Is Side-Power the same as Sleipner?

Yes. Sleipner Motor AS of Fredrikstad, Norway, founded in 1908, sold its thrusters under the Side-Power name from the early 1980s; its FAQ says that in 2021 the company decided to use only the Sleipner name. Dealers and owners still say Side-Power. The US distributor is Imtra of New Bedford, Massachusetts.

Why does Sleipner rate thrust at 10.5 volts?

Because that is what reaches the motor. Sleipner's FAQ says that on a well-installed 12 V system "no more than 10.5V will be measured on the thruster", so it declares thrust at 10.5 V (21 V on a 24 V system) and prints the 12 or 24 V figure for comparison. The SE60 is 60 kg at 10.5 V and 73 kg at 12 V. The E-series inverter holds the same figure at both voltages.

How long can a Sleipner thruster run?

The SE, SEP, SR and SX100 product pages give a duty cycle of 2 to 3 minutes at 20°C, after which the thermal protection shuts an on/off unit down. The E-series eVision pages say "Continuous" at full thrust, limited by the battery; the catalog says a PRO unit at half power or less runs "close to continuous". The EX95 pod says up to 5 minutes.

How much does a Sleipner Side-Power thruster cost?

Imtra, the US distributor, lists the 12 V SE60 at $2,550 with a separate tariff line of $210.38, the SE100 at $4,950 and the 24 V E100 eVision at $7,650, all read on 23 September 2026. Defender's prices in our database run 87% to 90% of Imtra's list on the models both carry. Installed, one Grand Banks 42 owner paid about $19,000 for an SE120 with battery and charger in 2024.

Sleipner (Side-Power) Thrusters: What They Publish and What Owners Report

The short answer

Mostly tunnel thrusters

The SE, SEP and E series go through the bow below the waterline in a tube. The range also has and the SX external units. Every version needs the boat out of the water.

Suits any boat with room for a tunnel

, which is most of them. It is what a builder fits and a yard knows, and more owners write about it on the forums we read than about any other brand here.

The main strength

Sleipner rates thrust at the voltage that reaches the motor, 10.5 V on a 12 V boat, and prints the 12 V figure beside it. Every product page carries the full electrical case, and owners report long service.

The main limits

The on/off motors run 2 to 3 minutes before they shut off to cool. The current is large: the 12 V SE100 draws 740 A. The maker's own documents disagree in places, and one owner's retractable couplings sheared again and again on a new boat.

What it costs

Imtra lists the 12 V SE60 at $2,550, plus a separate tariff line. Defender's prices ran 87% to 90% of Imtra's list on the models both carry. That is the unit alone. Our yard estimate for the SE60 on a sailboat is $9,517 to $19,384 all in.

What they publish

Our database holds 92 Sleipner models in 18 series. The list below sorts them by type, then by Sleipner’s own series, with a line on what each series adds. Open a type to see its models; every name opens that model’s page. The table after it shows one model per series with its spec card.

