Vetus BOW9512D Bow Thruster 95 kgf
#9 in Over 75 kgfFull review
For a large boat on 12 V that needs more than 75 kgf. At this price compare the Sleipner SE80 and its 24 V version.
Amazon $3,729.30 eBay$3,729.30
The Vetus BOW9512D Bow Thruster 95 kgf is the better bow thruster overall, rated 3.2 to 3.0. The Vetus BOW9512D Bow Thruster 95 kgf leads on value. The Lewmar 185TT 6.0 kW Gen 2 Thruster wins on weight. The Vetus BOW9512D Bow Thruster 95 kgf costs $866.14 less ($3,729.30 vs $4,595.44).
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 6.0 kW Gen 2 Thruster
#11 in Over 75 kgfFull review
The strongest 12 V Lewmar for a 185 mm tunnel. A 24 V boat is better served by a 24 V thruster that draws half the current.
Fisheries Supply $4,595.44 eBay$4,595.44
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Vetus BOW9512D Bow Thruster 95 kgf for value ($39.26 per kgf ($3,729.30, 95 kgf) vs $47.38 per kgf ($4,595.44, 97 kgf)).
- Choose the Lewmar 185TT 6.0 kW Gen 2 Thruster for weight (3.6 kgf per kg (97 kgf, 27 kg) vs 3.2 kgf per kg (95 kgf, 30 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 | Vetus BOW9512D Bow Thruster 95 kgf | Lewmar 185TT 6.0 kW Gen 2 Thruster |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.2/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Value 40% | 70 $39.26 per kgf ($3,729.30, 95 kgf) | 57 $47.38 per kgf ($4,595.44, 97 kgf) |
| Efficiency 25% | 38 16.7 kgf per kW (95 kgf, 5.7 kW) | 31 16.2 kgf per kW (97 kgf, 6 kW) |
| Run time 25% | 33 3 minutes continuous | 33 3 minutes continuous |
| Weight 10% | 39 3.2 kgf per kg (95 kgf, 30 kg) | 53 3.6 kgf per kg (97 kgf, 27 kg) |
Specifications
| Vetus BOW9512D Bow Thruster 95 kgf | Lewmar 185TT 6.0 kW Gen 2 Thruster | |
|---|---|---|
| Thrust | ||
| Rated thrust | 95 kgf | 97 kgf |
| Style | Tunnel | Tunnel |
| Propellers | Single | Single |
| Bow or stern use | Yes | - |
| Boat length | 36-55 ft | - |
| Electrical | ||
| Supply | 12 V | 12 V |
| Motor | 5.7 kW | 6 kW |
| Current draw | 650 A | 700 A |
| Continuous run | 3 min | 3 min |
| Build | ||
| Tunnel diameter | 185 mm | 185 mm |
| Weight | 30 kg (66 lb) | 27 kg (59 lb) |