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23 Best Electric Trolling Motors for Boats, Kayaks, and Canoes in 2023

Trolling motors are a great way to power a small johnboat, canoe, or kayak. Larger pedal-operated trolling motors are used extensively on bass boats and shallow ocean running boats to fish near the shore. A trolling motor allows the boat to quietly sneak into the best fishing spots.

Without a trolling motor, fishermen have to rely on drift fishing. This is a big disadvantage because the boat is simply taken in the direction of the wind and current. Sometimes the boat ends up in shallow water that is difficult to navigate out of with the large primary motor.

There are several important decisions that will have to be made when selecting a trolling motor. First deciding how much thrust will be needed to propel the vessel is important. Next how it will be mounted. The mounting option for trolling motors includes bow-mounted, transom-mounted, and primary motor mounted.  Control options for trolling motors include hand-controlled, cable steered, cable controlled, and technologically controlled.

The power supplied to the motor is delivered by electric batteries. These batteries need to have the proper voltage and current. The amount of current stored in the batteries is measured in amp-hours. The larger the battery’s capacity the longer the motor can be run without being recharged.

The voltage requirement varies based on the max thrust of the motor. Trolling motors with 55 pounds of thrust and under can use a single 12-volt battery. The second level of motors with 60-80 pounds of the thrust recommends using 24 volts requiring two batteries. For large motors with 90-112 pounds of thrust, it is recommended to have 36 volts of power requiring three batteries.

Here Are the Best Electric Trolling Motors

Transom mount trolling motors, 1. minn kota endura.

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Minn Kota has several top-selling trolling motors for pretty much every scenario and watercraft type. The Minn Kota Endura is a transom-mounted unit sporting five different thrust options which are 30, 40, 45, 50, and 55 pounds.

The shafts lengths vary based on the distance the motor is mounted in the water. The shaft length also affects the handle height. If the boat is controlled while sitting down a lower handle height is good. When controlling to motor from a standing position a taller handle height is better. Shaft lengths are 30, 36, and 42 inches. The handle of this unit is telescopic to make it longer or shorter based on the situation.

The Minn Kota composite shaft is well known for its incredible durability. It is true that it can significantly bend but it won’t break. These motors can take some abuse without having major issues.

This is an excellent trolling motor for anglers that want a basic reliable transom mount trolling motor using a single 12-volt battery. Minn Kota offers a lifetime warranty on the shaft and a two-year limited warranty on the rest of the package.

2. Minn Kota Endura Max Transom Mount Trolling Motor

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This unit is almost entirely the same as the regular Endura but comes with the Digital Maximizer system. The difference in price is roughly $50, and some of you may not need the Digital Maximizer on the Endura Max so that is why both of the trolling motors are on the list.

The Digital Maximizer is a software that automatically adjusts the power supplied to the trolling motor based on a predetermined speed. This can in theory increase your battery life by 5 times in certain situations. Trolling motors do not necessarily make the boat go faster by applying more power. The pitch of the prop limits how fast a trolling motor will go. The maximizer helps ensure the user is not running the motor faster than is needed. This is most helpful when traveling from one location to another with the trolling motor.

3. Minn Kota Riptide SC Transom Mount

The Minn Kota Riptide SC is a transom mount saltwater-rated trolling motor that is controlled with a tiller handle. Features include the indestructible composite shaft, push to test battery life indicator, quiet motor, and a 10 position bracket that adjusts with a quick-release lever. The SC  version has 5 forward speeds and three reverse speeds. The other type is continuous variable speed.

The tiller handle extends 6 inches and can tilt up to 45 degrees. The shaft has a lifetime warranty and the unit has a two-year limited manufacturer warranty.

4. Minn Kota Vantage Freshwater Trolling Motor

The Minn Kota Vantage is a powerful trolling motor that is hand steered. The motor is unique in that it can be raised and lowered automatically with the push of a button. It has the vantage mounting system which breaks away on impact which helps protect the boat and motor when striking the ground.

The trolling motor has a 4:1 articulating steering system for sharper turns with less tiller handle movement. It can also turn 180 degrees so the propeller can be used in the more efficient forward motion to travel in all directions. The Vantage can quickly be placed in back trolling mode where the motor is turned 180 degrees.

Features include a tiller handle that can extent 31 inches, digital battery life indicator, and the digital maximizer to control the boat speed more efficiently to extend battery life. It also has the Weedless Wedge 2 propeller which is very popular with anglers who bass fish in the weeds.

5. Minn Kota Traxxis Trolling Motor

The Minn Kota Traxxis unique trolling features are with its steering modes. It is a transom mount trolling motor but the direction the motor faces can be quickly changed 180 degrees to allow for back trolling. This makes the propeller and motor more efficient when back trolling.

It also has a 4:1 articulating steering system where 45 degrees of motion of the tiller handle moves the motor 180 degrees. Other features include the digital maximizer, an indestructible composite shaft that is strong and flexible, and a tilt extending tiller handle. It can be stored and deployed using one hand. This unit comes with a 3-year limited manufacturer warranty.

6. Watersnake with Kayak Bracket Trolling Motor

The watersnake trolling motor is specifically designed for kayaks. It comes in two configurations a transom mount or a kayak side mount.  The two-blade propeller is a weedless design so it will work well when fishing in thick cover. This trolling motor is designed with fishing in mind.

Key features include its lightweight, high-low power switch, forward-reverse switch, and mounting design that will work with most kayaks. There is an Intex Mount Kit that will also allow this trolling motor to be used on small inflatable boats.

7. Goplus Electric Trolling Motor

The Goplus is a transom mount tiller controlled electric trolling motor. This is a basic trolling motor and would be good to use on a small Jon boat, kayak, or inflatable boat.

It has a 10 position bracket to lift and lower the motor into different angled positions. The shaft depth can also be adjusted with a clamp which is nice when going into really shallow water. There is also a 10 point LED battery life indicator. The head of the motor is made with aluminum which can increase the life of the unit.

8. Newport Vessels Kayak Series Trolling Motor

The Newport Vessels Kayak series is a short trolling motor that is built for Kayaks.  It is available in either 36-pound or 55-pound thrust options and comes with a 24-inch fiberglass shaft. The shaft length is to short for most boats but can work with inflated boats.

This is purpose-built for kayaks, is economically friendly, and easily propels a kayak with tons of gear. The motor is equipped with anti-corrosion coatings and seals making it resistant to saltwater.

The motor encasement and internals are all crafted from lightweight aluminum and stainless steel. This unit is to be mounted on the rear (transom) of the kayak. It comes with an adjustable handle height and works work most kayak sizes. The motor also comes with a 2-year limited warranty.

9. Newport Vessels Mossy Oak Trolling Motor

These Newport Vessels trolling motor comes in Mossy Oak camo or black. Power options are 40 pounds or 55 pounds. Both sizes are powered with a single 12-volt deep cycle battery.

Features include a 30-degree adjustable handle in the vertical direction, a LED battery life indicator, and saltwater rated equipment. This is a transom mount trolling motor with a tilt-adjust mounting bracket. The battery cable is 4 feet in length. A 50 AMP circuit breaker is included and should be installed to help protect against electrical damage.

Bow Mount Trolling Motors

10. motorguide x3 bow mount hand control trolling motor.

This Motor Guide X3 is a bow mount trolling motor with a tiller to control position and speed. Some anglers prefer to use a tiller over a foot pedal or wireless remote. While this is less common it is an effective way to control the boat.

Features include a composite shaft with a lifetime warranty, extendable tiller handle, new mount design, composite locking pins, and quiet 3-blade Machete propeller.

11. Minn Kota Riptide Maxxum Saltwater Trolling Motor with Latch

This is the Minn Kota Maxxum Riptide saltwater trolling motor with latch. It is a bow mount trolling motor that is controlled with a tiller handle. The latch and door make the motor easily removable. It is placed on a Bowguard 360 mount which allows the motor to break free if it runs aground.

This is a Riptide model which means that it is saltwater rated with coated aluminum for corrosion resistance. The digital maximizer helps adjust the motor power to level for a given speed which helps maximize battery life. There is a button to press to display battery life. The depth of the motor can quickly be changed with the quick lock cam depth adjuster.

12. Minn Kota Maxxum Bow Mount Trolling Motor

The Minn Kota Maxxum is a bow mount freshwater trolling motor. This is the freshwater version of the Riptide Maxxum and comes in a shorter 42-inch shaft length option and has a weedless wedge 2 propeller. The unit can come in the cable food pedal control configuration or the tiller hand-control configuration.

It is mounted on the Bowguard 360 which breaks away if it runs into the ground. After breaking away the unit will automatically reset. The mounting bracket also makes it easy to remove the trolling motor. Features include the digital maximizer, illuminated directional indicator, anodized aluminum mount, and a push to test battery indicator.

13. Minn Kota Edge Bow Mount Trolling Motor

The Minn Kota Edge is a reasonably priced bow mountable trolling motor. It also comes in two styles, a foot-controlled model and a hand-controlled model. The foot control model is more popular as this leaves both hands free to fish.

The foot control cord is roughly 4 feet in length. It has a latch and door design that makes the motor easy to remove which is often important. The hand control model has a tilt tiller for easy control even when standing. This trolling motor comes with a two-year limited manufacturer warranty and the composite shaft has a lifetime warranty.

14. MotorGuide X3 Bow Mount Trolling Motor

The MotorGuide X3 is a bow mount trolling motor with foot control. It comes equipped with the MotorGuide Proprietary Variable Ratio Steering (VRS) system. This is widely known as one of the most accurate foot-controlled systems in units priced under a thousand bucks.

The entire unit is constructed of aircraft-grade aluminum and uses stainless-steel hardware, making it fairly corrosion resistant and ready to plunge into saltwater. The X3 was built with sound reduction in mind. They utilized composite bushings and locking pins to ensure quiet operation the entire unit is easy to use.

15. Motorguide Tour Pro Trolling Motor

The Motorguide Tour Pro is a powerful freshwater trolling motor commonly used on bass fishing boats. It is the only trolling motor that has the GPS anchor feature with a foot pedal cable steer design. The GPS can connect to most fishing finders.

It has a 3 blade weedless prop that is 30 percent more efficient than older version propellers. The 360-degree breakaway mount helps protect the motor when running to the ground. Other features include Zero-G lift-assist, pinpoint with anchor lock, heading lock, and cruise control.

16. Motorguide Xi3 Wireless Trolling Motor

The Motorguide Xi3 comes in black which is the freshwater version and white which is the saltwater version. There are three options to choose from, standard, standard plus GPS, and standard plus GPS with sonar.

All of these units are controlled using a wireless remote control. A wireless foot control pedal is available for the unit but is not included. Features include an efficient quiet motor, GPS to allow a position to be held, a secure step lever for easy deployment, and digital power management to allow the batteries to last longer. The sonar can be integrated with most popular fishfinder brands such as Lowrance and Simrad.

17. Motorguide Xi5 Wireless Saltwater Trolling Motor

The Motorguide Xi5 is a trolling motor with wireless operation. It can come with or without GPS. A built-in 83/200 kHz sonar is included and can interface with select Lowrance, Simrad, and Mercury VesselView fish finders.

Key features include Pinpoint GPS, saltwater rated components, high-efficiency electronics, wireless handheld remote control, and digital power management for longer battery life. A wireless foot control pedal is available for this unit but does not come included.

18. Minn Kota Riptide Powerdrive Bow Mount Trolling Motor

The Riptide Powerdrive and the Riptide Terrova are very similar in appearance and functionality, but the Terrova is a more expensive and polished product.

The Powerdrive does come equipped with the I-Pilot feature, which is powered by GPS and enables many powerful functions such as spot-lock, autopilot, and is controllable by the I-Pilot handheld remote. Now, the Powerdrive does not allow the use of both a foot pedal and the remote simultaneously, that functionality is reserved for the more expensive Terrova model.

The Powerdrive is deployed by hand, without the use of the Minn Kota deploy assist. If you are not using the I-Pilot function with the remote, you will have to operate the trolling motor by hand. There is no foot pedal integration with the Powerdrive model. This is when many people spend the extra money and get the Terrova model.

The I-Pilot system also allows co-pilot with the use of BlueTooth integration on your smartphone. This allows the driver to make quick and easy adjustments from their phone.

The spot-lock holds a position and is accurate up to 3 feet. It calculates position using GPS and can even account for most wind and wave conditions.

Both Riptide modules are specifically designed for saltwater use. Riptide signifies that the unit is anti-corrosive and suitable for saltwater implementation. If the Minn Kota unit you are looking at doesn’t say it is a Riptide model, it will not come with the proper anti-corrosive coatings.

19. Minn Kota Riptide Terrova Bow Mount Trolling Motor

This Riptide Terrova trolling motor has the same basic functionalities as the Powerdrive with the added features of a foot pedal and lifts assist. This is the Riptide version of the Terrova, which is the version purpose-built for saltwater use and is anti-corrosive.

Another difference here between the Powerdrive and the Terrova is its thrust and shaft options. With the Terrova, the max thrust is 80 pounds compared to 70 pounds with the power drive. The Terrova also has 60 and 72-inch shaft length options.

If your watercraft is on the heavier side or you want the lift-assist feature or you want to control with your feet the Terrova is a better option than the Powerdrive. Both options are great and both have their place based on user needs. If money is not an factor, check out the Minn Kota Ultrex, as it is even more powerful than both of these units and offers some advanced control features.

20. Minn Kota Ultrex I-Pilot Bow Mount Trolling Motor

The Minn Kota Ultrex is widely reviewed and praised by many professional fishermen.  It comes with a foot pedal and some of the most advanced control mechanisms on any trolling motor to date.

Key features include the lift assist, large easy to read LCD display, remote control, spot-lock, steering lock, and the most sensitive foot-pad ever found on a trolling motor. It is so sensitive that some people actually complain about it at first as it takes some time to get used to how smooth and easy it is to use!

The I-Pilot feature utilizes GPS functionality for its co-pilot and spot-lock features. It will also record your travels and automatically position your boat within a 3-foot radius. Spot-Lock can also be adjusted in any direction by 5’, allowing easy incremental adjustments.

I-Pilot will also report battery life and estimated time remaining based on real-time data from usage, conditions, etc. Of course, the Ultrex also comes equipped with the Minn Kota Digital Maximizer, which has proven capabilities of increasing battery life up to 5 times compared to units without this feature.

The I-Pilot also has smartphone integration, allowing full access to its controls in the palm of your hand. Some people even use this when taking the boat off the trailer.

Lastly, the Universal Sonar 2 feature is a handy method of mounting a transducer by allowing you to completely conceal the wiring of pretty much any transducer you choose to implement.

21. Aquos Haswing Cayman Bow Mount Motor

The Aquos Haswing Cayman is a bow-mounted trolling motor. It comes standard with rechargeable wireless remote control. A wired foot pedal is optional and it has a digital display. There is also a quick-release mount that can add a padlock to prevent people from stealing the motor. Color options are white or black which are both saltwater rated.

This motor can be used on boats that are 18 feet or smaller and weigh up to 2750 pounds. The wireless remote can control the motor up to around 150 feet. Features include an LED battery meter, encapsulated electronics, depth collar to adjust the depth, motor fin, and 360-degree steering.

22. Minnkota E-drive Primary Electric Motor

Minnkota E-drive is set up to act as a primary electric motor. This is a great motor option for fishing boats and pontoon boats on electric-only lakes. The E-drive can push a full-size pontoon boat about 5 miles per hour. It can run for about 2 hours on a full charge. Much longer than two hours at slower speeds.

The motor is rigged with outboard cable linkage to be able to steer from the driver’s seat. It has an electric throttle with forward, reverse, and neutral. The motor can be raised and lowered using the push-button tilt. On the throttle unit, there is a real-time gauge that shows the engine power level and battery life.

The motor is connected with a bolt-on transom mount and has a breakaway system that helps protect the motor in the event it runs into the ground. It has a stainless steel prop with a shear pin that can protect the prop if it hits the ground.

23. Torqeedo Travel 1003 Electric Outboard Motor

The Torqeedo Travel 1003 is an electric outboard motor that can be used on sailboats, dingings, and inflatable boats. This motor is rated for boats between 1000 pounds to 3000 pounds. The weight of the motor is 19.6-20.0 pounds, with the batteries the weight is 29.5-30.9 pounds.

A battery does come included with the trolling motor. It is 915Wh and 29.6 Volts. The battery takes about 15 hours to charge. It lasts about 17 hours at 1.25 miles per hour, 6 hours at 2 miles per hour, and 55 minutes at 3 miles per hour. Its potential range is increased at slower speeds in most conditions.

A charger is included with the motor. Lead deep cycle batteries do not work with Torqeedo motors. There is an onboard computer integrated with GPS that will display the battery charge status, range, and speed information. A magnetic stop key is located on top of the unit in the event of and emergency requiring the unit to be stopped immediately.

Electric Trolling Motors

Electric trolling motors are very useful when fishing in shallow water for fish like bass, crappie , and tarpon . Trolling motors are not actually used to troll lures but rather to get into shallow locations quietly and without risking hitting the bottom with the main motor.

Trolling motors are comprised primarily of four basic components. The shaft, the motor, the propeller, and the battery. Each of these has many subsets that will cause variations in the way the trolling motor is utilized and how it will perform. Understanding each of them and choosing a conglomerate of the four that are built for your boat size and your needs is important when shopping for a trolling motor.

A trolling motor is an all-in-one removable unit encompassing a small motor attached to a prop at the end of a shaft. These motors are designed to offer the operator advanced control and precision over their watercraft. Many people use them for fishing in instances of navigating small watercraft without a primary source of power or navigating boats more precisely through difficult obstacles.

For example, one may have an outboard motor attached to their boat, but to fire that up and use it to maneuver around closely packed trees in the water may result in scaring the fish away. It may also cause a few more bumps and rubs against the trees than you would like. Using a trolling motor in this situation keeps the noise level significantly lower than what your full-size motor would produce. At the same time, it allows you to navigate in smaller more precise increments around the trees in the area.

Trolling Motors Applications

Another great example of utilizing a trolling motor is on watercraft which does not have the capabilities of using a traditional motor and prop system. Watercraft such as canoes, kayaks, rowboats, etc will benefit greatly from the use of a trolling motor. Most of us love fishing and therefore would rather use our time and energy on the actual act of fishing itself instead of rowing all day to fish good spots. Using a trolling motor makes it easy to navigate these watercraft.

Many people also keep a trolling motor retracted on their watercraft as a backup option in case their primary source of power becomes damaged or fails. Being stuck in the middle of a lake with a failing motor is never fun, but coming prepared with a trolling motor ensures you get back to the dock safely and timely. Since trolling motors are fairly light, highly durable, and don’t take up much space, it’s rather easy to come prepared with one as an emergency backup.

Another major advantage of using a trolling motor is in situations where wake or gas combustion motors are prohibited. So long as you’re using an electric powered trolling motor, most places will allow this over the use of a gas-powered motor, giving you more options in where you can fish.

Mounting Positions and Configurations

Before we get started on the specific components you should plan for, let’s figure out where we’re sticking our trolling motors. Where you choose to mount your trolling motor will usually depend on your method and type of fishing, your boat construction, and mounting availability.

Furthermore, there are a few more aspects to mention about mounting that you need to consider. Not all mounts are created equally and you generally get what you pay for. Many of the most popular brands of trolling motors will come with a mounting package alongside the trolling motor itself.

Mounts can range in quality and features. For example, some mounts are pretty much permanent installations where your trolling motor would sit in that position and would remain there regardless of using your boat or not. Other mounts offer release mechanisms that allow you to turn a few knobs to release the trolling motor. This allows you to store it somewhere else. Having it in a locked garage helps so someone does not come along and steal your trolling motor off your boat when it is in storage or docked.

Quick-release models usually use a lever locking system that allows you to quickly attach and detach the trolling motor. These are especially useful as backup units like we talked about before, where you may not use your trolling motor every time you take the boat out, but you want the option to do so if the need arises and you need to quickly deploy the motor without the hassle of installation.

Primarily, there are three main sections of the boat you can utilize a trolling motor:

Mounting your trolling motor to the front, or the bow of the boat is widely agreed upon as the top option for control and precision in movements. This allows the trolling motor to pull the boat instead of pushing it, giving you greater control over how the boat handles wake, waves, currents, etc. Mounting a trolling motor in this fashion typically requires a mount fastened to the front of the boat with some kind of bolt-on bracket.

Bow mounting works best on watercraft that have open bows such as most sail-boats, Jon boats, skiffs, fishing boats, etc. Obviously, if you have a bow that isn’t easily accessible, bow mounting wouldn’t be a good idea. Most trolling motors would require you to manually engage them, deploy them, and perhaps even control them by being near them.

The transom, otherwise known as the rear portion of your watercraft is an excellent place to mount a trolling motor. For some people, this may be the only option you have. These are best used on small watercraft, like a canoe, dinghies, or single-person boats. You get pretty general control that you would expect from a traditional motor with much less noise and power. These are also mounted using a bracket that would attach to the exterior of your watercraft using brackets.

Transom mounting should work for pretty much everyone that has a little extra space on the rear of their watercraft. Furthermore, this is an excellent option for boaters looking for an auxiliary or emergency backup operation.

Primary Motor Mount Trolling Motors

In this configuration, your trolling motor would be mounted to the cavitation plate on the outboard or inboard motor. These likely won’t be retractable or deployable, meaning they are always in the water ready to use. This results in more drag on the boat overall, even when not in use. A huge advantage of this mounting configuration is the fact that your trolling motor package won’t take up any valuable deck space. This is especially handy if you take multiple people boating and fishing with you or you have a small craft with lots of gear.

Obviously, this isn’t an option on watercraft that does not have a primary motor, such as a canoe, paddleboat, or a traditional sailboat. Furthermore, if gas mileage is something you like to consider, then you have to understand that adding more drag coefficient to your boat will reduce your gas mileage slightly. These are typically mounting types that do not allow for quick release mechanisms, thus meaning your trolling motor is essentially a permanent addition to your watercraft, not easily removed.

Control Configuration

Back in the day, using a traditional trolling motor meant holding on to a little paddle or handle and sitting right next to where the trolling motor is mounted, ensuring it stays put and steering it accordingly. Nowadays, we get some options that are rather handy and much friendlier!

Primarily, there are three control configurations you can choose from:

Hand Controlled Trolling Motors

First is the traditional “old fashion” hand controlled method. You will be grasping a tiller handle to control the movement, depth, and steering of your trolling motor. Many people like these despite more technologically advanced units being available for their easy-to-use controllability, simple setup, deployability, and overall cost-effectiveness.

Using this method, however, means your hands will always be occupied. This means you can’t work on your fishing setups, take selfies on the lake, or anything else, as you’ll be driving the unit with your hands. Also, you have to sit or stand right next to the trolling motor and have to be in the rear of the watercraft.

Cable Steer Trolling Motors

These are trolling motors that utilize a cable attached to a foot pedal to allow the steering and power output to be controlled by the user without the need to manually control the motor itself. These were the cream of the crop for many years, especially among Bass fisherman who needed a hands-free solution and an easy way to utilize the precise movements of their trolling motors.

Cable Controlled Trolling Motors

Despite being a bit outdated, it still offers several advantages. First off, many fishermen enjoy the quicker and more precise movement over electronic controlled units. Since the motor’s controls are directly tied to the cable, any movement in the foot on the pedal results in immediate results without delay. Second, electronically controlled units utilize a series of servos to control the motor, which means additional electronic noise and more moving parts to service and maintain.

Technologically Controlled Trolling Motors

Finally, technologically controlled trolling motors  are considered the leading edge in the world of trolling motors. These basically work by using electrical impulses, both wired and wireless, to communicate your needs with the motor. These offer the most flexibility by allowing you to walk around and control your trolling motor from anywhere in the boat. The top brands typically give you both an electronically controlled foot pedal and a wireless remote, which can easily be hung around your neck with a lanyard, giving you control over the motor no matter what you’re doing or where you’re at.

Furthermore, these units are now coming equipped with tons of technological advancements such as autopiloting, GPS auto-positioning, circling patterns, jogging, etc. The higher-end models even allow you to plot a course and allow the unit to automatically make adjustments and continue on the course without any further human interaction. Some trolling motors can be used with onboard systems such as navigation computers, advanced fish finders, chart plotters, and even your mobile device!

Many anglers feel that the delay in response between their interaction, whether via the electronic foot pedal or the remote control, is significant enough to warrant sticking to a cable controlled unit. Furthermore, these units require electronic servos that generally make some kind of unnatural electronic sound and may require more maintenance than other units.

Thrust Requirements

Choosing a trolling motor that has enough power for your watercraft is one of the most important buying decisions. Simply put, if you buy a trolling motor that lacks the power to move your boat, you’ll blow your money on something that won’t be effective. On the flip side, if you overcompensate, you’ll needlessly spend extra money on additional power that you don’t need.

