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Thruster buying guide

VETUS vs Lewmar Bow Thrusters

Replacing or upgrading a Lewmar? VETUS BOW PRO is our pick for proportional control, standard on 12, 24 or 48 V; Lewmar designs its proportional range for 24 V. VETUS gives 3 years for a private owner's strictly recreational use (not a company), thrusters included, with no shorter term published for motors or controls; Lewmar gives those 1 year (or longer where the law requires).

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Where VETUS has the edge over Lewmar

Proportional control on 12 V

Proportional means you can dial the thrust from a gentle nudge to full power, instead of just on or off. Every BOW PRO is brushless and proportional as standard, with 12 V models from 30 kgf (110 mm tunnel) to 76 kgf (185 mm), plus 24 V and 48 V ranges. Lewmar's proportional thruster is brushless too, but designed for 24 V systems: every model in its 2020 proportional manual is 24 V.

More proportional thrust per tunnel

kgf (kilograms of force) is the push a maker rates its thruster at. In a 185 mm tunnel, BOW PRO Boosted runs from 65 to 130 kgf on 24 V; Lewmar's 2020 proportional manual rates its 24 V proportional 185TT at 45 to 76 kgf at full throttle (current lewmar.com pages publish no thrust figures). VETUS publishes more proportional thrust at 140 mm and 250 mm too. Both are each maker's own ratings, not independent tests.

Motor warranty for private owners

VETUS's warranty is 3 years for a private owner's strictly recreational use (not a company), thrusters included, and VETUS publishes no shorter term for motors or electronic controls. Lewmar's limited warranty gives electric motors, associated electrical equipment and electronic controls 1 year (or longer where the law requires). The edge is for a privately owned recreational boat only: VETUS's 3 years doesn't cover a company-owned boat, where Lewmar's terms turn on use rather than ownership, and for professional, commercial or charter use VETUS gives 12 months (with its written approval beforehand) and Lewmar 1 year (or longer where the law requires).

Lock-and-hold for short-handed berthing

VETUS's BPPJA and DBPPJA panels for BOW PRO can lock the thrust at any level, which VETUS says frees you to step away from the panel to tie up; the double panel runs bow and stern thrusters together to turn the boat on its axis. Lewmar's proportional panel page describes variable thrust, including for "holding position during anchoring", and doesn't describe a thrust lock.

Our verdict

Replacing or upgrading a Lewmar? If you want proportional control (thrust you can dial from a gentle nudge to full power), VETUS BOW PRO is our pick: it is proportional as standard on 12, 24 or 48 V, where Lewmar's proportional range is designed for 24 V systems. In the 140, 185 and 250 mm tunnels where both makers offer proportional units, VETUS publishes more thrust (up to 130 kgf at 185 mm against Lewmar's 76, both listed at 24 V). VETUS's warranty is 3 years for a private owner's strictly recreational use (not a company), thrusters included, with no shorter term published for motors or controls; Lewmar's limited warranty gives electric motors, associated electrical equipment and electronic controls 1 year (or longer where the law requires). Lewmar is the better fit for a retractable from its current range (12 V, 24 V or hydraulic), a vertical or swing retract on a large yacht, or a like-for-like upgrade of an existing Lewmar install.

VETUS and Lewmar side by side

Published figures from each maker, labelled where they come from an Australian distributor or another company. Where a maker does not publish a figure, the table says so rather than guessing, and a tick marks whichever side has the published edge - including when that is Lewmar.

Electric range and top thrust

VETUS

BOW PRO proportional 30-420 kgf, DC on/off 25-285 kgf and RIMDRIVE 160 kgf (48 V only); 12, 24 and 48 V overall, in 110-400 mm tunnels.

Lewmar

Gen 2 TT on/off in 110-300 mm tunnels on 12, 24 and 48 V, from 28 kgf (110TT) to 280 kgf (300TT 15 kW) in Lewmar's 2020 manual. Proportional series 21-119 kgf, all 24 V.

