Sleipner SE30 Tunnel Thruster 12V
#3 in Under 45 kgfFull review
The cheapest way into a Sleipner tunnel thruster, for a small cruiser or runabout. Pick the SE40 if your boat is near the top of its length range.
Amazon $1,341 eBay$1,341
The Sleipner SE30 Tunnel Thruster 12V is the better bow thruster overall, rated 3.5 to 2.9. The Sleipner SE30 Tunnel Thruster 12V leads on efficiency, value and weight. The Vetus BOW2512E Bow Thruster 25 kgf wins on run time. The Sleipner SE30 Tunnel Thruster 12V costs $277.64 less ($1,341 vs $1,618.64).
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.
Vetus BOW2512E Bow Thruster 25 kgf
#8 in Under 45 kgfFull review
For a runabout or small cruiser up to about 24 ft that can only fit a 110 mm tunnel. Bigger boats need more than 25 kgf.
Fisheries Supply $1,618.64 eBay$1,618.64
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Sleipner SE30 Tunnel Thruster 12V for efficiency (20 kgf per kW (30 kgf, 1.5 kW) vs 16.7 kgf per kW (25 kgf, 1.5 kW)), value ($44.70 per kgf ($1,341, 30 kgf) vs $64.75 per kgf ($1,618.64, 25 kgf)) and weight (3.2 kgf per kg (30 kgf, 9.5 kg) vs 2.1 kgf per kg (25 kgf, 12 kg)).
- Choose the Vetus BOW2512E Bow Thruster 25 kgf for run time (4 minutes continuous vs 3 minutes continuous).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every under 45 kgf bow thruster; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Sleipner SE30 Tunnel Thruster 12V | Vetus BOW2512E Bow Thruster 25 kgf |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.5/5 | 2.9/5 |
| Value 40% | 61 $44.70 per kgf ($1,341, 30 kgf) | 36 $64.75 per kgf ($1,618.64, 25 kgf) |
| Efficiency 25% | 86 20 kgf per kW (30 kgf, 1.5 kW) | 38 16.7 kgf per kW (25 kgf, 1.5 kW) |
| Run time 25% | 33 3 minutes continuous | 67 4 minutes continuous |
| Weight 10% | 39 3.2 kgf per kg (30 kgf, 9.5 kg) | 3 2.1 kgf per kg (25 kgf, 12 kg) |
Specifications
| Sleipner SE30 Tunnel Thruster 12V | Vetus BOW2512E Bow Thruster 25 kgf | |
|---|---|---|
| Thrust | ||
| Rated thrust | 30 kgf | 25 kgf |
| Thrust at full supply voltage | 40 kgf | - |
| Style | Tunnel | Tunnel |
| Propellers | Single | Single |
| Bow or stern use | Yes | Yes |
| Boat length | 20-26 ft | up to 24 ft |
| Electrical | ||
| Supply | 12 V | 12 V |
| Motor | 1.5 kW | 1.5 kW |
| Current draw | 245 A | 200 A |
| Continuous run | 3 min | 4 min |
| Build | ||
| Tunnel diameter | 125 mm | 110 mm |
| Weight | 9.5 kg (20.9 lb) | 12 kg (26 lb) |