The Vetus BOW series is Vetus's on/off DC tunnel thruster, from the 25 kgf BOW2512E in a 110 mm tunnel to the 285 kgf BOW28548D on 48V. It suits owners who want a straightforward bow or stern thruster with composite props and a quiet gear set. Run times are short (about 2-5 minutes), so size the battery and cable carefully.
What we like
- Wide range from 110 mm to 300 mm tunnels
- Synthetic, corrosion-resistant propellers
- Six-blade propellers and spiral gears aimed at lower noise
- Extended-runtime and ignition-protected versions available
- Tunnels offered in GRP, steel and aluminum
Watch out for
- Short rated run times, 2-5 minutes depending on model
- On/off only, no speed control
- Very high current on the larger 12V models
- Some extended-runtime models now discontinued
Vetus, the Dutch marine equipment company, sells everything from diesel engines to exhaust hose, and its standard BOW thruster range is the plain, no-electronics end of its thruster catalog: on/off DC motors in tunnels from 110 mm up to 300 mm. Plenty of boats already have one in the forepeak, which makes the BOW a common replacement job as well as a new install.
What you get
Every standard BOW model shares the same basic recipe, according to Vetus: an integrated thermal switch to stop the motor if it overheats, a six-blade propeller, spiral gears and a flexible coupling aimed at keeping noise down, and synthetic propellers that do not corrode and save weight. Vetus also sells its tunnels in GRP, steel and aluminum, which matters on metal boats.
They are on/off thrusters. No speed control. If you want proportional control, that is the BOW PRO range.
The lineup
Vetus model codes are easy to decode once you see the pattern: BOW, then the thrust class, then the voltage, then a letter for the version. BOW9512D is the 95 kgf class at 12V. The thrust figure in the spec table is not always the same as the class number, so check the actual spec.
| Model | Thrust (Vetus spec) | Volts | Tunnel | Run time | Vetus boat guidance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOW2512E | 25 kgf | 12 | 110 mm | 4 min | Up to 24 ft |
| BOW3512F / BOW3512E | 35 kgf | 12 | 125 / 150 mm | 4 min | 20-30 ft |
| BOW4512D | 45 kgf | 12 | 125 mm | 4 min | 26-37 ft |
| BOW5512D | 55 kgf | 12 | 150 mm | 4 min | 26-39 ft |
| BOW5524D | 60 kgf | 24 | 150 mm | 4 min | 26-39 ft |
| BOW6012D | 65 kgf | 12 | 185 mm | 5 min | 27-40 ft |
| BOW7512D | 80 kgf | 12 | 185 mm | 2 min | 30-45 ft |
| BOW7524D | 85 kgf | 24 | 185 mm | 3 min | 30-40 ft |
| BOW9512D | 95 kgf | 12 | 185 mm | 3 min | 36-55 ft |
| BOW9524D | 105 kgf | 24 | 185 mm | 3.5 min | 36-55 ft |
| BOW12512D | 125 kgf | 12 | 250 mm | 3 min | 40-60 ft |
| BOW12524D | 140 kgf | 24 | 250 mm | 2.5 min | 40-60 ft |
| BOW16024D | 160 kgf | 24 | 250 mm | 4.5 min | 44-68 ft |
| BOW18024D | 180 kgf | 24 | 250 mm | n/a | 46-70 ft |
| BOW22024D | 220 kgf | 24 | 300 mm | 2.5 min | 50-75 ft |
| BOW28548D | 285 kgf | 48 | 300 mm | 2.5 min | 60-100 ft |
There are also 40 kgf and 70 kgf listings in the Vetus webshop. Vetus's guidance is a starting point only. Windage and hull shape matter more than length, so use the sizing calculator and talk it through with your installer.