As a very rough general rule, you could abide by the 2 pounds of thrust for every 100 pounds that your watercraft weighs. Weight is tricky, though, as your boat likely won’t weigh the same at all times. You can’t just use the weight number in your boat’s manual. This is because your gear, personnel, food, fish that you catch, fuel, etc will all factor in against the capabilities of your trolling motor. Many people make the mistake of preparing for the weight of their boat but forget to compensate for additional people and gear, which quickly adds up. If the average person weighs roughly 200 pounds, that’s an additional 4 pounds of thrust per person.

The NADA boat directory  details the weight of thousands of different boats. Check it out if you’re unsure of how much your boat weighs.

Aside from just weight, there are many other factors that may result in diminished performance, warranting a more powerful unit. If the boat is used in areas with strong current or strong winds that would be a reason to get a more powerful motor.

If you want to know the horsepower for comparison or curiosity, a fairly general idea is that 75 pounds of thrust equals up to roughly 1 horsepower.

Voltage Requirements

Simply put, you need to power your trolling motor and that power is measured in voltage. Trolling motors use one or more 12-volt deep cycle batteries. The trolling motor battery page has more information about selecting the best deep cycle battery.

The thrust output of the trolling motor and will generally fall into one of three categories:

55 pounds of thrust or less can be used on a single 12-volt battery.

60- 80 pounds of thrust generally required 24 volts of output, requiring two batteries.

90-112 pounds of thrust usually requires 36 volts of output, requiring at least 3 batteries.

These are rough estimates and as electrical systems and trolling motor become more efficient these figures may change. The trolling motors owners manual will tell you what you need. Always check the owner’s manual for the voltage requirement before supplying power to the motor.

Shaft Length Requirements

Shaft length varies across models and some models may even be adjustable or rely on different mounting procedures. Either way, you’ll want the center of your motor submerged roughly 12 inches to get the most out of the motor. An industry standard is 42 inches, but this may not work for everyone.

A shaft length guide created by Minn Kota is useful when selecting shaft length. Optimum lengths will vary based on your mounting area, type of trolling motor, watercraft size, etc. Using the guide in the link above will likely be better than a general piece of advice.

Saltwater vs Freshwater Trolling Motor Models

Some may argue there is no difference here, and they would be kind of right in most situations. In theory, so long as you have enough thrust for the weight of your boat and the conditions, your trolling motor should suffice in either salt or freshwater.

There is a caveat to this and that is durability over time. We know salt is incredibly corrosive and you have to safeguard your gear against it far more than you would in freshwater. Trolling motor manufacturers are well aware of this and built them accordingly. Trolling motors rated for saltwater comes with much better build materials to protect from corrosion and have thicker seals to ensure durability, usually at a greater cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big of trolling motor do I need?

The size of the trolling motor that is needed depends on the weight and drag of the boat. Larger heavier boats need larger trolling motors. The power of a trolling motor is given in terms of trust power. Common thrust power ranges are 30, 40, 45, 50, 55, 80, 112, or 150 pounds of thrust. One horsepower is about 75 pounds of thrust for comparison.

Trolling motors do not go faster if you get a larger motor for a small boat. The speed and pitch of the prop will only move the boat so fast. Most trolling motors under 55-pounds of thrust can be run on a single 12-volt deep cycle marine battery. In fact, it better to get a smaller motor for light boats because the battery will last longer. The rough rule is you want 2 pounds of thrust for every 100 pounds on the boat. So a 30-pound thrust motor works for the boat, equipment, and crew up to 600 pounds.

The other size that matters on a trolling motor is the shaft length. For trolling motors to work properly the propeller needs to be 12 inches or more into the water. Kayaks and small boats are low to the water and need shorter shaft lengths. The bow of a boat is typically higher from the water than the transom and therefore needs longer shaft lengths as well.

How fast will a 55 pound thrust trolling motor go?

Most trolling motor’s tops speed is around 5 miles per hour. So a 55-pound trolling motor can move a boat that weighs up to 2,250 pounds at 5 miles per hour at full throttle. This is a rough estimate based on calm conditions and no current. Wind and current can greatly affect the speed a boat can go with a trolling motor.

How fast will a 112 pound thrust trolling motor go?

A trolling motor’s top speed is typically only 5 miles per hour even with a large 112 thrust pound motor. This is because the rotation speed of the prop and pitch of the prop is what determines the speed. A special prop could be designed to allow for faster speeds with lighter boats. A 112-pound thrust motor can move a boat that weighs up to 6500 pounds at a speed of 5 miles per hour. This assumes the wind and current are negligible.

How deep should a trolling motor be in the water?

The trolling motor should be in the water about 1 foot. Most trolling motors have long shaft lengths that can be adjusted up in case the motor need to be set deeper or more shallow in the water. The transom of a boat sits closer to the water so the overall shaft length can be much shorter. Typical transom mount shaft lengths are 24-52 inches.

The bow of the boat sits further from the water so the shaft length needs to be longer. Typically bow mount shaft lengths are 36-72 inches. Most trolling motors are used in calm conditions but in wavy conditions, it better to set a bow mount trolling motor deeper in the water. This helps prevent the propeller from exiting the water as the boat moves up and down in the waves.

Which is better MotorGuide or Minn Kota?

Minn Kota and MotorGuide are both top trolling motor brands. Motor guide trolling motors tend to only have the basic features and are found at a slightly lower price point. Minn Kota tends to be the industry standard and has advanced features like wireless control, GPS navigation, GPS position hold, and transducers mounted within the motors. MotorGuide does offer similar features in some of its models. It is best to compare similar models for price and performance and either way the motor should be of good quality. Both companies typically offer a two-year limited warranty on the product.

How many pounds of thrust is 1 horsepower?

Pounds of thrust and horsepower are not a direct equivalent unit. Pounds of thrust is a static measurement while horsepower is a unit of power or force times velocity at a constant velocity. However, at the typical operating conditions of a trolling motor 1 horsepower is about 75-pounds of thrust.

What is the most powerful 12-volt trolling motor?

The most powerful trolling motor that runs on 12-volts is a 55-pound thrust motor. A size 80 which is the next size up requires 24 volts of power. It is not good to run a trolling motor with less voltage than it is rated for. This is because it will not output the expected thrust level and might not even work at all. Make sure you provide the required voltage level for the size of the trolling motor being used.

What’s the difference between Xi3 and Xi5?

The Xi3 and Xi5 are both bow-mounted MotorGuide trolling motors that can be controlled wirelessly by hand with remote control. The first difference is that Xi5 is saltwater rated and the Xi3 is freshwater rated. The other difference is that the Xi5 has a larger mounting bracket and a heaver stronger transmission. Some people like the lighter Xi3 as it is not known for having any problems with the light transmission. Lastly, the Xi5 has the option of using a wired or wireless foot pedal.

What’s the difference between 12-volt and 24-volt trolling motors?

The main difference between a 12 volt and a 24 volt trolling motor is the size of the boat that the motor can push. A 12-volt trolling motor can be as large as a 55-pound thrust motor which can move a boat that weighs about 2,250 pounds. A 24-volt trolling motor is typically an 80-pound thrust motor that can move a boat that weighs up to 4,000 pounds. Both size trolling motors will move the boat at a max speed of around 5 miles per hour.

How long will a 12v battery run a trolling motor?

A trolling motor battery is a deep cycle marine battery that typically holds between 35 amp hours and 124 amp-hours. To determine how long the battery will last depends on the amp draw from the motor. This varies based on the trolling motor size and power level it is being operated at.

A 30-pound thrust motor draws about 30 amp-hours at full throttle. This means that it will last between 1 hour and 4 hours depending on the size of the battery. A 55-pound thrust trolling motor draws about 40 amp-hours at full throttle. Therefore it will last between 50 minutes and 3 hours depending on the size of the battery. At half throttle, the battery will last about twice as long.

I have fished a 6-hour bass fishing tournament with a 30-pound thrust trolling motor with two 55 amp hour batteries in an electric-only lake in a small Jon boat. It was enough battery power for the entire tournament because most of the time when fishing the trolling motor is off or only at partial throttle. On windy days though the trolling motors battery usage will go up significantly.

Captain Cody has worked on charter fishing boats in the Florida Keys, Virgin Islands, and Alaska. Growing up in Pennsylvania Cody has also done extensive freshwater fishing including bass fishing tournaments. Cody strives to provide detailed information about the best fishing gear and tactics to help both novice and experienced anglers have a more productive and enjoyable time on the water. Cody also has a background in aerospace engineering and neuroscience but really only takes pride in being good at one thing and that is fishing!

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9 Best Spot Lock Trolling Motors (2023 Buyer’s Guide)

UPDATED 03 NOVEMBER 2023

by  Eric Bartlett

This article may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on a link we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Spot lock has revolutionized the world of recreational fishing ever since bass pro Ott Defoe won the Bass Elite Series Tournament 2016 in La Crosse with a Minn Kota Ultrex.

Table of Contents

But if you’re thinking about getting a trolling motor with spot lock, it’s essential to know what to look for in the top performing trolling motors currently available, and how to choose the right one. 

My team and I tested the best trolling motors with spot lock on the market, and evaluated them based on their thrust, voltage, sonar compatibility and overall performance.

From our testing, here are our picks for the best spot lock trolling motors in 2023:

• Best overall : Lowrance Ghost
• Best budget option : Minn Kota PowerDrive
• Best runner up : Garmin Force
• Best value for money : Minn Kota Ultrex
• Best freshwater option : MotorGuide Xi5
• Best saltwater option : Minn Kota Riptide Terrova
• Best runner up budget option : Haswing Cayman
• Best option for kayak : MotorGuide Xi3 (36″)

What is the best spot lock trolling motor in 2023?

The table above compares the most important specs and features of the best spot lock trolling motors in 2023.

My team and I tested 7 of these trolling motors on our own boats, and for the remaining 2 we surveyed other boat owners to get their most important insights for you.

Now let’s dive into the details, and take a closer look at each of these trolling motors.

Lowrance Ghost

Our verdict: The Lowrance Ghost is the best spot-lock trolling motor overall

When the Lowrance Ghost came out in 2019, it challenged the market dominating position of the Minn Kota Ultrex, which had been the industry gold standard until then.

So what’s so good about the Ghost? In short, it can do everything the Ultrex can, but in addition brings a whole set of new capabilities to the table.

First of all, the Ghost comes with a brushless motor, making it a lot quieter (which explains its name), as well as stronger and more efficient. In case you’ve ever tried a brushless drill, you’ll understand what I mean.

With a brushless motor, most of the power is transferred directly to turning the prop, since there is less internal resistance.

This makes the Ghost more efficient in open water, and when we put it to the test, it also had extra power when driving through weeds.

The Ghost can be used either with a 24V or 36V battery system, making it more versatile in terms of power supply than other trolling motors.

This means that you can adjust the thrust of the Ghost simply by changing the voltage of the battery (24V generates 97 lb thrust, and 36V generates 120 lb thrust). 

With 120 lb thrust, the Ghost also has the highest thrust rating of all motors we tested, making it more reliable than all other trolling motors, and is capable of holding spot lock position accurately with a fully loaded boat, even in strong wind or current.

Another great feature of the Ghost is that it gives you the ability to program two custom buttons on its foot pedal, which you can use for anything you want (for example, for creating waypoints, or for controlling your shallow water anchors).

Also the button for engaging the prop can be quickly moved from side to side, making it easier to switch over from a Minnkota or PowerGuide pedal.

And finally, the Ghost comes with a standard Lowrance HDI transducer, which can be replaced with a more powerful 3-in-1 active imaging transducer .

The latter comes with CHIRP in the regular 2D sonar, but not in the down scan and side scan imaging sonar. Also, unlike the Garmin Force, it doesn’t have a 1200 kilohertz UHD frequency.

• Brushless motor design
• Cable management system
• 360 degree breakaway mount
• Gas shock lift assist feature on the mount
• Dual 24V/36V voltage compatibility

Minn Kota PowerDrive

Our verdict: The Minn Kota PowerDrive is the best spot lock trolling motor on a budget

Minn Kota have been industry leaders ever since they invented the first electric trolling motor in 1934.

And while the PowerDrive is one of the most affordable models on the market, it still comes with the characteristic high end quality of a Minn Kota trolling motor . 

You can choose between 55 lb or 70 lb thrust, which should be strong enough for small bass boats (though I highly recommend calculating how much thrust you need based on the fully loaded weight of your boat).

Out of the various models that we tested, the PowerDrive is a bare bones option that comes without any additional frills (such as a transducer, foot pedal, heading sensor , or jog). But the great thing about this is that it gives you access to basic GPS anchor functionality at a very affordable price.

And while the PowerDrive doesn’t have a foot pedal, it does come with an i-Pilot remote, allowing you to control your trolling motor from anywhere on the boat, and it also provides basic autopilot functionality.

Depending on your preference, you can also control the i-Pilot from your smartphone with a mobile app (available for both iOS and Android). And just like all Minn Kota models, the composite shaft comes with a lifetime warranty. 

• i-Pilot GPS
• Weedless prop
• Deploy-assist lever

Garmin Force

Our verdict: The Garmin Force is the runner up best spot lock trolling motor

The Force was released in 2019, and is Garmin’s first trolling motor. Just like the Lowrance Ghost, one of its main distinguishing features is its brushless motor, which makes it quieter, stronger, and more energy efficient than regular  trolling motors .

The brushless motor technology sets both the Force and the Ghost well apart from their competitors.

Also, just like the Ghost, the Force can be used with either a 24V or a 36V battery. If you use it with a 24V battery, this generates 80 lb thrust, while using it with a 36V battery generates 100 lb thrust.

The foot pedal of the Garmin Force is wireless, and can be used to control its GPS anchor functionality with a quick tap of the foot.

It runs on two AA batteries, though you can also opt to use the power cable that comes in the box to hook it up to your boat’s battery. The latter option is the better choice if you fish a lot. 

Based on our testing, one of the strengths of the Force is that it comes with a high quality built-in transducer, giving you access to high end Garmin sonar imaging – including high wide CHIRP, ClearVu (Garmin’s version of down imaging), and SideVu (side imaging).

The transducer not only includes 455/800 kilohertz frequencies, but also the 1200 UHD frequency, which makes its sonar capabilities significantly more powerful than any of its competitors.

However, keep in mind that if you want to make full use of the transducer (including UHD imaging), you need to connect it with one of two compatible Garmin units: either the Echomap Ultra, or GPSMAP 8600, which both support direct connect UHD sonar.

Finally, another great thing about the Force is that it can network via Bluetooth with other Garmin electronics, which makes it a lot easier to work with, since there is no need for NMEA 2000 networks or ethernet cables. 

• Scissor mount with cable management system
• Indicator panel on mount with prop status,  battery  status, and GPS status

Minn Kota Ultrex

Our verdict: The Minn Kota Ultrex is the best spot-lock trolling motor considering value for money

When it first came out in 2017, the Ultrex immediately set the industry standard as the best of its kind at the time, and has remained a favorite among bass anglers since then.

A lot of this popularity is due to the fact that this spot lock trolling motor comes with the new and improved Minn Kota i-Pilot system, which has highly accurate anchor lock functionality.

In addition to its accuracy, the Ultrex also comes with jog functionality, which sets it apart from many other brands. This functionality enables you to move your boat 5 feet in any direction from an existing GPS position, which is extremely useful for systematically dissecting any fish-holding location (such as a drop off, point, brush pile, etc.).

With either 80 or 100 lb thrust, the Ultrex is significantly stronger than the PowerDrive, which makes it more suitable for mid to large sized bass boats. But again, make sure to calculate the right amount of thrust that you need by referring to the table at the bottom of this article. 

From our testing, another great thing about the Ultrex is that it feels like a cable steer motor (and in fact comes with a foot pedal with wire cable).

This effect is achieved with a power steering functionality that combines the best of cable steer and electric steer motors. You can use heel/toe steering to steer the motor with your foot, without having to stop fishing. 

If you get the Ultrex with a built-in universal transducer, this can be used with any fish finder brand. But on the downside, this only has a 83/200 kilohertz transducer, which is relatively limited in terms of its sonar capabilities.

However, if you get the Ultrex with a MEGA DI or SI transducer, this gives you access to much higher quality sonar imaging, but these transducers only work with Humminbird fish finders.

Also, if you want to network the Ultrex with your Humminbird electronics, you need to get it with i-Pilot link, since the regular i-Pilot doesn’t support that.

In summary, while the Ultrex isn’t quite as advanced as the Lowrance Ghost and the Garmin Force in terms of its motor technology, it still provides everything that most anglers need, and comes at a significantly lower cost than its high end competitors. Bottom line: for us, the Ultrex is the best value for money.

• Cable steer/electric steer hybrid
• Heading sensor
• Spot lock jog
• Built-in transducer

MotorGuide Xi5

Our verdict: The MotorGuide Xi5 is the best spot lock trolling motor for freshwater

The Xi5 wireless GPS model is an excellent choice for any freshwater anglers who want to get access to advanced GPS functionalities, but without paying the high end price needed to get an Ultrex, Ghost, or Force.

With its Pinpoint GPS system, the MotorGuide provides the same level of accuracy as Minn Kota’s  trolling motors , but at a lower cost.

In addition to this, it also provides ‘jog’ functionality, which allows you to move your boat a few feet in any direction from a GPS position, which is great for systematically covering a fishing location.

It comes with a wireless electric steer foot pedal plus remote control, enabling you to control your motor from anywhere on the boat. It’s 3 blade prop is more weedless than regular 2 blade props, which means you probably won’t need a separate weedless prop.

The composite shaft of this spot lock trolling motor is highly durable, and comes with a lifetime warranty (which is also similar to Minnkota models).

During our testing, we found that one of the biggest advantages of the Xi5 is that its built-in transducer is compatible with Lowrance, Humminbird and Garmin fish finder units (though it only provides basic 2D sonar). 

• 3 blade prop
• Built-in transducer compatible with all sonar brands

Minn Kota Riptide Terrova

Our verdict: The Minn Kota Riptide Terrova is the best spot-lock trolling motor for saltwater 

If you’re looking for a good saltwater trolling motor, then the Riptide Terrova is an excellent choice.

This spot lock trolling motor comes with up to 112 lb thrust, and a maximum shaft length of 87 inches, which is exactly what you need to keep an ocean going vessel steady in the current or wind. And by the way, the extra long shaft length makes this a good option for use on a pontoon. 

Personally, I’ve been using a 112lb thrust Riptide Terrova for years on my 30 foot Ocean Master, and it can accurately hold the position even in a 25 mph wind. This enables me to position my boat effortlessly over a wreck or reef, and also comes in handy when fishing close to rocks. 

And just like the Ultrex, the Riptide Terrova comes with i-Pilot and a Heading Sensor, which is necessary for jog functionality, enabling you to move 5 feet in any direction from a GPS position. This is great when you are following a school of fish, and notice them moving in a specific direction with your fish finder.

If you get the Riptide Terrova with i-Pilot Link, that also enables you to network your i-Pilot with other Humminbird devices on your boat, which is nice if you want to use your mapping device to direct the autopilot of the trolling motor.

You can also program the i-Pilot to take you to previously saved waypoints, or to retrace a saved track.

• i-Pilot Link networks with Humminbird devices
• Digital Maximizer
• Mobile app compatible
• Composite shaft with lifetime warranty

Haswing Cayman GPS

Our verdict: The Haswing Cayman GPS is the runner up best gps lock trolling motor on a budget

Next to the Minn Kota PowerDrive, the Haswing Cayman GPS is the  most affordable spot lock trolling motor  on this list. However, unless you get the short 48” shaft, it’ll cost you about 100 to 200 dollars more than the PowerDrive.

Also, unlike the Minn Kota, which is made in the USA, the Haswing Cayman is built in China. While this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s lower quality, I thought you should know that before you buy. 

One advantage that the Cayman has over the PowerDrive is that it comes with a wireless foot pedal, as well as a remote control. In addition to that you can also download an app called the Helmsman App, which you can use to save GPS waypoints, and saved routes.

In other words, you can set the autopilot to take you along a saved route with the Cayman GPS, which you can’t do with the PowerDrive. Other models that offer this feature cost considerably more.

Another nice feature of this spot-lock trolling motor is that the shaft length is adjustable, so you can shorten it down if you want to use the  motor on a smaller boat , rubber boat, or kayak. Finally, it works both in freshwater and saltwater, which is especially nice if you like to do both.

• Helmsman mapping app
• Wireless foot pedal

MotorGuide Xi3 For Kayak (36”)

Our verdict: The MotorGuide Xi3 is the best spot lock trolling motor for kayak

If you’re specifically looking for a model that you can use on a kayak, then  MotorGuide  has the best option for you, with the Xi3 with a 36” shaft.

They created this version of the Xi3 specifically for kayak anglers, to allow for the shallow draught and low deck height of kayaks. 

But be aware that the Xi3 for kayak comes in two different versions, one with GPS, and one without (the price difference being about $460).

However, if you get the this spot lock trolling motor without GPS, you can still retrofit it with GPS functionality afterwards, by using the Pinpoint GPS kit that MotorGuide sells separately.

After extensively testing it, we found that with 55 lb thrust the MotorGuide Xi3 has plenty of power for a kayak, and can hold a GPS position accurately even in relatively strong wind or current. This is especially nice when trying to stay on top of schools of fish.

Remote control

• 36” shaft length
• Pinpoint GPS

How does spot lock work on a trolling motor?

Spot lock uses GPS signaling to control the autopilot of a trolling motor  to maintain boat position in a radius of 3 to 6 feet from a specific GPS position.

The algorithm compares the current set of GPS coordinates of the actual location with the desired location, and if there is a difference between them, it activates the trolling motor to take it back to the original location.

What trolling motors have spot lock?

Below is a list of the trolling motor brands and models that currently have  spot lock functionality  (as of early 2023):

• Riptide PowerDrive
• Riptide Ulterra
• Riptide Terrova
• HD GPS Anchor Trolling Motor

Keep in mind that many of these spot lock trolling motors come in several different variations, some of which have a spot lock feature, and some don’t, so make sure to check this before you buy.

In addition, it’s possible to retrofit some Minn Kota and PowerGuide trolling motors  with spot lock functionality  after you purchase them, by using a kit specifically designed for this purpose.

But once again – this isn’t possible with every model, so you need to check it before buying.

What trolling motor has the best spot lock?

Until 2016, MotorGuide was the industry leader in terms of having the best spot lock trolling motors. But in late 2016 Minn Kota came out with the brand new Ultrex, which included a new generation of i-Pilot, and this has much higher accuracy than before.

When Minn Kota tested their Ultrex side by side with that of MotorGuide in 2017, their reinvented i-Pilot was significantly more accurate than that of the competition, managing to keep a boat within 3 to 6 feet of its GPS position, while the MotorGuide drifted 10 to 16 feet away from its GPS position (see the video below).

However, since 2017 all major trolling motor manufacturers have greatly improved their spot lock quality, which has enabled them to catch up with Minn Kota’s i-Pilot. 

In fact, when we tested the Ultrex, Ghost, and Force side by side earlier this year, we found that they all three spot lock trolling motors have similar accuracy, managing to keep a boat within 3 to 5 feet from the original GPS coordinates.

It’s important to keep in mind that when checking spot lock accuracy, it’s essential to set up and calibrate your whole setup correctly, and you also need to choose the right amount of thrust for your boat. If you make a mistake, or skip a step in this process, you can easily end up with lower accuracy.

How to choose the best spot-lock trolling motor

When deciding on which spot-lock trolling motor to buy, it’s important to consider the key features and specs that will affect how well it performs for your specific purposes.

I highly recommend diving into the details and figuring all of this out before your buying decision, since that will save you a lot of headache later on.

So here are the most important factors to consider before buying the best spot lock trolling motor:

When buying a trolling motor, it’s essential to  choose a model with the right amount of thrust for your boat . If you choose an underpowered motor, it won’t be able to keep the GPS position accurately in strong wind or current, and if you choose an overpowered motor, it will tend to overshoot the mark when it moves your boat back to a GPS position.

Also, make sure to use the fully loaded weight of your boat when calculating the amount of thrust you’ll need. If you’re not sure how much your boat weighs, you can look it up on the  NADA directory .

As a rule of thumb, aim for a minimum of 2 pounds thrust for every 100 pounds of fully loaded boat weight, and if you’re expecting a lot of wind or current where you fish, factor in about 20 to 30% extra thrust.

The voltage requirement of a trolling motor is closely linked to its thrust, with higher voltages required for higher thrust. For most spot lock trolling motors you’ll need to decide in advance what thrust and voltage rating you need, and won’t be able to change that afterwards.

The exceptions to this are the Lowrance Ghost and Garmin Force, which both come with a variable voltage motor that can be used either with a 24 volt or 36 volt battery system.

