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 $2,242.61The Vetus BOW6012D Bow Thruster 60 kgf rates 4.6 among 45 to 75 kgf bow thrusters; the Sleipner SE130 Tunnel Thruster 12V rates 3.9 among over 75 kgf ones. The Vetus BOW6012D Bow Thruster 60 kgf costs $1,770.78 less ($2,242.61 vs $4,013.39).
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.

For a 43 to 62 ft boat with a big battery bank. Most boats this size are better served by a 24 V version if the maker offers one.
Amazon $4,013.39Scores side by side
These two sit in different thrust classes (45 to 75 kgf and over 75 kgf), and each is scored against the reference points for its own class, so a rating says how well each does among its own thrust peers. How we rank explains each factor.
| Factor weight | Vetus BOW6012D Bow Thruster 60 kgf | Sleipner SE130 Tunnel Thruster 12V |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.6/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Value 40% | 78 $34.50 per kgf ($2,242.61, 65 kgf) | 86 $30.87 per kgf ($4,013.39, 130 kgf) |
| Efficiency 25% | 100 21.7 kgf per kW (65 kgf, 3 kW) | 86 20 kgf per kW (130 kgf, 6.5 kW) |
| Run time 25% | 100 5 minutes continuous | 33 3 minutes continuous |
| Weight 10% | 61 3.8 kgf per kg (65 kgf, 17 kg) | 50 3.5 kgf per kg (130 kgf, 37 kg) |
Specifications
| Vetus BOW6012D Bow Thruster 60 kgf | Sleipner SE130 Tunnel Thruster 12V | |
|---|---|---|
| Thrust | ||
| Rated thrust | 65 kgf | 130 kgf |
| Thrust at full supply voltage | - | 160 kgf |
| Style | Tunnel | Tunnel |
| Propellers | Single | Twin |
| Bow or stern use | Yes | Yes |
| Boat length | 27-40 ft | 43-62 ft |
| Electrical | ||
| Supply | 12 V | 12 V |
| Motor | 3 kW | 6.5 kW |
| Current draw | 280 A | 800 A |
| Continuous run | 5 min | 3 min |
| Build | ||
| Tunnel diameter | 185 mm | 250 mm |
| Weight | 17 kg | 37 kg (81.6 lb) |