Sleipner SE50 12 Volt Tunnel Bow Thruster Kit

Sleipner SE50 12 Volt Tunnel Bow Thruster Kit

Sleipner SE50 12 Volt Tunnel Bow Thruster Kit are the perfect balance of compact design and formidable power. Designed specifically for vessels between 27 and 37 feet (8–11m), this kit provides the precise control you need to nudge your bow into place, even when the wind and tide are against you.

The SE50 is one of Sleipner’s most popular units, and for good reason. It delivers a punchy 50kg of thrust (at 10.5V) within a compact 140mm tunnel diameter. What sets this kit apart is the "complete solution" approach—we provide not just the thruster, but a comprehensive installation package to get you up and running with confidence.

Whether you are navigating a busy Essex marina or finding your spot on a tidal river, the SE50 offers the reliability and quiet operation that Morgan Marine customers have come to expect.

Sleipner SE50 12 Volt Tunnel Bow Thruster Kit Key Features

• Q-PROP™ Quiet Technology: Silence is a luxury on the water. The 5-bladed skew propeller is designed to reduce noise by up to 75% in controlled environments. In a typical installation, you can expect a significant reduction in that traditional "thruster growl," making for a much more refined experience.
• Intelligent Power Control (IPC): Safety is paramount. Sleipner’s patented IPC system monitors the solenoid functions to prevent wear and accidental lock-ins. If a fault is detected, the thruster stops automatically, protecting your electrical system and mechanical components.
• Galvanic Separation: Unlike many entry-level thrusters, the SE50 features a gearhouse that is fully galvanically isolated from the motor. This prevents stray currents from causing corrosion on your underwater units—an essential feature for boats kept in saltwater environments like ours.
• Sealed-for-Life Gearleg: Maintenance is kept to an absolute minimum. The gearleg is pre-filled with special oil and sealed with a high-grade mechanical ceramic/carbon seal, meaning you never have to worry about oil changes or water intrusion.
• Flexible Installation: Space is often at a premium in the bow. The SE50’s motor can be mounted at any angle on the tunnel and the motor itself can be rotated 90 degrees on its bracket, allowing us to fit it into even the tightest of lockers.
• Complete Kit Convenience: This isn't just a motor. Our Shopify kit includes the thruster unit, a 140mm GRP tunnel, a choice of control panel (joystick or touchpanel), fuse, fuse holder, battery switch, and the necessary wiring loom to ensure a professional, "plug-and-play" style installation.

Technical Specifications

• • Typical Boat Size: 27' – 37' (8m – 11m)
  • Thrust at 10.5V: 50 kg / 110 lbs
  • Thrust at 12V: 62 kg / 136 lbs
  • Tunnel Diameter: 140 mm
  • Propulsion: Single 5-blade Q-Prop
  • Power Output: 2.4 kW / 3.2 hp

Morgan Marine Tip: For the best performance, we recommend pairing this kit with a dedicated high-quality battery located close to the bow to minimise voltage drop. If you have any questions about compatibility or installation at our Brightlingsea yard, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our team!

Sleipner SE50 12 Volt Tunnel Bow Thruster Kit FAQs

Is the SE50 the right size for my boat?

The SE50 is specifically designed for vessels between 27 and 37 feet (8m – 11m) in length. It provides an actual thrust of 50kg at 10.5V (which is the realistic voltage under load), though it can reach up to 62kg at 12V. If your boat falls within this range, the SE50 offers the perfect balance of power and efficiency.

How quiet is this thruster during operation?

Extremely quiet. One of the standout features of the Sleipner range is the Q-PROP™ 5-bladed skew propeller. This design reduces noise by up to 75% in controlled environments and typically provides a 20-40% reduction in noise for average installations compared to traditional 4-blade propellers.

Can the SE50 be installed as a stern thruster?

No, the SE50 is strictly designed for bow installation only. If you require a stern thruster for a boat of this size, we would recommend looking at the SE40 or SE60 models, which are compatible with Sleipner’s stern tunnel kits.

Does it require a lot of maintenance?

Very little. The SE50 features a sealed, life-time lubricated gearleg. The mechanical seals use highly polished ceramic and carbon surfaces, which are far superior to traditional rubber seals, ensuring no water intrusion for the life of the unit. You only need to replace the zinc anodes periodically to protect against galvanic corrosion.

What safety features are built into the unit?

The SE50 includes Sleipner’s patented Intelligent Power Control (IPC). This system monitors the solenoid functions to reduce the risk of "solenoid lock-in." In the unlikely event of a fault, the thruster will stop automatically without you having to rush for the main switch. It also features overheat protection that shuts the motor down if it reaches unsafe temperatures.

How "flexible" is the installation process?

The SE50 is remarkably versatile. The electric motor can be mounted on the tunnel at any angle, and the motor itself can be rotated 90 degrees on its bracket. This is a lifesaver if you are working in a cramped bow locker with limited head height or obstructions.

What are the battery and cable requirements?

To get the 50kg of thrust promised, the SE50 needs a healthy power supply:

• • Minimum Battery (CCA): 350 DIN / 665 SAE.
  • Recommended Fuse: 325A ANL.
  • Cable Size: For a total run (positive + negative) of up to 7 metres, we recommend 70mm² cabling.

Note: Always keep your engine running while using the thruster to maintain voltage.

Will it drain my batteries quickly?

The SE50 is a high-power DC motor meant for short bursts of manoeuvring (docking). Its "S2" rating is 2 to 3 minutes of continuous use, which is plenty for even the trickiest berthing manoeuvres. Because it’s an ON/OFF thruster, it’s designed for efficiency during those short bursts.

Is it protected against corrosion?

Yes, the SE50 features Galvanic Separation. The gearhouse and drive legs are fully isolated from the electric motor and bracket. This means that even if there is an accidental short circuit or current leak elsewhere on the boat, the submerged parts of your thruster are protected from stray current corrosion.

Can I install this in a petrol engine bay?

Standard SE50 units are not ignition-protected. However, if your boat has petrol engines and the thruster is being installed in a space where fuel vapours may be present, you must specify the SE50-IP (Ignition Protected) version. Please contact our workshop team if you are unsure which version your boat requires.