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
The Vetus BOW5512D Bow Thruster 55 kgf is the better bow thruster overall, rated 3.9 to 3.6. The Vetus BOW5512D Bow Thruster 55 kgf leads on run time, value and weight. The Lewmar 185TT 3.0 kW Gen 2 Thruster wins on efficiency. The Vetus BOW5512D Bow Thruster 55 kgf costs $351.15 less ($1,845.97 vs $2,197.12).
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 185TT 3.0 kW Gen 2 Thruster
#5 in 45 to 75 kgfFull review
Lewmar’s mid-large thruster. It matches a Sleipner SE60 on thrust but costs about $300 more.
Amazon $2,197.12$2,197.12
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Vetus BOW5512D Bow Thruster 55 kgf for run time (4 minutes continuous vs 3 minutes continuous), value ($33.56 per kgf ($1,845.97, 55 kgf) vs $37.88 per kgf ($2,197.12, 58 kgf)) and weight (3.2 kgf per kg (55 kgf, 17 kg) vs 2.9 kgf per kg (58 kgf, 20 kg)).
- Choose the Lewmar 185TT 3.0 kW Gen 2 Thruster for efficiency (19.3 kgf per kW (58 kgf, 3 kW) vs 18.3 kgf per kW (55 kgf, 3 kW)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every 45 to 75 kgf bow thruster; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Vetus BOW5512D Bow Thruster 55 kgf | Lewmar 185TT 3.0 kW Gen 2 Thruster |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.9/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Value 40% | 80 $33.56 per kgf ($1,845.97, 55 kgf) | 72 $37.88 per kgf ($2,197.12, 58 kgf) |
| Efficiency 25% | 62 18.3 kgf per kW (55 kgf, 3 kW) | 76 19.3 kgf per kW (58 kgf, 3 kW) |
| Run time 25% | 67 4 minutes continuous | 33 3 minutes continuous |
| Weight 10% | 41 3.2 kgf per kg (55 kgf, 17 kg) | 30 2.9 kgf per kg (58 kgf, 20 kg) |
Specifications
| Vetus BOW5512D Bow Thruster 55 kgf | Lewmar 185TT 3.0 kW Gen 2 Thruster | |
|---|---|---|
| Thrust | ||
| Rated thrust | 55 kgf | 58 kgf |
| Style | Tunnel | Tunnel |
| Propellers | Single | Single |
| Bow or stern use | Yes | - |
| Boat length | 26-39 ft | - |
| Electrical | ||
| Supply | 12 V | 12 V |
| Motor | 3 kW | 3 kW |
| Current draw | 350 A | - |
| Continuous run | 4 min | 3 min |
| Build | ||
| Tunnel diameter | 150 mm | 185 mm |
| Weight | 17 kg | 20 kg (43 lb) |