The really nice thing about the variable voltage motors is that they not only make you more flexible in terms of what battery you can use, but they also allow you to easily adjust the thrust of the motor by changing from a 24V to 36V battery, or vice versa. 

Finally, also adjust voltage according to how long you usually spend on the water. If you like to fish from dusk till dawn, a 36V battery is the best choice, as it will outlast a 24V battery. In addition to this, you may also want to look into recharging devices that allow you to keep your motor running no matter what the voltage.

Shaft length

It’s essential to choose the right shaft length for your boat size. If it’s too short, the prop won’t be properly submerged (especially in choppy water), and if it’s too long, the prop will tend to churn up mud in shallow water. 

Ideally, you should aim for the shaft to be at least 12 inches submerged in the water, and hence the total shaft length you need to choose is determined by your boat’s deck height above water (i.e. the distance between the top of the bow and the waterline). 

Here are the recommended shaft lengths for different bow heights:

Keep in mind that most bass boats require a relatively short shaft length between 45 and 55 inches, while larger boats (especially ocean going vessels), require longer shaft lengths up to 87 inches. And if you want to use the trolling motor in a kayak, then 24 to 36 inches is best for you.

GPS navigation

Most trolling motors reviewed above offer additional GPS navigation functionalities that require networking with a mapping device. Some of the most useful ones include autopilot navigation to a specific waypoint, retracing a saved track, or following a lake contour line at a specific depth.

Since most of these autopilot functionalities require networking with an external mapping device, you need to keep that in mind when choosing the right model for your purposes.

For example, if you’ve already got your boat set up with Humminbird electronics, it makes sense to get a Minn Kota, since that is designed to integrate with Humminbird devices.

In a case like that, it may not make sense to get a Lowrance Ghost or Garmin Force, which are incompatible with Humminbird units. However, this doesn’t apply if you plan to use the trolling motor independently, without networking it with your other electronics. 

A special case in this category is jog functionality, which is available on Minn Kota and PowerGuide models.

This feature allows you to move your boat 5 feet in any direction from your GPS coordinates, and this is extremely useful when you want to systematically cover a whole area while fishing.

And if you want to use the Minn Kota jog functionality specifically, you’ll need to choose a Minn Kota model with i-Pilot  plus heading sensor , which is necessary for jog functionality.

The foot pedal is more important than most people think before buying a trolling motor. It’s important that it enables you to effortlessly control your GPS navigation and other functionalities merely by tapping the pedal or one of its side buttons. 

Some foot pedals have side buttons that are hard to reach because they are located below the pedal on the side of the recessed tray.

In my opinion, the best pedal comes with the Lowrance Ghost, since all of the buttons are on the top part of the pedal, and so really easy to reach with your foot. 

Another great thing about the Ghost foot pedal is that it includes two programmable buttons that you can use for any of your favorite features.

For example, you can use a programmable button to create waypoints without having to pause your fishing, which is really nice when you’re preparing for a bass tournament.

Or you could use it to control your shallow water anchors, again without having to stop fishing.

In addition to a foot pedal, most trolling motors come with a remote control, which enables you to control your motor from anywhere on your boat.

While most anglers prefer having this option, some don’t really use the remote control.

In case you belong in this latter category, the Lowrance Ghost might be a good choice for you, since you can get it without the remote control, which helps to get the price down a little. 

Transducer quality

Since many trolling motors now come with built-in  transducers , you also need to consider the quality of the transducer you’re getting. The model in question is the Garmin Force, which comes with a high quality Garmin transducer with CHIRP, SideVu, and ClearVu sonar capabilities, and covering three frequencies (455/800 khz, as well as 1200 UHD). 

Most other  kinds of trolling motors  come with much more basic transducers that only support 2D sonar, and come with only two frequencies.

However, in some cases you can choose a model with a more advanced transducer when you buy, or you can upgrade the transducer at a later time.

For example, the Ultrex can be purchased either with a basic universal transducer, or with a more advanced MEGA SI/Di transducer. And the Ghost has the option of replacing the standard hdi transducer with a 3-in-1 active imaging transducer.

Sonar compatibility

Sonar compatibility is extremely important to consider when buying a trolling motor, unless you don’t want to make use of the built-in transducer that comes with high end models nowadays. 

This issue is especially important if you already have your boat full of one brand of sonar electronics, such as Lowrance, Garmin, or Humminbird.

In that case it’s often a good idea to choose a trolling motor that is compatible with your existing setup. 

The main exception to this is the MotorGuide Xi5, which is compatible with any sonar brand. 

Networking ability

As already mentioned, most trolling motors reviewed above are designed to be networked with other boat electronics, but usually they are only compatible with devices produced by the same company, which you need to keep in mind when choosing one.

Also, if you do get a brand that is compatible with your existing boat electronics, you still need to check the details of what it takes to network them with each other.

The Garmin Force is the easiest in this regard, since it supports wireless connection via Bluetooth, which makes networking the Force with existing Garmin electronics incredibly easy.

Minn Kota, on the other hand, is more complicated when it comes to networking. If you want to network the Ultrex with a Humminbird fish finder, you need to have i-Pilot Link, while the regular i-Pilot doesn’t work for this.

You also need to use an ethernet cable plus adapter to network them, since Humminbird uses different ethernet connections on their various devices.

Also, if you want to network more than one Humminbird unit with your motor, you’ll need an ethernet switch with multiple ports, plus additional cable and adapter.

Ease of getting replacement parts

When buying a high quality motor, you can expect it to have a long lifetime, and because of this it’s always a good idea to check how easy it is to replace or upgrade parts and accessories of your motor.

The model that really shines in this category is the Garmin Force, since it’s very easy to replace most of the parts yourself in case they get damaged, or if you want to upgrade them. For example, you can easily get a weedless prop, new handling cable, replacement skeg, etc..

Bow mount vs transom mount

While trolling motors can be mounted on either the bow or the transom, in the case of  spot lock trolling motors  you’ll probably want to choose a bow mount model.

The reason for this is that when holding a specific GPS position, a bow mount model tends to point your bow into the wind, which is usually more convenient for fishing. If mounted on the transom, however, it would tend to point your stern into the wind, which is much less convenient for fishing.

This wraps up our review on the best gps anchor lock trolling motor.

Ott Defoe attributed his victory in 2016 at La Crosseto to the fact that the GPS anchor lock of his Ultrex allowed him to fish at a fishing spot close to a spillway without having to pay attention to boat control.

This illustrates the unique ability of a GPS anchor can hold your boat in position accurately, while you’re free to focus on other things.

Hopefully you’ve found the right trolling motor for your purposes, which will help you to put lots of fish in the boat.

Gear and methods used for testing the best spot lock trolling motors

For consistent testing results, we ran all of the trolling motors described above on the bow of a Ranger Z520R bass boat. We tested each model for its ability to keep a spot lock in 15 to 20 mph wind, as well as its ease of deployment and general ease of use. We also tested each model in heavy grass to make sure it can perform well under rigorous conditions.

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New Electric Trolling Motors for Salt Water

• By Jim Hendricks
• September 12, 2024

Big news emerged from the 2024 ICAST fishing trade show in Orlando, Florida. Both Lowrance and Simrad debuted bow-­mounted, electric-­steered brushless trolling motors designed for salt water, representing the first trolling motors from either engineered to perform in the brine; indeed, the Simrad motor is the first ever from this long-established marine electronics brand.

These motors join a ­cadre of models from Garmin, Minn Kota, Power-Pole and Rhodan all featuring GPS guidance, rugged marine-grade construction, sophisticated technology and advanced system integration. Among experienced boating anglers, positioning is everything. And positioning is exactly what these motors are designed to achieve. Let’s look at some examples.

The new saltwater trolling motors from Lowrance and Simrad share the same ­model name—Recon—and possess the same design, including a brushless motor that operates on either 24 or 36 volts and produces 90 and 115 pounds of thrust, respectively. 

These manually deployed, electric-steered trolling motors boast a unique joystick remote called Freesteer. Incorporating a color LCD screen, the remote is lightweight and wearable, providing 360 degrees of manual steering, as well as activation of automatic functions. With the Lowrance version of the Recon, the remote can be combined with a wireless foot pedal with a programmable keypad and seamless display integration via a NMEA 2000 network. The Simrad version grants full integration with a Simrad multifunction display via NMEA 2000. 

Recon trolling motors also feature a GPS-guided virtual anchoring system that holds boats within a 3-foot radius. A unique jogging function allows anglers to execute diagonal moves in eight directions. There’s also the option to move virtual anchor positions in almost any direction. The carbon-fiber-infused shafts carry lifetime warranties, while the motor carries a three-year warranty. 

The Recon motors have integrated sonar technology and are available with a sonar nose-cone option. The Recon models are available in 54-, 60- and 72-inch shaft lengths, and start at $3,499. To learn more, visit lowrance.com or simrad-yachting.com .

The news coming out of ICAST 2024 is that Garmin expanded its Force Kraken brushless saltwater trolling- motor series (which was introduced last year) with a 48-inch shaft length to accommodate smaller boat sizes, including flats boats and microskiffs. 

Like the other models in the Kraken series, the 48-inch model is engineered with a pivot-style mount for easy installation on boats where bow space is limited. With manual deploy and stow, it offers anglers seamless, wireless integration with Garmin sonar systems, multifunction displays and smartwatches. 

Now completing its first season in the hands of saltwater anglers, the Kraken features a brushless motor and high-­efficiency propeller to produce 100 pounds of thrust as a 36-volt system or 80 pounds as a 24-volt system. Anglers can also easily install live sonar thanks to a cable management system that routes the transducer cable inside the trolling-motor shaft. With the Kraken LiveScope Mounting Bracket (additional purchase required), any Garmin LiveScope transducer can be installed and operated in all three modes: Forward, Down and Perspective. 

The included wireless remote gives anglers control of the trolling motor with precise virtual anchor lock, autopilot functionality, heading hold and point-and-go gesture steering. The new 48-inch Kraken is available in both black and white, with suggested retail prices of $3,599.99 and $3,799.99, ­respectively. Other Kraken models feature 63-, 75- and 90-inch shaft lengths in white, and 63- and 75-inch lengths in black. To learn more, visit garmin.com . 

Read Next: The Benefits of Brushless Saltwater Trolling Motors

Minn Kota has set a high bar among saltwater anglers with its top-of-the-line Riptide Instinct models featuring Quest brushless motor technology and push-button deploy and stow. Now completing its first full season on the bows of saltwater fishing boats, the Riptide Instinct operates on either 24 volts for 90 pounds of thrust or 36 volts for 115 pounds of thrust. Shaft-length choices include 60, 65, 87 and 100 inches.

It also has a beefy composite shaft and pivot points, and the motor incorporates real-time battery monitoring with a “time until empty” indicator, which prompts anglers to switch to Eco mode when reserves drop to 20 percent. Built-in i-Pilot and ­i-Pilot Link GPS guidance enable functionality such as Spot-Lock virtual anchoring and a Drift mode that works like a virtual drift sock. 

Control options include a GPS wireless remote to drive the motor from anywhere in the boat. Riptide Instinct offers compatibility with the One-Boat Network for networking with and controlling via a Humminbird multifunction display easily. They are available in black or white and start at $4,399.99 for a 60-inch-shaft model. For more information, visit minnkota​.johnsonoutdoors.com .

The Move PV series saltwater trolling motors from Power-Pole feature pivot mounts, brushless motors, GPS guidance, wireless controls and virtual anchoring. The brushless motors are engineered to deliver power at lower rpm. A super-strong titanium shaft carries a lifetime guarantee. Advanced electronic technology includes built-in GPS navigation with features such as Anchor mode and Active Vector Heading navigation. A variety of ­user-friendly wireless controls include a ReelFeel foot pedal that provides the sensation of cable steering and the ability to put it anywhere you like. 

There are also wireless foot buttons available to activate the Anchor and Active Vector Heading modes. Power-Pole’s ProNav app can enable a ­mobile device to become a controller. The PV series is available in 45-, 52-, 60- and 72-inch shaft lengths, and is available in black or white. It starts at $4,999.99. To find out more, visit power-pole.com .

The HD GPS Anchor+ saltwater trolling motors from Rhodan feature pivot mounts and digital pulse-width modulation circuitry to help maximize efficiency and heat dissipation, optimize power and extend battery life. A wireless and waterproof floating remote fob controls the motor from anywhere on the boat. 

Available in 12-, 24- and 36-volt models delivering 80 to 120 pounds of thrust, these trolling motors also have the unique ability to steer the boat while the main engine is at low power settings, allowing anglers to troll at higher speeds or to anchor in fast-moving currents. The Anchor mode automatically compensates for wind, waves and cross current. 

Rhodan integrates with Raymarine’s Axiom MFDs to adjust thrust and the motor’s direction, and activate Anchor mode. This enables anglers to use the touchscreen display to control the Rhodan trolling motor when it is active. The HD GPS Anchor+ is available in black or white in shaft lengths ranging from 36 to 108 inches, starting at $2,399. Visit rhodanmarine.com to learn more. 

• More: Electronics , Gear , October 2024 , Trolling Motors

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Best trolling motors: 8 electric outboard alternatives

• Howard Walker
• April 21, 2022

We pick out 8 of the best trolling motors that have enough electric power to punch an incoming tide without breaking the bank

So you’re looking for an electric outboard to whizz your RIB around the harbour. Who wouldn’t want a fancy Torqeedo to hang off your transom? But at £1,450 and up, chances are it’s not in the budget. A solid alternative, however, is the trusty trolling motor at a fraction of the cost. With prices starting at under £100, the best trolling motors are lightweight, dependable, and if you pay a bit extra, extremely well-built.

We’ve tested some of these models against the Torqueedo (and ePropulsion) electric outboard in our thorough electric outboard motor test and, though they don’t offer quite the same level of functionality, many do pretty well comparatively.

But which one to buy? With more than 40 or more on offer, and with tongue-twisting brand names like Fayelong and Flyhero, U-BCOO and Caroute, sorting out the good from the bad and the ugly, can be a challenge. Remember, many of the motors you’ll see advertised will be aimed at fisher-folk looking to slowly sneak-up on a snook, rather than punch an incoming tide. Power here is important.

And talking of power, know that when it comes to trolling motors, they’re rated in pounds of thrust, not horsepower. They can start off as low as 18 pounds, but load-up your RIB with crew and supplies and you’ll be going nowhere fast. Go for at least 45 pounds of thrust – 55 is better – and you’ll have power in reserve when you need it.

Also, when looking at prices, remember you’re going to need to add-in the cost of a 12-volt battery. Unlike that fancy Torqeedo with its snap-on battery pack, trollers need a separate battery for juice. Budget between £80 and £120 for a good one. And we recommend nothing less than a 105 amp-hour deep-cycle marine battery to give you the range you’ll want. Sorry, that Halfords cheapo won’t cut it.

You’ll also want a trolling motor that’s designed for saltwater rather than fresh, and with a transom mount rather than one at the bow. So which electric trolling motors should be on your wishlist?

Best trolling motors available right now

Minn Kota Riptide 45 SC trolling motor

It’s hard to beat this rugged, reliable troller from the company that essentially invented the trolling motor, and has been building them since 1934. Available in sizes from a 45-pound version with a 91cm shaft, to a muscular 112-pounder, our favourite is still the entry-level Riptide 45 SC, packing 45 pounds of thrust.

With five forward speeds and three in reverse, a 15cm telescoping tiller, indestructible, guaranteed-for-life composite shaft, and full two-year warranty it’s a great balance between performance and value. A icy-cool white finish too. We also like the clever Digital Maximiser tech that helps extend battery power.

Buy it now on Amazon Buy it now on eBay (UK) Buy it now on eBay (US)

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Newport Vessels X-Series 55 trolling motor

This California-based company’s electric troller delivers a 55-pound punch yet tips the scales at a lightweight 10.4kg. For us, what sets it apart is its 30-degree tilting tiller handle – it also extends by 15cm – as well as its large three-blade prop and, our favourite, the 10-point LED battery meter.

It’s also got a durable composite shaft and five forward and three reverse speeds. The company reckons that powering an eight-foot RIB, the 55 would give a top speed of 4mph, depending on weight in the boat. The X-Series is also fully saltwater-resistant and comes with a two-year warranty. Another plus; that 25cm diameter three-blade prop is made of tough fibreglass-reinforced nylon rather than cheap plastic.

Buy it now on Amazon Buy it now on eBay

Bison Neraus 55 trolling motor

The best-selling electric trolling motor on Amazon UK right now, the US-built Bison Neraus 55 is all about value. At £189.99 with a free spare prop thrown-in for good measure, the price is hard to beat, especially as it’s designed for saltwater. And it has all the typical trolling motor goodies, like a composite shaft and transom bracket, an LED battery level indicator, five forward and three reverse speeds, plus a two-year warranty with Bison’s UK service centre.

Despite the value price, there’s no shortage of 5-star reviews on Amazon UK praising the solid performance and silent running. Of course, if you need more oomph, there’s always the 68-pound version.

Motorguide R3 Digital 55 trolling motor

MotorGuide is part of US-based Brunswick Corporation – they own Mercury Marine – and have been engineering trolling motors for over half a century. Their big focus is on developing trollers for serious fishing machines and have a tight relationship with Lowrance, integrating hi-tech sonar transducers and chartplotter technology into trolling motors. Serious stuff.

For more humble applications, like pushing RIBs and dinks, they have the high-quality, transom-mounted R3 and R5 digital saltwater series. Yes, they’re pricey, but they’re built using aluminium alloy and stainless steel topped off with a three-coat corrosion protection process. We like the R3 55-pound thruster with a 91cm shaft, which at around £280 is still excellent value.

Haswing Osapian 55 trolling motor

Best cheap trolling motor

Up and coming Chinese trolling motor maker Haswing offers everything from a £119 30-pound thruster to a Torqeedo-rivalling lithium-ion-juiced outboard for a hefty £1,240.

For value hunters, we like the simple delights of the Osapian 55 costing around £147. Weighing only 8.2kg, it packs a 55-pound punch, features five forward and three reverse gears, and offers a five-level LED battery indicator.

The cast aluminium drive shaft won’t be as durable as composite versions, and the plastic head cover is definitely on the flimsy side. But there’s a sturdy fin at the base of the motor to protect the prop and the tiller extends up to 35cm and angles up nicely. For the money, it’s hard to beat.

Watersnake Venom SXW trolling motor

Call it the quiet thunder from Down Under. This Aussie-made saltwater troller from Dandenong, Victoria, comes with a choice of 34, 44 and 54-pound thrust motors and 66, 76 or 91cm shafts. All run on separate 12-volt battery power and operate with five forward and three reverse speeds.

There’s plenty of tough composites in their construction – including the shaft – and refrigerator-white paint. We’d go for the torquey, yet super-quiet 54-pound Venom with its three-bladed prop, telescopic tiller and digital volt meter on the head cover. A fair dinkum price at around £317.

EP Carry trolling motor

Most trolling motors tend to look the same, right? The same lozenge-shaped head, skinny shaft, underwater pod with a prop on the end, and wires leading down to a separate lead-acid battery. The US-made EP Carry shakes things up by looking more like a traditional outboard, with a traditional cover and long steering tiller.

Yes, there’s still a separate battery, but here it’s a lithium-ion pack in a soft case weighing just 2.9kg. The motor and battery combined tip the scales at just 9.5kg. Plug in its fast charger and it’ll re-juice the battery in less than five hours. According to makers PropEle, it can easily push something like a three-metre Walker Bay RIB at over 3.5 knots. Right now, it’s only available in the US at $1,600 – roughly £1,220 – though they’ll happily ship one over.

Buy it now on electricpaddle.com

Torqeedo Travel 1003 trolling motor

Yes, it’s pricey at £1,449 and up, but to power your RIB with the least fuss this German-made Torqeedo Travel 1003 is still the Gold Standard of electric outboards. With 68 pounds of thrust – that’s roughly equivalent to a 3hp petrol outboard – it’ll push a decent-sized RIB at around five knots at full throttle. Throttle back to three knots and it should run for three and a half hours on a charge.

And it’s such a lovely piece of design with its built-in high-performance lithium-ion battery pack and distinctive grey and orange colour scheme. The base version comes with a 530Wh battery, though for around £250 extra you can get the bigger 915Wh battery pack for extra range.

Buy it now on BHG Marine Buy it now on Force 4

Don’t miss our electric outboard motor and trolling motor test .

What Are the Best Trolling Motors for 2022?

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Minn Kota Terrova Bow Mount Bluetooth Trolling Motor With I-Pilot Link US2

Motorguide x3 foot-controlled bow mount trolling motor, minn kota endura c2 transom mount trolling motor with lever lock bracket, minn kota endura max transom-mount trolling motor, lowrance ghost freshwater trolling motor, garmin force freshwater trolling motor, motorguide tour pro bow-mount trolling motor with pinpoint gps, minn kota maxxum bow mount trolling motor, a history of trolling motors, power (pounds of thrust): depends on the size and style of your boat, can you use a trolling motor on a kayak, how much does a new trolling motor cost: what are you willing to spend.

So, you’re looking for the best trolling motors on the market, right? Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place.

Throughout this lengthy article, you will find details on how to find the right trolling motor for you particular boat size, fishing needs, and budget. To streamline the process, however, we are going to provide links to some of these motors right out of the gates so you can explore them on your own:

Some of the Best Trolling Motors for 2022

As mentioned above, choosing the best trolling motor for your boat requires some research and planning. Below, you will find a variety of options, however, that will likely make your search easier.

Key Features

• Blue-Tooth Connectivity
• I-Pilot with large LED screen
• Cruise Control
• Push-to-test Battery Meter

Shaft Lengths Available

Power Options Available

• 12v (55 pounds)
• 24v (80 pounds)
• 36v (112 pounds)

This is the most advanced and modern Terrova out today and it comes with some pretty impressive equipment inside and out. The Bluetooth capability in this unit really ups the game while being extremely user friendly. You are able to download the i-Pilot app on iOS and Android for recent updates on your smartphone.

You can record and playback paths you’ve made throughout the day or use the cruise control to put yourself over a previous hotspot with the i-Track feature. The spot lock feature takes the worry of having to drop an anchor each time you stop to fish stationary, literally with a press of the spot lock button either on the unit itself or the remote control it will keep you in the same spot even in some rougher water.

The wireless touch screen remote lets you roam the boat freely without having to use the pedal at the bow. The Minn Kota Terrova i-Pilot Link US2 has all the features an avid angler is looking for without breaking the bank.

Additional features include:

• Lift-Assist
• One-Step Stow with Deploy Lever
• Quiet/Powerful Operation
• Digital Maximizer
• Manufacturer’s 2-year limited warranty

• Variable ratio steering
• Two-blade weedless prop
• User-friendly
• Affordable for casual anglers
• 24v (65 pounds)

With the X3 Foot-Controlled Bow Mount Trolling Motor, MotorGuide has engineered an excellent, low-to-mid-range trolling motor. For anglers who are looking for an affordable model that offers control, precision, and quiet navigation, the X3 is a certainly worth considering.

This model is equipped with Proprietary Variable Ratio steering, which gives anglers incredible control when steering. With models available with both 45 and 55 pounds-per-thrust, it is a suitable model for boats in the 2,100-2,700 pound range.

• Steering and control precision
• Proprietary Variable Ratio steering
• Remains quiet when moving through the water
• Height adjustment and removal are simplified
• Offers five different speeds for advanced operation
• Durable and reliable
• A two-year warrant is provided by the manufacturer

Loaded with features but not with a high price tag, the transom-mounted Minn Kota Endura C2 is an excellent option for the casual angler with a smaller, lighter fishing boat. With 36 pounds of thrust, the Endura C2 is effective for powering boats in the 1,200-1,800 pound range.

Durable for its price, the shaft on the Endura is “stronger than steel,” making this a great (and affordable) trolling motor option for anglers looking to maneuver around a variety of obstacles.

• Adjustable, ergonomic steering control
• Composite shaft that is close to indestructible
• Mounting bracket with durable level lock
• Battery meter built in to the motor

• Telescopic Handling
• Variable Speed Control
• Integrated Push-to-test Batter Meter
• Very affordable and perfect for smaller boats and kayaks
• 12v (40, 45, 50, and 55 pounds)

A higher-end model when compared to the Endura C2, Minn Kota’s Endura Max Transom-Mount Trolling Motor is still a very affordable option for anglers who want a reliable product from a reputable brand.

Available in 40, 45, and 55 pounds-per-thrust option, the cost will adjust accordingly. That said, this upgraded Endura model will provide steering and control for boats in the 1,800-2,700 pound range.

The motor also makes use of Minn Kota’s Digital Maximizer technology, which allows it to run up to five times longer than many other batteries on the market.