VETUS's 420 kgf is a 48 V BOW PRO Boosted (BOWB420); Lewmar's 2020 manual lists its 280 kgf 300TT 15 kW as 48 V, while its current website lists a 15.0 kW 300 mm option as 24 V. Current lewmar.com product pages publish no thrust figures, so Lewmar kgf figures on this page come from its 2020 manuals and catalogue unless labelled as BLA's. VETUS lists BOW PRO thrust at 12, 24 or 48 V and rates its DC on/off thrusters at a battery voltage of 10.5 or 21 V, allowing for voltage drop; Lewmar publishes no rating voltage for its figures.

Proportional control

VETUS

BOW PRO, VETUS's proportional series alongside its on/off DC range, and RIMDRIVE: proportional as standard, with 12 V BOWA, 24 V BOWB and 48 V BOWA and BOWB models in 110-400 mm tunnels (RIMDRIVE is 48 V), controlled over VETUS V-CAN. The BPPJA and DBPPJA panels add lock-and-hold.

Lewmar

A separate Proportional series, "designed for 24V systems": 140 mm (2.2 kW), 185 mm (3-6 kW) and 250 mm (8 kW), with dedicated Lewmar proportional control panels.

Electric thrusters. Both makers also offer proportional control on hydraulic thrusters.

Proportional thrust, 185 mm tunnel

VETUS

BOW PRO: 65 and 76 kgf on 12 V (BOWA0651, BOWA0761); 65, 76, 90, 110 and 130 kgf on 24 V (BOWB065 to BOWB130).

Lewmar

185TT Proportional: 45, 55 (60 in Lewmar's 2020 catalogue), 67 and 76 kgf at 3, 4, 5 and 6 kW, on 24 V, at 100% throttle.

Lewmar rates its proportional units below its own on/off 185TT at the same motor power (76 against 97 kgf at 6 kW). VETUS's 12 V BOWA likewise tops out below its 12 V DC range at 185 mm (76 against 95 kgf); on 24 V, BOW PRO Boosted reaches 130 kgf against 105 kgf for VETUS's 24 V DC. Both columns are each maker's own ratings at the voltage shown.

On/off thrust, 185 mm tunnel

VETUS

DC range: 65, 80 and 95 kgf on 12 V; 70, 85 and 105 kgf on 24 V.

Lewmar

Gen 2 185TT: 58, 65, 82 and 97 kgf at 3, 4, 5 and 6 kW, on 12 V or 24 V.

At 12 V the highest-rated 185 mm on/off unit here is Lewmar's 185TT 6 kW (97 kgf, against VETUS's 95 kgf BOW9512D); at 24 V it is VETUS's BOW9524D (105 kgf). VETUS's catalogue says its 12 and 24 V DC thrusters are rated at a battery voltage of 10.5 or 21 V, allowing for voltage drop; Lewmar publishes no rating voltage for its figures.

Motor technology

VETUS

BOW PRO and RIMDRIVE: brushless, with no carbon brushes. DC and ignition-protected ranges: series-wound DC motors with carbon brushes.

Lewmar

Gen 2 TT on/off: brushed DC (the manual's fault-finding covers brush springs and the commutator). Proportional series: brushless DC.

Full-power runtime

VETUS

BOW PRO: 6 or 10 minutes continuous at full power depending on model, after which power may be reduced; much longer at reduced power. DC on/off: 2-4 minutes continuous or combined in one hour in VETUS's catalogue, with an integrated thermal switch. VETUS's BPSR, BPJR, BPAS and BPAJ DC panels switch the thruster off after more than 2 minutes' continuous running, with a warning, and it can be restarted once the switch is released and the panel's light stops flashing, about 5 seconds later.

Lewmar

Gen 2 TT on/off: running continuously in one direction for more than 3 minutes puts the system into fault mode, and a thermal switch stops an overheated motor, with a 20-minute cool-down advised. Lewmar publishes no continuous-runtime rating for the Gen 2 TT. Lewmar markets its Proportional thruster as having "unlimited runtime (restricted only by battery capacity)".

VETUS's BPSR, BPJR, BPAS and BPAJ DC panels switch the thruster off if a direction switch is held for more than 2 minutes at a time, sounding a warning while it is held. The thruster can be restarted once the switch is released and the panel's LED stops flashing red, about 5 seconds later. For its type 2 panels (BPSE2, BPJE2, BPJDE2 and EZDOCK2), VETUS's catalogue mentions a warning LED and buzzer after 2 minutes of continuous running, and their current user manual says they switch the motor off in the same way. Both makers' runtime wording varies between documents; this row uses VETUS's catalogue ratings and panel manuals and Lewmar's Gen 2 manual, with Lewmar's proportional claim attributed.