Tunnel thrusters A tube through the hull 51 models

Sleipner’s tunnel thrusters, by series, a build of the same size indented under its standard unit. Thrust is the maker’s, in pounds with kilograms under it, and the figure Sleipner gives at the lower, working voltage where it prints one. Motor is the maker's rating; current and run time are from its manuals. A dash means no figure on file. “Same” means the standard unit’s figure applies. Prices are the dealer’s, dated on each model’s page.
Model	Thrust	Motor	Current	Tunnel	Boat length	Run time, min	Price
SE 19 models The base range: on/off, with a brushed motor. Run time, as published: 2 to 3 minutes
SE25/110S	66 lb 30 kgf 55 lb at 10.5 V/21 V	1.5 kW	200 A · 12 V	110 mm	Up to 24 ft	2–3	$1,485
SE30/125S DC	88 lb 40 kgf 66 lb at 10.5 V	1.5 kW	245 A · 12 V	125 mm	20 to 28 ft	2–3	$1,755
SE30/125S-IPIgnition-protected	same	same	same	same	same	same	$3,195
SE40/125S	105 lb 48 kgf 88 lb at 10.5 V	2.2 kW	315 A · 12 V	125 mm	26 to 34 ft	2–3	$1,845
SE40/125S-IPIgnition-protected	106 lb 48 kgf 88 lb at 10.5 V	same	same	same	same	same	$3,195
SE50/140S	136 lb 62 kgf 110 lb at 10.5 V	2.4 kW	370 A · 12 V	140 mm	27 to 37 ft	2–3	$2,160–$3,375
SE60/185S	161 lb 73 kgf 132 lb at 10.5 V	3.1 kW	370 A · 12 V170 A · 24 V	185 mm	29 to 38 ft	2–3	$2,295
SE60/185S-IPIgnition-protected	same	2.4 to 3.1 kW	same	same	same	same	$3,330–$3,780
SE80/185T	212 lb 96 kgf 176 lb at 10.5 V	4.4 kW	530 A · 12 V280 A · 24 V	185 mm	35 to 48 ft	2–3	$3,285
SE80/185T-IPIgnition-protected	same	same	same	same	same	same	$4,590
SE100/185T	256 lb 116 kgf 220 lb at 10.5 V	6.3 kW	740 A · 12 V340 A · 24 V	185 mm	35 to 55 ft	2–3	$4,455
SE100/185T-IPIgnition-protected	same	same	same	same	39 to 56 ft	same	$6,300
SE120/215T-24V	306 lb 139 kgf 264 lb at 21 V	6.4 kW	420 A · 24 V	215 mm	43 to 59 ft	2–3	$4,905
SE130/250T	352 lb 160 kgf 286 lb at 10.5 V	6.5 kW	800 A · 12 V350 A · 24 V	250 mm	42 to 62 ft	2–3	$5,670
SE150/215T-24V	400 lb 181 kgf 330 lb at 21 V	8.8 kW	610 A · 24 V	215 mm	44 to 64 ft	2–3	$5,895
SE170/250TC	463 lb 210 kgf 375 lb at 21 V	8 kW	550 A · 24 V	250 mm	50 to 70 ft	2–3	$6,264
SE210/250TC	550 lb 249 kgf 462 lb at 21 V	10 kW	500 A · 24 V	250 mm	55 to 78 ft	2–3	$8,325
SE250/300TC	661 lb 300 kgf 551 lb at 21 V	11.4 kW	670 A · 24 V	300 mm	60 to 84 ft	2–3	$8,820
SE300/300TC	750 lb 340 kgf 661 lb at 42 V	15 kW	450 A · 48 V	300 mm	72 to 98 ft	2–3	$12,850
SEP 14 models Adds proportional control: the joystick sets how hard it pushes. Run time, as published: At full power, 2 to 3 minutes. At half power, "close to continuous".
SEP40/125S	106 lb 48 kgf 88 lb at 10.5 V	2.2 kW	315 A · 12 V	125 mm	23 to 34 ft	2–3	$4,545
SEP40/125S-1IPIgnition-protected	105 lb 48 kgf 88 lb at 10.5 V	same	same	same	same	same	$5,760
SEP50/140S	137 lb 62 kgf 110 lb at 10.5 V	2.4 kW	370 A · 12 V170 A · 24 V	140 mm	26 to 36 ft	2–3	$5,350
SEP50/140S-IPIgnition-protected	same	same	same	same	same	same	$6,650
SEP60/185S	161 lb 73 kgf 132 lb at 10.5 V	3.1 kW	370 A · 12 V170 A · 24 V	185 mm	29 to 38 ft	2–3	$4,995–$5,085
SEP60/185S-IPIgnition-protected	same	same	same	same	same	same	$5,895–$6,210
SEP80/185T	212 lb 96 kgf 176 lb at 10.5 V	4.4 kW	530 A · 12 V280 A · 24 V	185 mm	35 to 48 ft	2–3	$5,895
SEP80/185T-IPIgnition-protected	same	same	same	same	33 to 49 ft	same	$6,975–$7,750
SEP100/185T	256 lb 116 kgf	6.3 kW	740 A · 12 V340 A · 24 V	185 mm	35 to 55 ft	2–3	$6,975
SEP100/185T-IPIgnition-protected	same	same	same	same	39 to 56 ft	same	$8,190
SEP120/215T-24V	306 lb 139 kgf 265 lb at 21 V	6.4 kW	420 A · 24 V	215 mm	42 to 60 ft	2–3	$6,291
SEP130/250T	352 lb 160 kgf 284 lb at 10.5 V	6.5 kW	800 A · 12 V	250 mm	42 to 62 ft	2–3	$7,290
SEP170/250TC-IP	463 lb 210 kgf 375 lb at 21 V	8 kW	550 A · 24 V	250 mm	50 to 70 ft	2–3	$9,045
SEP210/250TC	550 lb 249 kgf 462 lb at 21 V	10 kW	500 A · 24 V	250 mm	55 to 78 ft	2–3	$9,023
E-series eVision 13 models Adds a brushless eVision motor, proportional and rated to run continuously at full thrust. Run time, as published: continuous at full thrust, "typically limited by battery capacity"
E100/185T	220 lb 100 kgf	5.6 kW	290 A · 24 V132 A · 48 V	185 mm	44 to 64 ft	Continuous	$6,885
E120/215T	265 lb 120 kgf	6 kW	330 A · 24 V170 A · 48 V	215 mm	44 to 64 ft	Continuous	$7,335
E130/250T	287 lb 130 kgf	5.1 kW	270 A · 24 V160 A · 48 V	250 mm	42 to 63 ft	Continuous	$7,650
E150/215T	331 lb 150 kgf	8.1 kW	430 A · 24 V210 A · 48 V	215 mm	44 to 64 ft	Continuous	$7,875
E170/250TC	375 lb 170 kgf	8.1 kW	395 A · 24 V200 A · 48 V	250 mm	50 to 70 ft	Continuous	$8,325
E210/250TC	463 lb 210 kgf	10.4 kW	580 A · 24 V290 A · 48 V	250 mm	56 to 79 ft	Continuous	$10,125
E250/300TC	551 lb 250 kgf	11.1 kW	580 A · 24 V295 A · 48 V	300 mm	59 to 85 ft	Continuous	$11,025
E300/300TC	661 lb 300 kgf	15 kW	360 A · 48 V	300 mm	72 to 100 ft	Continuous	$12,825
E340 eVision	750 lb 340 kgf	22 kW	545 A · 48 V	300 mm	62 to 98 ft	Continuous	$15,250
E350 HD eVision	772 lb 350 kgf	22 kW	545 A · 48 V	300 mm	62 to 98 ft	Continuous	$17,750
E350 HDB eVision	772 lb 350 kgf	22 kW	545 A · 48 V	300 mm	62 to 98 ft	Continuous	$31,000
Not sold in the US No US store or distributor lists these. The pages stay up for owners of boats built elsewhere who need the specs or parts.
E240/250TC	529 lb 240 kgf	12.7 kW	330 A · 48 V	250 mm	56 to 79 ft	Continuous	No US price
E420 eVision	926 lb 420 kgf	24.5 kW	545 A · 48 V	386 mm	69 to 113 ft	Continuous	No US price
SAC 5 models Runs on three-phase AC from the generator through a speed controller, for yachts too big for a battery bank to feed. Run time, as published: rated continuous; the I builds give more thrust until the motor windings reach 130 C, then fall back to the continuous rating (AC manuals)
SAC450	992 lb 450 kgf	28 kW	106 A	386 mm	75 to 110 ft	Continuous	$28,500
SAC520	1146 lb 520 kgf	35 kW	73 A	386 mm	85 to 140 ft	Continuous	$30,300
SAC700	1543 lb 700 kgf	42 kW	159 A	412 mm	95 to 145 ft	Continuous	$40,700
SAC900	1984 lb 900 kgf	53 kW	193 A	513 mm	100 to 150 ft	Continuous	$49,230
SAC1100	2425 lb 1100 kgf	70 kW	134 A	513 mm	105 to 160 ft	Continuous	$48,000

