Sleipner SE40 Tunnel Thruster 12V
#1 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$1,450
The Sleipner SE40 Tunnel Thruster 12V is the better bow thruster overall, rated 3.6 to 3.4. The Sleipner SE40 Tunnel Thruster 12V leads on value and weight. The Lewmar 140TT 2.2 kW Gen 2 Thruster wins on efficiency. The Sleipner SE40 Tunnel Thruster 12V costs $389.37 less ($1,450 vs $1,839.37).
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.
Lewmar 140TT 2.2 kW Gen 2 Thruster
#4 in Under 45 kgfFull 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
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Sleipner SE40 Tunnel Thruster 12V for value ($36.25 per kgf ($1,450, 40 kgf) vs $43.79 per kgf ($1,839.37, 42 kgf)) and weight (4 kgf per kg (40 kgf, 10 kg) vs 3.2 kgf per kg (42 kgf, 13 kg)).
- Choose the Lewmar 140TT 2.2 kW Gen 2 Thruster for efficiency (19.1 kgf per kW (42 kgf, 2.2 kW) vs 18.2 kgf per kW (40 kgf, 2.2 kW)).
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 | Sleipner SE40 Tunnel Thruster 12V | Lewmar 140TT 2.2 kW Gen 2 Thruster |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.6/5 | 3.4/5 |
| Value 40% | 75 $36.25 per kgf ($1,450, 40 kgf) | 62 $43.79 per kgf ($1,839.37, 42 kgf) |
| Efficiency 25% | 60 18.2 kgf per kW (40 kgf, 2.2 kW) | 73 19.1 kgf per kW (42 kgf, 2.2 kW) |
| Run time 25% | 33 3 minutes continuous | 33 3 minutes continuous |
| Weight 10% | 67 4 kgf per kg (40 kgf, 10 kg) | 41 3.2 kgf per kg (42 kgf, 13 kg) |
Specifications
| Sleipner SE40 Tunnel Thruster 12V | Lewmar 140TT 2.2 kW Gen 2 Thruster | |
|---|---|---|
| Thrust | ||
| Rated thrust | 40 kgf | 42 kgf |
| Thrust at full supply voltage | 48 kgf | - |
| Style | Tunnel | Tunnel |
| Propellers | Single | Single |
| Bow or stern use | Yes | - |
| Boat length | 26-34 ft | - |
| Electrical | ||
| Supply | 12 V | 12 V |
| Motor | 2.2 kW | 2.2 kW |
| Current draw | 315 A | - |
| Continuous run | 3 min | 3 min |
| Build | ||
| Tunnel diameter | 125 mm | 140 mm |
| Weight | 10 kg (22.1 lb) | 13 kg (29 lb) |