Warranty

VETUS

3 years for a private owner's strictly recreational use (not a company), thrusters included. 12 months for professional use, with written approval from VETUS or its dealer beforehand. Wear parts such as brushes and anodes excluded; no registration step

Lewmar

3 years for normal private pleasure use, but 1 year (or longer where the law requires) for electric motors and associated electrical equipment; electronic controls; hydraulic pumps, valves and actuators; pawls, springs and bearings; and products used in commercial or charter applications.

VETUS's claims go through the supplier you bought from. VETUS voids a claim where required maintenance wasn't done by an authorised VETUS dealer or the installation was faulty, and excludes consequential costs such as transport, labour and lifting. The remaining warranty transfers to a new owner. Lewmar's limited warranty likewise excludes faulty or deficient installation (unless Lewmar did it) and incidental costs of investigation, removal, carriage, transport or installation; products under claim go back to the Lewmar outlet that supplied them unless Lewmar approves otherwise in writing, and service by anyone other than an authorised Lewmar representative voids it unless the work follows Lewmar's guidelines. Lewmar's warranty sets no registration step for thrusters either. The tick is for a privately owned recreational boat, where VETUS publishes no shorter term for the motor or controls. VETUS's 3 years doesn't cover a company-owned boat. Lewmar sets its terms by use ("normal private pleasure boat usage") and states no private-owner condition, so a company-owned boat in leisure use may still fall under Lewmar's 3 years, with 1 year for motors and controls; confirm that in writing before relying on it. For professional, commercial or charter use VETUS gives 12 months (with its written approval beforehand) and Lewmar 1 year (or longer where the law requires). BLA, Lewmar's Australian distributor, advertises a 3 year thruster warranty with 1 year on motor and electrical components. Lewmar's terms here are from its UK limited warranty, linked from lewmar.com.

Engine and joystick integration

VETUS

VETUS publishes BOW PRO integrations with Yamaha Helm Master EX (Yamaha's upgraded controls; Yamaha says new boats only, fitted by the boat builder); Mercury Joystick Piloting for Outboards (JPO) on Verado, with Mercury's integration kit; Honda outboards with Ultraflex controls; Suzuki DF300BMD and DF350AMD; Yanmar JC20A and JC30 inboard joysticks (twin shaft-drive installations); and, on vetus.com, Cummins inboards with Glendinning joystick control. BOW PRO connects over V-CAN, with CANverter gateways to NMEA 2000 and J1939 where a system needs one.

Lewmar

We found no engine or joystick integration published by Lewmar itself. Yamaha's US site states that Lewmar bow thruster controls, among other brands, can be integrated with the Helm Master EX joystick, and in February 2026 Yamaha added Lewmar (and a new system from one other thruster brand) to its variable-speed thruster integration, saying it expected availability in the northern spring of 2026. lewmar.com lists parts titled as NMEA 2000 control units for the proportional thruster, with no published description, and an undescribed part titled "TT 185 5KW 24V PROP YAMAHA BOM".

BOW PRO integrates with Yamaha Helm Master EX, and VETUS says it needs Yamaha's upgraded Helm Master EX controls. Yamaha says its integrated variable-speed bow thruster control is only available through boat-builder installation on new boats (Yamaha rigging bulletin, January 2024, repeated in Yamaha's February 2026 update). If your boat already has Helm Master EX, we can't promise that a BOW PRO fitted now will work through the Yamaha joystick. It would run from its own VETUS panel or joystick, and we check with Yamaha before you commit. BOW PRO integrates with Mercury Joystick Piloting for Outboards (JPO) on Mercury Verado outboards. VETUS says this covers all BOW PRO models on single or multi-engine Verado boats, using a bow thruster integration kit from Mercury, and VETUS's Mercury flyer adds that Mercury's next-generation Digital Throttle & Shift controls are required. Mercury's current joystick pages name no thruster brands, so we confirm your engines and controls with a Mercury dealer before you commit. BOW PRO integrates with Yanmar inboard joystick control on twin shaft-drive installations. VETUS names the Yanmar JC20A and the newer JC30, which Yanmar describes as joystick systems for twin Yanmar shaft-drive engines, and VETUS's wiring manual makes the link through a VETUS CANverter (J1939). VETUS's catalogue and Yanmar's Australian distributor also mention single-engine installations, so we confirm your engines and joystick before you commit.

