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 eBayThe Vetus BOW9512D Bow Thruster 95 kgf is the better bow thruster overall, rated 3.2 to 2.9. The Vetus BOW9512D Bow Thruster 95 kgf leads on value and efficiency. The Vetus BOW9512D Bow Thruster 95 kgf costs $1,093.24 less ($3,729.30 vs $4,822.54).
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.
For a 39 to 56 ft boat that has only a 185 mm tunnel and a 12 V system. A 24 V boat gets more thrust per dollar from the SE120.
Fisheries Supply $4,822.54 eBayWhich should you buy?
- Choose the Vetus BOW9512D Bow Thruster 95 kgf for value ($39.26 per kgf ($3,729.30, 95 kgf) vs $48.23 per kgf ($4,822.54, 100 kgf)) and efficiency (16.7 kgf per kW (95 kgf, 5.7 kW) vs 15.9 kgf per kW (100 kgf, 6.3 kW)).
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 | Sleipner SE100 Tunnel Thruster 12V |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.2/5 | 2.9/5 |
| Value 40% | 70 $39.26 per kgf ($3,729.30, 95 kgf) | 56 $48.23 per kgf ($4,822.54, 100 kgf) |
| Efficiency 25% | 38 16.7 kgf per kW (95 kgf, 5.7 kW) | 27 15.9 kgf per kW (100 kgf, 6.3 kW) |
| Run time 25% | 33 3 minutes continuous | 33 3 minutes continuous |
| Weight 10% | 39 3.2 kgf per kg (95 kgf, 30 kg) | 41 3.2 kgf per kg (100 kgf, 31 kg) |
Specifications
| Vetus BOW9512D Bow Thruster 95 kgf | Sleipner SE100 Tunnel Thruster 12V | |
|---|---|---|
| Thrust | ||
| Rated thrust | 95 kgf | 100 kgf |
| Thrust at full supply voltage | - | 116 kgf |
| Style | Tunnel | Tunnel |
| Propellers | Single | Twin |
| Bow or stern use | Yes | Yes |
| Boat length | 36-55 ft | 39-56 ft |
| Electrical | ||
| Supply | 12 V | 12 V |
| Motor | 5.7 kW | 6.3 kW |
| Current draw | 650 A | 740 A |
| Continuous run | 3 min | 3 min |
| Build | ||
| Tunnel diameter | 185 mm | 185 mm |
| Weight | 30 kg (66 lb) | 31 kg (68.3 lb) |