Retractable thrusters Lowers from a housing, lifts clear when stowed 31 models

Sleipner’s retractable thrusters, by series, a build of the same size indented under its standard unit. Thrust is the maker’s, in pounds with kilograms under it, and the figure Sleipner gives at the lower, working voltage where it prints one. Motor is the maker's rating; current and run time are from its manuals. A dash means no figure on file. “Same” means the standard unit’s figure applies. Prices are the dealer’s, dated on each model’s page.
Model	Thrust	Motor	Current	Bore	Boat length	Run time, min	Price
SR 2 models The base retractable, on/off: it drops out of the hull to dock and tucks away under way. Run time, as published: 2 to 3 minutes
SR80	212 lb 96 kgf 176 lb at 10.5 V	4.4 kW	530 A · 12 V280 A · 24 V	185 mm	33 to 49 ft	2–3	$11,850
Not sold in the US No US store or distributor lists these. The pages stay up for owners of boats built elsewhere who need the specs or parts.
SR100	256 lb 116 kgf 220 lb at 10.5 V	6.3 kW	740 A · 12 V340 A · 24 V	185 mm	33 to 56 ft	2–3	No US price
SRL 4 models The low-profile on/off build: a bevel-gear drive for a boat with little headroom above the hull. Run time, as published: 2 to 3 minutes
Not sold in the US No US store or distributor lists these. The pages stay up for owners of boats built elsewhere who need the specs or parts.
SRL80	212 lb 96 kgf 176 lb at 10.5 V	4.4 kW	530 A · 12 V280 A · 24 V	185 mm	33 to 49 ft	2–3	No US price
SRL100	256 lb 116 kgf 220 lb at 10.5 V	6.3 kW	740 A · 12 V340 A · 24 V	185 mm	39 to 56 ft	2–3	No US price
SRL130	353 lb 160 kgf 287 lb at 10.5 V	6.5 kW	800 A · 12 V350 A · 24 V	250 mm	43 to 62 ft	2–3	No US price
SRL170	463 lb 210 kgf 375 lb at 21 V	8 kW	550 A · 24 V	250 mm	49 to 72 ft	2–3	No US price
SRV 6 models Stands the motor vertical, which Sleipner says eases shock in steep waves. It needs headroom above the hull. Run time, as published: 2 to 3 minutes
SRV80	212 lb 96 kgf 176 lb at 21 V	4.4 kW	530 A · 12 V280 A · 24 V	185 mm	33 to 49 ft	2–3	$11,000
SRV100	256 lb 116 kgf 220 lb at 10.5 V	6.3 kW	740 A · 12 V340 A · 24 V	185 mm	39 to 56 ft	2–3	$11,750
SRV130	353 lb 160 kgf 287 lb at 10.5 V	6.5 kW	800 A · 12 V350 A · 24 V	250 mm	43 to 62 ft	2–3	$22,730
Not sold in the US No US store or distributor lists these. The pages stay up for owners of boats built elsewhere who need the specs or parts.
SRV170	463 lb 210 kgf 375 lb at 21 V	8 kW	550 A · 24 V	250 mm	49 to 72 ft	2–3	No US price
SRV210	551 lb 250 kgf 463 lb at 21 V	10 kW	500 A · 24 V	250 mm	56 to 79 ft	2–3	No US price
SRV300	750 lb 340 kgf 661 lb at 42 V	15 kW	450 A · 48 V	300 mm	72 to 98 ft	2–3	No US price
SRP PRO 2 models Adds speed control (PRO) to the SR. Run time, as published: 2 to 3 minutes
SRP80 PRO	212 lb 96 kgf 176 lb at 10.5 V	4.4 kW	530 A · 12 V280 A · 24 V	185 mm	33 to 49 ft	2–3	$14,700
Not sold in the US No US store or distributor lists these. The pages stay up for owners of boats built elsewhere who need the specs or parts.
SRP100 PRO	256 lb 116 kgf 220 lb at 10.5 V	6.3 kW	740 A · 12 V340 A · 24 V	185 mm	33 to 56 ft	2–3	No US price
SRVP PRO 2 models Adds speed control (PRO) to the vertical-motor SRV. Run time, as published: 2 to 3 minutes
SRVP80 PRO	212 lb 96 kgf 176 lb at 10.5 V	4.4 kW	530 A · 12 V280 A · 24 V	185 mm	33 to 49 ft	2–3	$10,510
SRVP100 PRO	256 lb 116 kgf 220 lb at 10.5 V	6.3 kW	740 A · 12 V340 A · 24 V	185 mm	39 to 56 ft	2–3	$13,070
SRLP PRO 3 models Adds speed control, with a compact bevel-gear drive for a boat with little headroom.
Not sold in the US No US store or distributor lists these. The pages stay up for owners of boats built elsewhere who need the specs or parts.
SRLP80 PRO	176–212 lb 80–96 kgf 176 lb at 10.5 V	4.4 kW	530 A · 12 V280 A · 24 V	185 mm	33 to 49 ft	2–3	No US price
SRLP100 PRO	256 lb 116 kgf 220 lb at 10.5 V	6.3 kW	740 A · 12 V340 A · 24 V	185 mm	39 to 56 ft	2–3	No US price
SRLP130 PRO	353 lb 160 kgf 287 lb at 10.5 V	6.5 kW	800 A · 12 V350 A · 24 V	250 mm	43 to 62 ft	2–3	No US price
ERL eVision 3 models Puts the brushless eVision motor in the low-profile retractable, with speed control built in. Run time, as published: 2 to 3 minutes at full thrust in the installation manuals; the product pages say continuous
ERL100 eVision	220 lb 100 kgf	5.6 kW	300 A · 24 V150 A · 48 V	185 mm	39 to 56 ft	2–3	$18,050
ERL170 eVision	375 lb 170 kgf	7.3 kW	420 A · 24 V225 A · 48 V	250 mm	49 to 72 ft	2–3	$29,500
Not sold in the US No US store or distributor lists these. The pages stay up for owners of boats built elsewhere who need the specs or parts.
ERL130 eVision	287 lb 130 kgf	5.1 kW	300 A · 24 V180 A · 48 V	250 mm	43 to 62 ft	Continuous	No US price
ERV eVision 6 models The eVision retractable with its motor standing vertical, on counter-rotating twin propellers. Run time, as published: 2 to 3 minutes at full thrust in the installation manuals; the product pages say continuous
ERV100 eVision	220 lb 100 kgf	6.3 kW	300 A · 24 V150 A · 48 V	185 mm	39 to 56 ft	2–3	$14,500
ERV170 eVision	375 lb 170 kgf	7.3 kW	420 A · 24 V225 A · 48 V	250 mm	49 to 72 ft	2–3	$26,455
ERV210 eVision	463 lb 210 kgf	10.4 kW	600 A · 24 V320 A · 48 V	250 mm	56 to 79 ft	2–3	$28,545
Not sold in the US No US store or distributor lists these. The pages stay up for owners of boats built elsewhere who need the specs or parts.
ERV130 eVision	287 lb 130 kgf	5.1 kW	300 A · 24 V180 A · 48 V	250 mm	43 to 62 ft	2–3	No US price
ERV250 eVision	551 lb 250 kgf	11 kW	350 A · 48 V	300 mm	72 to 98 ft	2–3	No US price
ERV300 eVision	661 lb 300 kgf	15 kW	395 A · 48 V	300 mm	72 to 98 ft	2–3	No US price
SRAC 1 model Runs on 400 V AC instead of a battery bank.
Not sold in the US No US store or distributor lists these. The pages stay up for owners of boats built elsewhere who need the specs or parts.
SRAC320	705 lb 320 kgf	21 kW	46 A	300 mm	72 to 112 ft	Continuous	No US price
SRHP 2 models Driven by the boat's hydraulic system, with speed control built in.
Not sold in the US No US store or distributor lists these. The pages stay up for owners of boats built elsewhere who need the specs or parts.
SRHP240	529 lb 240 kgf	14.9 kW	Hydraulic	250 mm	43 to 75 ft	2–3	No US price
SRHP650	1433 lb 650 kgf	47 kW	Hydraulic	386 mm	82 to 151 ft	Continuous	No US price