Running a 24 V thruster on a 12 V boat

VETUS

BOW PRO Boosted (BOWB) has a built-in DC-to-DC charger: its 24 V thruster bank is charged from the boat's 12 V supply (or a 48 V bank from 24 V), and the charge input only switches on when the source voltage allows, protecting the start battery. As standard, the boost charger is only suitable for lead-acid batteries.

Lewmar

Voltage Positive and Negative Switch Boxes (12v/24v and 24v/48v) let a 24 V thruster run on a 12 V boat, or vice versa. Lewmar notes additional batteries may be required, depending on thruster voltage.

The tick is for the charger being built into the thruster, with no separate switch box. VETUS specifies two batteries for BOWB057 to BOWB150.

Ignition protection

VETUS

Ignition-protected DC range (on/off): 25-160 kgf, 12 and 24 V, in 110, 125, 150, 185 and 250 mm tunnels. VETUS's EU Declaration of Conformity for the BOW55, BOW75 and BOW95 DI series cites ISO 8846. VETUS presents this ignition-protected DC range as its only electric thruster type for petrol or propane compartments; its webshop lists BOW PRO as not ignition protected.

Lewmar

IP (Ignition Protected) versions of the 110, 125, 140 and 185 mm Gen 2 TT: 28-97 kgf, 12 V, with the 185 mm also on 24 V. Lewmar's manual names no test standard; BLA, its Australian distributor, states that the ignition-protected Gen II TT it lists (185TTIP) is designed and tested to ISO 8846.

VETUS says a thruster in a compartment with a petrol engine, tank or fuel line, or propane storage must be ignition protected, and lists outboard engines and their fuel tanks, and PWCs, among the spaces its ignition-protected thrusters are made for. Lewmar requires its IP version wherever an electric thruster is installed in a damp or wet location. The tick is for the wider published range (up to 160 kgf and 250 mm tunnels, against Lewmar's 97 kgf and 185 mm) and VETUS's own ISO 8846 declaration for its BOW55, BOW75 and BOW95 DI series. Lewmar has a 140 mm ignition-protected model; VETUS's ignition-protected range has none at 140 mm. VETUS rates these DC thrusters at a battery voltage of 10.5 or 21 V; Lewmar publishes no rating voltage for its figures.

Retractable thrusters

VETUS

The retractable BOW PRO is coming soon: four proportional models, 57-90 kgf, 12 and 24 V, for boats of 25-50 ft, and VETUS's 2026-2027 catalogue lists no other retractable.

Lewmar

In Lewmar's current range: Retractable Thruster MX Gen 2 in 140 mm (2.0 and 2.2 kW) and 185 mm (4, 5 and 6 kW) tunnels (12 V, 24 V and hydraulic options) and Proportional Retracting Thruster Retro Kits (140, 185 and 250 mm) for existing Lewmar installs. BLA lists the 185RT4.0 (12 V, 4 kW, 65 kgf) for boats of 9-20 m. For large yachts, vertical retracting thrusters (43-150 ft, with a manual raise-and-lower backup) and 400SAH and 500SAH swing-retracting hydraulic units.

Current lewmar.com product pages publish no thrust figures for the MX Gen 2, vertical or swing retracting ranges. Lewmar's 2020 catalogue rated its RT185 retractables at 65, 82 and 97 kgf (4, 5 and 6 kW; 65 kgf is the figure BLA lists for the 185RT4.0) and the 250 mm electric vertical retract at 160 kgf on 24 V or 170 kgf on 48 V. For the retractable BOW PRO, which is coming soon, VETUS lists thrust at 12 or 24 V.

Hydraulic tunnel thrusters

VETUS

Seven models, 55-550 kgf, for boats of 35-150 ft, driven from the propulsion engine or a generator, with on/off, two-stage or fully proportional controls.

