Vetus BOW6012D Bow Thruster 60 kgf
#1 in 45 to 75 kgfFull review
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.
Amazon $2,242.61$2,242.61
The Vetus BOW6012D Bow Thruster 60 kgf is the better bow thruster overall, rated 4.6 to 3.6. The Vetus BOW6012D Bow Thruster 60 kgf leads on run time, efficiency and weight. The Lewmar 185TT 3.0 kW Gen 2 Thruster costs $45.49 less ($2,197.12 vs $2,242.61).
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 BOW6012D Bow Thruster 60 kgf for run time (5 minutes continuous vs 3 minutes continuous), efficiency (21.7 kgf per kW (65 kgf, 3 kW) vs 19.3 kgf per kW (58 kgf, 3 kW)) and weight (3.8 kgf per kg (65 kgf, 17 kg) vs 2.9 kgf per kg (58 kgf, 20 kg)).
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 BOW6012D Bow Thruster 60 kgf | Lewmar 185TT 3.0 kW Gen 2 Thruster |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.6/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Value 40% | 78 $34.50 per kgf ($2,242.61, 65 kgf) | 72 $37.88 per kgf ($2,197.12, 58 kgf) |
| Efficiency 25% | 100 21.7 kgf per kW (65 kgf, 3 kW) | 76 19.3 kgf per kW (58 kgf, 3 kW) |
| Run time 25% | 100 5 minutes continuous | 33 3 minutes continuous |
| Weight 10% | 61 3.8 kgf per kg (65 kgf, 17 kg) | 30 2.9 kgf per kg (58 kgf, 20 kg) |
Specifications
| Vetus BOW6012D Bow Thruster 60 kgf | Lewmar 185TT 3.0 kW Gen 2 Thruster | |
|---|---|---|
| Thrust | ||
| Rated thrust | 65 kgf | 58 kgf |
| Style | Tunnel | Tunnel |
| Propellers | Single | Single |
| Bow or stern use | Yes | - |
| Boat length | 27-40 ft | - |
| Electrical | ||
| Supply | 12 V | 12 V |
| Motor | 3 kW | 3 kW |
| Current draw | 280 A | - |
| Continuous run | 5 min | 3 min |
| Build | ||
| Tunnel diameter | 185 mm | 185 mm |
| Weight | 17 kg | 20 kg (43 lb) |