DC Bow & Stern Thrusters
The original recreational boat thruster — developed and refined over 40 years, installed worldwide and operating in every condition. Simple on/off control, the simplest installation, and the lowest cost of any thruster type. Twenty models from 25 to 285 kgf for boats from 15 to 90 feet.
Proven concept, optimum flow
Lowest cost, easiest retrofit
The most affordable path to easy docking, with the simplest installation of any thruster type — ideal for retrofits.
Quiet by design
A unique six-blade propeller, spiral gears and flexible coupling minimise noise; the streamlined tailpiece optimises flow.
No corrosion in the prop
The synthetic propeller eliminates corrosion and reduces weight, while the housing protects the electrics.
Thermal protection
An integrated thermal switch prevents overheating if the thruster is pushed past its duty cycle.
Simple, intuitive control
On/off port-starboard control everyone understands — panels are interchangeable with older VETUS panels.
12, 24 & 48 V models
Series-wound brushed DC motors in voltages to suit your boat's electrical system.
Worth knowing: DC thrusters run 2–4 minutes (continuous or combined) per hour and control is on/off rather than proportional. If you dock in tricky conditions every weekend — or want joystick integration — read our BOW PRO vs DC guide.
DC thruster range
All models rated at battery voltage of 10.5/21 V, accounting for the voltage drop a thruster causes. Battery guidance is the CCA (cold cranking amps) window — DC thrusters draw a big inrush current, so CCA matters more than amp-hours.
| Model | Thrust | Voltage | Power | Advised boat length | Tunnel Ø | Runtime* | Battery guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOW2512E | 25 kgf | 12 V | 1.5–2 kW | 15–24 ft (5–7 m) | 110 mm | 4 min | 333–667 CCA |
| BOW3512E | 35 kgf | 12 V | 1.5–2 kW | 20–30 ft (6–10 m) | 150 mm | 4 min | 367–733 CCA |
| BOW3512F | 35 kgf | 12 V | 1.5–2 kW | 20–30 ft (6–10 m) | 125 mm | 4 min | 367–733 CCA |
| BOW4012 | 40 kgf | 12 V | 1.5–2 kW | 26–34 ft (8–10.5 m) | 140 mm | 4 min | 367–733 CCA |
| BOW4512D | 45 kgf | 12 V | 3–4 kW | 26–37 ft (8–11.5 m) | 125 mm | 4 min | 625–1250 CCA |
| BOW5212 | 52 kgf | 12 V | 3–4 kW | 26–39 ft (8–12 m) | 140 mm | 4 min | 625–1250 CCA |
| BOW5512D | 55 kgf | 12 V | 3–4 kW | 26–39 ft (8–12 m) | 150 mm | 4 min | 625–1250 CCA |
| BOW5524D | 60 kgf | 24 V | 3–4 kW | 26–39 ft (8–12 m) | 150 mm | 4 min | 342–683 CCA |
| BOW6012D | 65 kgf | 12 V | 3–4 kW | 27–40 ft (8–12.5 m) | 185 mm | 4 min | 500–1000 CCA |
| BOW6024D | 70 kgf | 24 V | 3–4 kW | 27–40 ft (8–12.5 m) | 185 mm | 4 min | 275–550 CCA |
| BOW7512D | 80 kgf | 12 V | 4.4–6 kW | 30–45 ft (10–14 m) | 185 mm | 4 min | 917–1833 CCA |
| BOW7524D | 85 kgf | 24 V | 4.4–6 kW | 30–45 ft (10–14 m) | 185 mm | 4 min | 525–1050 CCA |
| BOW9512D | 95 kgf | 12 V | 5.7–8 kW | 36–55 ft (11.5–17 m) | 185 mm | 4 min | 1083–2166 CCA |
| BOW9524D | 105 kgf | 24 V | 5.7–8 kW | 36–55 ft (11.5–17 m) | 185 mm | 4 min | 533–1067 CCA |
| BOW12512D | 125 kgf | 12 V | 5.7–8 kW | 40–60 ft (12.5–18 m) | 250 mm | 4 min | 1400–2800 CCA |
| BOW12524D | 140 kgf | 24 V | 5.7–8 kW | 40–60 ft (12.5–18 m) | 250 mm | 4 min | 783–1567 CCA |
| BOW16024D | 160 kgf | 24 V | 7–9.5 kW | 44–68 ft (15–20 m) | 250 mm | 4 min | 933–1866 CCA |
| BOW18024D | 180 kgf | 24 V | 7–9.5 kW | 46–70 ft (14–22 m) | 250 mm | 4 min | 668–1336 CCA |
| BOW22024D | 220 kgf | 24 V | 11–15 kW | 50–75 ft (16–22 m) | 300 mm | 4 min | 1267–2533 CCA |
| BOW28548D | 285 kgf | 48 V | 17.5–23.5 kW | 60–100 ft (20–30 m) | 300 mm | 4 min | 933–1866 CCA |
Petrol boat? You need ignition protection.