Lewmar

Lewmar's 2020 manual lists the 185TTH (7 kW, 100 kgf), 250TTH (15 kW, 200 kgf) and 300TTH (22.5 kW, 300 kgf). lewmar.com currently lists the 185 hydraulic TT as a complete unit, and Lewmar's catalogue offers proportional control for its hydraulic TT thrusters.

Tunnel sizes

VETUS

110, 125, 140, 150, 185, 250, 300 and 400 mm, in GRP, steel or aluminium (not every size in every material).

Lewmar

110, 125, 140, 185, 250 and 300 mm. Lewmar publishes tunnel inside diameter and wall thickness for each model, and its recommended tunnel is designed to fit a Lewmar saddle.

Diameters common to both: 110, 125, 140, 185, 250 and 300 mm.

Upgrading an existing Lewmar install

VETUS

VETUS says BOW PRO "was made to share tunnel sizes with current VETUS thrusters as well as many other brands" (the brands are not named) and installs in existing tunnels with "minimal modifications".

Lewmar

Lewmar says Gen 2 TT upgrades can reuse mounting holes from previous Lewmar generations, new Gen 2 panels reuse earlier Lewmar panel cut-outs and screw positions, and its proportional thrusters retrofit into existing Lewmar installations.

Noise

VETUS

VETUS calls the RIMDRIVE the world's quietest thruster, crediting its gearless rim motor and a virtually cavitation-free propeller. VETUS publishes no dB figures.

Lewmar

Lewmar calls its Proportional thruster "near-silent" and credits the Gen 2 TT's spiral bevel gear with quiet operation. Lewmar publishes no dB figures.

Distribution and support

VETUS

Luxfords Marine is the authorised Victorian VETUS distributor. VETUS's Australian company is VETUS-Maxwell Pty Ltd (Capalaba, QLD), and Maxwell's Australian support page lists Luxfords for Victoria.

Lewmar

Lewmar's manuals direct owners to their national distributor or local Lewmar dealer. In Australia, BLA (Murarrie, QLD) is Lewmar's distributor, listed on Lewmar's dealer locator as a trade-only distributor; BLA describes itself as a wholesaler with warehouse facilities in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Auckland.

Figures are each maker's own published ratings, checked September 2026: VETUS from its 2026-2027 catalogue, manuals, website, webshop and warranty policy, and Lewmar from its current website, 2020 manuals and catalogue, and limited warranty, with statements from Lewmar's Australian distributor labelled as such and engine makers' statements (Yamaha, Mercury, Yanmar) attributed to them. Where a maker publishes no figure, the table says so rather than estimating one. Whatever a manufacturer's warranty says, Australian Consumer Law guarantees also apply and can't be excluded - and for goods under $100,000 they cover business buyers too.

Replacing a Lewmar thruster

  • First check whether your Lewmar is an IP (Ignition Protected) model; Lewmar requires the IP version in damp or wet locations. VETUS says a thruster in a compartment with a petrol engine, tank or fuel line, or propane storage must be ignition protected, and lists outboard engines and their fuel tanks, and PWCs, among the spaces its ignition-protected thrusters are made for. BOW PRO isn't ignition protected, so there the replacement is one of VETUS's on/off ignition-protected DC thrusters (25-160 kgf, 12 or 24 V), and that range has no 140 mm model. We match the replacement to the compartment before we quote.
  • Every Lewmar TT tunnel diameter (110, 125, 140, 185, 250 and 300 mm) is also a VETUS size.
  • Matching diameters don't make a drop-in fit. VETUS says BOW PRO shares tunnel sizes with many other brands and fits existing tunnels with minimal modifications, but names no brands, and Lewmar designs its recommended tunnel around a Lewmar saddle. So measure the tunnel's inside diameter, wall thickness and length, and the space inboard for the motor; we check the VETUS mounting against your tunnel before we quote.
  • Check your voltage, battery bank and the thrust you have now. Where ignition protection isn't needed, a 12 V Lewmar install can take a 12 V BOWA, but it tops out at 76 kgf at 185 mm, below Lewmar's 12 V 185TT 5 kW (82 kgf) and 6 kW (97 kgf). To match or beat those on a 12 V boat, BOW PRO Boosted (up to 130 kgf at 185 mm) runs from its own two-battery 24 V bank, charged from your 12 V system; as standard, VETUS says that boost charger is only suitable for lead-acid batteries. If on/off control is enough, VETUS's 12 V DC range goes to 95 kgf at 185 mm. A 24 V install can take a BOWB directly. Cables, fuse and main switch are sized from VETUS's tables for the model. VETUS lists BOW PRO thrust at 12 or 24 V and rates its DC range at a battery voltage of 10.5 or 21 V; Lewmar publishes no rating voltage for its figures.
  • Plan for new controls. BOW PRO runs on VETUS's own control network (V-CAN), from VETUS panels that fit a 75 mm cut-out (76 mm for the double panel), plus VETUS's BPROSET V-CAN installation set (power supply and terminators). Check the cut-out against your existing Lewmar panel hole and allow for new control wiring. If your Lewmar now runs from a Yamaha Helm Master EX joystick, tell us: Yamaha says its integrated variable-speed bow thruster control is only available through boat-builder installation on new boats. If your boat already has Helm Master EX, we can't promise that a BOW PRO fitted now will work through the Yamaha joystick. It would run from its own VETUS panel or joystick, and we check with Yamaha before you commit.
Size your thruster →Tunnels, batteries and installation →
VETUS thruster tunnel - BOW PRO shares tunnel sizes with many other brands, according to VETUS