External thrusters Fitted outside the hull 10 models

Sleipner’s external thrusters, by series, a build of the same size indented under its standard unit. Thrust is the maker’s, in pounds with kilograms under it, and the figure Sleipner gives at the lower, working voltage where it prints one. Motor is the maker's rating; current and run time are from its manuals. A dash means no figure on file. “Same” means the standard unit’s figure applies. Prices are the dealer’s, dated on each model’s page.
Model	Thrust	Motor	Current	Mount	Boat length	Run time, min	Price
SX 4 models On/off units bolted to the outside of the hull at the stern, for a boat with no room for a tunnel. The SX80 and SX100 are made for twin stern drives. Run time, as published: SX35 and SX50 pages: "4 duty cycle at 20°C"; every SX manual: 2 to 3 minutes.
SX35 Compact Stern	93 lb 42 kgf 77 lb at 10.5 V	1.8 kW	245 A · 12 V	Stern	20 to 33 ft	"4 duty cycle"	$3,870–$4,167
SX50 Compact	137 lb 62 kgf 110 lb at 10.5 V/21 V	2.8 kW	370 A · 12 V	Stern	26 to 36 ft	"4 duty cycle"	$4,365–$4,658
SX80	212 lb 96 kgf 176 lb at 10.5 V	4.4 kW	530 A · 12 V280 A · 24 V	Stern	33 to 49 ft	2–3	$8,750
SX100	256 lb 116 kgf 220 lb at 10.5 V	6.3 kW	740 A · 12 V340 A · 24 V	Stern	39 to 56 ft	2–3	$9,750
SXP PRO 2 models Adds variable speed (PRO) to the SX stern units. Run time, as published: 2 to 3 minutes
SXP80 PRO	212 lb 96 kgf 176 lb at 10.5 V	4.4 kW	530 A · 12 V280 A · 24 V	Stern	33 to 49 ft	2–3	$10,500
SXP100 PRO	256 lb 116 kgf 220 lb at 10.5 V	6.3 kW	740 A · 12 V340 A · 24 V	Stern	33 to 56 ft	2–3	$12,500
SXE eVision 1 model Puts the brushless eVision motor in the SX100, rated to run continuously at full thrust. Run time, as published: continuous at full thrust, "typically limited by battery capacity"
SXE100 eVision	220 lb 100 kgf 220 lb at 21 V	5.6 kW	290 A · 24 V	Stern	39 to 56 ft	Continuous	$12,250
EX 3 models Pods bolted under the hull at the bow or stern, for displacement and semi-planing boats. Sleipner names them by a thrust 1.4 times the measured figure. Run time, as published: about 3 minutes in the EX manual (2019); the EX95 page says up to 5
EX70C	148 lb 67 kgf	3 kW	175 A · 24 V	Stern	31 to 43 ft	3	$9,600
EX95S	148 lb 67 kgf	3 kW	175 A · 24 V	Either end	33 to 49 ft	3	$9,450
EX180D	287 lb 130 kgf	6 kW	350 A · 24 V	Either end	46 to 59 ft	3	$17,750

92 models in all.

One figure above is at the lower voltage: the EX95S counts at its 148 lb, which is its 21 V figure. At 24 V its page says 209 lb.

What they publish about the system

These rules apply to the whole range. Where two of the maker's own documents disagree, the note column says so.

The rules that apply to the whole range, with a note where two of the maker's own documents disagree.
Topic	What they publish	Note
Thrust rating	At 10.5 or 21 V, "a realistic, achievable voltage". The 12 and 24 V figure is printed beside it.	Consistent, every page
Design wind	Knowledge hub: "a minimum of 17.5 knots"	Thruster-size page and overview: 19.5 knots
Run time	SE, SEP, SR and SX100 pages: "2 - 3 min. Duty cycle at 20°c". E-series pages: "Continuous".	SX35 and SX50: "4 duty cycle at 20°C", no unit
Warranty	Leisure use 2 years, commercial 1, transferable. Effective 1 April 2022.	Consistent with the FAQ
Tunnel depth	At least 75% of the tunnel diameter under the water, "never" less than 50%. As far forward as possible.	Consistent
SE130 current	Current guide and product page: 800 A at 12 V	The 2015 copy of the manual: 760 A
2026 model sheet	Every model's thrust at both voltages, motor, CCA and boat size on two pages	ERV250 low-voltage thrust printed as 80 kg. Weights of 6 E-series models read "TBD".
Batteries	Lead-acid, or gel, with no . Lithium on an on/off unit spins the prop faster and "risks overheating". PRO units are unaffected.	Consistent
Safety	Intelligent Power Control (IPC) on every on/off DC unit stops a flapping or a welded one. Panels switch off after about 6 minutes idle.	Consistent
Manuals and spares	Installation and user manuals under every product's Documents tab. Exploded views and spare lists. A discontinued-models list back to 1998.	Published
SX pod	SX35 and SX50 pod pages: "This product has been discontinued". The SX35 stern-thruster page carries no notice.	The stern units stay in our database and the finder; the pods are retired

Sources: the FAQ, the thruster-size page, the knowledge-hub article, the warranty statement, and the 2026 model-range sheet and catalog. The product pages are for the SE60, SE100, SE130, E100, SR80, SX35 pod and EX95.

