Vetus BOW5512D Bow Thruster 55 kgf
#3 in 45 to 75 kgfFull review
The Vetus pick for a 26 to 39 ft boat, at about the price of a Sleipner SE60 but with less thrust.
Amazon $1,845.97$1,845.97
The Vetus BOW5512D Bow Thruster 55 kgf and the Sleipner SE60 Tunnel Thruster 12V are evenly matched, rated 3.9 and 3.9. The Vetus BOW5512D Bow Thruster 55 kgf leads on run time. The Sleipner SE60 Tunnel Thruster 12V wins on efficiency and weight. The Vetus BOW5512D Bow Thruster 55 kgf costs $54.03 less ($1,845.97 vs $1,900).
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.
Sleipner SE60 Tunnel Thruster 12V
#4 in 45 to 75 kgfFull review
The best value in the range for a 30 to 39 ft boat, with enough thrust for a heavy cruiser in moderate wind.
Amazon $1,900$1,900
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Vetus BOW5512D Bow Thruster 55 kgf for run time (4 minutes continuous vs 3 minutes continuous).
- Choose the Sleipner SE60 Tunnel Thruster 12V for efficiency (19.4 kgf per kW (60 kgf, 3.1 kW) vs 18.3 kgf per kW (55 kgf, 3 kW)) and weight (4 kgf per kg (60 kgf, 15 kg) vs 3.2 kgf per kg (55 kgf, 17 kg)).
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 | Vetus BOW5512D Bow Thruster 55 kgf | Sleipner SE60 Tunnel Thruster 12V |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.9/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Value 40% | 80 $33.56 per kgf ($1,845.97, 55 kgf) | 84 $31.67 per kgf ($1,900, 60 kgf) |
| Efficiency 25% | 62 18.3 kgf per kW (55 kgf, 3 kW) | 76 19.4 kgf per kW (60 kgf, 3.1 kW) |
| Run time 25% | 67 4 minutes continuous | 33 3 minutes continuous |
| Weight 10% | 41 3.2 kgf per kg (55 kgf, 17 kg) | 67 4 kgf per kg (60 kgf, 15 kg) |
Specifications
| Vetus BOW5512D Bow Thruster 55 kgf | Sleipner SE60 Tunnel Thruster 12V | |
|---|---|---|
| Thrust | ||
| Rated thrust | 55 kgf | 60 kgf |
| Thrust at full supply voltage | - | 73 kgf |
| Style | Tunnel | Tunnel |
| Propellers | Single | Single |
| Bow or stern use | Yes | Yes |
| Boat length | 26-39 ft | 30-39 ft |
| Electrical | ||
| Supply | 12 V | 12 V |
| Motor | 3 kW | 3.1 kW |
| Current draw | 350 A | 370 A |
| Continuous run | 4 min | 3 min |
| Build | ||
| Tunnel diameter | 150 mm | 185 mm |
| Weight | 17 kg | 15 kg (33.1 lb) |