Sleipner SE50 Tunnel Bow Thruster 12V
#2 in 45 to 75 kgfFull review
A mid-size bow thruster for a 26 to 36 ft boat. Buy the SE60 instead if you also want a stern thruster of the same family.
Amazon $1,700$1,700
The Sleipner SE50 Tunnel Bow Thruster 12V is the better bow thruster overall, rated 3.9 to 3.3. The Sleipner SE50 Tunnel Bow Thruster 12V leads on efficiency and value. The Vetus BOW4512D Bow Thruster 45 kgf wins on run time. The Sleipner SE50 Tunnel Bow Thruster 12V costs $136.41 less ($1,700 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
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Sleipner SE50 Tunnel Bow Thruster 12V for efficiency (20.8 kgf per kW (50 kgf, 2.4 kW) vs 15 kgf per kW (45 kgf, 3 kW)) and value ($34 per kgf ($1,700, 50 kgf) vs $40.81 per kgf ($1,836.41, 45 kgf)).
- Choose the Vetus BOW4512D Bow Thruster 45 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 45 to 75 kgf bow thruster; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Sleipner SE50 Tunnel Bow Thruster 12V | Vetus BOW4512D Bow Thruster 45 kgf |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.9/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Value 40% | 79 $34 per kgf ($1,700, 50 kgf) | 67 $40.81 per kgf ($1,836.41, 45 kgf) |
| Efficiency 25% | 98 20.8 kgf per kW (50 kgf, 2.4 kW) | 14 15 kgf per kW (45 kgf, 3 kW) |
| Run time 25% | 33 3 minutes continuous | 67 4 minutes continuous |
| Weight 10% | 44 3.3 kgf per kg (50 kgf, 15 kg) | 50 weight not published (neutral score used) |
Specifications
| Sleipner SE50 Tunnel Bow Thruster 12V | Vetus BOW4512D Bow Thruster 45 kgf | |
|---|---|---|
| Thrust | ||
| Rated thrust | 50 kgf | 45 kgf |
| Thrust at full supply voltage | 62 kgf | - |
| Style | Tunnel | Tunnel |
| Propellers | Single | Single |
| Bow or stern use | No | Yes |
| Boat length | 26-36 ft | 26-37 ft |
| Electrical | ||
| Supply | 12 V | 12 V |
| Motor | 2.4 kW | 3 kW |
| Current draw | 370 A | 300 A |
| Continuous run | 3 min | 4 min |
| Build | ||
| Tunnel diameter | 140 mm | 125 mm |
| Weight | 15 kg (33.1 lb) | - |