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 rates 4.6 among 45 to 75 kgf bow thrusters; the Sleipner SE80 Tunnel Thruster 12V rates 3.7 among over 75 kgf ones. The Vetus BOW6012D Bow Thruster 60 kgf costs $457.39 less ($2,242.61 vs $2,700).
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 SE80 Tunnel Thruster 12V
#3 in Over 75 kgfFull review
Strong thrust for a 33 to 49 ft boat that has only a 12 V system. If you can run 24 V, the 24 V version needs about half the current.
Amazon $2,700$2,700
Scores side by side
These two sit in different thrust classes (45 to 75 kgf and over 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 | Vetus BOW6012D Bow Thruster 60 kgf | Sleipner SE80 Tunnel Thruster 12V |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.6/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Value 40% | 78 $34.50 per kgf ($2,242.61, 65 kgf) | 80 $33.75 per kgf ($2,700, 80 kgf) |
| Efficiency 25% | 100 21.7 kgf per kW (65 kgf, 3 kW) | 60 18.2 kgf per kW (80 kgf, 4.4 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 (80 kgf, 20 kg) |
Specifications
| Vetus BOW6012D Bow Thruster 60 kgf | Sleipner SE80 Tunnel Thruster 12V | |
|---|---|---|
| Thrust | ||
| Rated thrust | 65 kgf | 80 kgf |
| Thrust at full supply voltage | - | 96 kgf |
| Style | Tunnel | Tunnel |
| Propellers | Single | Twin |
| Bow or stern use | Yes | Yes |
| Boat length | 27-40 ft | 33-49 ft |
| Electrical | ||
| Supply | 12 V | 12 V |
| Motor | 3 kW | 4.4 kW |
| Current draw | 280 A | 530 A |
| Continuous run | 5 min | 3 min |
| Build | ||
| Tunnel diameter | 185 mm | 185 mm |
| Weight | 17 kg | 20 kg (44.1 lb) |