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
The Lewmar 185TT 3.0 kW Gen 2 Thruster is the better bow thruster overall, rated 3.6 to 3.4. The Lewmar 185TT 3.0 kW Gen 2 Thruster leads on run time and efficiency. The Vetus BOW7512D Bow Thruster 75 kgf wins on value and weight. The Vetus BOW7512D Bow Thruster 75 kgf costs $170.80 less ($2,026.32 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.
Vetus BOW7512D Bow Thruster 75 kgf
#6 in 45 to 75 kgfFull review
The lowest price per kgf in the list and the best value for a 30 to 45 ft boat.
Amazon $2,026.32$2,026.32
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Lewmar 185TT 3.0 kW Gen 2 Thruster for run time (3 minutes continuous vs 2 minutes continuous) and efficiency (19.3 kgf per kW (58 kgf, 3 kW) vs 17 kgf per kW (75 kgf, 4.4 kW)).
- Choose the Vetus BOW7512D Bow Thruster 75 kgf for value ($27.02 per kgf ($2,026.32, 75 kgf) vs $37.88 per kgf ($2,197.12, 58 kgf)) and weight (3.9 kgf per kg (75 kgf, 19 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 | Lewmar 185TT 3.0 kW Gen 2 Thruster | Vetus BOW7512D Bow Thruster 75 kgf |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.6/5 | 3.4/5 |
| Value 40% | 72 $37.88 per kgf ($2,197.12, 58 kgf) | 95 $27.02 per kgf ($2,026.32, 75 kgf) |
| Efficiency 25% | 76 19.3 kgf per kW (58 kgf, 3 kW) | 44 17 kgf per kW (75 kgf, 4.4 kW) |
| Run time 25% | 33 3 minutes continuous | 0 2 minutes continuous |
| Weight 10% | 30 2.9 kgf per kg (58 kgf, 20 kg) | 65 3.9 kgf per kg (75 kgf, 19 kg) |
Specifications
| Lewmar 185TT 3.0 kW Gen 2 Thruster | Vetus BOW7512D Bow Thruster 75 kgf | |
|---|---|---|
| Thrust | ||
| Rated thrust | 58 kgf | 75 kgf |
| Style | Tunnel | Tunnel |
| Propellers | Single | Single |
| Bow or stern use | - | Yes |
| Boat length | - | 30-45 ft |
| Electrical | ||
| Supply | 12 V | 12 V |
| Motor | 3 kW | 4.4 kW |
| Current draw | - | 500 A |
| Continuous run | 3 min | 2 min |
| Build | ||
| Tunnel diameter | 185 mm | 185 mm |
| Weight | 20 kg (43 lb) | 19 kg |