Vetus BOW3512E Bow Thruster 35 kgf
#1 in Under 45 kgfFull review
A light, long-running thruster for a 20 to 30 ft boat with a 150 mm tunnel. A Sleipner SE40 gives more thrust for less.
Fisheries Supply $1,786.04 eBay$1,786.04
The Vetus BOW3512E Bow Thruster 35 kgf rates 3.8 among under 45 kgf bow thrusters; the Vetus BOW4512D Bow Thruster 45 kgf rates 3.3 among 45 to 75 kgf ones. The Vetus BOW3512E Bow Thruster 35 kgf costs $42.98 less ($1,786.04 vs $1,829.02).
Prices were last checked November 9, 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. As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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 $1,829.02 eBay$1,829.02
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 | Vetus BOW3512E Bow Thruster 35 kgf | Vetus BOW4512D Bow Thruster 45 kgf |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.8/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Value 40% | 52 $51.03 per kgf ($1,786.04, 35 kgf) | 67 $40.64 per kgf ($1,829.02, 45 kgf) |
| Efficiency 25% | 100 23.3 kgf per kW (35 kgf, 1.5 kW) | 14 15 kgf per kW (45 kgf, 3 kW) |
| Run time 25% | 67 4 minutes continuous | 67 4 minutes continuous |
| Weight 10% | 31 2.9 kgf per kg (35 kgf, 12 kg) | 50 weight not published (neutral score used) |
Specifications
| Vetus BOW3512E Bow Thruster 35 kgf | Vetus BOW4512D Bow Thruster 45 kgf | |
|---|---|---|
| Thrust | ||
| Rated thrust | 35 kgf | 45 kgf |
| Style | Tunnel | Tunnel |
| Propellers | Single | Single |
| Bow or stern use | Yes | Yes |
| Boat length | 20-30 ft | 26-37 ft |
| Electrical | ||
| Supply | 12 V | 12 V |
| Motor | 1.5 kW | 3 kW |
| Current draw | 220 A | 300 A |
| Continuous run | 4 min | 4 min |
| Build | ||
| Tunnel diameter | 150 mm | 125 mm |
| Weight | 12 kg (26 lb) | - |