When VETUS is the right call

  • You're on a 12 V boat and want proportional control. 12 V BOW PRO BOWA models are brushless and proportional, from 30 kgf in a 110 mm tunnel to 76 kgf in 185 mm, and BOW PRO Boosted reaches up to 130 kgf at 185 mm by charging its own 24 V thruster bank from the 12 V supply, only when the source voltage allows (as standard, VETUS says the charger is only suitable for lead-acid batteries). Lewmar's proportional thruster is designed for 24 V systems. Lewmar also sells voltage switch boxes that let a 24 V thruster run on a 12 V boat (additional batteries may be required), but neither the switch-box page nor Lewmar's proportional manual says whether they suit the proportional range.
  • You want the most proportional thrust from your tunnel. Where both makers offer proportional units, VETUS publishes more: at 140 mm, 40 kgf on 12 V against Lewmar's 21 kgf on 24 V; at 185 mm, up to 130 against 76 kgf, both on 24 V; at 250 mm, 150 against 119 kgf on 24 V, or 210 kgf from a 48 V BOW PRO. All are each maker's own published ratings, Lewmar's from its 2020 proportional manual.
  • You own the boat privately, use it for recreation, and want the motor and controls on the same warranty term as the rest of the thruster. VETUS's warranty is 3 years for a private owner's strictly recreational use (not a company), thrusters included, and VETUS publishes no shorter term for motors or controls; Lewmar's limited warranty gives electric motors, associated electrical equipment and electronic controls 1 year (or longer where the law requires). This edge doesn't carry over to a company-owned boat, which VETUS's 3 years doesn't cover, or to professional use, where VETUS gives 12 months (with its written approval beforehand) and Lewmar 1 year (or longer where the law requires) for commercial or charter use.
  • Your boat has, or will have, one of the joystick systems VETUS lists for BOW PRO: Yamaha Helm Master EX (Yamaha's upgraded controls; Yamaha says new boats only, fitted by the boat builder); Mercury Joystick Piloting for Outboards (JPO) on Verado, with Mercury's integration kit; Honda outboards with Ultraflex controls; Suzuki DF300BMD or DF350AMD; Yanmar JC20A and JC30 inboard joysticks (twin shaft-drive installations); or, on vetus.com, Cummins inboards with Glendinning joystick control. Each works over V-CAN; some need a VETUS CANverter gateway or parts from the engine or control maker. On a new boat being rigged with Helm Master EX, Lewmar is an option too: Yamaha lists Lewmar thruster controls as compatible, and in February 2026 added Lewmar to its variable-speed thruster integration, under the same boat-builder, new-boats-only limit. Other joystick systems from these engine makers may not be covered, so we confirm your engines, controls and joystick before we quote.
  • You often berth short-handed. VETUS's BPPJA and DBPPJA panels for BOW PRO can lock the thrust at any level, which VETUS says lets you step away from the control panel to tie up, and the double panel runs bow and stern thrusters together to turn the boat on its axis. Lewmar's proportional panel page describes variable thrust, including for "holding position during anchoring", and doesn't describe a thrust lock.
  • You want a gearless rim-drive thruster on a bigger boat. In VETUS's RIMDRIVE the propeller forms the motor's rotor, so there are no gears; it is proportional as standard and rated 160 kgf on 48 V in a 250 mm tunnel, and VETUS advises it for boats of 44-65 ft. VETUS calls it the world's quietest thruster, crediting the gearless design and a virtually cavitation-free propeller, but neither maker publishes measured dB figures. We found no rim-drive thruster in Lewmar's current range.