• Ultra-reliable
• Very high price tag justified by incredible reputation
• Precision steering
• User-friendly despite a plethora of features
• 24v (97 pounds)
• 36v (120 pounds)

The Lowrance Ghost trolling motor is the most quiet trolling motor on the market and still packs a punch. With its new age brushless motor and propulsion technology the ghost gives the user the most thrust and longest run time out of any other trolling motor out there. This unit can be controlled not only from the bow foot pedal but also the Lowrance HDS LIVE, HDS Carbon and the Elite Ti2(not included).

The 360 degree breakaway mount will automatically realign itself if you come into contact with structure below while moving. This trolling motor has the consumer in mind due to its high compatibility with almost all boat set ups.

• Quietest trolling motor in its class
• Programmable foot pedal
• 60% longer run time without charging
• 25% more thrust
• Precise Anchoring
• Battery level indicator
• 360 degree breakaway mount
• Works with 24V and 36V Systems
• Compatible with most boat set ups
• Integrated Stabilizer Bar

• Ultra-powerful
• High efficiency
• Precision anchor locking

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• 36v (80-100 pounds)

The Garmin Force Freshwater Trolling Motor holds the best-in-class title for trolling motors. With a company as reputable and experiences as Garmin, it comes as no surprise. Powerful, efficient and extremely quiet make the Force very appealing. This model includes high-wide CHIRP traditional sonar plus built in Ultra High- Definition sonar that gives you crisp imaging. Some other great features are a remote control foot pedal and full-color remote control which allows the user to navigate with simple point and go gesturing. This trolling motor is compatible with multiple different Garmin fish finders, as well as the popular Garmin Panoptix Livescope Transducer System .

• Quiet steering and operation
• Wireless foot pedal
• Handheld Remote
• High-Wide CHIRP Traditional plus Ultra-High Definition ClearVu and SideVu
• Garmin claims that this is the most powerful trolling motor in its class

• High-performance trolling motor with lower price point than the Garmin Force or Lowrance Ghost
• 360 breakaway system protects the device against potential breaks or damage
• 24v (82 pounds)
• 36v (109 pounds)

MotorGuide Tour Pro delivers a very reliable and easy to use product. Compatible with Lowrance , Garmin and Humminbird fish finder products, it is the only trolling motor that provides the industry’s only true cable steer with GPS anchor.

The Bulldog Locking System allows the user to stow and deploy the unit swiftly. The prop on the Tour Pro also beats out the rest in its class by providing more power and 30% more efficiency.

Being the most connected trolling motor on the market, while also remaining lightweight and versatile, makes the Motorguide Tour Pro Bow-Mount a no-brainer when looking for a new trolling motor.

• Only true cable steer with a GPS anchor
• Lightweight design
• High efficiency prop
• Connects to traditional and high definition sonar
• Bulldog latching system

The Maxxum Trolling Motor by Minn Kota holds the title of being the strongest bow-mount in the world. The 360 breakaway feature ensures safety and durability if it hits and object while in use. It will automatically readjust to its original path. The weedless wedge pushes away weeds while not compromising power.

While the Maxxum doesn’t come equipped with some of the advanced technology found in some higher-end trolling motors, it will serve as a functional and effective mid-range trolling motor for both casual and competitive anglers.

• Indestructible composite shaft
• The strongest bow mount system in the world
• Streamlined foot pedal
• Weedless prop pushes away weeds while delivering constant power
• Provides up to 5-times longer run time on a single charge

Growing up, I was always curious about trolling motors. While fishing on a fairly small lake in Ohio, all of our boats (both pontoons and fishing boats) were limited to a 9.9 HP motor. While I enjoying flying down the lake (or at least moving as quickly as we could with a fairly small engine), we spent a lot of our time on the water trolling. This was a great way to land some nice muskie, walleye, saugeye, etc.

What surprised me, though, is that we hardly ever used our trolling motor when we trolled for fish…

As a child, I was always confused by trolling motors and considered them a strange and elusive technology — Why did people use trolling motors? What benefit did they serve? Were trolling motors worth having? Some of the other anglers had older models, but I never really saw anyone using them.

In more recent years, however, I realized just how versatile and practical these motors really are. There is a good reason that savvy anglers have been using them for well over a century.

In the mid-1890s, Scientific American posted an article highlighting an early, battery-powered model that functioned similarly to an electric oar.

In the mid-1930s, however, an inventor named O.G. Schmidt developed the first true electric trolling motor. By adding a shaft and propeller to a starter motor from a Ford Model A, he was able to create the predecessor of the modern trolling motor.

Of note is that Schmidt’s company was located on the border of Minnesota and North Dakota, hence the name Minn Kota — more on that later.

Over the years, trolling motors have come in both hand-controlled and foot-controlled options. They are also used for both traditional trolling (often mounted to the transom of a boat) and as an auxiliary steering motor focused on precision (often mounted on the bow).

Newer models tend to be electric whereas some older motors run on gas.

What Size Trolling Motor Do You Need?

Now, the big question you might be asking is, “ what is the best trolling motor for my boat? “

The answer, as always, is: it depends …

When choosing the best trolling motor for your particular boat and targeted species, there are several factors that should be considered to determine the best trolling motor for your boat, what batteries you need for your trolling motor, and how to use your trolling motor.

While most people think of gas-powered, outboard motors (which are classified by their horsepower), electric trolling motors are classified by their pounds per thrust .

This measurement, combined with the motor’s voltage (12-volt, 24 volts, and 36 volt), will determine how quickly and precisely your boat will move through the water.

That said, you want to make sure you choose the right trolling motor for your boat’s length and weight. As a general rule, you will need roughly 2 lbs. of thrust for every 100 lbs. of the boat’s weight. That said, adding a bit more thrust than the minimum is not at a bad idea. Conversely, you do not need to throw a powerful trolling motor with 100 lbs. of thrust on a 12-foot John boat.

* It is important to remember that the boat weight also includes all passengers, equipment, etc.

To simplify the process, the chart below suggests the minimum pounds of thrust per pound of boat weight .

By choosing the proper thrust for your boat’s length and weight, you will be able to maintain a steady cruising speed and navigational course.

For more advanced trolling motors, you will also be able to spot-lock, which avoids the use anchors in most cases. For anglers fishing for crappie and sensitive species, this can be a real blessing it limits the risk of possibly scaring the fish away.

This answer, fortunately, is far more straight-forward: yes, you can absolutely equip your kayak with a trolling motor!

Now, keep this in mind: even for a higher-level craft, you probably won’t be throwing a Garmin Force or Minn Kota Terrova on the front. These are some of the most popular and powerful trolling motors on the market, but they will also be more powerful than your kayak needs.

Also, consider the dimensions of your kayak. You aren’t taking a deep-V Lund on the water, and even with all your gear, your kayak is likely to weigh well below 1,000 pounds.

With that in mind, stick to shorter shafts with around 50 pounds of thrust or below. If you plan on taking your kayak into salt water or onto the Great Lakes, you may want a bit more power. For most freshwater situations, however, a lighter model should suffice.

Fishing is definitely not a cheap endeavor — or, at least not for folks who are looking at an article on buying the best trolling motors. On any given year, the average angler in the United States spends close to one thousand dollars on fishing gear and accessories. That average is definitely skewed by those of us who routinely spend several thousand (or more) during that time frame.

For proof of this, consider a 2019 walleye tournament on Devil’s Lake, North Dakota, where the average angler spent roughly $1,400 during the event .

The Minn Kota Terrova listed above, with three marina batteries (totaling 36 volts), i-Pilot remote, and 112 pounds of thrust would retail for close to $4,000. This is a more expensive and involved model than most anglers would need but is considerably less expensive than some have paid or will pay for their particular models.

When it comes to purchasing the best trolling motor for our boats, at least in most cases, the high cost of fishing continues to rise.

Fortunately, for anglers looking for a simple, smaller, serviceable, cost-efficient trolling motor to pair with a lighter, shorter bass boat (say, in the 14-16 foot range), there are some very affordable models on the market, like the Minn Kota Endura C2 Trolling Motor with Battery Meter .

For those with heavier or longer fishing boats, however, the cost will inevitably go up. Adding features (like GPS, bluetooth, and autopilot capabilities), however, could run you several thousand dollars.

If you plan to take your fishing to the next level and want to pair a Garmin Livescope with your trolling motor — the Garmin Force Freshwater Trolling Motor is a popular choice — then you are looking at a considerable investment.

Before spending thousands of dollars, however, make sure to do your research. Determine what type of trolling motor is best for your boat, your species of choice, and the bodies of water you are fishing on a regular basis.

Christian Schultz serves as Field Coordinator for Premier Angler. He is a two-time Ohio Huskie Muskie Club Junior Angler of the Year and frequents numerous fishing, hiking, and camping destinations in Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania throughout the year.

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Using a trolling motor on small boat

• Thread starter PK Harvey
• Start date Apr 28, 2021
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Hi, all. After years of sailing medium-sized Hunters (sold my last of those after a move a few years ago), I'm starting in with a Classic Lido 14, as a boat I can trailer and use to teach my grandsons to handle a sail. I'll be taking the boat out on Lake Buchanan in the Texas hills. There aren't any good choices for a permanent slip for a little boat like this, so I'm going to be launching her new each time out. Here's the issue: The ramp near my property on the lake has an available dock for loading, etc., but it's in close enough quarters that it's not an option to move from the trailer to the ramp under sail. I'd like to add a small electric trolling motor just to move the boat around in the inlet where we'll be launching. I've read some advice that a small gas outboard is a better choice, but in Texas that means registering and all the paperwork for being a power boat. My plan would be to just use the trolling motor to move the boat the 50 or so feet to the dock, and then offload it before I head out on the lake. Wondering how much thrust I'd need on a trolling motor to move a roughly 350 lb. (fully rigged) boat around in those limited circumstances. Thoughts? Thanks in advance for any help.-PK  

PK Harvey said: .................... Wondering how much thrust I'd need on a trolling motor to move a roughly 350 lb. (fully rigged) boat around in those limited circumstances............... Click to expand

I am sure a trolling motor will work just fine. My concern would be with the battery when you capsize. I learned on a Lido 14 and those things are super light / stable so moving it around is no issue at all. May I ask why not just use a paddle for the 50 feet or so? Seems like a lot less cost and hassle.  

I think the problem paddling a small light boat is the you have to lean to each side to make a paddle stroke and the boat will list as a result. If the main is up the boom will swing back and forth and be annoying not to mention the rudder flopping back and forth. I tried this on my Bandit 15 and it wasn't that effective. I would consider sculling. You could fit a half circle fitting on the transom and once you get the technique down move pretty effectively for 50 feet. Off Center Harbor has some Vids posted on this subject and you get to view a few free.  

Of course you could buy an electric motor with a water proof battery like a Torqeedo. I have a 503 on my dinghy. Kayak Trolling Motor - Ultralight 403 A -Torqeedo Electric Outboard with direct drive - Travel 603 - Torqeedo  

Okay so.... one more thing to consider. Once you put a motor on it, you have to register it, display a registration number & tags and pay annual registration fees. COST and HASSLE That might be another reason to stick with human power.  

"No officer. That's not a motor. It's a blender but I don't have another way to stow it!"  

SailingLoto

I used an old transom mount minnkota and small car battery the first couple times I ever went sailing. Worked fine. I had to go 250-300 yards in and out. Zero issues. Light, easy to remove and stow. The battery was from a mid 90s civic and fit directly infront of my trolling motor. Gas was a definite upgrade for me, but you on a small boat, going such a short distance.... I think it would be ideal  

sloughsailer

When the motor on my 3000 LB Columbia 22 self destructed I installed an oarlock on the transom and got a long oar. With a little practice I was able to scull anywhere I wanted to go. One windless night I sculled 2 miles against the current without a great deal of effort. Your 14 foot dingy will scull easily.  

I used a trolling motor on my 16' AMF Sunbird for years. The 'bird was already titled so that wasn't an issue. But when I sold the 'bird and put the trolling motor onto my 8' Walker Bay, I had a Texas Game Warden give me a warning about registering the Walker Bay. I used a small AGM battery to power the trolling motor. I still have the trolling motor if you want it. Just collecting dust here at Canyon Lake.  

I used a 22 lb thrust Minnkota on a Taser to motor out of the dead air in an inlet ramp and get back across the lake if the wind died. Battery was mounted under the mid thwart and a dead-man switch. Do use a dead-man switch for any smaller boat/dingy for safety. (momentary push-on switch).  

I've used a really small trolling motor on a boat that weighed 500 lb alone. I can motor around for at least a couple hours on a lawn mower battery.  

I use an older 12-volt Minnkota 48LB thrust trolling motor on my Macgregor 26S for electric-only lakes. It pushes me at three knots in light wind. I've used it the whole day (without sailing) at times with six people on board.  

I used a 36lb thrust one summer on my SJ21, and it worked great. I would recommend an AGM battery just because of the motion, you don't want to expose the plates during discharge.  

Crazy Dave Condon

You have to ask your state if registration and/or titling is required. Virginia requires it even with a trolling motor  

George_NJ said: I use an older 12-volt Minnkota 48LB thrust trolling motor on my Macgregor 26S for electric-only lakes. It pushes me at three knots in light wind. I've used it the whole day (without sailing) at times with six people on board. Click to expand

bgstar19 said: Hey George, What size battery (amp- hours?) did you use to motor around all day on your 26S with the 48 lb thrust trolling motor? I've got a 1983 O'Day 19 with a very finicky 5 hp 2 stroke Mercury outboard that failed to start on a number of occasions as I tried to motor back to the crowded marina, making for long frustrating returns to the dock. I'm guessing that a 48 lb thrust trolling motor would work for my sailboat as well based on your experience. Click to expand

Philly2DC2LBI

New to the site, still a sailing newbie relatively as well, this is exactly the conversation I was looking for. I'm on a small, narrow inlet off Barnegat Bay in NJ, have sailed a sunfish for years but recently upgraded size-wise to a used but hardly-used Javelin. Depending on wind/current sometimes I can't tack in/out on the sunfish, so I kept a little paddle with me, but of course that's not an option for a larger boat so I have to figure out best solution. Electric trolling motor seems the best choice, but the range of options is a little overwhelming. I'm assuming I need one that's saltwater rated, but not sure about shaft length/how powerful. Cheapest seems Min-Kota, they are all on backorder for weeks (supply chain problems with the pandemic, apparently), so looking for a used one or I have to drive to a dealer. I see George's tip above on what battery to get - any tips on the battery storage/housing? Any other safety features needed with a battery on board??  

Philly2DC2LBI, I don't know what the difference is between the saltwater & fresh water motors, like if it's just the paint? If it was just the paint you could paint it yourself with some Rustoleum or the like. You would want to put the battery by the transom, the trolling motors don't like long cords. I would put some kind of grippy pad to keep it from wanting to slide and maybe a bungie cord to keep it in place for when you heel, or a more permanent battery box install. I buy used all the time, craigslist, facebook marketplace, offerup... I think I paid $75 for my 48 LB thrust troller out of season (the time for deals). Keep an eye out at garage sales & flea markets also. I paid $5 for a 12 LB troller at a Habitat For Humanity store years ago and that thing still works great on my 14' crestliner V hull boat.  

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electric trolling motors for small sailboats?

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i recently purchased a san juan 21, 7'' beam, weighs 1250 lbs. i am considering powering it with electric trolling motor(s), the kind typically used by fishermen for keeping quiet. naturally, this is not a permanent arrangement. i intend to install a small gas outboard in a short while, but need a quick power fix to move the boat and get me around in the meantime. has anyone tried this before? will the engines produce enough power to get me through the water? i have access to some really cheap electric motors, which is why i am even considering this. any guidance would be most appreciated.  

I have powered a 18'' daysailer with a 1.2hp outboard. It worked OK. There was a guy that powered a 25'' sailboat with a simular motor. He moved slow. Unfortunately the trolling motors are rated in pounds of thrust and the small outboards in horsepower. In short I think that it would work in light winds to move you a short distance in and out of the dock. I''ve seen some bass boats moving along at several knots with their trolling motors.  

The sailing school I went to allowed you to charter their school boats, Tanzer 22s, for day sails. They had 12 boats or so, but only three outboards. If you didn''t get there early, you had to get towed out and back. So I pulled a trolling motor off of my small aluminum fishing boat (35-pounds of thrust) and brought it with me for the Tanzer. Got me out away from the dock and out on the water, and back with no problem. In later years I used it on a Catalina 22 with similar results. You didn''t move fast, but even in a blow you could make forward progress. They make 55-pound thrust saltwater motors and I was considering one of those to replace an old Johnson 9.9 that was a bit finicky. Was motoring out next to a J-24 that had one of them, and the guy was moving along very smartly, much faster than I did with the smaller motor. The 55-pound thrust motor is used with a 12-volt deep cycle battery. If you rig up a 24-volt system, you can get electric motors that have much higher thrust. These would be more than enough for a small sailboat.  

I power my Express 27 (2450#) with a Honda 2HP. The motor only weighs 28lbs and burns 1qt/hr. In protected waters, I can motor at about 5-6 knots, and it''s never failed to start.  

Quite a while back I owned a Holder 20 that I think weighs about the same as your San Juan. I used an old Sears trolling motor and a marine battery as an auxiliary. It worked fine. I eventually moved up to a 2 HP Honda outboard, and that worked even better. Gerhard  

I currently use a walmart bought 50lb thrust electric to push my 18Ft trimaran around. works great, very quiet no fumes and just needs an occasional battery charge. A friend has alos used one to push his Oday 20'' as well. Stan  

I have a 22' US Yacht and I want to go down from an 8HP 2 stroke to a 2HP Honda 4 stroke and I'm wondering if it will help at all when the winds pick up and I decide to try and head into the wind to lower my sails. 8 and 9.9 HP motors are just too heavy and that's what I've been using for over 10 years. I like everything about Hondas little 2 except I know I'm loosing a lot of power and my only concern is what happens in a heavy storm?  

I was on a capri 22 with a 2 hp honda on the Delaware river which has a strong current, it did "ok", not a world beater. If I was in any coastal conditions, I would like a bigger motor, perhaps a 3.5 hp ?  

Thank you. Looks like the Tohatsu you have is the 2 stroke and that they do not make anymore. They do have a 4 stroke though and their prices look better than Honda and Yamaha. ]  

I use a 30 pound pushpower trolley (probably the smallest) on my inflatable dinghy. The consumption is about 230 watt. I use two 80 amp batteries. One in the dinghy, the other on board the ship for charging. One charge last for 4 hours use. For charging I use a 2,5 KW gas-generator. If were not that I also need to use the generator for a whole lot of other charging purposes, like charging the batteries for use with refrigerator, TV, computers etc. I would probably spend more gasoline, make more noyce charging the batteries for the dinghy than i would using a small 5 -6 HP two-stroke for propulsion. I believe you need to make an input/output calculation of the charge/use of current. It is the charging capacity that will define the distance of "the point of no return".  

I had one on my Siren, a 36lb thrust motor attached to a group 24 battery. It worked just fine, pushed the boat at 3.5mph.  

I thought this thread had something to do with electric motor propulsion? Howard  

I'm interested in electric trolling motor too I have a 25' fixed keel Quarter Tonner weighing 1600 kg and am seriouly considering using a 80 lb thrust 24V trolling motor. These motors have up to 1140 Watt motors, direct drive without gearbox losses so would probably equate to about 2 HP (1500 Watts, less gearing losses). Would only be used for moving around pens and getting in and out of Yacht Club marina. I intend to eventually replace my 6HP Volvo in-board with a 5KW electric, but that will take time. I'd be interested in others using these great little motors for larger yachts.  

Where I sail is a nature preserve and no gas engines are allowed. On my Elan 19 I have a 550W Minkota E55. This is the most powerful 12V trolling Minkota there is but it's still only about 2/3 of a HP. I flat water I can get 2.5 knots but it will not punch into more than a force 3 headwind. I only use it to get back if becalmed. There are boats with several kW electric motors but these are hugely expensive. Unless you are on a lake or very sheltered waters with never any current, forget it. Buy a gas O/B.  

Thanks For that feedback. Very informative and valuable.  

I am not a huge fan of electric motors, but a 17' Siren in our marina has been slippig in and out of the harbour this season with a Minn Kota trolling motor on the transom, and I was looking for a new propulsion system for our small dinghy, so I decided to try electric, for a couple of reasons: 1. Our dinghy is LIGHT. TOO light. ie, tippy. In fact, too tippy to safely load into from the dock, as our dock is 3 feet above the floor of the dinghy. So I figured the added ballast of a group 27 battery would help, and I liked the fact that the battery ballast was movable to make allowances for payload. 2. Ergonomically, our boat was too small to start our 2 stroke OB. The pull was too long, and you ran out of boat before you ran out of rope. When you did get the OB started, with no neutral, you better make sure you are pointed in the right direction. So, this wekend we strapped a Minn Kota 24 lb. thrust trolling motor on the transom, and SWMBO took it for a test drive. The results were mixed. When it ran, it ran well, and powered the dinghy along respectably.... BUT, our marina has a big issue with weeds... and so does our trolling motor. On the shakedown cruise, my wife repeatedly had to clear the prop, as it simply did not have enough "oomph" to get rid of the wad of weeds that it collected. Maybe a "weedless" prop will help. We plan to install one next weekend. On the upside, , SWMBO did like the quiet, the fact that the motor had a reverse, and the added stability provided by the group 27 ballast. I like the light weight of the motor and the fact that we don't have to carry an additional tank of fuel. The downside is that that ballast also cut into available legroom, which reduces the usability of the boat as a 2 person conveyance. The verdict? The jury is still out. With a little dinghy frame redesign work, we might be able to make the battery stow a little better, and with a new prop weeds may not be an issue. I'll report back with an update next week.  

Minn kotas RT202/em The Minn kota RT202/em can be used at variable voltage and will deliver a fine force behind your boat. The RT160/em and the 101 should be exceptional power. These are salt water trawlers and the prices are in line or as much as half in line with gas motors. And to top it all off ad a folding prop and your good to go. Specifications for Minn Kota's saltwater Engine Mount motors: Model Motor Configuration Maximum Thrust Volts/Max. Amp Draw Recommended Boat Length MSRP RT202/EM Dual 202 36/98 22' - 26' $1499.99 RT160/EM Dual 160 24/116 20' - 24' $999.99 RT101/EM Single 101 36/49 18' - 22' $899.99 RT80/EM Single 80 24/58 16' - 20' $799.99 RT55/EM Single 55 12/50 14' - 18' $599.99 Also search youtube for minn kota and electric boats These guys sell a 20hp kit that will work as an inboard replacement or outboard. They also have an electric outboard. Electric Motorsport :: Marine Thats 20 horsies inboard for 1400.00 think about it.  

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Electric Trolling Motors: Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Picks (2023 Updates)

The electric trolling motor has evolved greatly in the past decades to be much more powerful, efficient, and easy to use, making it an indispensable piece of equipment for angler boats, kayaks, canoes, and other smaller boats.

Looking to get a decent electric trolling motor for your boat?

You will possibly get lost in the endless trolling motor options on the market, with similar designs, various features, different specs and in a wide price range across different brands.

So where should you start to get the best electric trolling motor that suits your specific needs?

No worries. I’ve done all the research for you and compiled this comprehensive guide to help you get started and make a wise pick.

In this post, you will learn all the basics about electric trolling motors, the top things to consider before buying an electric boat motor outboard, the best motor recommendations, pro tips to save money, etc.

Note: Click the links below to jump to the right piece of information you need:

Table of content:

• Get Started: Electric Trolling Motor Basics

Are Electric Trolling Motors Worth It?

• Buying Guide: Top 5 Things to Consider
• Best Electric Trolling Motors with Reviews

How to Save on Buying Electric Trolling Motor?

• Frequently Asked Questions (Updating)

Electric Trolling Motor Basics

First things first, let’s learn some fundamental basics about electric trolling motors to make sure we are on the same page for further discussion.

1. What is an Electric Trolling Motor?

An electric trolling motor is a small self-contained motor that provides clean, quiet, and consistent propulsion for boats at low trolling speeds. There are several crucial things you need to know about the small electric trolling motor for boat:

#1. Bow Mount vs Transom Mount

There are bow and transom mount electric trolling motor types depending on where the motor mounts to the boat.

The bow mount electric trolling motor is located at the front of the boat which hauls the boat through the water. It’s especially popular among anglers (almost exclusively used for fishing) with versatile features and controls.

The transom mounted outboard clamped on the rear of the boats which pushes the boat through the water. It’s usually used as general boat propulsion.

#2. Hand, Foot & Remote Control

Usually, you have three different control options for the electric trolling motor, including hand control (via the built-in tiller), foot control (via foot pedal), and remote control (via remote controller).

#3. 12V, 24V & 36V Trolling Motor

If you’ve searched around, you will find three electric trolling motor options: 12-volt, 24-volt and 36-volt ones.

What’s the difference?

To put it easily, the voltage implies the power level (lbs of thrust). The more voltage the electric trolling motor is labeled with, the higher power and longer battery life it has.