In any compartment containing a petrol engine, fuel tank or lines, or propane storage, a thruster must be ignition protected so fumes can never reach the motor's internals. VETUS ignition-protected DC thrusters use a watertight, sealed housing complying with ISO 8846 — making them the only electric thruster type suitable for these spaces (jet skis and outboard fuel systems included).
- Ignition-protected versions from 25 to 160 kgf
- Supplied with all required seals, connectors and fastening components
- Automatic fuse resets externally — no need to open the housing
- The sealed housing doubles as excellent corrosion protection
- Stern-thruster use possible with the appropriate kit
Ignition-protected versions are available for the models marked below — order codes carry an “I” suffix (e.g. BOW5512DI).
| Model | Thrust | Voltage | Power | Advised boat length | Tunnel Ø |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOW2512E | 25 kgf | 12 V | 1.5–2 kW | 15–24 ft (5–7 m) | 110 mm |
| BOW3512E | 35 kgf | 12 V | 1.5–2 kW | 20–30 ft (6–10 m) | 150 mm |
| BOW3512F | 35 kgf | 12 V | 1.5–2 kW | 20–30 ft (6–10 m) | 125 mm |
| BOW4512D | 45 kgf | 12 V | 3–4 kW | 26–37 ft (8–11.5 m) | 125 mm |
| BOW5512D | 55 kgf | 12 V | 3–4 kW | 26–39 ft (8–12 m) | 150 mm |
| BOW5524D | 60 kgf | 24 V | 3–4 kW | 26–39 ft (8–12 m) | 150 mm |
| BOW7512D | 80 kgf | 12 V | 4.4–6 kW | 30–45 ft (10–14 m) | 185 mm |
| BOW7524D | 85 kgf | 24 V | 4.4–6 kW | 30–45 ft (10–14 m) | 185 mm |
| BOW9512D | 95 kgf | 12 V | 5.7–8 kW | 36–55 ft (11.5–17 m) | 185 mm |
| BOW9524D | 105 kgf | 24 V | 5.7–8 kW | 36–55 ft (11.5–17 m) | 185 mm |
| BOW12524D | 140 kgf | 24 V | 5.7–8 kW | 40–60 ft (12.5–18 m) | 250 mm |
| BOW16024D | 160 kgf | 24 V | 7–9.5 kW | 44–68 ft (15–20 m) | 250 mm |
DC control panels
Waterproof (IP65) panels in deluxe and compact versions, fitting a 52 mm cut-out, with time-delay protection against switching over too quickly. The EZDOCK2 combines bow and stern control into one knob.
EZDOCK2
EZDOCK2 twin-joystick docking panel
- Combines bow and stern joysticks into one easy docking knob
- Power indicator, warning LED and buzzer
BPJE2
Joystick panel with time delay
- Waterproof IP65, fits any helm position
- Protected against accidental operation
BPSE2
Touch panel with time delay
- Compact touch control
- Interconnects easily for multiple stations
Get a DC thruster quote
The most affordable route to easy docking. Tell us your boat and we'll quote the right DC model with tunnel, panel and battery guidance.
Luxfords Marine is the authorised Victorian Vetus distributor — we confirm thrust sizing, specify the battery bank and cabling, and supply everything from the tunnel to the control panel.
(03) 5973 6444