Why the thrust is rated at 10.5 volts

The most useful thing Sleipner publishes is the voltage its thrust is measured at. That is why our database carries two thrust figures for most of its models.

The FAQ starts with the wiring: "Power cables, fuses, main power switches, connections, etc., create resistance, effectively reducing voltage."

Then it gives what Sleipner measured: "After years of thorough on-water testing, Sleipner is aware that statistically, on a perfectly installed electrical system, due to voltage drop and current draw, no more than 10.5V will be measured on the thruster 12V system or 21V on a 24V system."

So the SE60 is sold as a 60 kg unit. The 73 kg beside it is what a laboratory supply would give.

Their own warning follows: "some manufacturers state the rated thrust at unrealistic voltage levels". They spell out what that means for you: "If you have decided you need 130 kilos of force for your vessel but only get 110, you will probably be disappointed."

The maker's sales claim. The FAQ turns that into a pitch: "When comparing Sleipner thrusters with other brands, you can generally go down a size when retrofitting a Sleipner product."

That is the maker's argument, and we have not checked it. Whether it holds depends on the voltage the other brand's figure was measured at, and most do not say.

The new E-series does not at all. Its pages print 100 kg at both 21 and 24 V, because an between battery and motor holds the output across a voltage range. Our battery page shows what the sag costs in thrust on every brushed model.

How the SE60 measures up

The SE60's page names boats of 29 to 38 ft. We sized a unit at the top of that range, 38 ft, with our size calculator, the tool here that works out the thrust a boat needs.

At our 15 knots of wind, a sailboat needs about 95 lb and a motor yacht about 98 lb. The SE60's rated 132 lb steers the sailboat at about 18 knots and the motor yacht at about 17.

At Sleipner's own two design winds, the same sailboat wants about 128 lb at 17.5 knots and about 158 lb at 19.5 knots. The rated 132 lb meets the 17.5 knot figure and falls short of the 19.5 knot one.

All of that is our arithmetic on their length range. The calculator does the same sum for your own boat and prints their 17.5 knot figure beside ours.

Two to three minutes, or continuous

Every SE, SEP and SR product page, and the SX100, carries the same line under "Motor cycle duty": "2 - 3 min. Duty cycle at 20°c (Ambient temperature)".

That is the of a brushed DC motor, its thermal limit. After it, "On/off thrusters are automatically shut off to prevent overheating".

What that means at the dock. Two or three minutes is longer than a docking uses the thruster for, even a docking with an audience.

The other motors are published differently.

SX35 and SX50. The pages print "4 duty cycle at 20°C" and never say minutes of what. The SX35/SX50 manual says S2, 2 to 3 minutes.

EX95 pod. It is cooled by the water it sits in. Its page says "Up to 5 minutes of nonstop operating time"; the EX manual says about 3, then the overheat protection stops it.

E-series (eVision). This is the exception, in the maker's own words: "Runtime @ 100% thrust: Continuous @ 22degC ambient, typically limited by battery capacity". It runs on a six-phase permanent-magnet motor, which is a motor, with its own inverter. The unit is sealed against immersion (IPx7) and "up to 50% lighter". The eVision retractables (ERL, ERV) are different: their pages say continuous, their installation manuals 2 to 3 minutes.

Any PRO unit at half power or less. The catalog says it gives "close to continuous run time, only limited by your available power supply", because "the heat development in a DC electric motor is much lower".

Those are the maker's claims about its newest and most expensive motors. The forums read for this page hold no owner report of an E-series unit yet. The 2026 sheet still prints "TBD" for the weight of 6 of its E-series tunnel models.

The control panels also switch themselves off after about 6 minutes without a touch. That is a safety timer on the panel. It says nothing about how long the motor can run.

What it drills

Tunnel units

A . Sleipner's whole tunnel range goes through the bow below the waterline, in a tube of 110, 125, 140, 185, 215, 250, 300, 386, 412 or 513 mm depending on the size. The tube is glassed in and faired, which means smoothed into the hull so the water sees no step.

The depth rule is the one the FAQ gives: at least 75% of the diameter under the surface, never less than 50%, "and more is better". The tunnel goes as far forward as the hull allows.

Each product page also prints:

the minimum water depth (equal to the diameter on the SE60: 185 mm)
the minimum and recommended tunnel length
the wall thickness the tube must have

The cost page has what a yard charges for that job, and our types page sets a tunnel beside the other kinds.

Retractables

The (SR, SRL, SRV and the eVision ERL and ERV) drop a tunnel unit through a molded box in the bottom. They need the box, the and the height inside. The SR80's page gives 185 mm of water depth and a 31 kg unit.

External units: SX and EX

The SX external units are sold as the "three small holes" product. Their page says: "Only requires drilling of 3 small holes with a minimal footprint on the hull. No fiberglass work is necessary".

The SX35 and SX50 stern units come in two hull-thickness variants. The ones our database links fit a hull up to 150 mm thick. Imtra's SX35 listing is the 50 mm variant, and the discontinued pods, the SXP35 and SXP50 PRO among them, said 50 mm too.

The unit itself sits in the water under the . On the discontinued hydropod version it sat under the . The EX pods bolt through the hull at the bow, forward of where a tunnel would sit. Their page's own arithmetic claims "as high as 1.4 times the actual thrust" from the longer and the deeper water. Our sizing credits every external unit with the same lever.

Plan a haul-out. Each of these goes through the hull below the waterline, so the boat is for the job. Our no-hole page sets those claims beside the other brands' documents.