Another important thing to note is that a 12V small electric trolling motor only requires one battery, whereas a 24V one requires two batteries and 36V requires three to work.

Wondering how big of an electric trolling motor you need? Continue reading our buying guide for quick answers.

#4. Electric Trolling Motor vs Outboard

Remember that electric trolling motors are not outboards.

Although coming with similar designs and looks, trolling motors and outboards are different things for various purposes.

Electric trolling motors (where the output is measured in lbs. of thrust, typically 30 lbs to 112 lbs) provide low trolling speed for small boats (kayak, canoe, and small fishing boats), while electric boat motor outboards (where the output is measured in HP, typically 1 HP to 10 HP) are much more powerful and are used as the vessel’s primary source of propulsion.

You can feel the speed and performance difference immediately if you get a chance to have a test ride.

According to our test on the Hobie pro angler, an electric outboard can get to 6.1 mph, towing at 4.1mph, while the small electric trolling motor tops out at 4 mph.

That being said, the electric trolling motor still provides sufficient power for a lot of applications, including fishing, with a bunch of useful features, at more affordable prices.

2. How Does Electric Trolling Motor Work

Electric trolling motors work in a simple way with easy operation.

Generally speaking, an electric trolling motor consists of the shaft, thrust, control, propeller, motor, battery charger, and the terminal end (to connect to the battery).

In theory, the electric current creates a magnetic field that powers the permanent magnet motor in the propeller hub, which turns the propeller.

To make the small electric trolling motors work, you just need to control the outboard through its handle (or foot pedal/remote) and the propeller will twist in the water to provide propulsion for the boat.

Considering the way electric trolling motors work, the bare bone you will need to start your fishing is a basic trolling motor pack (such as the 100 dollar Minn Kota Endura ) and a deep cycle battery (such as the 80 dollar Miady battery ). This will be the lowest-cost setup.

From here, you may upgrade to more versatile packages such as the 100 Ah lithium battery pack with an XI3 GPS electric trolling motor . That way, you can have spot lock and hand held remote but the price will amount to over $1000.

Click to see more electric trolling motor recommendations with reviews.

These days, electric trolling motors are getting prevalent, and a basic setup can cost hundreds (even thousands) of dollars.

No one wants to waste their hard-earned money on some useless water toy. Are electric trolling motors worth it?

In fact, the value of electric trolling motors depends on your applications.

For anglers, the electric trolling motor is a game changer. It not only provides quiet propulsion (that won’t spook fish) with easy control, but also makes your fishing more efficient than ever before:

For example, the spot lock feature allows you to stay in one spot against current or wind without deploying a physical anchor. More importantly, it provides a superior boating experience with no smell and no noise, so you won’t spook fish.

It’s also perfect for smaller boats (such as tenders, dinghies, kayaks, canoes, pontoon boat, etc) or if you want to boat on small lakes just for cruising. A lot of users are surprised by its performance after they tried it:

For example, the Newport Vessels Kayak Series , a basic 55-pound thrust electric trolling motor, can go 5 miles per hour in smooth water and last 2 hours. If you adjust the speed to lower settings, it can last up to 16 hours!

However, if you are planning to go for long trips as the main power source, the electric trolling motors might not be an option due to their limited range, speed, and energy (compared with the outboard motor).

Why are trolling motors so expensive?

Electric trolling motors for boats sell at a higher price for some good reasons: electric boating is a relatively new technology that involves a lot of R&D investment. The good news is that the price is likely to decrease in the future as technology becomes more mature and on a larger scale.

Also, the batteries used to power electric trolling motors are expensive. However, you can save on gasoline bills, making it a cost-effective option in the long run.

Anyways, electrification is the trend and electric trolling motors have already got their place in a lot of boating applications, and they are still evolving to satisfy your demands at a faster speed than you think.

Click here to learn some pro tips to buy cheap electric trolling motors.

Buying Guide: Top 5 Things to Consider for Best Picks

Frustrated in searching for ideal electric trolling motors among so many options available on the market?

Reading our exhaustive guide helps you save time to target the best motor and spend the money wisely.

Now let’s go through the top 5 considerations one by one to narrow down your options effectively.

#1. Thrust & Voltage

How big of an electric trolling motor do I need?

You need to make sure that the electric trolling motor is powerful enough to overcome the possible winds and currents, but without being an overkill.

The rule of thumb is to have at least 2lb of thrust for every 100lb of gross weight of the boat (including people and gear). If there is any significant wind or current, you will need more thrust.

In terms of voltage, it indicates the power your trolling motor requires from the battery. You will need one battery for every 12 volts of the electric trolling motor. The higher voltage, the greater the motor thrust (and more batteries).

Combining the correlative information of thrust, voltage, boat weight, and length, here is a simple chart that indicates the size of electric trolling motor for different boat ranges:

Notice : More thrust is not always better, and increasing thrust does not necessarily mean higher speed. In fact, a 55 lbs thrust electric trolling motor will not move a boat much faster than the 30 lbs counterpart. The extra thrust is mostly intended for heavier boats instead of faster speeds.

#2. Shaft Length

The next important thing you need to decide on is the electric trolling motor shaft length.

If it’s too long (with the motor being too deep in the water), it will produce more drag that affects speed and drains your battery life. If it’s too short (with the motor head being too shallow), it will produce cavitation bubbles and noise that spook the fish.

The rule of thumb is to submerge the center of the motor section at least 12” of water. Remember to add an extra 5” if you fish in rough waters.

In real-world applications, you need to measure from the mounting surface to the water surface and add 20” to get the minimum shaft length.

With that measurement, you can also use the table below to find the right electric trolling motor shaft length:

Further Reading : How to Measure Outboard Shaft Length

#3. Freshwater or Seawater

Now a lot of electric trolling motors are available in both freshwater and saltwater versions to satisfy anglers fishing in different waters.

The main difference is their ability to resist corrosion. The saltwater electric trolling motors are designed with protective layers on all metallic parts and fully-encapsulated electronics to guard against corrosion, and thus, they are more expensive compared with their freshwater counterparts.

It’s an easy and straightforward choice depending on your specific use cases.

Wondering about using a freshwater trolling motor in saltwater to save some money?

Although it works, the electric trolling motor might not last as long and will lose the warranty.

Personally, I don’t think it’s worth the risk and will choose to upgrade to a saltwater version.

If you just use the trolling motor occasionally on saltwater, it should be good to go with proper precautions. For example, use fresh water to rinse the motor and cover the metal parts with oil or grease .

#4. Functionality

The electric trolling motor price eventually comes down to the features you need.

A basic trolling motor costs around $100, while a fully furnished one can cost over $3000.

Here are some features you might consider adding to your electric trolling motor setup:

• Remote Control : It allows you to control the outboard wirelessly
• Auto-Deploy : It allows the motor to drop in the water automatically at the push of a button
• Spot Lock : It allows you to lock onto fishing spots without touching the electric trolling motor
• GPS : It helps record and retrace paths on the water
• Fish Finder Sonar : It can detect fish and underwater topography, providing you with a clear picture underneath your hull

You may check and mark the features important to you and select the best electric trolling motors on the list below accordingly. That way, you can get an ideal electric trolling motor that’s customized to your needs and make the best use of it.

#5. Dealer Support

Last but not least, you need to check the accessibility of dealer support if anything goes wrong.

People tend to overlook the importance of a nearby dealer network which could cause potential trouble and pain in the future, especially if you are not technically inclined.

That’s where big brands shine.

If budget allows, buy electric trolling motors from big names with a long history, such as Minn Kota, MotorGuide, Newport Vessels, etc. They are more experienced in dealing with all kinds of customers’ queries with reliable warranty and after-sales policy (Note: Two-year warranty is standard in this industry).

The best scenario is that you can find a dealer nearby who can handle your inquiries and help troubleshoot any problems that may occur. You can easily confirm this by visiting their official website.

Best Electric Trolling Motors: Our Top 5 Picks (with Reviews)

So now, with enough knowledge, we’ve got to the most crucial step: browse all electric trolling motor options and select the one that suits you best.

It could be a pain for you to go through websites, read catalogs, manuals, and reviews to compare all models.

To make things easy for you, we’ve tested and selected the best electric trolling motors based on the features, specs, prices, as well as real-world users’ experiences.

Rest assured, they are all from reliable brands with solid support and hundreds and thousands of happy customers worldwide.

1. Minn Kota Endura C2 Transom Mount Trolling Motor

This Minn Kota setup is one of the most popular electric trolling motors in the business. Selling at an affordable price, it’s ideal for people who simply want a quiet and discreet ride with adequate power.

Specs & Feature Highlights

• Thrust levels (lb): 30, 40, 45, 50, 55
• Shaft lengths: 30″, 36″, 42″
• Voltage: 12V
• Weight: 30lb – 6.8kg / 55lb – 10.2kg
• Control: Telescoping Handle
• Application: Freshwater
• Mounting Type: Transom Mount
• Speed: 5 Fwd/3 Rev
• Warranty: 2 Year

The small electric trolling motor is available in a wide power and shaft range to accommodate different boat sizes. However, remember that it’s designed for freshwater use only.

This electric trolling motor is also beginners friendly. The 12V system only needs one battery to work, making it easy to install and mount – there is no complex wiring as the 24V or 36V trolling motor requires.

It features a five-speed control system with smooth and simple operation. If you are looking for a reliable, easy-to-use and efficient electric trolling motor for your small boat, the Endura C2 is a great option.

Note : Although this is a transom mount trolling motor, you can still use it as a bow mount. You just need to remove the control head and reconnect it backward.

Customer Review:

“ My notion is that if you have a 14ft boat or less, this engine is adequate. No need to break the bank if you’re on a budget. For my purposes, it is perfect! “

Further Reading: Check out our comprehensive product review to learn more about this electric trolling motor.

2. Minn Kota Terrova iPilot Trolling Motor

If you are looking for a more versatile electric trolling motor, the Minn Kota Terrova won’t let you down. Featuring the advanced i-Pilot system, it will make your fishing trip more enjoyable and fruitful than ever before.

• Thrust & Voltage: 112 lb (36V), 80 lb (24V), 55 lb (12V)
• Shaft lengths: 45″, 54″, 60″, 72″
• Weight: 55 lbs – 16.8 kg/80 lbs – 19 kg
• Control: Foot Pedal & Remote
• Mounting Type: Bow Mount

This electric boat motor kit is easy to operate with the wireless remote and foot pedal (not included).

It features a lot of smart designs to make boating faster and easier. For example, the spring loaded lift-assistant allows you to deploy and lift the motor out of water effortlessly. The push-to-test battery meter keeps you informed of the remaining battery life, offering a piece of mind especially when you forget to charge the batteries.

It’s also worth mentioning that the Digital Maximizer claims to prolong the runtime 4 times since it only draws as much power as you need. So less worry about battery life.

The highlight of this electric trolling motor is the GPS i-Pilot system which offers a bunch of innovative features:

• Spot lock : This amazingly accurate GPS anchoring locks the boat into your favorite fishing spot
• Jog : It allows you to adjust your spot-lock location by moving five feet in any direction
• Record path : You can mark your productive fishing route and come back to the exact spot next time
• Auto pilot : It ensures you stay in the desired spot all the time regardless of the wind and current
• Sonar Imaging : a new fish finding technology that delivers a crystal clear view of what’s underneath the water
• Compatible with Hummingbird Fish Finder

All these features help you catch more fish.

With multiple power options available, you are sure to find the right model that fits your style of fishing perfectly.

Note: This model adopts electric steering, which may require some time to get used to if you are just switched from cable steering. They just don’t feel the same. Electric steering is not as responsive but will cause less fatigue.

“ Great purchase! The Terrova is much easier on the battery, super easy to deploy and stow, has no trouble in the wind, and autopilot and spot lock are absolute game changers. “

If you intend to use the electric trolling motor for saltwater use, check out its saltwater version Riptide Terrova .

3. Haswing Cayman 12V Bow Mount Trolling Motor

Haswing is also a reputable manufacturer known for producing high quality electric outboard motors since 1995. Although it doesn’t come cheap, it’s a cost-effective option given all the benefits and features it provides.

• Thrust & Voltage: 55 lb (12V)
• Shaft lengths: 48″
• Weight: 15.5 kg
• Control: Foot Pedal (Cable Wired) & Remote
• Application: Freshwater & Saltwater

Similar to the Digital Maximizer from Minn Kota, Haswing allows for variable speed which lets you dial at your desired speed with lower power consumption. Therefore, the battery life is extended greatly.

Controlling the electric outboard motor is super easy with long-range remote control (164 ft the farthest). So you can even control it offshore. Or you can use the cable wired foot pedal to operate and release your hands when fishing.

The quick release bracket is also a useful and highly-praised feature that helps you install and remove the electric trolling motor easily. With the built-in 5 level battery status indicator, you will know when it’s time to charge.

Different from the spot lock that keeps you staying at a particular spot, the Haswing features Cruise Control. It allows you to stay at the desired speed all the time, so you can be more focused on fishing.

Another big plus for this electric trolling motor is that it’s designed for both freshwater and saltwater.

“ After looking around a ton, this one stuck out to be a nice value. The parts feel quality, the wires are thick and the trolling motor is responsive. “

This electric trolling motor is suitable for boats weighing up to 2750 lbs. If you are looking for more powerful options for heavier boats, check out this 80 lbs model .

4. Newport Vessels NV Series Trolling Motor

This is one of the best selling electric trolling motors with thousands of positive customer reviews on Amazon. If you want a reliable and affordable trolling motor (with no need for fancy GPS navigation), be sure to check it out.

• Thrust & Voltage: 36 lb (12V), 46 lb (12V), 55 lb (12V), 62 lb (12V), 86 lb (24V)
• Shaft lengths: 30″, 36″
• Weight: 36 lb (8.4 kg), 46 lb (9.1 kg), 55 lb (10.5 kg), 62 lb (10.5 kg), 86 lb (11.3 kg)
• Control: Tiller

The NV Series electric trolling motor offers a wide range of thrust options for you to choose from. The most popular model is 55 lb, suitable for small and medium sized boats (such as fishing kayak, inflatable dinghy, jon boat), providing a top speed of 4 mph.

Designed for use in both freshwater and saltwater, this motor is ready to tackle any environment. The fiberglass shaft, stainless steel hardware and corrosion proof designs make it durable in all applications.

The 5-point LED battery meter lets you know the battery status, so no worries about battery life, since you can always plan ahead of time. For example, adjusting to a lower speed to greatly extend its range or having it charged timely before it dies.

It requires only one deep cycle battery (either lead-acid or lithium battery type), which can save your day if you are not comfortable with doing the wiring work. If you’ve decided on the 86lb 24v model (2 batteries required), check out our step-to-step guide for easy wiring.

This electric trolling motor is popular for its performance-to-price ratio. If you want good value for the money and don’t care about the fancy GPS feature, the Newport Vessels NV Series is an excellent choice.

“ This is the best trolling motor I have ever owned. Very powerful and salt water does not have any effect on it. The reverse is just as powerful. This motor performs just as well as the high dollar motors. “

5. Motorguide Xi3 Kayak Trolling Motor

If you are looking for an electric trolling motor to motorize your fishing kayak or canoe, we recommend Motorguide Xi3 for its easy maneuverability and great versatility.

• Shaft lengths: 36″
• Weight: 40.5 pounds (18.4 kg)
• Control: Remote & Foot Pedal (Optional)
• Application: Freshwater ( Check Saltwater Model )

For kayak anglers, it’s important to find an electric trolling motor with a proper shaft length. With a 36” shorter shaft, Xi3 offers a perfect fit for your fishing kayak. The 55 lb trolling motor is efficient and powerful enough to move the kayak fast (at a top speed of about 4.4mph when fully loaded, according to our test).

It’s easy to use. Just bolt on the motor base, connect it to a 12V battery, and you are ready to go.

This kayak electric trolling motor doesn’t come cheap, mainly because it features a lot of premium features of larger trolling motors, including GPS navigation, virtual anchor, route record, auto pilot, heading lock, LED display, wireless remote control, fish finder compatibility, etc.

As an electric motor for fishing kayaks, it will definitely help you catch more fish.

If you just want a specialized trolling motor on kayak (or canoe) to offer some relief on long paddles, the Newport Vessels Kayak Series would be a better choice. It’s much lighter and cheaper with a shorter adjustable shaft length, suitable to be used as a canoe electric trolling motor. As a plus, you can use it in both freshwater and saltwater.

• Shaft lengths: 24″
• Weight: 23 pounds (10.4 kg)
• Control: Tiller (Telescoping Handle)

All the recommendations are available worldwide with free shipping, so don’t worry if you want to order the electric trolling motor in Canada, Ontario, Australia, NZ, or Europe.

If you have other specific requirements for the electric boat motor kit and couldn’t find the one that suits your needs, feel free to leave a comment below and I will get back to you ASAP with recommendations.

Useful Accessories:

There are also some useful accessories that you may want to add to your shopping list:

• Quick Release Mount : It allows you to quickly remove the electric trolling motor from or reattached it to a boat
• Battery Box : It provides a clean, easy and safe way to store and carry your battery to the boat
• Extension Handle : It extends the length of the handle, allowing you to control it from the center of the boat
• Kayak Mount : It makes adding an electric trolling motor to your kayak easy without screwing

Also, don’t forget the most important add-ons to your trolling motor setup: batteries. Unfortunately, you can not have the whole setup (electric trolling motors with battery) from the same manufacturer, and it requires you to do more research. Check our previous dedicated guide to find the best pick for your boat.

Looking for electric trolling motors for sale near you? It’s true that trolling motors don’t come cheap, but there are still some handy tips to help cut down your boating expenses:

• Learn to do maintenance by yourself. The maintenance bill can accumulate to a large number over time. If you can learn some basic tasks (including cleaning and waxing the hull), you will save big in the long run.
• Buy a used electric trolling motor. There are some used trolling motors sold still in good condition but only at a fraction of the cost. If lucky enough, you might find something just as good as brand new in the second hand market.
• Trade or swap with others. If you have a gas outboard or an old electric trolling motor, see if you can trade it out and get the new one for less. If you have some skill or service to offer, you may try to get the outboard from other boat owners by providing valuable services.
• Join a boating club or online community. Online platforms such as forums and groups provide a good channel for people to spread information and exchange ideas. You might discover a good valued trolling motor through word of mouth or find a nice electric trolling motor for sale.
• Compare different platforms. You may compare the prices of electric trolling motors on Amazon, Walmart, and other channels to get the best offers.

FAQs About Electric Trolling Motor

Here I collected the hottest questions concerning electric trolling motors for boats with quick answers, in case you share the same confusion. Feel free to let me know in the comments if you have any more specific questions.

1. How fast do electric trolling motors go?

Generally speaking, electric trolling motors can go about 4-5 miles per hour depending on the boat type, load, weather, etc. A typical 55 pound thrust trolling motor can go up to 5 mph.

2. How long do electric trolling motors last?

How long a trolling motor can run on a batter mostly depends on the speed. If you run the electric trolling motor at top speed (5 mph), it can last about 2 hours. However, if you adjust the speed to lower settings, the runtime will extend greatly. You can troll with an electric motor for up to 16 hours.

Take the Minn Kota Endura as an example. Here is its runtime for different speeds (5 speed available):

3. Are trolling motors electric?

Yes, all trolling motors are electric.

4. How to use an electric trolling motor?

It depends on the types of electric trolling motor you are talking about:

With a tiller steered trolling motor, you need to pull or push the tiller to control the direction. Grab the tiller and twist it clockwise (or counter-clockwise) to increase (or reduce) speed.

There are also trolling motors controlled by a foot pedal (where you need to push the pedal up and down to steer the motor) and a wireless remote (where you can steer the boat at your fingertips).

5. What’s the most powerful electric trolling motor?

By far, the most powerful and fastest electric trolling motor is 112 lbs (36V) models, including Ultrex and Terrova , both from Minn Kota.

6. Can 2 electric trolling motors be used simultaneously?

Yes, you can run two trolling motors simultaneously, but that won’t increase speed much.

• School Shooting
• Mass Shooting
• Product Reviews

5+ Best Trolling Motors of 2024

• By EL Forestal
• April 21, 2024

When it comes to the world of fishing and boating, a reliable trolling motor is an indispensable tool.

A trolling motor is essentially a self-contained unit with an electric motor, a propeller, and controls, and is affixed to an angler’s boat at either the bow or stern.

These motors are designed to offer superior control over your boat while also being incredibly quiet, ensuring that you don’t scare away any potential catches.

Quick Glance of The Best Trolling Motors in The Market

Best Overall

#1. Minn Kota Terrova

#2. Minn Kota Ultrex

Best Budget

#3. MotorGuide R5

How We Picked the Best Trolling Motors

A great deal of research went into picking the best trolling motors of 2023. We considered various factors, such as motor size, technology, steering style, and customer reviews. Here are some of the factors we looked into:

The size of the motor is a critical factor in determining the efficiency and performance of a trolling motor. Larger motors often provide more power, making them ideal for larger boats or harsh conditions. Conversely, smaller motors are more suited for smaller boats and calmer waters.

We also took into account the technology incorporated into these motors. Modern trolling motors come equipped with a variety of features, such as GPS-based navigation, digital displays, and wireless remote control, all designed to enhance the user experience.

Steering Style

Steering style is another factor we considered. There are mainly three types of steering styles: hand control, foot control, and remote control. The right style depends on the angler’s preference and the type of fishing.

Best Trolling Motors: Reviews & Recommendations

Best remote control: minn kota terrova.

• Stow/Deploy Lever: Press this lever on the mount and fall-away ramps will effortlessly slide your trolling motor into the water. And when you’re ready to move, Auto Park helps the motor stow effortlessly by orienting the lower unit to the perfect stow position automatically.

Product Description

The Minn Kota Terrova stands out as the best remote control trolling motor of 2024. This versatile and innovative motor is designed for anglers who prioritize control, power, and convenience.

It’s not just about the remote control feature; the Minn Kota Terrova also boasts an array of impressive features that set it apart from the competition.

Key Features

• i-Pilot GPS System: This system allows for automatic boat control and includes features like spot-lock, record a track, and more.
• Auto Stow/Deploy: This feature allows the motor to be lowered into and raised from the water with the push of a button.
• Universal Sonar 2: This integrated sonar provides water temperature sensing and dual-beam technology for an expanded view and better bottom detail.
• Digital Maximizer: This feature provides up to five times longer run time on a single battery charge.
• Weedless Wedge 2 Prop: Features swept-back, flared blades for unrelenting, reliable prop performance.

Best for Bass Fishing: Minn Kota Ultrex

• 45″ Shaft, 36v, 112 lbs Thrust
• Universal Sonar 2: Keeps your transducer and wiring completely concealed and protected, running everything through the trolling motor’s shaft, with shielded connectors

The Minn Kota Ultrex is our top pick for bass fishing. This trolling motor combines the ruggedness and durability of a traditional trolling motor with the cutting-edge features of a modern motor.

It’s designed to offer precision control, quiet operation, and the power needed to navigate through tough waters – all critical aspects when bass fishing.

• i-Pilot Link Integrated GPS Trolling System: This system allows the angler to control the speed and steering from a remote or a virtual anchor.
• Spot-Lock with Jog: This feature allows anglers to hold their boat in the same spot, making it easier to stay on the fish.
• Power Steering: The responsive power steering gives the ultimate in comfort, control, and responsiveness.
• AutoPilot™ : This feature automatically navigates your boat in any direction you choose.
• Indestructible Composite Shaft: Guaranteed for life, this shaft can flex on impact and won’t break, kink or corrode.

Best Transom Mount: MotorGuide R5

• Classic twist-tiller operation equipped with the 3-blade Machete propeller
• Digital Power Management technology extends battery life up to 5 times for longer running between charges

The MotorGuide R5 transom mount trolling motor is a champion in its category. Designed for small to medium-sized boats, this motor provides excellent performance and durability. Its robust build ensures it can withstand harsh marine conditions, while its advanced technology ensures smooth and easy operation.

• Variable Speed Control: This feature allows precise speed adjustment for optimal control.
• Digital Power Management Technology: This technology extends battery life up to five times to keep anglers on the water longer.
• Rugged Construction: The R5 is built to last with a stainless steel shaft and durable materials resistant to corrosion and impact.
• Quick-Lock Cam Depth Adjuster: This makes depth adjustment simple and fast.
• Twist-Tiller Operation: This control option puts you in command with its ultra-responsive steering.

Best for Kayaks: Newport Vessels Kayak Series

• 24V Brushless Motor: The 1.8hp equivalent Direct Drive motor provides quiet and efficient power delivery without the use of internal gears, powering you along at up to 5 knots!.
• Aluminum Motor Mount: The 4 bolt motor mount attaches directly to PowerPole ready fishing kayaks, and can be installed on other kayaks using a drill,.

