Side Power SE60/185S Thruster – 4 HP 12V/24V

Side Power SE60/185S 4 HP Tunnel Thruster

The Side Power SE60/185S thruster is a 4 HP (3.1 kW) DC tunnel thruster designed around a 185 mm (7.3″) tunnel. The product is available with selectable 12V or 24V power supply, allowing the thruster to be matched to the vessel’s electrical system.

The SE60/185S uses a single-propeller configuration and belongs to Side Power’s standard SE On/Off series. It is intended for bow or compatible stern-thruster installations where the vessel, tunnel and electrical system meet the requirements of this model.

SE Means Standard On/Off Control

The SE designation is important when selecting the thruster.

The SE60/185S uses standard On/Off control, meaning the thruster operates at its available thrust when activated rather than providing variable-speed control.

It should not be confused with the SEP60/185S proportional thruster. The SEP version belongs to Side Power’s proportional-control range and uses a different control architecture.

If replacing an existing unit, confirm whether the current system is SE or SEP before ordering. Similar model numbers do not mean that the control systems are interchangeable.

12V and 24V Power Supply Options

This product page provides a Power Supply selector for:

• 12V
• 24V

Select the version that corresponds to the vessel’s thruster electrical system.

The voltage selection also affects electrical requirements such as battery capacity, current and fuse sizing, so the 12V and 24V options should not be treated as interchangeable without confirming the complete installation.

SE60/185S Performance Specifications

Actual performance can vary according to installation conditions and available voltage at the thruster.

12V vs. 24V Electrical Requirements

The correct electrical configuration must be matched to the selected voltage.

For the 12V version, current Sleipner installation documentation should be followed when determining fuse and cable requirements. Do not size the electrical installation from an older product listing alone.

Cable sizing also depends on the total positive and negative cable run, so battery capacity and voltage are not the only electrical parameters that must be checked before installation.

Single-Propeller 185 mm Configuration

The SE60/185S uses a single-propeller propulsion system within a 185 mm tunnel.

This differentiates it from larger Side Power models such as the SE80/185T, where the T designation identifies a twin-propeller configuration even though both models use the 185 mm tunnel platform.

The tunnel diameter therefore does not determine thruster performance by itself. The exact model, power rating and propulsion configuration must also be matched to the installation.

Sealed Gearleg and Thruster Protection

The SE60/185S incorporates a sealed, lifetime-lubricated gearleg designed to reduce routine gearleg maintenance. Its propulsion system also uses a five-blade skew-design composite propeller.

The SE platform incorporates protection features intended to protect the electric motor and drivetrain, including overheat protection and electronic protection against sudden changes in drive direction.

These characteristics are part of the complete thruster design and should not replace the installation and operating requirements specified in the Side Power/Sleipner documentation.

Is the SE60/185S the Right Thruster for Your Boat?

The SE60/185S is generally associated with vessels around 29–39 ft (9–12 m), but boat length should not be used as the only sizing criterion.

Before selecting the model, consider:

• Vessel length and displacement
• Bow profile and windage
• Available tunnel position and immersion
• Required 185 mm tunnel diameter
• Existing 12V or 24V electrical system
• Expected maneuvering requirements
• Bow or stern installation configuration

For a replacement, matching the existing SE60/185S model designation, voltage and tunnel diameter is particularly important.

Before Ordering

For an existing installation:

1. Confirm that the current thruster is SE60/185S, not SEP60/185S.
2. Confirm whether the vessel uses the 12V or 24V version.
3. Verify the 185 mm tunnel.
4. Check the battery, fuse and cable requirements for the selected voltage.
5. Confirm that the required controls and electrical components are compatible with the SE On/Off system.

For a new installation:

1. Confirm that the SE60 performance range is appropriate for the vessel.
2. Verify that a 185 mm tunnel installation is suitable.
3. Select 12V or 24V according to the planned electrical system.
4. Determine battery capacity, fuse protection and cable sizing using the current installation documentation.
5. Confirm the required tunnel, control panel, wiring and installation components before beginning the installation.

For additional options, explore our Side Power products and Electric Bow Thrusters to compare compatible thruster configurations. Before replacing or installing the SE60/185S, review the Side Power Thruster Manual to confirm model-specific installation, electrical and system requirements.