Batteries and current

The numbers are on every page, and they are large.

SE60, 12 V. It draws 370 A behind an ANL 325 fuse (a bolt-down fuse of that many amps). It wants a battery of 350 by the rating. The catalog converts that to by multiplying by 1.9.

SE100, 12 V. It draws 740 A and wants 750 DIN.

SE130, 12 V. It draws 800 A on its page and in the current guide, and 760 in the 2015 copy of its manual.

E100, 24 V. It draws 290 A for the same 100 kg the SE100 makes at 740 A.

The maker's advice matches the owners':

a dedicated bank next to the thruster
a bank rather than
nothing behind a battery management system

The FAQ gives its reason for the last one: "the high amp draw may lead the system to think that there is an issue with the system and consequently disconnect the batteries".

One owner fitted a dedicated bank the way the page says, in 2024. The SE60 came out and an SE100 went in at 24 V. He described the wiring: "2/0 wires at a total Pos & Neg wire length of 14 feet. With at least 800CCA."

What the pages do not carry is a cable table by run length. That is in the installation manuals. Our wiring page reproduces the SE80, SE100, SE170 and SE210 tables from the 2015 manuals, with the equivalents checked. The battery page carries the minimum cranking amps per model and voltage, and what the 10.5 V rating costs in thrust.

The FAQ's own line on a weak system. "Typically, in a 12V system, you will find that you only get 10-11 volts reaching the electric motor."

The retractable-coupling case

This is the one long failure case on record for the brand. In February 2024 the owner of a new 46 ft Grand Soleil posted on Trawler Forum. The boat had factory-fitted SRV100/185T at both ends. He wrote:

"During commissioning the bow thruster started rapidly moving between port and starboard. It was then shut down and it was discovered that the coupling had sheared. Earlier that day the stern thruster had stopped delivering thrust. On further investigation it was discovered that the coupling had also sheared."

What followed, from his posts:

The first diagnosis. The local agent "initially blamed the problems on either 'set up issues' or 'low voltage'", then accepted a stuck and controller. New parts took six weeks. A week after fitting, the stern sheared again.

April. He wrote: "Sleipner are aware that there is a weakness in the couplings on these models and that multiple boats are affected". A fresh coupling sheared after "less than 2 seconds at about a quarter of maximum power".

September. The agent said 11.8 V at the stern unit was too high, and a separate bank was fitted.

October. The count was "4 stern thruster couplings sheared and one bow thruster coupling sheared", and he was seeking legal advice.

February 2025. A coupling "a different color from the previous ones" was fitted.

September 2025. Both units were "still operating ok".

His own reading, in September 2025: "the original coupling designs were too weak."

What the thread said

Not everyone in the thread agreed with him.

Most replies went first to voltage drop from a and to dedicated batteries, which the maker's pages also recommend.
One member read the installation manual and found "a lot of warnings associated with the coupling unit".
Another, who has broken three blades on fish, doubted a court would separate a weak coupling from a jammed prop.

The maker's side is missing. It never posted in the thread, and the owner says it never wrote to him.

If you are buying a retractable. From his account, the flexible coupling is the part designed to give, replacements were supplied, and the redesigned part has held. Read the thread, and ask about the coupling.

What owners report

More owners write about this brand than about any other on the site, because more boats carry it. Their reports sort into a few themes.

Long service. "I've had two Side Power thrusters on my boat for 10+ years now and never had a problem with either one." Another owner: "We had Sidepower in our last boat and had good support from them."

The recommendation, and the shaft. "My personal preference for a boat your size is Sidepower." On the shaft: "the sidepower is on a robust shaft with a 19mm bolt", against a competitor's 6 mm.

and relays. "the solenoid needed replacement and it's a $170 part" (2011). "Trouble shot it down to relay on top of thruster" (2016).

and plugs. An intermittent unit on a Fleming in 2024 came down to the brushes and corroded harness plugs.

The main switch. In 2026 an automatic main switch clicked but passed no current. "A new AMS is over $800".

The shaft on an old unit. A 2007 SP95's shaft corroded at the seal, and the shaft is sold only as a whole lower leg.

The plastic propeller. It breaks by design and is the cheap part.

The harshest line on record. One Grady-White owner relayed a thruster specialist's view in 2011: the units "are under designed and have excessive electronics to try and compensate rather than have a beefed up unit." That is one person's opinion, passed on secondhand, and we have not checked it.

Strengths and limitations

Each line below names its source. Three of the limitations are disagreements between the maker's own documents. One is a case with only the owner's side on record.

What holds up

Thrust is rated at the voltage a boat delivers: 10.5 volts on a 12 V system and 21 on a 24 V one, with the 12 and 24 V figure printed beside it "only for comparison reasons". The SE100 is their own example: 100 kg at 10.5 V, 116 at 12. No other brand on this site publishes both. Published FAQ and every product page, read 23 September 2026
Every product page carries the full electrical case: nominal current, the fuse size, the minimum battery in DIN, SAE and EN cranking amps, the tunnel diameter, the minimum water depth and tunnel length, the wall thickness, and the installation manual under a Documents tab. The 2026 catalog prints the whole range on two pages. Published Product pages and the DC model-range sheet, read 23 September 2026
Long service on record. "I've had two Side Power thrusters on my boat for 10+ years now and never had a problem with either one. I change the sacrificial anodes on them every year." "Our Side Power has served us very well." One owner's two Optima batteries lasted into their eighth year on a converted 24 V SE100. Reported ScottC (Greenline 33) and Avalon36 (Shannon 36), Trawler Forum, Dec 2021; O C Diver, Trawler Forum, Feb 2024
The propeller is the part built to break. A bow unit that swallowed a dock line ran the rest of the season and was found with two of five blades gone and the drive pin intact: "I think the prop is designed to break if it gets jammed up. Easy and cheap to replace." Another owner broke three blades in eight years, twice on fish. Reported backinblue (Mainship Pilot 355), Trawler Forum, Dec 2021; O C Diver, Trawler Forum, Oct 2024
A written warranty with a date on it: 2 years leisure, 1 commercial, transferable, repair or replacement returned "at the Warrantor's expense", and a refund route if repair fails after "a reasonable number of opportunities". Spares for every current model are listed by exploded view, and a separate list covers thrusters discontinued since 1998. Published Warranty statement effective 1 April 2022; FAQ, read 23 September 2026
The published safety features are specific. Intelligent Power Control detects a "flapping" solenoid on a weak battery and stops trying, and "will STOP THE THRUSTER" if a solenoid welds in. The control panels turn themselves off after about 6 minutes without use and need two buttons to wake. Published FAQ; Leisure Product catalog, read 23 September 2026
A US distributor with stock and a phone that owners say works: "They are very helpful and knowledgeable." "I keep telling everyone with thruster issues to talk to imtra.com". The one dissent is from 2015: an email took two weeks; "The guys in Norway got back to me the next day." Reported Iggy, Feb 2025, and mkel7, Dec 2024, Trawler Forum; BlueYonder, Trawler Forum, Aug 2015