The Newport Vessels Kayak Series is the top choice for kayakers. It’s designed specifically for kayak use, with features that make it easy to install and operate. This trolling motor is known for its lightweight design, quiet operation, and great performance. It’s a reliable companion whether you’re out fishing or just cruising on the water.

• Saltwater Compatible Hardware: The hardware is corrosion-resistant, making it ideal for both freshwater and saltwater use.
• Extra Long Cable: The 5.5 foot battery cables allow for versatile battery placement.
• 8 Speeds: The motor offers 5 forward speeds and 3 reverse speeds.
• Lightweight Design: Weighing only 23 lbs, this motor is easy to carry and maneuver.
• Adjustable Depth Collar: The depth of the trolling motor can be easily adjusted using the quick release depth collar.

Best Budget: MotorGuide R3-30

• Tough aluminum 7-position mount gives you greater flexibility and adaptability

The MotorGuide R3-30 stands out as the best budget trolling motor. Despite its affordable price, this motor doesn’t compromise on quality or performance. It’s designed to deliver reliable and efficient performance in both freshwater and saltwater. Plus, it’s easy to install and use, making it a great choice for beginners and experienced anglers alike.

• 5 Forward/2 Reverse Speeds: This provides good control over your boat’s movement.
• Twist-Tiller Controls: The ergonomic extending handle puts control at your fingertips.
• Durable Construction: The motor is built with an aluminum alloy construction with a rugged powder coat finish.
• Stainless Steel Shaft: The shaft is strong and durable, adding to the overall longevity of the motor.
• Quiet, Smooth Operation: The motor operates quietly and smoothly, ensuring you don’t scare away fish.

What to Consider When Choosing a Trolling Motor

When selecting a trolling motor, there are several factors to consider. The type of fishing you plan to do, the size and weight of your boat, and how often you’ll be using the motor are all important considerations. Here’s a closer look at some of these factors:

How you plan to use the trolling motor will significantly impact the type of motor you need. For instance, if you’re planning on using the trolling motor for propulsion on a small boat or kayak, a smaller, less powerful motor will suffice. However, if you’re using the motor as a primary source of propulsion on a larger boat, or in areas with strong winds or currents, you’ll need a larger, more powerful motor.

Bass Fishing

If you’re using the trolling motor for bass fishing, there are a few additional factors to consider. Bass boats typically require a bow-mounted motor. These motors offer better control and maneuverability compared to transom-mounted motors. Additionally, bass fishing often requires quick, precise movements, so a motor with a high thrust level and responsive control system is essential.

For kayaks, the main considerations are weight and size. A lightweight, compact motor is ideal as it won’t weigh down the kayak or take up too much space. Also, consider the mounting system. Some kayaks have built-in motor mounts, while others may require a separate mounting system. Lastly, a motor with variable speed settings can be beneficial for kayaking to allow for precise control over speed and direction.

Q: What is the most powerful trolling motor?

A: Based on my findings from various sources, the most powerful trolling motors currently on the market are the Lowrance Ghost and Garmin Force, both offering 120 lbs of thrust.

However, Minn Kota has also introduced a trolling motor with 112 pounds of thrust, making it one of the most powerful options available.

Q: Will saltwater ruin a freshwater trolling motor?

A: Yes, using a freshwater trolling motor in saltwater can cause corrosion and damage to the motor. It’s recommended to use a trolling motor specifically designed for saltwater use, like the Minn Kota Riptide Ulterra or Motorguide Xi3 Saltwater. These units have corrosion-resistant materials that can withstand the harsh saltwater environment.

Q: How long will a trolling motor battery last?

A: The duration of a trolling motor battery depends on its capacity (measured in Ampere Hours) and the speed at which you run the motor.

For instance, a motor running at high speed will drain the battery faster than when running at low speed. An average trolling motor battery can last between 6-8 hours when used at medium speed.

Q: What is the most thrust you can get on a 12 volt trolling motor?

A: Most 12-volt trolling motors can deliver between 30 to 55 pounds of thrust. The exact amount of thrust will depend on the specific model and brand of the trolling motor.

Q: Who makes the best freshwater trolling motor?

A: The brand Minn Kota is often recognized for making some of the best freshwater trolling motors. Models such as the Minn Kota Ultrex and Terrova are highly rated by anglers. 1

Q: How long will a 55 lb thrust trolling motor run?

A: This depends on the battery’s capacity and the speed at which you run the motor. On average, a 55 lb thrust motor running at maximum speed could last around 2-3 hours on a fully charged battery. However, at lower speeds, the runtime would be significantly longer.

Q: How fast will a 100 lb thrust trolling motor go?

A: The speed of a boat powered by a 100 lb thrust trolling motor depends on various factors, including the boat’s weight and hull design. However, on average, such a motor might propel a small boat at speeds up to 5-6 mph.

Q: How fast will a 62 lb thrust trolling motor go?

A: Similar to the previous question, the speed achieved with a 62 lb thrust trolling motor will depend on several factors. Generally, a motor of this size might provide a top speed of around 3-4 mph for a small boat.

Q: How much weight can a 30 lb trolling motor pull?

A: As a rule of thumb, you need at least 2 lbs of thrust for every 100 lbs of fully-loaded boat weight (people and gear included). So, a 30 lb thrust motor would be suitable for a boat, fully loaded, weighing up to 1500 lbs.

Q: What size trolling motor do I need for a 20 foot boat?

A: For a 20-foot boat, you’d typically need a trolling motor with at least 70-80 lbs of thrust. This ensures that you have enough power to handle currents, wind, and other conditions that may affect your boat’s movement.

The Best Trolling Motors: Final Thoughts

Selecting the best trolling motor largely comes down to your specific needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for advanced features like GPS systems and remote control, a motor specifically designed for kayaks, or an affordable yet reliable option, there’s a trolling motor out there for you.

The Minn Kota Terrova stands out as the best remote control option due to its impressive range of features and exceptional performance. For bass fishing, the Minn Kota Ultrex is a clear winner with its precision control and robust build.

If you’re a kayak enthusiast, the Newport Vessels Kayak Series offers a compact yet powerful solution tailored to your needs.

And for those on a budget, the MotorGuide R3-30 offers excellent value for money without compromising on essential features.

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With an unparalleled charisma and a captivating stage presence, EL Forestal, the founder and creator of  Hero Helper AI ,  has the ability to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact. Drawing upon his immigrant upbringing, law enforcement background and expertise in AI automation, strategic recruiting growth & business development, EL Forestal delivers powerful messages that resonate with both personal and professional aspirations. 

During his keynote address, EL Forestal will delve into the depths of motivation, sharing valuable insights and practical strategies to unlock hidden potential and drive success. He will inspire attendees to break through barriers, overcome challenges, and reach new heights in their lives.

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The Best Trolling Motor For Every Fishing Scenario

We independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here .

The best trolling motor for every fishing scenario is the Garmin Force. It’s the dominating trolling motor on the market today and for many good reasons, which we’ll explore further below.

The Force is simply a technological marvel and a powerhouse on the water. 

We’ve tested the best trolling motors and, honestly, I don’t know why I bothered with paddles before, especially with the level of technology built into these things.

Whether on kayaks or bass boats, we’ve broken down the essentials for each one and what makes it the best. 

To be labeled the best, it takes a rare combination of incredible features, efficiency, power, and the all-important price. I believe you get what you pay for, and that’s why I rated the Garmin Force the best overall.

That’s not the only trolling motor to make the list, and another nearly beat out the Force!

Let’s find out which trolling motor challenges the Force.

Top 3 Trolling Motors on the Market

Every one of these trolling motors has more to offer than just a propeller propulsion system.

We chose the best trolling motors on a number of factors, including connectivity, compatibility with certain fishfinders, and versatility. 

Table of Contents

How We Selected Our Favorite Trolling Motors

As I mentioned above, there is more to these trolling motors than meets the eye. These are sophisticated pieces of technology on more than a singular level.

• Mounting Options: We don’t look at trolling motor mounting options in terms of our own biases. For instance, I prefer a transom mount but I’m not going to artificially prop up a trolling motor that only has a transom mount. What we’re looking at is convenience—how easy is it to set up and how simple is the operation when using it?
• Power: There are typically three types of power systems for trolling motors— 12v, 24v, and 36v. Everything else is a matter of how much power a particular trolling motor uses. We test these trolling motors and go to the professionals to answer the most important questions about power consumption. 
• Shaft Length: Again, like the mounting options, we don’t have a preference. Only what we observe, in terms of the type of watercraft a certain shaft is long enough for, as it applies. Don’t worry, we’ll let you know the shaft length and if there are alternative options. 
• Interaction and Connectivity: Gone are the days when you simply guided the lever on a horizontal plane to direct your craft. Nowadays, there are LCD displays involved, along with Spot-Lock technology, automated guidance systems, built-in transducers, built-in GPS systems, and Bluetooth connectivity. How does all of its work and is it a seamless experience? Those are the questions we’re answering. 
• Durability: A trolling motor is only as good as how well it stands up to the elements. It needs to have a durable protective casing to withstand soft and moderate impacts. It should be relatively water resistant. In other words, it needs to be the kind of trolling motor that’s built to last or it doesn’t go on our list. 

Reviews on the Best Trolling Motor for Every Fishing Scenario

Best trolling motor overall, garmin force.

According to Professional Angler, Fred Roumbanis , “I can’t tell you how excited I am about the Force trolling motor. The speed on this motor, it’s faster than anything I’ve ever used and not only that, it’s also quieter than any other motor out there.”

Key Features

• 50 and 57-inch shaft lengths
• 24v or 36v 
• 100 or 120lbs of thrust
• Brushless motor 

Why We Chose It

Garmin has been a leader in fishing electronics for years. However, it wasn’t until recently that they introduced a trolling motor.

When they released the Force, they didn’t hold back, this electric motor is easily the best trolling motor, but it comes with a high price tag.

The Force is corrosion-resistant so it can be used in fresh or saltwater. However, it’s still wise to clean it after each saltwater fishing trip.

The fish will never hear you coming with the silent brushless motor, which is more powerful and efficient than traditional motors.

The Force was named correctly because of the futuristic features like gesture steering , which allows you to steer the motor by pressing a button and pointing the remote in the direction you wish to go. 

The Garmin Force is a serious, do-it-all machine and it even comes with a premium, built-in transducer, along with GPS and chart plotting.

It’s basically a fishfinder without the display. It is compatible with the Garmin Echomap UHD 7Xsv and 9Xsv , the Ultra Series , and the UHD2 Series , which makes the price more palatable.

The more it can do on its own, the less you have to pay for elsewhere. 

These integrated systems all include something I don’t have to buy separately. I can get a barebones fish finder display from Garmin and I’m set.

Chartplotter lets you create a course for the trolling motor to follow automatically. You can focus on fishing instead of running the trolling motor. It also includes a wireless foot pedal and Bluetooth. 

Garmin used corrosion-resistant materials in the construction and the Force is fairly water-resistant. However, salt will eventually get to anything so be sure to keep it rinsed off after each outing.

This is one of the most powerful trolling motors on the market, especially if you get the 100 lb-thrust version. The 100 lb thrust requires 24v while the 120 lb version requires 36v.

Brushless motors are really moving in the market today. If you have any doubt about the efficacy of brushless motors, look to the drone industry, where brushless motors are the pinnacle of lift design.

Garmin’s inclusion of this technology allows for longevity, durability, and a smooth, quiet ride.

Its two shaft lengths narrow down the customer base the Force is targeting because depth is an issue depending on what kind of boat you have.

Also, it’s only compatible with Garmin products, which makes sense from a business standpoint, but gets way too expensive for most consumers. 

Read our full review here: Garmin Force Trolling Motor review .

Best Runner Up

Minn kota ulterra.

Professional bass angler Matt Herren : “For all you guys that like to offshore fish, elderly folks who have a little bit of trouble getting their motors up and down, this is the product for you.”

• 45″ and 60″ shafts
• 80 pounds of thrust
• Digital-Maximizer

Minn Kota was a leader in the trolling motor market for decades. It wasn’t until recently, when the Lowrance Ghost and Garmin Force debuted, that they were knocked off their pedestal.

It’s an 80-lb thrust machine that keeps on giving and I love the versatility, connectivity, and networking features it has to offer. 

The Minn Kota Ulterra is slightly more affordable than the Force. However, it’s not cheap by any means.

The Ulterra may have pulled up just shy of Garmin’s Force but it’s still a fully loaded trolling motor with plenty to offer even the most enthusiastically high-tech anglers. 

The Ulterra has two features that no other trolling motor has, and they’re the reason it’s the best electric trolling motor.

The first unique feature is the auto-stow and deploy. With the press of a button, you can automatically deploy or stow the trolling motor. 

Other trolling motors only have lift assist; the Ulterra does it all for you. However, sometimes it gets stuck, so be sure to read my deep dive review into the Minn Kota Ulterra to know how to avoid the problems.

The other unique feature is similar, and that’s power trim. You can set the depth of your motor using a button on your remote. So you can quickly adjust the lower unit depth.

The motor is not brushless, but Minn Kota developed Digital-Maximizer to help increase battery life.

Spot lock is probably the one feature that really makes Minn Kota trolling motors special, at least the ones that have it.

With Spot-Lock, you can zero in on your position and the trolling motor will automatically keep you in that position until you’re ready to leave, regardless of current.

The Minn Kota Ulterra includes Universal Sonar 2 and a built-in Mega-Imaging transducer. Like the Garmin Force, that makes it expensive.

Also, like the Garmin Force, the inclusion of the built-in features negates the necessity to buy those things separately. 

The best part is, the sonar is universal, meaning you can use a number of different brand fish finders with it.

The Ulterra also comes with iPilot, iPilot Link (Bluetooth), which integrates with the iPilot app, and the wireless remote that comes with the motor. 

The only thing that holds the Ultrex back is the lack of adjustable shaft length options, which narrows the potential customer base, depending on boat size and depth needs. 

But the thing that sets it behind the Force is the fact that you have to purchase the Riptide model if you want to head into brackish or saltwater environments, where the Force can do both. 

Read our full review here: Minn Kota Ulterra Trolling Motor review .

Best Trolling Motor for a Bass Boat

Minn kota ultrex.

The 2021 Bassmaster of the Year Winner, Seth Feider , had this to say about the Ultrex: “My Minn Kota Ultrex® is a beast. I burned the bank many times this year and my Ultrex was key to doing that efficiently and quietly.”

• 45″, 52″, and 60″ shafts
• 24-volts or 36-volts
• 80lbs or 112lbs of thrust

The Minn Kota Ultrex is the best trolling motor for bass boats because it offers many of the features that bass anglers need, like power steering, so you don’t get tired while operating your trolling motor.

Minn Kota has proven that they’re dedicated to improving their products year after year, and this includes Ultrex. They’ve added features that will catch any angler’s eye. My personal favorite is Universal Sonar 2.

The Ultrex is a fantastic addition to bass boats and larger but it’s overkill for a small kayak or a jon boat.

I like its sleek, quiet, and powerful aesthetic vibe and, even though it was released a few years ago, it’s still a heavy competitor on the market today. 

US2 allows the angler to use any sonar system they desire with the integrated transducer in the lower unit of a Minn Kota trolling motor. You no longer have to strap and tape a transducer onto the bottom of your motor. 

i-Pilot enables you to use GPS functions like spot-lock with the wireless remote, smartphone app, or Humminbird electronics. So you can control your boat from anywhere in the boat. You’re no longer stuck on the front deck.

Spot-Lock is one of those features that once you use it, you don’t know how you ever got along without it. Single-button activation is all it takes to put Spot-Lock in action and its accuracy is bar none. 

The Lift Assist feature is one of those little add-ons that makes a huge difference. Lift Assist is nothing more than a steel spring with a nitrogen charge behind it so you can lift it up with very little effort. 

The Minn Kota Ultrex is the best trolling motor for bass boats because it offers many of the features that bass anglers need, like power steering, so you don’t get tired while operating your trolling motor. 

However, like the Ulterra, anglers that live on the coast and have access to fresh and saltwater will have to purchase the Riptide model.

Considering the number of trolling motors on the market that are compatible with both fresh and salt, you would think some of the bigger manufacturers could put together something compatible with both. 

Read our full review here: Minn Kota Ultrex Trolling Motor review .

Best Budget Buy

Newport vessels x-series.

Verified Buyer Customer Review: “So far, I’ve noticed my new X series motor is very quiet and smooth. I really like the low speed which allows me to stand in my wooden drift boat and cast. The highest speed gives plenty of power to get back upstream.”

• 36-inch shaft length
• 55lb thrust trolling motor
• Transom mount

Newport Vessels stands behind its products with excellent customer service. The X-Series for the price is unbeatable. Yes, there are cheaper trolling motors, but they don’t offer the quality or adaptability of the X-Series.

The X-Series features all of the physical capabilities of many of its more expensive peers, such as telescoping handles, adjustable heads, and easy stow and deployment.

It’s more affordable because it lacks the wireless functionality and sonar capabilities that are an integral part of the Force and Ghost trolling motors. 

Newport Vessels makes all its trolling motors from corrosion-resistant materials so that you can use them in saltwater or freshwater.

I love that the X-Series has a telescoping tiller handle and tilt adjustments so you can find the most comfortable position to operate it.

Newport Vessels has been around for longer than most people realize. The existence of Garmin, Lowrance, and Minn Kota trolling motors often overshadow what Newport Vessels has to offer.

But, if you’re in the market for a great trolling motor and don’t want to pay for a brand, there are a lot of reasons to love the X-Series.

The ten LED battery meter lets you know exactly how much juice you have left in your trolling motor battery . Still, Newport suggests only using Lead-Acid batteries with it instead of Lithium-Ion.

So you will have some additional weight from the Lead-Acid battery.

I often wonder why there aren’t more salt and freshwater trolling motors out there, considering how many anglers live in coastal areas.

Fortunately, the X-series is one such trolling motor. Just be sure to rinse it after each outing. Salt is a relentless and unforgiving foe.

One of the primary features I always look for has little to do with technology and everything to do with comfort and ease of use.

The telescoping handle, combined with the tilting head, makes everything so much easier and more comfortable. 

Newport Vessels doesn’t mess around with quality and durability. The telescoping, fiberglass shaft is heavy-duty without the weight and will stand up to years of hard use and low to moderate impacts.

For the price, the Newport Vessels X-Series is virtually unbeatable. It’s an excellent choice for any angler looking for a versatile rear-mount trolling motor. That’s why I named it the best budget trolling motor. 

Not because it’s the cheapest but because it offers the most features at a reasonable price. It does force anglers to stick with a lead-acid battery, which isn’t in the same ballpark as a lithium-ion.

It also has short battery cables, which might be an issue on longer boats. 

Read our full review here: Newport Vessels Trolling Motor review .

Best 12v Trolling Motor

Motorguide xi3.

Professional Walleye Angler and host of The Next Bite TV, Chase Parsons , had this to say about the Motorguide Xi3: “The GPS in the Xi3 is the same as the Xi5. So, you’re gonna have the most precise anchor mode on the market. That Xi3 is gonna keep you exactly where you need to be to catch more fish.”

• 36″ or 54″ composite shaft
• 12-volt trolling motor
• 55 lb thrust
• Wireless operation

MotorGuide is a brand that has been around for decades, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more feature-rich trolling motor at this price than the MotorGuide Xi3.

Most trolling motors with this many features require 24 volts to function correctly.

The Xi3 is a 12-volt 55lb thrust bow-mount trolling motor, which makes it perfect for fishing kayaks. You can read why I rated the Xi3 as the best kayak trolling motor here .

I especially like the wireless remote control operation to avoid fighting with a foot pedal in small spaces.

At this price, it’s tough to find a trolling motor with GPS capabilities, especially a trusted name brand. The MotorGuide Xi3 is primarily for kayak anglers or other small fishing boats.

While it has enough power to propel a bass boat, the large boat will quickly drain the 12-volt battery. If you’re stuck on MotorGuide, check out the MotorGuide X5 .

The built-in GPS features excellent accuracy and, since the MotorGuide Xi3 is compatible with many of the best sonar brands out there, you can utilize it with your favorite fish finder. 

An 83/200 kHz, built-in transducer combines with most of the industry-leading fish finders out there.

Since the MotorGuide Xi3 isn’t as expensive as the Force or Ultrex, you can offset some of your gear costs and have a solid transducer to boot. 

To me, this is the stand-out feature. The Xi3 comes with a built-in transducer, an LED dashboard, a handheld remote, a wireless foot pedal, and best-in-class GPS, all of which run at 12v.

On top of that, a battery at full charge will last for hours. 

You can never say enough about the positives of convenience. The quick-release lever works for stowing or deploying and it makes the trolling motor much easier to handle.

The Motorguide Xi3 is one of those hidden gems, often overshadowed by bigger, more expensive brands out there. But, for the number of features and capabilities it offers, it’s hard to deny the appeal of the Xi3.

Read our full review here: Motorguide Trolling Motor review .

Lowrance Ghost

Edwin Evers won the 2019 Bass Pro Tour REDCREST and he was the only one of thirty anglers running a Lowrance Ghost. He had this to say: “I am very impressed with how much power it had. I was fishing in heavy currents and could easily get where I needed to. It was ‘boom,’ and you are right where you wanted to go. ”

• 47″, 52″, and 60″ shaft
• 97lbs or 120lbs of thrust
• Brushless motor

Lowrance might be a newcomer to the trolling motor market but they’re learned from years of manufacturing fishing electronics and created the only bow mount trolling motor comparable to the Garmin Force.

You can see just how similar they are in my Lowrance Ghost Vs. Garmin Force review.

The Lowrance Ghost is deadly silent, so you can sneak up on the fish but that silence doesn’t negate the power the Ghost has; Lowrance claims 120lbs of thrust from this brushless motor. 

So you can quickly get to your favorite fishing spot.

If you’re like me and fish a lot of shallow areas, you will enjoy the 360-degree breakaway mount and automatic realignment because when you hit a rock or stump you don’t have to worry about damaging the trolling motor and it will “fix” itself back into the correct position.

The Lowrance Ghost is for the serious angler who loves having the newest gadgets installed on their boat. The features of the Ghost are world-class but they also come with a world-class price tag.

Besides its extensive technology, the Lowrance Ghost is an absolute beast. Twenty-four volts of power translates into 97 lbs of thrust.

If you build a battery bank to provide 36v, you get a maximum of 120 lbs of thrust, which is more than any of the others on this list.

Raw power is nothing without efficiency and I wouldn’t like the Ghost if all it had to offer was 120 lbs of thrust. However, it also comes with a brushless motor for longevity and quiet running.

Lowrance designed this thing to go all out while barely touching the battery.

Like the Force, the Ghost comes with a built-in transducer that connects to certain Lowrance fish finders. You can offset costs this way, which is only one of many advantages.

It also supports Lowrance’s Active-Imaging 3-in-1. The Ghost also includes a foot pedal and a wireless remote, as well as Power Poles, spot-lock, and waypoints. 

The aforementioned pedal, anchor-lock, remote-controlled speed and direction, automations, programmable buttons, and some of the best navigation options in the industry really up the ante in terms of ease of use. 

You can purchase a Ghost with a 47”, 52”, or 60” shaft and the entire motor is designed with durability in mind.

It includes a solid stabilizer bar to keep the boat steady in heavy chop, along with a 360° breakaway mount, which significantly reduces the severity of impacts. 

Read our full review here: Lowrance Ghost Trolling Motor review .

Buying Guide: Factors To Consider Before Buying A Trolling Motor

Whether you’re buying a trolling motor for a small boat or a pontoon, there are several factors you need to keep in mind.

The importance of each element will vary from situation to situation, but in general, you should keep a running checklist in your head of these:

• Standard features

Ease Of Use

I prefer my trolling motor to be simple to use.

Sometimes this means it is a basic transom mount trolling motor for an inflatable boat, while other times, it is a high-quality bow mount trolling motor with lots of easy-to-use features.

I look at it this way; even if the trolling motor has the best features if they’re challenging to use, I’m unlikely to use them because they’ll only complicate my day of fishing.

A deep-cycle battery most often powers trolling motors. However, in theory, some trolling motors have multiple power options—the more voltage, the more powerful the trolling motor.

However, brushless motors have changed the game and can produce nearly as much power as traditional electric motors using fewer volts.

The most powerful trolling motors will have a brushless motor connected to 36 volts.

However, if you’re fishing from a Jon boat, you won’t need that much power to propel you, so a 12-volt 55lb thrust trolling motor will have plenty of power.

Nothing ruins a good day of fishing quicker than the trolling motor batteries dying. I’ve tried paddling and fishing from a boat, and it’s not the same as paddling a kayak. I spent more time paddling than I did fishing. 

So now, when I go buy another trolling motor, I check how efficient it is. This usually means once again going with a brushless motor.