Extended runtime
Vetus's DE models are built to run longer. Vetus says extended-runtime thrusters can run continuously for at least 7 minutes and suit joystick docking. The BOW1604DE (160 kgf, 24V, 250 mm) and BOW2204DE (220 kgf, 24V, 300 mm) are listed. The BOW954DE and BOW1254DE pages now carry a discontinued notice. Expect extra weight: the BOW1604DE is listed at 55 kg against 38 kg for the standard BOW16024D.
Ignition-protected
Vetus lists ignition-protected versions (DI, EI and FI suffixes) from 25 kgf up to 160 kgf, for installs where gasoline vapor is possible.
Installation notes
Current is the story
Look at the current numbers. The BOW9512D draws 610 A on 12V. The BOW12512D draws 800 A. Those are serious figures, and they are why 12V installs of larger thrusters so often underperform: a little extra resistance in a long cable run costs real thrust. The 24V versions cut current roughly in half (320 A for the BOW9524D) and Vetus lists them at higher thrust. If your boat has 24V, use it.
Battery placement
Put the thruster battery as close to the thruster as is practical, with a proper fuse and isolator. Our AGM battery review and lithium battery review cover the options.
Stern installs
Every BOW model can go in the stern, but Vetus says you need the correct Vetus stern thruster tunnel. See our stern thruster installation page.
Replacement jobs
If you are replacing an old Vetus unit, the existing tunnel and drill pattern make it a fairly simple swap. Vetus publishes drill patterns for each tunnel size. Check the old motor's current draw against the new one; if you go up a size, the old cable may not be enough.
The weak spots
- Run time. The BOW7512D is rated for 2 minutes. That is fine for docking in bursts, less fine for holding position in wind.
- 12V current. Big 12V models pull 600-800 A. The install has to be done properly, with no shortcuts.
- Range changes. Some extended-runtime models now show as discontinued, so confirm availability before you plan around one.
How it compares
The direct rival is the Sleipner SE. Sleipner model numbers are thrust at nominal voltage, with a higher figure at full voltage; Vetus lists a single thrust figure per model. Compare at the same voltage and tunnel size. Our Sleipner vs Vetus comparison covers this. Lewmar, Max Power CT and ABT-TRAC DC are the other common choices.
Verdict
The Vetus BOW is a sound on/off thruster with a wide size range, sensible composite props, and tunnels for every hull material. It is a natural fit as a replacement in an existing Vetus tunnel and a fair choice on new installs. Choose 24V when you can, keep the cable short, and if you want speed control or long run times, move up to the BOW PRO. Ask us for a quote with your boat details and current setup.
Questions people ask
How long can a Vetus BOW thruster run?
Vetus lists continuous operating time per model, generally between 2 and 5 minutes. The BOW9512D is rated for 3 minutes, the BOW7512D for 2, the BOW6012D for 5. An integrated thermal switch stops the motor if it overheats.
What is the difference between BOW and the extended-runtime models?
Extended-runtime models (the DE suffix) are designed to run longer before overheating. Vetus says they can run continuously for at least 7 minutes and suit joystick docking and more demanding use. The BOW1604DE and BOW2204DE are listed; the BOW954DE and BOW1254DE pages now say discontinued.
Can a Vetus BOW be used as a stern thruster?
Yes. Vetus describes them as bow and stern thrusters, but you need the matching Vetus stern thruster tunnel for a transom installation.
Why does the BOW9524D make more thrust than the BOW9512D?
Vetus lists the 24V version at 105 kgf and the 12V version at 95 kgf, with the same 5.7 kW motor class and a much lower current (320 A vs 610 A). Higher voltage means less loss in the cables, which is one reason to go 24V if your boat allows it.
- Vetus BOW9512D product page
- Vetus BOW9524D product page
- Vetus BOW2512E product page
- Vetus BOW28548D product page
- Vetus BOW16024D product page
- Vetus BOW1604DE extended runtime
- Vetus standard DC thrusters category
- Vetus ignition-protected thrusters category
Manufacturers update their lines. Confirm current model numbers with us or the maker before you buy.