What does not

The design wind is 17.5 knots in the knowledge-hub article ("a minimum of 17.5 knots wind speed") and 19.5 knots on the thruster-size page and the recreational overview, same sentence otherwise. Both call 22 to 25 knots "a powerful thruster". This site's one design point is 15 knots, and the calculator prints their lower figure beside it. Finding Knowledge hub, thruster-size page and recreational page, all read 23 September 2026
Two to three minutes is the run time. Every SE, SEP, SR and SX100 product page says "2 - 3 min. Duty cycle at 20°c"; the SX35 and SX50 pages say "4 duty cycle at 20°C" with no unit; the EX95 says "up to 5 minutes". Only the E-series pages say "Continuous", and the catalog's near-continuous claim for PRO is at half power or less. Published Product pages and the Leisure Product catalog, read 23 September 2026
A new-boat failure case. On a Grand Soleil 46 with factory SRV100 retractables, "the coupling had sheared" on both units at commissioning. A replacement sheared after "less than 2 seconds at about a quarter of maximum power". By October 2024 the count was "4 stern thruster couplings sheared and one bow thruster coupling sheared". A redesigned coupling in a different color has held since. Reported James E, Trawler Forum, Feb 2024 to Sep 2025
No answer from the maker on record in that case. The owner's word: "I have not received any formal communication from Sleipner and no product recall has been communicated." Reported James E, Trawler Forum, Sep 2025
A figure that moved between revisions: the SE130 draws 760 A in the 2015 copy of its manual and 800 A in the maker's current guide and on its product page, same motor, same 12 V. The 2026 model-range sheet prints the ERV250's low-voltage thrust as 80 kg beside 250, and "TBD" for the weight of 6 of the 16 E-series tunnel models. Finding The 2015 copy of the SE80 to SE130 manual; the current SE80 to SE150 guide (2687 rev 30), the SE130 product page and the DC model-range sheet, read 23 September 2026
The amps are large, and the voltage drop is measurable. The 12 V SE100 draws 740 A and wants 750 CCA (DIN) at the battery. The maker's own page says "in a 12V system, you will find that you only get 10-11 volts reaching the electric motor". One Mainship 390 owner: "System Voltage goes down to 8-10 VDC. That can't be good for a battery bank even in short bursts." Published SE100 product page and thruster-size page, read 23 September 2026; Capt Ray, Trawler Forum, Dec 2021
Parts come as assemblies. "side Power does not sell the shaft separately only the entire lower end", which "lists for $790 in the USA from the distributor" in 2020. A solenoid was "a $170 part" in 2011; an automatic main switch "over $800" in 2026. A thruster specialist's opinion relayed by one Grady-White owner in 2011: the units "are under designed and have excessive electronics to try and compensate". Reported Diverrob and O C Diver, Trawler Forum, Dec 2020; HMBJack and gradynorm, Great Grady, Mar 2011; Raylee, Trawler Forum, Jan 2026
The SX35 and SX50 "hydropod" bow and stern pods are marked "This product has been discontinued" on the maker's own pod pages ("external bow/stern pod thruster"), with a replacement offered. The SXP35 and SXP50 PRO pods are retired in our database too, listed under Discontinued models above. Sleipner keeps a second SX35 page, "external stern thruster", live with no notice. That is the stern unit our database row links, and Imtra still lists an SX35 stern unit. Finding SX35 and SX50 pod pages, read 17 September 2026 and again 23 September 2026
Every version needs the boat out of the water. Every tunnel and retractable goes through the bottom. The SX needs its three holes below the waterline, and the EX pod bolts through the hull. The maker warns against lithium on the on/off models (faster props, overheating, "the thruster may be damaged") and against any bank behind a battery management system. Published External page and FAQ, read 23 September 2026

Who it is for

Good fit if

Your boat has room for a , which is most of them. The SE and SEP tunnel units are what a builder fits and a yard knows. The brand has a US distributor with stock, spares listed by exploded view, and more owner reports on the forums we read than any other.

You dock alone. The SEP and E-series PRO units are the ones to specify. Their hold function keeps the boat against the dock on reduced power, and that needs variable speed at both ends of the boat.

You have a sailboat or a fast hull that will not carry a tunnel's drag. The suit it, but read the coupling case above first.

You have twin and no room inside. The SX stern units fit that .

Your hull cannot take a tunnel at all. The EX pod is for that hull.

Look elsewhere, or plan for it, if

You want to skip the haul-out. The boat comes out of the water for every Sleipner version, the SX included.

Your is lithium. You will need a separate thruster supply.

You want one clear thrust number. Every Sleipner thrust figure comes as a pair, at two voltages. How close you get to the higher one depends on your boat's wiring.

For the SE60 and SE100 against the other routes at your boat's length, see the sailboat guide or the trawler guide.

What it costs

Most models have two published prices in the US: the distributor's list and a dealer's price. Our database and the thruster finder use Defender's, captured 28 August 2026.

On 23 September 2026 Imtra's product pages showed a list price. Beneath it sat a separate "Tariff Amount" marked "Excluded From Pricing". On every page we read, it came to 8.25% of the list price (our arithmetic).

The table sets the two side by side where the database has a Defender row. On those 8 rows, Defender's price ran 87% to 90% of Imtra's list.

Unit prices only. That 87% to 90% is before the tariff line, the shipping and the . Every price here is the unit alone.

