Sleipner SE80 Tunnel Thruster 12V
#5 in Over 75 kgfFull review
Strong thrust for a 33 to 49 ft boat that has only a 12 V system. If you can run 24 V, the 24 V version needs about half the current.
Amazon $2,700 eBay$2,700
The Sleipner SE80 Tunnel Thruster 12V is the better bow thruster overall, rated 3.7 to 3.1. The Sleipner SE80 Tunnel Thruster 12V leads on value, efficiency and weight. The Sleipner SE80 Tunnel Thruster 12V costs $920.65 less ($2,700 vs $3,620.65).
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 185TT 5.0 kW Gen 2 Thruster
#10 in Over 75 kgfFull review
A 12 V Lewmar for a boat of roughly 40 to 55 ft that needs more than the 185TT 4.0. A Sleipner SE80 costs less per kgf.
Fisheries Supply $3,620.65 eBay$3,620.65
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Sleipner SE80 Tunnel Thruster 12V for value ($33.75 per kgf ($2,700, 80 kgf) vs $44.15 per kgf ($3,620.65, 82 kgf)), efficiency (18.2 kgf per kW (80 kgf, 4.4 kW) vs 16.4 kgf per kW (82 kgf, 5 kW)) and weight (4 kgf per kg (80 kgf, 20 kg) vs 3 kgf per kg (82 kgf, 27 kg)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every over 75 kgf bow thruster; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Sleipner SE80 Tunnel Thruster 12V | Lewmar 185TT 5.0 kW Gen 2 Thruster |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.7/5 | 3.1/5 |
| Value 40% | 80 $33.75 per kgf ($2,700, 80 kgf) | 62 $44.15 per kgf ($3,620.65, 82 kgf) |
| Efficiency 25% | 60 18.2 kgf per kW (80 kgf, 4.4 kW) | 34 16.4 kgf per kW (82 kgf, 5 kW) |
| Run time 25% | 33 3 minutes continuous | 33 3 minutes continuous |
| Weight 10% | 67 4 kgf per kg (80 kgf, 20 kg) | 35 3 kgf per kg (82 kgf, 27 kg) |
Specifications
| Sleipner SE80 Tunnel Thruster 12V | Lewmar 185TT 5.0 kW Gen 2 Thruster | |
|---|---|---|
| Thrust | ||
| Rated thrust | 80 kgf | 82 kgf |
| Thrust at full supply voltage | 96 kgf | - |
| Style | Tunnel | Tunnel |
| Propellers | Twin | Single |
| Bow or stern use | Yes | - |
| Boat length | 33-49 ft | - |
| Electrical | ||
| Supply | 12 V | 12 V |
| Motor | 4.4 kW | 5 kW |
| Current draw | 530 A | 480 A |
| Continuous run | 3 min | 3 min |
| Build | ||
| Tunnel diameter | 185 mm | 185 mm |
| Weight | 20 kg (44.1 lb) | 27 kg (59 lb) |