Some companies, like Minn Kota, try to get around using a brushless motor by using a Digital-Maximizer, which only uses the exact amount of power the trolling motor needs at that time. 

These programs help increase efficiency, but Minn Kota will have to get on board with brushless motors sooner or later if they want to stay relevant.

Efficiency also has to do with the batteries you choose. A Lithium-ion marine battery is more efficient than a Lead-Acid battery.

Have you ever swam at the lake and heard a boat passing? It might have sounded much closer than it was; this is because water amplifies sound. That’s why having a trolling motor that’s virtually silent is so essential. 

Even electric motors make enough sound that will spook fish.

I know I’m beating a dead horse, but brushless motors are once again superior in this regard. 

They are the quietest motor on the market. Brushless motors are relatively new to trolling motors, but the technology has been proven in power tools for years now.

Standard Features

The standard features range widely, as you’d expect, from high-quality to low-quality trolling motors. This is where you have to look at your style of fishing and determine which features you will use the most.

If you’re just looking for a trolling motor to place on the back of your Jon boat to get from point A to point B, then your needs will be vastly different than the tournament bass angler.

Price goes hand in hand with standard features. The more features a trolling motor offers, the higher the price. 

You can find a good transom mount trolling motor for under $300, but a high-quality bow mount trolling motor will cost you more than $3,000.

You’ll Also Need

If you’re a gear guy or gal, there’s always something else you need! Well, this is true when buying a trolling motor. There are a couple of other items you need to purchase to protect your trolling motor and power it.

Circuit-Breaker

Unless you like seeing your money go up in smoke, literally, I highly recommend buying and installing a circuit breaker. It will protect your electric motor from power surges when something gets tangled around the prop.

A 50 or 60 amp circuit-breaker should do the trick but see what your specific trolling motor recommends installing.

Trolling Motor Battery

Purchasing the best trolling motor battery is almost as important as buying the best trolling motor. There are many things you need to know to buy the correct marine battery, but the quick explanation is this:

Deep cycle batteries’ power is measured in volts, most are 12v, but some are 24v. The Ampere Hour Rating is how long that battery will last, drawing that many amps.

So a 15aH battery will last one hour when 15 amps are being used.

There are primarily two relevant types of trolling motor batteries, Lead-Acid and Lithium-ion. 

Lead-Acid batteries are heavier but cheaper than Lithium-ion. Just like with brushless motors, Lithium-ion batteries are the latest and greatest.

One Last Cast

You now know the Garmin Force is the best trolling motor. However, the Lowrance Ghost is right there with it if you’re willing to spend over $3,000 for a trolling motor.

If your price range is around $500 or less, the Newport Vessels X-Series is an excellent electric motor, especially for inflatable boats.

Did your favorite trolling motor not make the list? Let me know in the comments below why I should add it to the best trolling motor list!

Related Posts

Honest Lowrance Ghost Review: Expensive Spooky Tale or the Real Deal?

Garmin Force Trolling Motor Review: Is The Force Strong with This One?

Lowrance Ghost vs. Garmin Force: A New King of Trolling Motors Has Been Crowned!

Minn Kota Ultrex Review: Is it Still a Relevant Trolling Motor for Today?

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Ranking The Best Trolling Motors On The Market

Black Haswing 12V Bow Mount Trolling Motor

Garmin Force Foot Steer Trolling Motor

Watersnake ASP Salt Water Transom Mount Trolling Motor

A trolling motor is an indispensable piece of equipment for anglers of all stripes. They’re the perfect tool for gently moving from one point to another in a precise and controlled manner, without disturbing the water and scaring away the fish.

If you’re not familiar with the purpose of a trolling motor, they are small and compact self-contained electric motors that can be mounted to the bow or stern of a boat. They’re not designed to provide outrageous thrust and performance, but just enough propulsion to move a boat through the water in a quiet and discreet manner that won’t worry the wildlife.

But which one do you need?

There are so many different products on the market that you’re literally spoilt for choice. However, making the wrong decision could make or break a fishing trip. A motor that runs too loudly will leave your keep nets empty. A motor without enough thrust will leave you stranded at the dock. The wrong shaft length will see you catching a whole load of spray and not a lot of fish.

Different vessels require different motors, with different mounts and different properties. No online guide is going to magically pick out the best trolling motor for your needs, but we’re hoping to point you in the right direction so that you can find the best motor for your boat. Here are our top choices.

Minn Kota Endura C2 55 Transom Mount Trolling Motor

This stealthy motor from Minn Kota is one of the best trolling motors in the business. The Endura C2 series is ideal for those looking for adequate power that’s delivered in a discreet and quiet manner. While it’s available with different thrust levels, we think a thrust level of 55 is a great choice for a wide variety of freshwater boaters.

Take note of the freshwater designation, because this 12-volt transom-mounted motor is for freshwater only. It features a 36-inch long shaft, a power prop for a little extra power when you’re pushing through obstacles, with a practical and easy to operate telescopic handle and tiller.

The tilt-twist tiller offers easy speed control and steering, with 5 forward speeds and 3 reverse speeds on offer.

It scores high on the energy-efficiency chart too, with some boaters recording up to 8 hours of constant use before their battery began to die. Cool quiet power is the buzzword for this product.

Lastly, there’s the mount. This Minn Kota trolling motor has an easy to use mount which can be attached in a number of different positions for easy installation. It also features a lift and rotate level lock bracket, making for easy backtrolling at a moment’s notice.

• Buy on Amazon   →
• $149.99 Bass Pro   →
• $299.99 Walmart   →
• 12-Volt freshwater trolling motor available with multiple thrust ratings
• Tough composite shaft which won’t rust or corrode
• Equipped with a Weedless Wedge 2 power prop
• Very quiet and energy efficient

Newport Vessels L-Series Transom Mount Electric Trolling Motor For Saltwater

Newport Vessels is a brand name that you can really trust when it comes to marine equipment. This particular trolling motor is a great choice for those looking for a top-quality motor that’s designed to handle saltwater.  It has a big price tag, but it’s made with high-grade materials and components, and since it’s designed for use in the ocean, the extra expense buys you much needed peace of mind.

It’s available in two thrust outputs, 62 lbs and 86 lbs, both suited for different conditions. The largest size is a rather high-powered motor that offers big performance in a quiet package, allowing you to stealthily move through the water, even against strong currents and high winds.

Both sizes feature a 40 inch fiberglass composite shaft that’s almost unbreakable and totally rust and corrosion resistant. The shaft and prop are operated by a telescopic handled tiller which provides confident steering and ultimate control. 8 speeds are available to choose from, with 5 forward speeds, and 3 reverse.

One of the nicest features about this trolling motor is the battery meter. 10 LEDs measure your battery level, indicating how much power you have left, ensuring that you won’t be left drifting without power in the ocean. Two 12 volt cycle batteries are required to power this motor, or a 24 volt trolling motor marine battery.

Finally, Newport Vessels proudly assert their confidence in their products by giving each of their motors a 2 year warranty.

• $269.00 Walmart   →
• Heavy duty saltwater trolling motor
• 10 point LED battery meter function
• Tough aluminum and stainless steel components
• 2 year manufacturer’s warranty

Haswing USA is a company with an excellent reputation for manufacturing high-quality motors. This particular model is designed for both freshwater and saltwater activities, offers 55 lbs of thrust, and is suitable for boats weighing up to 2750 lbs. It’s quiet, compact, and energy efficient, but it also has some surprising features that make it an excellent choice for dedicated fishermen.

The most impressive feature of this small motor is the wireless remote control capabilities. A small handheld device allows you to conveniently control the motor on your boat from a distance of up to 164 ft! This means you can steer and control the power of your vessel from land, or without taking your hands off of your fishing rod.

Cruise control features allow you to have hassle free navigation while you concentrate on fishing, with easy adjustments and corrections to the speed being as simple as the push of a button. Naturally, you might have to manually adjust your heading every now and again, but that’s hardly an inconvenience.

Steering is as easy as turning a handle, and you can easily put your boat into reverse by turning the handle a full 180 degrees. The 54 inch shaft is made from stainless steel with other corrosion resistant materials, all wrapped in a compact and collapsible package that makes it easy to remove or install on another vessel in seconds.

It’s an expensive option, but for those who want a hassle-free experience, the extra money is a solid investment.

$669.00 Amazon  →

• Handheld wireless motor control
• Compatible with both freshwater and saltwater activities
• 12V motor with excellent energy efficiency
• Ships with a 2 year manufacturer’s warranty

Motorguide X3 Foot Control Trolling Motor

The X3 motor from Motorguide is an advanced motor which offers top performance, energy efficiency, and ultimate durability for anglers looking for the best bang for buck ratio. It’s not a cheap motor by any stretch of the imagination, but it offers great performance in return for your investment.

It’s a quite motor that will glide you across the water without scaring away the wildlife, whilst simultaneously delivering plenty of thrust, nimble steering, and a modest speed. It’s rated for 55 lb of thrust with the power delivered through 5 selectable power settings via a 45 inch composite shaft. It can be used in freshwater and saltwater, and has 180-degree steering for reverse operation.

One of the most exciting features of this motor is the foot control operation. It has a heel/toe design for maximum control, and it features a built in direction indicator. There’s also a dual cable steering system, and variable ratio steering, which makes for sharp and confident steering, and better positioning of your boat.

All of the components of this motor are high quality, with stainless steel bushings, aluminum mounts, and rust resistant fixings making it a truly exceptional motor for the price. It’s also easy to install and set up too, with easy hookup to all 12 volt power systems.

• $579.99 Bass Pro   →
• Buy on Walmart   →
• Responsive foot-control with heel/toe operation
• 55 lbs of thrust
• Variable Ratio Steering for precision positioning
• High quality components that can be used in saltwater and freshwater

This Garmin trolling motor is one of the most sophisticated motors out there. It also has a premium price tag too. However, if you’re serious about fishing, this is the king of motors, with more special features than you’d know what to do with. This powerful trolling motor offers huge power, up to 120 lbs if it’s set up for 36 volts, making it one of the most powerful trolling motors for sale that still retains quiet operation.

As trolling motors go, this one has all of the bells and whistles. It boasts a wireless GPS chartplotter with full connectivity, allowing you to navigate with ease, put your boat on autopilot, or keep it locked in position while you concentrate on fishing. There’s also a CHIRP sonar with high-definition imagery to help you find and locate ideal fishing grounds, without the motor noise distorting the results.

It does draw more power than most though, since it operates at either 36 volts or 24 volts, depending on how long you want to fish for and what force you require. 24 volts will give you 86 lbs of thrust, while 36 volts will deliver up to 120 lbs. Using either voltage is fine, since the brushless motor is smooth and remarkably energy efficient, you can be sure that it won’t drain your batteries in seconds.

The most impressive feature of this motor is the wireless foot pedal, which feels and operates like a regular cable-steered foot control, but without the hassle of wires and with the added freedom of wireless technology. It also comes with a handheld remote control for easy point and go steering. Perfect for hassle-free navigation!

• $3549.99 Bass Pro   →
• $3549.99 Walmart   →
• 57 inch shaft
• Ideal for both saltwater and freshwater
• Wireless steering and motor control
• Integrated GPS and fish finder technology

Minn Kota Terrova iPilot Trolling Motor

If you like the features from the Garmin model above but don’t feel like spending so much money, then the Minn Kota Terrova bow mount trolling motor is a more affordable alternative. It’s still a pricey product, since it offers top quality performance, but it sacrifices some of the finer details to make it a little more wallet friendly.

Boasting 80 lbs of thrust using a 24 volt battery, this motor comes equipped with a multi-function foot pedal with two steering options: heel/toe pedal and left/right steering buttons. It features a sophisticated easy-to-deploy ramp mechanism that gently slides the motor into the water, and it comes with a Lift-Assist function for spring-loaded stowing assistance too.

The iPilot function is one of the most interesting functions of this motor. It uses GPS to locate your favorite fishing spots, record your speed and heading, and allows for a touchscreen remote control function, with full compatibility with a Hummingbird fish finder device.

Even without the Hummingbird fish finder, it has its own fish finding technology, with a built-in Universal Sonar 2 device and a protected transducer that won’t be affected by your motor’s noise and vibration.

This is a great motor that’s primarily designed for freshwater and for bow-mounted fun, and it’s ideally suited for a number of applications. It’s available with three different shaft lengths: 45 inch, 60 inch, and 7 inch.

• Buy on Bass Pro   →
• Weedless Wedge 2 power prop
• Useful Spot-Lock function
• Sophisticated iPilot trolling motor
• Three shaft lengths available

GoPlus Electric Trolling Motor For Freshwater

This is another budget option. It’s from GoPlus, which isn’t one of the biggest names in the industry, but the brand does make some quality budget-friendly marine equipment, so don’t discount it. It might not have the weight of a big name behind it, but it helps to keep the costs down.

GoPlus’s no-nonsense trolling motor is available in three maximum thrust outputs: 46 lbs, 55 lbs, and 86 lbs. Naturally, the bigger your vessel, the bigger thrust you’ll require but if you’re looking for a kayak or canoe trolling motor, the smallest size will do just fine. Each size features 8 selectable speeds, including 5 forward speeds and 2 reverse options.

The power is controlled via a 6” telescopic adjustable handle and tiller, which controls a fiberglass composite shaft, delivering power to a three-blade propeller. The motor features a reinforced Nylon bracket for mounting. The rest of the components are made out of durable aluminum.

A 10 point LED battery indicator allows you to keep a close eye on your power consumption, stopping you from straying too far away from the shore if your battery looks like it’s on the way out. Talking of which, this motor requires a 24 volt battery to operate.

Though it advertises itself as compatible and competent in both saltwater and freshwater, we would recommend that you mainly use this one in freshwater.

 Amazon  →

• Reinforced Nylon mounting bracket
• 8 selectable drive speeds (5 forward/3 reverse)
• 10 point LED battery level indicator
• Three thrust options for different vessel sizes

While the GoPlus model above is best suited to freshwater, if you’re looking for a budget-option for saltwater trolling, then we would recommend the Watersnake APS trolling motor. It’s lightweight, easy to mount, offers enough power, and comes with a cheap price tag. It’s the perfect small boat or kayak trolling motor.

It has noticeably less power than many others on this list, but when it comes to trolling, power isn’t everything. It has enough grunt to propel you forward at a reasonable speed but not so much that it will scare away the fish. 24 lbs of thrust are on offer from this 12 volt motor.

The actual motor drives the propeller via a 24 inch shaft, with all parts and components manufactured from stainless steel, durable plastics, and coated with anti-corrosive paint, which makes it ideal for saltwater, freshwater, and brackish water applications. It boasts a low speed and high speed function, with a forward and reverse switch. The motor is controlled using the fixed tiller.

It’s lightweight, with an overall weight of just 6.7 lbs, and can easily be mounted and stowed without any hassle.

Lastly, it comes with a one year warranty that covers customers against manufacturer defects. It’s not a comprehensive warranty, but it’s quite generous considering the low price of the item.

• $130.50 Walmart   →
• Low overall weight of just 6.7 lbs
• Stainless steel components
• Selectable high and low speed controls
• 1 year warranty against manufacturer defects

A Comprehensive Trolling Motor Buying Guide

Unfortunately, you can’t just buy the first trolling motor for sale. They are designed for different purposes and for different vessel-types, so you have to do a little bit of research before hitting the buy button. Here are the most important things you should keep in mind before investing in a new motor.

Where Are You Operating?

Freshwater trolling motors are oftentimes cheaper than their saltwater brethren. This is because freshwater isn’t particularly damaging to components. However, freshwater motors are often equipped with special propellers that can cut through weeds, which is a feature many saltwater models lack. Using a freshwater motor in the ocean is not at all recommended.

Saltwater motors are built to withstand the harmful effects of salt water. The high salt content in sea water can cause rust and corrosion to built up and harm your motor, particularly around the shaft. Saltwater motors are generally a little more powerful too, since they have to battle against the ocean rather than against calmer waters. Saltwater trolling motors can be used in freshwater if required.

Where Are You Mounting The Motor?

Now that you’ve worked out where you’ll be using your boat, you now need to work out where you’d mount a motor on your vessel. Some motors are designed for specific mounting locations, offering better performance mounted in one place than they would in another. Here are the different mounting areas available.

The bow—the front of the boat, for landlubbers—is a popular mounting position. These motors are often attached using a bolt-on bracket, with propellers that pull your boat through the water. Some say that bow-mounted motors offer greater control.

The transom area of your boat is the back section. Transom mounted trolling motors attach using a clamp-on bracket, and they often feature hand-operated tiller controls. This location offers easy positions and steering, in a convenient and simple package.

These motors don’t mount onto engines, but the cavitation plate that you’d usually mount and outboard or inboard motor to. The benefit of this location is that it keeps your deck clear, and the motor doesn’t have to be stowed away or deployed for use.

What Size Trolling Motor Do You Need?

One of the most confusing things about buying a new motor is working out what size motor you need. Generally, there are three important things to factor into your search: the amount of thrust your vessel requires, how many volts you need to power it, and the length of the shaft needed to provide adequate propulsion through the water. Here’s what you need to know.

“Thrust” is the word used to describe how much power a motor has. In the US, we measure thrust in pounds. Naturally, the heavier your boat is, the more thrust you’ll need to help it move through the water.

It’s generally accepted that you require at least 2 lbs of thrust per 100 lbs of overall weight. We say “overall” because that figure should also include your gear and passengers’ weight too, and not just your boat’s weight.

More thrust is better, since it can help you in trickier conditions with strong winds and currents, but more thrust often causes bigger disturbances in the water, which could frighten away fish.

Next, there’s the voltage. Unsurprisingly, voltage is always measured in volts. The voltage indicates how much electrical power a motor will require. A 12 volt motor will require a 12 volt battery. A 24 volt motor will demand two 12 volt batteries. In short, you’ll need one battery for every 12 volts that a motor demands.

Generally speaking, motors providing under 55 lbs of thrust will require a single 12 volt battery. From 60 lbs to 80 lbs, 24 volts, using two 12 volt batteries will be required. Thrust greater than 100 lbs will usually require 36 volts, using three 12 volt batteries. But always follow the manufacturer’s advice for the best results.

Shaft Length

Lastly, another crucial motor feature to take into account is the shaft length. The wrong shaft length won’t do you any favors. If a shaft is too short, the propeller won’t be submerged enough to provide propulsion. If a shaft is too long for the waters you’re exploring, it could hit the bottom and damage the propeller.

Different mounting locations require different shaft lengths; however, it’s recommended that the actual motor section (with the propeller) sits at least 12 inches below the waterline. Fortunately, there are plenty of guidelines out there about determining the proper shaft length .

Operation Type

After you’ve worked out what type of motor, mount, and power you require, then the fun can really begin. Now you can start looking at the details. One aspect that many boaters really like to take their time to consider is the operation types available. Do you want a good old-fashioned hand tiller? A hands-free foot pedal? Or something really modern, with wireless remote control?

Steering with a hand operated tiller is the most traditional method of steering a boat and controlling a motor. Most tiller controls feature a telescopic handle for easy, precise steering with excellent maneuverability. They do require yours hands though, which can be a pain if you prefer to keep your hands on your fishing rod at all times!

Cable Steer

Cable-operated devices are mostly governed by a foot pedal. These pedals control cables that deliver instructions to the motor. They generally feature heel/toe operation for controlling forward power, most also have left and right steering capabilities too. Foot pedal cable steering devices are great for those who like a hands-free experience.

Electric Steer

At the more expensive end of the scale you can find electronically controlled steering options. The most basic of these have wireless remote control steering, often via a touchscreen or handheld device. More advanced options use GPS technology and other compatible devices to utilize autopilot systems that use satellite technology to take you to your destination, or hold you in place over your favorite fishing spots.

These options are generally more expensive though.

Advanced Features

Like the electronic steering, trolling motors can be incredibly technologically advanced. For those who really want to have the best of the best, here are some top-level advanced features that are on offer.

Marine GPS devices are indispensable to serious boaters . They’re not necessary for the casual kayaker’s trip up and down the river, but if you’re heading out into deeper water, or out into the ocean, having some kind of GPS feature is a wise idea. GPS devices can help you locate your favorite fishing spots easily, and point you in the right direction if you get lost. Some can even contact help in an emergency too.

Autopilot and cruise control options are quite useful if you’re planning on a longer journey. Not having to keep all of your attention on steering and controlling the power leaves you free to do other things, such as get your gear in order, keep an eye on the conditions, or just relax while you’re on the water. Many devices also have Spot-Lock features, which keeps your vessel locked in place, using the motor to reposition the vessel if the current tries to pull your boat away.

Fish Finder Sonar

Fish finders are very similar to GPS devices, but they also have the advantage of underwater sonar. Using transducer attachments, these devices can send multiple sonar pulses through the water, detecting fish and underwater topography, giving you a crystal-clear indication of what’s underneath your hull. Fish finders are must-have devices for fishermen.

Connectivity & Compatibility

While some motors have Wifi connectivity, we mainly mean connectivity in the sense that it’s a motor that can connect with other marine-based devices. Some brands, such as Garmin, offer full compatibility with most of their product range. So, it would be possible to connect a trolling motor with a fish finder, for example. Some motors connect with GPS devices, and others can connect with some phone apps. If technology and connectivity is your thing, these features are worth looking out for.

Other Things To Consider

Stowage & deployment.

Since trolling motors need to be deployed, it’s worth looking at how easy it is to get them into the water. Some have spring-loaded features to make deployment easy, as well as making the motor a breeze to pull up and stow. Many modern motors even have power-assisted functions and pedal-operation to do the job for you. It’s not of massive importance, but it’s a good idea to keep this in mind.

Portability

If you have multiple boats, or like to use a kayak in a certain lake, another canoe in your favorite river, and like to use a pontoon boat for coastal fishing , then you might be better off buying one trolling motor that you can use for all three. Look out for compact motors that are easy to transport—this could save you a lot of money in the long run!

Parts Supply

Making sure that there’s an easily accessible supply of spare parts for your motor is another important thing to take into account. Larger, reputable brands often sell higher priced items, but they also usually have excellent customer service with access to a huge parts network. Unknown brands can sell quality devices for cheaper, but if something goes wrong or a part needs replacing, you might be left with few practical options.

Throwing away a perfectly good motor because you can’t find a replacement propeller would be a real shame, and a real waste of money too. Always read the reviews and comments sections online for existing customer’s experiences of a brands parts supply and customer service.

In Summary: What’s The Best Trolling Motor?

There’s no one-size-fits-all trolling motor that will please everyone. What works perfectly for one kind of fisherman using a certain type of boat will be completely wrong for another. But as long as you follow our buying guide, read other reviews, and do your research, then you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your needs. However, if you need a bit more inspiration, there are a few stand-out products that we feel like we need to highlight. Here’s our best of the best :

The best trolling motor for boaters on a budget would be the Watersnake ASP Salt Water Transom Mount trolling motor. It’s ideal for a wide range of activities and boat types, and it has a very low price tag. It’s light, easy to transport, and simple to install. Though it lacks in advanced features, it’s great for hassle-free trolling, and it even comes with a one year warranty. Perfect for trolling on a budget.

At the other end of the scale, we’d have to choose the Garmin Force Foot Steer motor as out premium pick. It’s pricey, but you get a lot for your money. Not only do you get a very powerful but quiet and discreet motor, you also get a whole suite of advanced Garmin electronics, including GPS, a fish finder, and remote control capabilities. It’s expensive, but it’s a serious piece of equipment.

Lastly, if we had to pick our favorite, a best trolling motor overall, then we’d choose the Black Haswing 12V Bow Mount trolling motor. It’s a small and compact 12 volt motor that produces up to 55 lbs of thrust. It features a range of exciting features, including wireless control, cruise control, saltwater and freshwater compatibility, and a 2 year manufacturer’s warranty. The price is very reasonable too—it’s not a budget product, but it’s not overpriced either. It’s our favorite product overall.

Joe Appleton is an outdoor enthusiast who loves everything from bushcraft and hiking to wild camping and boating. If he’s not out in the woods, you’ll find him out on the water.

Categories : Reviews

Doug Prebble on August 24, 2021

Thanks Joe but if you actually spend a summer running a Motor Guide, you would probably write a different report. I have the Motorguide X3 Foot Control Trolling Motor.I bought it because many years ago I had one on my bassboat as a tournament fisherman. It was bulletproof, never gave us a problem over a thousand hours of use. So I bought a new one -70 lb thrust 24V. It’s nowhere near as powerful as my old 50 lb thrust on a heavier boat. With less than 30 hours of use the foot pedal mechanism broke. I’m still waiting for a part after I ordered June 28. The press-fit washer holds the tracking wheels for the wire. Blew off. I ended up tapping one of them and putting a lock-nut on it so I could use it. The other wheel I drilled the shaft and put a cotter-pin through it to stop it from popping out. Today after about recreational summer’s use, the rope to pull it up out of the water broke. This motor is made as cheaply as it could possibly be made. It pale’s in comparison to the earlier product I used to use. What a sad testimony to today’s manufacturing. Thanks for listening, Doug.