When Lewmar is the right call

  • You want a retractable thruster from a current range. Lewmar lists the MX Gen 2 retractable in 140 mm and 185 mm tunnels (the 185 mm at 4, 5 and 6 kW) with 12 V, 24 V and hydraulic options; its 2020 catalogue rated the RT185 units at 65 to 97 kgf, and BLA lists the 185RT4.0 (65 kgf, 12 V). VETUS's proportional retractable BOW PRO is still coming soon, and VETUS's 2026-2027 catalogue lists no other retractable.
  • You run a large yacht that needs a thruster retracted inside the hull. Lewmar's vertical retracting thrusters are described for vessels of 43-150 ft, with a manual raise-and-lower backup, and it also lists 400SAH and 500SAH swing-retracting hydraulic units.
  • You're upgrading a boat that already has Lewmar. Lewmar says Gen 2 TT upgrades can reuse earlier mounting holes, Gen 2 panels fit old Lewmar panel cut-outs, and its proportional motors and retro kits retrofit into existing Lewmar installations.
  • You need an ignition-protected thruster in a 140 mm tunnel. Lewmar's Gen 2 manual lists IP (Ignition Protected) versions of the 140TT; VETUS's ignition-protected range covers 110, 125, 150, 185 and 250 mm but not 140 mm.
  • You want the highest-rated 12 V on/off thruster in a 185 mm tunnel. Lewmar rates its 185TT 6 kW at 97 kgf, just ahead of VETUS's 95 kgf BOW9512D; VETUS rates its 12 V DC thrusters at a battery voltage of 10.5 V, and Lewmar publishes no rating voltage for its figures.

VETUS vs Lewmar: common questions

Is VETUS or Lewmar the better bow thruster?

In the 140, 185 and 250 mm tunnels, where both makers offer proportional thrusters, VETUS BOW PRO has the published edge: proportional control on 12, 24 or 48 V, more rated proportional thrust per tunnel, and a warranty of 3 years for a private owner's strictly recreational use (not a company), thrusters included, with no shorter term published for motors or controls. Lewmar's strengths are real too: retractables in its current range (12 V, 24 V and hydraulic), vertical and swing retracts for large yachts, and simple upgrade paths for boats already fitted with Lewmar. VETUS's retractable BOW PRO is coming soon, and VETUS's 2026-2027 catalogue lists no other retractable. Tell us the boat and we'll give you a straight answer for it.

Can I replace a Lewmar thruster with a VETUS in the same tunnel?

It can be. Every Lewmar TT tunnel diameter (110, 125, 140, 185, 250 and 300 mm) is also a VETUS size, and VETUS says BOW PRO was made to share tunnel sizes with current VETUS thrusters as well as many other brands, fitting existing tunnels with minimal modifications. VETUS doesn't name the brands, and diameter alone doesn't guarantee a fit: Lewmar designs its recommended tunnel around a Lewmar saddle, so we check the tunnel's inside diameter, wall thickness and length, the space inboard, the battery bank and the controls before we quote. If your Lewmar is an IP (Ignition Protected) model, or sits near an outboard's fuel tank, tell us. VETUS says a thruster in a compartment with a petrol engine, tank or fuel line, or propane storage must be ignition protected, and lists outboard engines and their fuel tanks, and PWCs, among the spaces its ignition-protected thrusters are made for, and BOW PRO isn't ignition protected. Send the Lewmar model and a few photos and we'll confirm what fits.

Does Lewmar make a 12 V proportional bow thruster?

