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 is the better bow thruster overall, rated 3.9 to 3.3. The Vetus BOW5512D Bow Thruster 55 kgf leads on efficiency and value. The Vetus BOW4512D Bow Thruster 45 kgf costs $9.56 less ($1,836.41 vs $1,845.97).
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 Vetus BOW5512D Bow Thruster 55 kgf for efficiency (18.3 kgf per kW (55 kgf, 3 kW) vs 15 kgf per kW (45 kgf, 3 kW)) and value ($33.56 per kgf ($1,845.97, 55 kgf) vs $40.81 per kgf ($1,836.41, 45 kgf)).
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 | Vetus BOW4512D Bow Thruster 45 kgf |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.9/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Value 40% | 80 $33.56 per kgf ($1,845.97, 55 kgf) | 67 $40.81 per kgf ($1,836.41, 45 kgf) |
| Efficiency 25% | 62 18.3 kgf per kW (55 kgf, 3 kW) | 14 15 kgf per kW (45 kgf, 3 kW) |
| Run time 25% | 67 4 minutes continuous | 67 4 minutes continuous |
| Weight 10% | 41 3.2 kgf per kg (55 kgf, 17 kg) | 50 weight not published (neutral score used) |
Specifications
| Vetus BOW5512D Bow Thruster 55 kgf | Vetus BOW4512D Bow Thruster 45 kgf | |
|---|---|---|
| Thrust | ||
| Rated thrust | 55 kgf | 45 kgf |
| Style | Tunnel | Tunnel |
| Propellers | Single | Single |
| Bow or stern use | Yes | Yes |
| Boat length | 26-39 ft | 26-37 ft |
| Electrical | ||
| Supply | 12 V | 12 V |
| Motor | 3 kW | 3 kW |
| Current draw | 350 A | 300 A |
| Continuous run | 4 min | 4 min |
| Build | ||
| Tunnel diameter | 150 mm | 125 mm |
| Weight | 17 kg | - |