Sleipner SE40 Tunnel Thruster 12V
#1 in Under 45 kgfFull review
A strong value pick for a 26 to 34 ft boat: about $36 per kgf from a compact unit. Check that your battery bank can feed 315 A.
Amazon $1,450$1,450
The Sleipner SE40 Tunnel Thruster 12V rates 3.6 among under 45 kgf bow thrusters; the Vetus BOW4512D Bow Thruster 45 kgf rates 3.3 among 45 to 75 kgf ones. The Sleipner SE40 Tunnel Thruster 12V costs $386.41 less ($1,450 vs $1,836.41).
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.
Vetus BOW4512D Bow Thruster 45 kgf
#7 in 45 to 75 kgfFull review
A solid, well supported thruster for a 26 to 37 ft boat, but you pay about $390 more than Sleipner for similar thrust.
Amazon $1,836.41$1,836.41
Scores side by side
These two sit in different thrust classes (under 45 kgf and 45 to 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 | Sleipner SE40 Tunnel Thruster 12V | Vetus BOW4512D Bow Thruster 45 kgf |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.6/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Value 40% | 75 $36.25 per kgf ($1,450, 40 kgf) | 67 $40.81 per kgf ($1,836.41, 45 kgf) |
| Efficiency 25% | 60 18.2 kgf per kW (40 kgf, 2.2 kW) | 14 15 kgf per kW (45 kgf, 3 kW) |
| Run time 25% | 33 3 minutes continuous | 67 4 minutes continuous |
| Weight 10% | 67 4 kgf per kg (40 kgf, 10 kg) | 50 weight not published (neutral score used) |
Specifications
| Sleipner SE40 Tunnel Thruster 12V | Vetus BOW4512D Bow Thruster 45 kgf | |
|---|---|---|
| Thrust | ||
| Rated thrust | 40 kgf | 45 kgf |
| Thrust at full supply voltage | 48 kgf | - |
| Style | Tunnel | Tunnel |
| Propellers | Single | Single |
| Bow or stern use | Yes | Yes |
| Boat length | 26-34 ft | 26-37 ft |
| Electrical | ||
| Supply | 12 V | 12 V |
| Motor | 2.2 kW | 3 kW |
| Current draw | 315 A | 300 A |
| Continuous run | 3 min | 4 min |
| Build | ||
| Tunnel diameter | 125 mm | 125 mm |
| Weight | 10 kg (22.1 lb) | - |