Lewmar's current Proportional thruster page says it is designed for 24 V systems; its configurator offers 140, 185 and 250 mm tunnels, and every model in its 2020 proportional manual is 24 V. Lewmar sells voltage switch boxes that let a 24 V thruster run on a 12 V boat, noting that additional batteries may be required (the switch-box page doesn't mention the proportional range). VETUS's 12 V BOW PRO BOWA models are brushless and proportional, from 30 kgf in a 110 mm tunnel to 76 kgf in 185 mm, and BOW PRO Boosted can charge its own 24 V bank from a 12 V system (as standard, VETUS says that charger is only suitable for lead-acid batteries).

Can I upgrade my Lewmar on/off thruster to proportional?

Lewmar's route is its Proportional thruster, designed for 24 V systems and used with Lewmar's proportional control panels; Lewmar says it can retrofit into existing Lewmar thruster installations. Lewmar rates it below its on/off units of the same motor power: 76 kgf at 6 kW, against 97 kgf for the on/off 185TT. For running a 24 V thruster on a 12 V boat, Lewmar sells voltage switch boxes, noting additional batteries may be required; its switch-box page doesn't say whether they suit the proportional range. VETUS BOW PRO is proportional as standard: up to 76 kgf at 185 mm on 12 V, which is less than a 12 V 185TT 5 or 6 kW on/off unit, or up to 130 kgf from BOW PRO Boosted, which charges its own 24 V bank from the 12 V system (as standard, VETUS says that charger is only suitable for lead-acid batteries). We confirm your tunnel, battery bank and controls before we quote.

What warranty comes with Lewmar and VETUS thrusters?

The VETUS terms: 3 years for a private owner's strictly recreational use (not a company), thrusters included. 12 months for professional use, with written approval from VETUS or its dealer beforehand. Wear parts such as brushes and anodes excluded; no registration step. VETUS's claims go through the supplier you bought from. VETUS voids a claim where required maintenance wasn't done by an authorised VETUS dealer or the installation was faulty, and excludes consequential costs such as transport, labour and lifting. The remaining warranty transfers to a new owner. Lewmar's limited warranty is 3 years for normal private pleasure use, but 1 year (or longer where the law requires) for electric motors and associated electrical equipment; electronic controls; hydraulic pumps, valves and actuators; pawls, springs and bearings; and products used in commercial or charter applications. Lewmar likewise excludes faulty or deficient installation (unless Lewmar did it) and incidental costs of investigation, removal, carriage, transport or installation. Those terms are from Lewmar's UK limited warranty, linked from its website; BLA, its Australian distributor, advertises a 3-year thruster warranty with 1 year on motor and electrical components. So for a privately owned recreational boat, VETUS publishes the longer term for the motor and controls. Lewmar's terms turn on use rather than ownership, so for a company-owned boat or professional use, check both makers' terms before you rely on them. Either way, Australian Consumer Law guarantees apply on top of the maker's warranty.

Who supplies VETUS thrusters in Victoria, and who distributes Lewmar?

Luxfords Marine is the authorised Victorian VETUS distributor, based in Mornington, and quotes and supplies VETUS thrusters for Victorian boats. VETUS's Australian company is VETUS-Maxwell Pty Ltd in Capalaba, Queensland. Lewmar's manuals direct owners to their national distributor or local Lewmar dealer. Lewmar's Australian distributor is BLA, which Lewmar's dealer locator lists as a trade-only distributor in Murarrie, Queensland; BLA describes itself as a wholesaler, with warehouse facilities in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Auckland.

Weighing up VETUS and Lewmar?

Tell us the boat, where you berth it and, if you're replacing a Lewmar unit, its model and tunnel diameter. We'll size the VETUS thruster properly and quote the complete kit. Luxfords Marine is the authorised Victorian VETUS distributor.

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

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Sources

VETUS vs Side-Power (Sleipner) Thrusters→VETUS vs Max Power Bow Thrusters→VETUS vs Quick Bow Thrusters→All thruster brand comparisons →BOW PRO vs DC thrusters →Joystick docking →The VETUS thruster range

Lewmar is a trademark of its owner and is used here only to identify the products being compared. Luxfords is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Lewmar Ltd. Other brand names mentioned, such as engine and joystick makers, are trademarks of their respective owners.