight | 17 kg |
Alternatives in this thrust
Vetus BOW5512D Bow Thruster 55 kgf
#3 in 45 to 75 kgfFull 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
Sleipner SE60 Tunnel Thruster 12V
#4 in 45 to 75 kgfFull 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
Compare
Compare the Vetus BOW6012D Bow Thruster 60 kgf with any other bow thruster →
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