Imtra list prices and tariff lines as printed on 23 September 2026, beside Defender's price for the same unit as our database holds it. None includes a tunnel, a panel unless stated, cable, battery or labor.
Model	What it is	Imtra list	Tariff line	Imtra stock	Defender, 28 Aug
Sleipner Side-Power SE60/185S Thrust 161 lbf (73 kgf) Mounting tunnel Price $2,295.00 Defender listing, read 17 September 2026. Full page: fit, cost and wiring See it on Defender	12 V, sealed gearleg	$2,550	$210.38	In Stock (40)	$2,295
Sleipner Side-Power SE80/185T Thrust 212 lbf (96 kgf) Mounting tunnel Price $3,285.00 Defender listing, read 17 September 2026. Full page: fit, cost and wiring See it on Defender	12 V, twin props, sealed gearleg	$3,650	$301.13	In Stock (45)	$3,285
Sleipner Side-Power SE80/185T-IP Thrust 212 lbf (96 kgf) Mounting tunnel Price $4,590.00 Defender listing, read 17 September 2026. Full page: fit, cost and wiring See it on Defender	12 V, ignition protected	$5,100	$420.75	In Stock (5)	$4,590
Sleipner Side-Power SE100/185T Thrust 256 lbf (116 kgf) Mounting tunnel Price $4,455.00 Defender listing, read 28 August 2026. Full page: fit, cost and wiring See it on Defender	12 V, twin props, sealed gearleg	$4,950	$408.38	In Stock (16)	$4,455
Sleipner Side-Power SE120/215T-24V Thrust 306 lbf (139 kgf) Mounting tunnel Price $4,905.00 Defender listing, read 28 August 2026. Full page: fit, cost and wiring See it on Defender	24 V, twin props	$5,450	$449.63	In Stock (9)	$4,905
Sleipner Side-Power SEP60/185S Thrust 161 lbf (73 kgf) Mounting tunnel Price $4,995.00 to $5,085.00 Defender listing, read 17 September 2026. Full page: fit, cost and wiring See it on Defender	12 V PRO, with control box and panel	$5,650	$466.13	not shown	$4,995–$5,085
Sleipner Side-Power E100/185T Thrust 220 lbf (100 kgf) Mounting tunnel Price $6,885.00 Defender listing, read 28 August 2026. Full page: fit, cost and wiring See it on Defender	24 V eVision	$7,650	$631.13	In Stock (15)	$6,885
Sleipner Side-Power SX35 Compact Stern Thrust 93 lbf (42 kgf) Mounting external Price $3,870.00 to $4,167.00 Defender listing, read 12 October 2026. Full page: fit, cost and wiring See it on Defender	12 V external, with anodes; Imtra's listing is the 50 mm-hull variant	$4,450	$367.13	In Stock (1)	$3,870–$4,167

What owners paid installed

Installed is another matter, and the record is thin.

Bow, Grand Banks 42. The owner posted in Aug 2025 that an SE120 fitted the year before came to about $19,000 "complete with battery and charger".

Bow, Bayliner 4788. This is the only itemized invoice we hold, from May 2016: $13,077.50 all in. Our note on it reads "$8,577.50 labor and parts across 70 hours, plus $4,500 for the Side-Power SE120/215. The total is our addition of his two figures."

Bow and stern, quoted. Another 4788 owner in the same thread was quoted $11,564.77 for the bow and $10,163.60 for the stern.

Stern units. Side-Power parts self-installed in 2016 came to $5,000. An SR80 was yard-fitted for $7,500 in 2012. A Heritage East 36's Side-Power stern thruster was $10,000.

Our own yard estimate for the SE60 on the sailboat row of our cost-by-boat-type page is $9,517 to $19,384 all in. It is built from the cost page's labor bands, and it is an estimate.

Videos

Two of Sleipner’s own videos, from its YouTube channel: the current E-series tunnel units, and X-Yachts on the ERV100 retractable in a 47 ft sailboat. They are the maker’s pitch. Watch them for what the units look like and how they go in, and take the claims to the sections above.

A still from Sleipner's eVision video: a dark green and silver tunnel thruster motor with its propeller below, over the word eVision. — Sleipner’s own video, on Sleipner’s YouTube channel. The picture is a still from it.

A still from Sleipner's X-Yachts video: a sailboat's helm pedestal with the Sleipner thruster panel beside the wheel. — Sleipner’s own video, on Sleipner’s YouTube channel. The picture is a still from it.

Questions to ask before you order

The product page answers most of these. Get the answer for your own boat in writing before the is cut.

Which thrust figure is the quote using, 10.5 V or 12? Sleipner rates at the lower one. A competitor's number may be at the higher.
Which design wind, 17.5 or 19.5 knots? The maker's pages say both. Ask the installer which they sized to, and take our 15 knot figure in with you.
On/off, PRO, or E-series? By their own pages, the run time is 2 to 3 minutes on the first, "close to continuous" at half power on the second and "Continuous" on the third. The price rises the same way.
Where does the battery go, and what kind? The page's figure is a minimum. The maker and the owners agree on a starting-type bank next to the unit and nothing behind a .
What does the tariff line do to the invoice? Imtra shows it separately at about 8.25% of list. Ask the dealer whether their price includes it.
For a : which coupling is fitted, and is it the redesigned one? One owner's four sheared couplings in 2024 are the reason to ask.
Which manual revision is the yard reading? The SE130 is 760 A in a 2015 copy still in circulation and 800 A in the current guide.
Is the SX pod still available, or its replacement? The hydropod pages said discontinued on 23 September 2026.
Who does warranty work here, and what does a claim cost me to ship? The statement says return shipping is prepaid by the claimant, and repair by anyone else voids it.

Where to go next

Compare thrusters side by side Pick up to four tunnel, retractable or external units and see specs, price and fit together.
Tunnel thruster installation The eight steps of a tunnel install from the makers’ manuals, with hours for each.
Bow thruster cost Installed prices by boat length, yard rates, and why labor is the expensive half.

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The prices and specs on this page are as published on the dates shown, and our yard figure is an estimate for planning. None of it is an inspection of your boat. Check any thruster, cable or battery against the maker's manual and with your yard before you buy or fit anything. The full wording is in our terms.