Vetus BOW3512E Bow Thruster 35 kgf
#1 in Under 45 kgfFull review
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.
Fisheries Supply $1,786.04 eBay$1,786.04
The Vetus BOW3512E Bow Thruster 35 kgf is the better bow thruster overall, rated 3.8 to 3.5. The Vetus BOW3512E Bow Thruster 35 kgf leads on efficiency. The Lewmar 140TT 2.0 kW Tunnel Thruster wins on value. The Lewmar 140TT 2.0 kW Tunnel Thruster costs $172.30 less ($1,613.74 vs $1,786.04).
Prices were last checked November 9, 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. As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Vetus BOW3512E Bow Thruster 35 kgf for efficiency (23.3 kgf per kW (35 kgf, 1.5 kW) vs 18.5 kgf per kW (37 kgf, 2 kW)).
- Choose the Lewmar 140TT 2.0 kW Tunnel Thruster for value ($43.61 per kgf ($1,613.74, 37 kgf) vs $51.03 per kgf ($1,786.04, 35 kgf)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every under 45 kgf bow thruster; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Vetus BOW3512E Bow Thruster 35 kgf | Lewmar 140TT 2.0 kW Tunnel Thruster |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.8/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Value 40% | 52 $51.03 per kgf ($1,786.04, 35 kgf) | 62 $43.61 per kgf ($1,613.74, 37 kgf) |
| Efficiency 25% | 100 23.3 kgf per kW (35 kgf, 1.5 kW) | 64 18.5 kgf per kW (37 kgf, 2 kW) |
| Run time 25% | 67 4 minutes continuous | 50 run time not published (neutral score used) |
| Weight 10% | 31 2.9 kgf per kg (35 kgf, 12 kg) | 28 2.8 kgf per kg (37 kgf, 13 kg) |
Specifications
| Vetus BOW3512E Bow Thruster 35 kgf | Lewmar 140TT 2.0 kW Tunnel Thruster | |
|---|---|---|
| Thrust | ||
| Rated thrust | 35 kgf | 37 kgf |
| Style | Tunnel | Tunnel |
| Propellers | Single | Single |
| Bow or stern use | Yes | - |
| Boat length | 20-30 ft | - |
| Electrical | ||
| Supply | 12 V | 12 V |
| Motor | 1.5 kW | 2 kW |
| Current draw | 220 A | - |
| Continuous run | 4 min | - |
| Build | ||
| Tunnel diameter | 150 mm | 140 mm |
| Weight | 12 kg (26 lb) | 13 kg (29 lb) |