Sleipner SE60 12 Volt Tunnel Stern Thruster Kit

Sleipner SE60 12 Volt Tunnel Stern Thruster Kit

Sleipner SE60 12 Volt Tunnel Stern Thruster Kit are one of our most popular recommendations for boat owners looking for a reliable, high-performance solution for vessels between 29 and 38 feet. 

This kit provides everything you need to transform your docking experience. Sleipner is world-renowned for their "beautiful engineering," and the SE60 is a testament to that legacy—combining compact design with enough power to give you total confidence at the helm. 

The SE60 is designed with a focus on efficiency and longevity. It features the patented Intelligent Power Control (IPC), which protects the thruster from operator error and mechanical wear by providing a necessary delay between drive directions. For those concerned about noise, the Q-PROP™ five-bladed skew propeller is a game-changer, reducing noise levels by up to 75% in controlled tests, ensuring your manoeuvres are as quiet as they are smooth.

Whether you are retrofitting your current boat or outfitting a new one, the SE60’s flexible installation options mean it can be mounted at any angle on the tunnel, and the motor can be rotated 90 degrees to fit into tighter transom spaces.

Sleipner SE60 12 Volt Tunnel Stern Thruster Kit Key Features

• High Performance: Delivers 60kg of thrust at 10.5V (up to 73kg at 12V), providing the "grunt" needed for mid-sized motor yachts and sailing boats.
• Q-PROP™ Technology: The 5-blade skew propeller reduces noise and vibration while maintaining exceptional thrust efficiency.
• Intelligent Power Control (IPC): Sleipner’s patented safety software monitors solenoid functions and prevents damage from rapid direction changes or solenoid lock-in.
• Galvanic Separation: The gearhouse is completely isolated from the motor and electrical system, significantly reducing the risk of corrosion in saltwater environments.
• Sealed Lubrication: Features a "sealed-for-life" gearleg with a ceramic/carbon mechanical seal, meaning no oil changes or maintenance are required for the drive unit.
• Twin-Direction Control: Compatible with Sleipner’s range of ergonomic joysticks and remote controls for effortless "point-and-go" docking.

Technical Specifications

• • Typical Boat Size: 29ft – 38ft (9m – 12m)
  • Thrust at 10.5V: 60 kg / 132 lbs
  • Thrust at 12V: 73 kg / 161 lbs
  • Tunnel Diameter: 185 mm
  • Output Power: 3.1 kW / 4 hp
  • Weight: 16 kg
  • Voltage: 12V

Morgan Marine Advice: When installing a stern thruster, we always recommend ensuring your battery bank is up to the task. The SE60 is a powerful unit—feel free to contact our technical team here at Morgan Marine if you need advice on fuses, cabling, or battery requirements to get the very best performance out of your new Sleipner system.

Sleipner SE60 12 Volt Tunnel Stern Thruster Kit FAQs

Is the Sleipner SE60 powerful enough for my boat?

The SE60 is a high-performance unit designed for boats typically between 29ft and 38ft (9m – 12m). It provides 60kg of thrust at 10.5V (standard operating voltage) and up to 73kg at 12V. If your boat is particularly high-sided or you often boat in areas with strong currents.

What is a "Tunnel" thruster?

A tunnel thruster is installed inside a tube (the tunnel) that runs through the hull from port to starboard. It is the most common and efficient type of thruster, providing immediate sideways movement to the bow or stern.

What makes the Sleipner "Q-Prop" different?

The SE60 features Sleipner’s patented 5-blade skewback "Q-Prop". In plain English: it’s significantly quieter than older 3-blade models (up to 75% noise reduction in some cases) and more efficient, meaning you get more push for every amp of battery power used.

Can I install the SE60 myself?

While a handy boat owner can manage parts of the installation, we strongly recommend a professional marine engineer for the hull cutting and electrical wiring. Proper tunnel alignment and secure glassing-in are vital for performance and hull integrity.

Note:  a licensed professional must carry out electrical work to ensure your warranty remains valid.

Does it have to be mounted vertically?

One of the best things about the SE60 is its Flexible Installation. The motor can be mounted at any angle on the tunnel to fit into tight spaces. However, if you mount it at an angle greater than 30° from vertical, it will require additional support to take the weight off the motor bracket.

Is it safe to install in a petrol engine bay?

The standard SE60 is not "Ignition Protected." If you are installing it in a compartment where petrol fumes may be present, you must specify the SE60-IP (Ignition Protected) version. Contact us if you’re unsure about your engine room classification.

What kind of batteries do I need?

For a 12V system, we recommend a high-capacity battery with a minimum Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) of 350 DIN / 665 SAE. We usually advise using a dedicated thruster battery located close to the unit to minimize voltage drop through long cable runs.

Can I use Lithium (LiFePO4) batteries?

You must be careful here. Standard "On/Off" DC thrusters like the SE60 can be damaged by the consistently higher voltage of lithium batteries if not managed correctly. We recommend consulting us or a marine electrician before connecting the SE60 directly to a lithium bank.

What fuse size does the SE60 require?

The SE60 12V unit typically requires a 250A to 300A fuse (depending on your specific cable run). It is essential to use a slow-blow fuse and a dedicated high-current battery switch so you can isolate the system when not in use.

How long can I run the thruster for at one time?

The SE60 is rated for S2-3 minutes. This means it is designed for short bursts during docking. If the motor gets too hot, the built-in Intelligent Power Control (IPC) will trigger an overheat cut-off to protect the motor. It will reset once the unit has cooled down.

Does the gear leg need oil changes?

No! The SE60 features a Sealed Drive Lubrication system. The gear leg is pre-filled with oil and sealed for life with a high-quality ceramic seal. This makes it virtually maintenance-free below the waterline—just keep the propeller clean!

Do I need to antifoul the thruster?

Yes, we highly recommend applying antifouling to the gear house and the propeller to prevent marine growth, which can seriously degrade performance. Just ensure you do not paint the zinc anode or the propeller shaft seals.