Vetus BOW6012D Bow Thruster 60 kgf
#1 in 45 to 75 kgfFull review
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 $2,242.61$2,242.61
The Vetus BOW6012D Bow Thruster 60 kgf is the better bow thruster overall, rated 4.6 to 3.9. The Vetus BOW6012D Bow Thruster 60 kgf leads on run time and efficiency. The Sleipner SE60 Tunnel Thruster 12V costs $342.61 less ($1,900 vs $2,242.61).
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 BOW6012D Bow Thruster 60 kgf for run time (5 minutes continuous vs 3 minutes continuous) and efficiency (21.7 kgf per kW (65 kgf, 3 kW) vs 19.4 kgf per kW (60 kgf, 3.1 kW)).
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 BOW6012D Bow Thruster 60 kgf | Sleipner SE60 Tunnel Thruster 12V |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.6/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Value 40% | 78 $34.50 per kgf ($2,242.61, 65 kgf) | 84 $31.67 per kgf ($1,900, 60 kgf) |
| Efficiency 25% | 100 21.7 kgf per kW (65 kgf, 3 kW) | 76 19.4 kgf per kW (60 kgf, 3.1 kW) |
| Run time 25% | 100 5 minutes continuous | 33 3 minutes continuous |
| Weight 10% | 61 3.8 kgf per kg (65 kgf, 17 kg) | 67 4 kgf per kg (60 kgf, 15 kg) |
Specifications
| Vetus BOW6012D Bow Thruster 60 kgf | Sleipner SE60 Tunnel Thruster 12V | |
|---|---|---|
| Thrust | ||
| Rated thrust | 65 kgf | 60 kgf |
| Thrust at full supply voltage | - | 73 kgf |
| Style | Tunnel | Tunnel |
| Propellers | Single | Single |
| Bow or stern use | Yes | Yes |
| Boat length | 27-40 ft | 30-39 ft |
| Electrical | ||
| Supply | 12 V | 12 V |
| Motor | 3 kW | 3.1 kW |
| Current draw | 280 A | 370 A |
| Continuous run | 5 min | 3 min |
| Build | ||
| Tunnel diameter | 185 mm | 185 mm |
| Weight | 17 kg | 15 kg (33.1 lb) |