Sleipner Bow Thruster - SE80 12 Volt Tunnel Kit

Sleipner Bow Thruster - SE80 12 Volt Tunnel Kit

The Sleipner Bow Thruster SE80 Kit is an electric thruster system designed for enhanced manoeuvrability on boats between 35 and 50 feet (10-15 m), delivering up to 96 kg of thrust. The kit includes the necessary components for a standard installation in a 185mm tunnel.

Sleipner Bow Thruster - SE80 Key Features

• Thrust: Produces 96 kg (212 lbs) of thrust at 12V (80 kg at 10.5V nominal voltage).
• Power: 4.4 kW (6 HP) power output at nominal voltage, with a nominal current draw of 530A.
• Tunnel Diameter: Requires a tunnel with an inner diameter of 185mm (7.28 in).
• Propulsion: Features a twin, 5-bladed Q-Propeller system designed for high thrust in a compact size and reduced noise levels (20-40% reduction in typical installations).
• Safety & Durability:
  • Intelligent Power Control (IPC): A patented safety feature that monitors solenoid functions, minimizes delay between directions, and automatically stops the thruster in case of a malfunction (locked-in solenoid).
  • Sealed Drive Leg: The gear leg is pre-filled for lifetime lubrication and uses a long-life mechanical seal with ceramic and carbon surfaces to prevent water intrusion.
  • Galvanic Separation: All underwater parts are galvanically isolated from the onboard electrical system to eliminate corrosion from stray currents.
  • Overheat Protection: The motor has integrated thermal protection which automatically shuts off the unit if high temperatures are detected.
• Installation Flexibility: The electric motor can be rotated 90 degrees on its bracket, allowing for installation at any angle within the tunnel to fit the available space in the vessel.
• Kit Contents: A typical kit includes the SE80 thruster motor unit, GRP tunnel, a wiring loom, fuse, fuse holder, battery disconnecting switch, and a choice of controller (joystick or touch panel)

Sleipner Bow Thruster - SE80 FAQs

What size boat is the SE80 suitable for?
The thruster is designed for motorboats and sailboats between 35 and 50 feet(10 to 15 meters).

Can it be installed as a stern thruster?
Yes, the Sleipner SE80 can be installed as both a bow and stern thruster. Stern installation often uses an external tunnel module (kit available).

What thrust does it provide?
The thruster provides 96 kg (212 lbs) of thrust at 12V (or 80 kg at 10.5V, a more realistic operational voltage for comparison purposes).

What is included in the kit?
A typical kit includes the SE80 thruster motor unit, GRP tunnel (185mm diameter), wiring loom, fuse, fuse holder, battery disconnecting switch, and a choice of control panel (joystick or touch panel).

What type of battery should I use?
Sleipner recommends using a dedicated battery bank without a Battery Management System (BMS) for the thruster. Standard lead-acid, AGM, or gel batteries are suitable choices. This prevents a sudden power cut-off during manoeuvres due to high current draw, which can happen with some Li-ion batteries with a BMS. The minimum recommended battery capacity is 940 CCA EN for 12V systems.

Do I need to apply antifouling to the thruster?
Yes, all underwater equipment, except for the anodes, rubber boots, and seals, should be antifouled to prevent marine growth and maintain efficiency.

How often should the anode be replaced?
The sacrificial anode should be replaced before every boating season, or when it is half eroded, to prevent galvanic corrosion.