Brian D Shaffer on November 7, 2021

Welcome to my world. I bought a brand new flats boat 6 months ago. It came outfitted with a Motor Guide X5. After a couple uses, the depth control collar broke. Of course it broke, it was a cheap plastic part with a molded nut retaining hex. The screw for the collar was steel, not stainless, so of course it rusted. I made a new one out of 316 stainless, that problem is solved. Next, it wouldn’t power up, I jiggled the power cord to make it work. Next, it would randomly start running while in the off position. I could be running the boat, trailering it, or just have it sitting on the trailer. Now it has 2 speeds, wide open or unplugged. It’s a wild goose chase trying to find someone to fix it. I had low expectations when I got the Motor Guide, but it didn’t even live up to my low expectations. Trash product!

Rolland Keller on November 3, 2021

Thanks Joe for your guide is a lot of help understanding trolling motors. I have a 14ft Jon boat and 16ft pontoon and a 800 acre lake. I don’t need all the bells, I need it to work now I have a better understanding what I’m looking for. Thanks Rolland

Dalton Bourne on August 29, 2022

This Minn Kota spot lock trolling motor is amazing. I have piloted a link this comes with a spot lock amazing. It comes with a remote control so that after you dock your boat in the water it will stay in place with a spot lock. You can go park your truck and trailer come back and the boat will come to you with this amazing remote

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6 Best Trolling Motor Batteries of 2024

Without a reliable trolling motor in your boat, you’d better hope you at least thought to bring a paddle, because you’ll be getting nowhere fast. Trolling motor batteries need to be the proper size for your vessel and feature the power output for the motor to which they’re attached. Here, we cover products at multiple different voltage ratings, amp hours, and price points.

One of these trolling motor batteries, like our top choice, the Ionic Batteries 12V 1200Ah Lithium-Ion Battery, will be a solid match for your fishing activities, whether you need to power a 21-foot bass boat or a pedal-drive kayak . In order to choose the best possible batteries to power your trolling motor, we spoke with boating experts, read user reviews, and compared stats on all the best trolling boat batteries out there.

Table of Contents

• Best Trolling Motor Batteries
• Things To Consider When Buying
• How We Chose

Ionic Batteries 12V 1200Ah Lithium-Ion Battery  »

70% lighter than comparable lead acid battery

Bluetooth-enabled for easy monitoring

Automatic cold weather protection

Can daisy-chain with up to 3 other batteries

Very expensive

Some units have bad cells

The Ionic Batteries 12V 1200Ah Lithium-Ion Battery is a powerhouse tucked into a portable package. At well under 30 pounds, it weighs about half as much as a comparable lead acid battery, yet it delivers plenty of juice for hours at a time. This battery can operate in temperatures as cold as -4 degrees Fahrenheit or as hot as 140 degrees, with a built-in cold weather protection system that prevents it from taking a charge in temperatures below 24 degrees F. Also, you’ll always know where your charge stands because this battery has Bluetooth technology that lets you track its charge level in real time.

This is an expensive trolling motor battery, there are no two ways about that. And some units apparently have cell failures that dramatically limit the duration of power output. However, most last well for more than a decade and enjoy a charge cycle of up to 5,000 charges and discharges, though. And when linked together with up to three additional batteries, you can create enough power to run more than just a trolling motor, but a life off the grid.

Weize TL12100 Deep Cycle AGM 12 Volt 100Ah Battery  »

Good price point

AGM safety features

Color-coded and clearly marked terminals

Requires recharge ASAP after discharge to preserve capabilities

A Weize TL12100 Deep Cycle AGM 12 Volt 100Ah Battery will cost you hundreds of dollars less than a lithium-ion battery with similar power output capabilities, yet it’s durable, reliable, and has a very low self-discharge rate. The battery loses just 1-3% of its charge per month, or only up to 40% of its charge during an entire year of disuse. When you are using this battery with your trolling motor, be sure to recharge it as soon as you can after it gets discharged, or it will eventually start to lose some capacity. The last thing you want is to have your fishing rod in hand in the middle of a lake or river but no way to get back to shore.

As is always the case with lead-acid batteries, this thing is very heavy. At 57 pounds, it might be too heavy for smaller boats, but if your vessel can handle the weight, you’ll be pleased to get a 12-volt, 100 amp hour battery for well under $200 that will last for many years to come, and one with AGM (absorbent glass mat) layers that help prevent acid leakage, too.

ECO-WORTHY LiFePO4 12V 50Ah Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery  »

Very lightweight

Multiple protection features

Up to 15,000 charge cycles

Loses capacity if not kept charged up

Poor customer service

The ECO-WORTHY LiFePO4 12V 50Ah Lithium-Iron Phosphate Battery costs hundreds less than even large lithium-ion batteries (lithium-iron batteries tend to be more expensive than lithium-ion batteries), but it is tough and capable, rated to reach as many as 15,000 charging cycles. This battery has more safety features built into it than you ever knew existed. It has automatic short-circuit protection. It has overcharge and over-discharge protection features. It has high-temperature protection features. And it is safe from overcurrent damage.

All those safety features are good news because, according to reviews, the company’s customer service quality is not the best, but you’ll likely never need it. At just over $150, this battery is a good price for good quality, though, at 50Ah, it might lack the power that some trolling motors require.

Mighty Max ML7-12 Rechargeable Sealed Lead-Acid Battery  »

Great price point

Low self-discharge rate

AGM safety technology

Small Ah rating

Drains fast in cold weather

The Mighty Max ML7-12 Rechargeable Sealed Lead-Acid Battery costs just $20 but, in a pinch, it’s a plucky little battery you’ll be glad you brought along. To be clear, this battery is intended as a backup that you can use to motor home to safety, not as a battery that will have you out cruising the lake or river for hours on end. Its 7.2 amp hour rating is decidedly petite, but so too is this battery at just 4.5 pounds, so it’s no problem to tuck it in with the rest of your gear even if you hope to never need it.

While the Mighty Max ML7-12 Rechargeable Sealed Lead-Acid Battery holds a charge well in mild conditions (think while being stored on a shelf in your basement), it loses power fast in the cold. Its capacity diminishes by more than 35% in temperatures below freezing, but you probably won’t be out fishing in such cold weather anyway.

Li Time LiFePO4 24V 100Ah Battery  »

Hours of output

Reliable battery management system

Up to 15,000 cycles

Large and heavy

If your trolling motor calls for plenty of power, then the Li Time LiFePO4 24V 100Ah Battery will easily deliver. This 24-volt, 100 amp-hour battery will keep your motor running for hours on end, and it will be safe for frequent and extensive use, as well. The built-in BMS (or battery management system) prevents overcharging, over-current, short circuits, and overheating.

As big as it is on safety, the Li Time LiFePO4 24V 100Ah Battery is also just big. It’s nearly 2 feet wide and it weighs more than 45 pounds, but at least it has built-in carrying handles that will help you move it around. It’s also pretty big on price, at $500, but if you want to have plenty of power, you need to pay for it.

CHINS LiFePO4 36V 100Ah Deep Cycle Battery  »

All-day capabilities

Reliable waterproofing

Excellent safety features

Heavy and large

The CHINS LiFePO4 36V 100Ah Deep Cycle Battery is an expensive battery, there’s no two ways about it. But able to deliver 100 amps per hour and with a massage 36-volt rating, this battery can keep even an intense trolling motor whirring away for hours on end, though, so you’ll get what you pay for, namely power. It can be used in high heat safely and, with an IP65 waterproof rating, some splashes or drizzle aren’t going to impact your day on the water.

The 70.5-pound weight of this battery may be too much for smaller boats, but if you can fit it aboard, it will be the only trolling motor battery you’ll need for years to come, as it will last. And you can check on the charge status any time during those years thanks to built-in Bluetooth connectivity.

The Bottom Line

With the best trolling motor for your boat in place, you can enjoy hours of steady, smooth motoring about the lake, river, or bay. The Ionic Batteries 12V 1200Ah Lithium Ion Battery is our pick for the best trolling motor battery overall because it weighs 70% less than a comparable lead acid battery, it charges rapidly, and it is rated for an average of 4,000 charge cycles.

Things To Consider When Buying Trolling Motor Batteries

Battery Type: There are essentially three main types of trolling motor batteries: a lithium-ion battery, a lithium-iron phosphate battery, and a lead acid battery. Lithium batteries tend to be lighter in weight, have more capacity, and often last longer, but cost much more. Between the two lithium batteries, lithium-ion batteries tend to be less expensive and have a higher energy density than lithium-iron phosphate batteries; however, lithium-iron phosphate batteries are generally considered safer and more environmentally friendly.

Lead acid batteries are heavier and less efficient, but also much less expensive. Some lead acid trolling motor batteries also feature AGM technology (short for “absorbent glass mat”.) These layers can help prevent battery acid from leaking, so these fine glass separators are worth looking for.

Power Output: You need to have a battery powerful enough for your motor type and boat size, but you also don’t want a battery that’s overpowered. “Not having enough power in the right configuration for the system will lead to disappointment in performance,” says Chris Beres of Batteries Plus. “Battery capacity, rated in Ampere hours (or Ah), will play a role in overall run time.”

Charge Cycles: Most trolling motor batteries are rated for at least 3,000 charge cycles, meaning a full re-charging and full (or nearly full) discharging of the battery through use. Some trolling motor batteries may well last more than 10,000 charges, though, so consider a battery’s durability and longevity when weighing the cost-value balance.

Size and Weight: “When considering [physical properties] of the battery, the first thing is to determine what type of motor you have,” says Roy Widgeon of USA Kayak Fishing Magazine. “Is the trolling motor a stern mount motor on an aluminum boat, or do you have a large bass boat with a bow-mounted high-output motor?” Some batteries will simply be too large and heavy for smaller boats.

Discharge Rate: The discharge rate of a trolling motor battery depends on the battery amp-hour rating and the power consumption of the motor. A 100 amp-hour (Ah) battery can run a trolling motor for 25 hours at low speed and four amps, but only 2.5 hours at a high speed and 40 amps. The higher the amp-hour rating, the longer a trolling motor will run. “Be sure to use a deep cycle battery,” says Beres. “Deep cycle batteries are specifically designed to provide continuous power over an extended period of time, which is perfect for trolling motor use.”

Charge Time: Slow charging times can be an annoyance, especially if you only own one trolling motor battery. Check for charge time information before purchase when you can, and plan ahead and keep your battery charged up so it’s ready for use whenever you want it.

Safety Features: In lead acid batteries, look for that AGM protective layering that prevents acid leaks. Also consider shock absorption abilities, safe hot or cold operating temperatures, and of course good water resistance ratings, as these batteries will be used on the water.

How We Chose the Best Trolling Motor Batteries

Because this is a rather rarefied product category, U.S. News & World Report contributor Steven John reached out to several experts for input in the course of preparing this article. On the battery development side, John connected with Chris Beres, merchandise manager with Batteries Plus . He also spoke to Roy Widgeon, founder of USA Kayak Fishing Magazine , who often uses trolling motor batteries in practice.

Both Beres and Widgeon recommended several specific trolling motor batteries, but even more important was their information on how to choose and use the best trolling motor batteries based on your boat size and type, the waters in which you are fishing, and your battery budget. Armed with information about these essential power-delivery devices, John then selected a number of trolling motor batteries for closer consideration and narrowed the list down to those featured here.

WHY SHOULD YOU TRUST US?

U.S. News & World Report contributor Steven John has been testing and reviewing products for more than 13 years; in the course of that time he has honed his skills in researching and interviewing experts to gain product knowledge he can turn into actionable information for consumers. In addition to his writing with U.S. News & World Report, John also contributes to Business Insider, New York Magazine, Dad Gear Review, Architectural Digest, Forbes, The Daily Beast, and other publications.

Isabel Roy , who edited this piece, is an Outdoors editor at 360 Reviews. Her grandfather taught her to fish when she was 6 years old and she has loved spending time on the lakes and rivers ever since. She has worked reviewing and recommending products since 2019, researching and testing a wide array of items to help consumers make smart purchasing decisions.

“Match the power to how you use your boat,” says Beres. “Are you a weekend warrior, needing power occasionally for a few hours at a time, or do you need power like the pros, running all day long on a near daily basis? Are you trolling in a river or ocean current vs. still water? How large is the draw from the trolling motor size? Which is to say a bigger engine equals more power which equals larger capacity.”

Any decent trolling motor will last for at least 2,000 to 3,000 charge cycles, but some of the top-of-the-line lithium ion trolling motor batteries can far outperform that. In fact, some may well achieve 15,000 recharge and discharge cycles, which promises multiple years of use even if you’re out on the water almost daily.

It’s really a cost-benefit analysis to choose trolling motor battery types, but if budget is not a top concern, then lithium-ion is usually the way to go. “If you have a bass boat that you will be using the motor for an extended time period a lithium battery is the best option,” says Widgeon. “The lithium battery has many advantages over lead acid conventional batteries [such as] being much lighter, but it costs much more.” Consider your personal preferences as well. A lithium-iron phosphate battery has a lower environmental toll and may be a better choice for you.

You can find small, inexpensive trolling motor batteries decent for small boats, like kayaks or canoes, that cost less than $25. On the other hand, many larger, more powerful trolling motor batteries can cost well over $500 and even over $600.

Of course, and there’s no reason not to swap out an ailing battery. The process is simple and safe provided you follow basic safety precautions, so there’s no need to hire a professional to change your trolling motor battery; just make sure you understand the steps involved before commencing.

About Our Team

Steven John

Contributor

Staff Writer

U.S. News 360 Reviews takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

Best Marine, Lithium and Trolling Motor Batteries

Jason sealock.

• Feb 29, 2024

The product recommendations on our site are independently chosen by our editors. When you click through our links, we may earn a commission. 

Marine batteries for electronics, starting outboards and powering 24-volt or 36-volt trolling motors have come a long way in the last 20 years. Where we basically had a cranking battery and a deep cycle lead acid battery for our trolling motors, now we have a plethora of options from AGMs to Lithium and of course still lead acids. The marine batteries of today are some of the best trolling motor batteries and best marine electronics batteries we’ve ever had at our disposal.

With all this new technology in batteries, especially around lithium options, it’s created a lot of misinformation and made it more complicated to find the right battery for your setup and budget. This piece will share a ton of hands-on experience on the best marine batteries and trolling motor batteries out there today and how each one and each company handles their batteries. We will give you a bunch of good options you can trust.

We have also interviewed several of the engineers for today’s batteries and will follow up with a comprehensive guide to lithium power in another piece shortly. In addition, we have individual reviews of each battery coming shortly as well.

OUR PICKS FOR BEST MARINE / TROLLING MOTOR BATTERIES

• BEST OVERALL – MillerTech Lithium 12V 135 Ah Dual Purpose Battery
• BEST LITHIUM OPTIONS  – Dakota Lithium / MillerTech Lithium
• BEST BUDGET LITHIUM MARINE BATTERY – Goldenmate Lithium 12V 100Ah Orion 1000
• BEST TROLLING MOTOR BATTERY – RELiON Lithium 36V 40Ah / MillerTech Lithium 24V 100Ah
• BEST KAYAK BATTERY – ZPRO Lithium 12V 50Ah / Dakota Lithium 12V 46Ah / Tracker Lithium 12V 60Ah
• BEST ELECTRONICS BATTERY – Powerhouse Lithium 16V 80Ah / Precision Power Lithium 12V 100Ah
• BEST BUDGET LEAD ACID MARINE BATTERY  – Everstart Marine 29DC

DAKOTA LITHIUM 12V 100AH

Best Selection of Lithium Marine Battery Options

Of all the lithium options out there, we have the most experience with Dakota Lithium. I have run Dakota Lithiums for the last two years. I have used the 12V 100AH batteries and have charged them with both the Dakota Lithium 10A charger and the Minn Kota MK550PCL LiFePO4 compatible charge r. Our team in Minnesota has run multiple configurations of Dakota Lithiums on the ice, in boats and in kayaks.

What we have loved is how well these batteries manage their power and how consistent they always are. I have tested them to several extremes: fishing hard on hot above 100-degree days as well as fishing on below freezing days. I’ve gone up to four trips without charging them and had them finally go to sleep on my fifth trip. And I’m always able to wake them easily by just plugging them up to their Dakota 12V charger. 

The best part is I now charge them after every use and they are never below 75% on my trolling motor batteries or my electronics battery. They are charged and ready to rock in under an hour most days. It’s pretty incredible how well they hold up and provide clean, consistent power. Additionally, they make some great lithium chargers in 12V, 24V and 36V options. 

Dakota Lithium has been providing stable lithium power for longer than a lot of other brands, and their batteries are some of the most proven in a wide plethora of applications. They offer some of the most robust options as well as, considerably, the widest array of options to fit any scenario or need you could have in fishing. Even their smaller batteries are solid choices for kayak fishing and ice fishing applications as we’ve used them a bunch for both.

• Longtime Proven Platform
• Tons of Options
• Great Chargers
• Great Warranty
• Smack dab in the middle of the high end on price

Buy at Walmart.com

Buy at Amazon

Buy at FishUSA

MILLERTECH LITHIUM 12V DUAL PURPOSE 135Ah 

Best Dual Cranking and Electronics Battery / Best Service

Millertech is one of the more impressive lithium battery options out there with more than 15 different options of lithium batteries for anglers and boaters with more in design now. They have a battery to fit every application a fisherman may need. Their prices range from $329 up to $1,499 covering a lot of bases in batteries that will last you 5-10 years, sometimes much longer depending on usage.

We spent a lot of time testing their batteries in a variety of situations from powering electronics, starting an outboard and powering a trolling motor. Their battery management system (BMS) is very well designed, and we never encountered the first problem.  It hardly seemed that the batteries even got drained down. I ran the Millertech Dual Purpose 12V 135Ah lithium battery for several trips without charging and it was still more than 50% charged. A very impressive battery to say the least.

The battery is rated at 1,500 cold cranking amps, which is not really a thing in lithium power, but it’s more than enough to start an outboard. What you actually need to start an outboard is so many continuous amps for a number of seconds. Say, 5 seconds. So say 20 amps at 5 seconds. This battery has 200 continuous amps. Now keep in mind, you might not want to get this as a cranking battery if you have an engine where it voids the warranty, like Yamaha. However, you can for sure with a Mercury outboard and probably other brands as well. So it’s more than enough to crank your outboard and power your graphs all day long. 

We’ve also tested the 24V 80Ah battery as a single battery for a 24-volt trolling motor, and it’s been super impressive as well. The batteries are extremely well made, manage power terrifically and charge fast. We are reassured that any issue that might come up will be handled swiftly. 

What you really pay for in this battery are the quality components and build and the service and hassle free warranty. This is where Millertech really shines. They believe that is where they excel. They are making batteries to last a long time, but they are standing behind them with a no-hassle, long-term warranty with quick, immediate service. We talked to the owner Lester Miller about this recently.

“All of the top lithium battery makers are using the best cells,” Miller said. “Can I make a battery better than the other guys? Probably not if we are all using the best available stuff. But what I can do is make sure if you have a problem, I take care of it. And if you dial our phone for support, someone answers immediately. If you spend a lot of money on a lithium battery, someone better pick up the phone when you call and need them. That’s what we’re focused on. Building the best, smartest batteries possible that fit the actual needs of anglers, and then being there if they need us or just have a question about the best way to maintain their battery.”

Full disclosure, we know a lot about lithium power now thanks in large part to spending time learning from the engineers at these companies and owners like Lester Miller. This is one of the best batteries we have tested thus far. Read the full spec sheet here.

• Great warranty
• Great builds and expertise
• Best in class service
• Lots of pro anglers using these
• Price at the upper end but not most expensive

BUY AT MILLERTECH

TRACKER LITHIUM 12 VOLT 60 AH BATTERY

Best Kayak Fishing Battery

I’ve fished a bunch of days out of a kayak with a Motorguide Xi3 trolling motor with this battery and I love it. It charges fast, holds a charge a long time and provides ample power for all day trolling around in a big 13-foot kayak. It’s built with precision waterproofing, vibration controls and fire suppression technology. One of the worst things for a lithium battery is water on the cells and keeping water out of batteries in an environment prone to be more watery is an important feature. Higher peak discharge means it also has stronger starting power. But for running a graph or a trolling motor all day on a small boat or yak, this battery is hard to beat. 

• Great Size and weight
• Great handle
• Very waterproof
• not as long established as others

Buy at BassPro.com  

ZPRO LITHIUM 12V 50AH

Compact. Light. Powerful. These are all reasons we rated this as a top choice for Fishing Kayaks . I have been running the ZPRO Lithium 12V 50Ah battery in my Jackson Kayak Byte FD to power my Livescope and 9-inch graph. It’s impressive how good my screen looks and how it’s good all day. The battery charges quickly at the end of the day as well. ZPRO has done a lot of testing and provides a lot of options that fit a wide variety of fishing applications from kayak batteries to full 36-volt trolling motor solutions and everything in between. 

The 12V 50Ah comes with a handy app that tells you how each individual cell is doing as well as operating temperature, voltage levels and a lot more! It’s one of the better apps for these bluetooth battery options we’ve tested. We also got the 10AMP charger for $79. It charges the battery fast enough to be back on the water in about 4 hours. 

I keep mine in the YakAttack BackPak Pro Krate along with my Livescope module. I can take the whole crate out and charge and travel with ease. Then I can fasten the crate to my Kayak to keep my battery secure on the water. The ZPRO Lithium 12V 50Ah has been a perfect kayak solution for me.

• Great size and weight for kayaks
• Great app with lots of information
• Powers graph and add-ons for full long days
• Very good service
• Upper end on pricing

BUY AT ZPRO LITHIUM

PRECISION POWER LITHIUM 12V 100AH

Best Electronics Dedicated Battery

A relative newcomer to the Marine Battery market, the Precision Power has been testing for more than 2 years behind the scenes, putting their battery through every possible scenario through a network of anglers and using that feedback to perfect the control board and algorithms of their lithium battery prior to release. Their engineer has arguably some of the most extensive knowledge and background in lithium power of anyone in the industry. They are moving slowly and cautiously to understand how lithium power is needed in fishing boats and what issues anglers constantly face with power in boats to best address these concerns with the best batteries on the market. Several batteries are in development now that they have done the ground work on what is missing and needed in lithium power for marine applications. 

All of this is in an effort to make sure fishermen feel confident they are getting a well made, solid battery at the price. It is IP66 rated for waterproof build. The death knell of lithium power is water. So keeping water off the cells is paramount. Where most folks run into trouble is charging a really cold battery, and the heat builds up condensation inside the battery. These batteries have a slick display panel for the status of the battery and an app on Android. The Apple app is going through final stages of approval. 

The batteries have a 5-year full warranty and a 10-year limited warranty. Customer service is what they pride themselves on. Working at all hours of the night to help fishermen make sure they are good to go the next morning for an early tournament. They are also currently developing other options so their lineup will continue to expand after perfecting this first battery for marine electronics—their bread and butter knowledge base.

• Very good engineering (longtime lithium power engineer)
• Lots of application testing
• Outstanding support
• Newer company 
• 5 year full warranty compared to 10 for others

Buy at Precision Sonar

POWERHOUSE LITHIUM 16V 80AH

Most Powerful Electronics Battery / Best Bluetooth App

The voltage is probably what stood out to you on the list, as it should. This is actually a great differentiator and what sets this marine battery apart from its counterparts. This was the first, and one of just a couple, 16V lithium multi-cell marine battery options on the market. While some of you are worried about it blowing up your graphs, it’s actually the opposite. Many guys have been powering their Livescope box with jimmy-rigged cordless drill batteries that are 16 volts. Today’s modern electronics are power hogs and actually want more than 12-volts. Increased power allows you to have a cleaner image, especially on live imaging and forward-facing technologies.

Terry Brown has been running the PowerHouse Lithium battery system in his boat and raves about how clear and bright his graphs are while fishing all day without any interference or stepping down while the motor is in use. He paired it with a PowerHouse Lithium Run and Gun 16V Charger so he can charge his batteries on the water and off. 

PowerHouse Lithium offers good warranties that include full replacement for the first 7 years. At 7-10 years, it is repair or replacement, whichever is necessary. They also offer the only additional extended offer past 10 years where at 11-15 years you can still get a 30% discount on buying your replacement if you are the original owner as a reward for being a loyal customer.

Their service is some of the fastest and preventative in the industry. Their app checks for potential problems on a constant basis with the battery. The app will report a slight degradation in any cell, so you can file a claim and get a replacement quickly BEFORE YOUR BATTERY DIES. You don’t even have to send the battery back for verification, you simply send the app screenshot of the cell in question and they ship your replacement, sometimes same day if filed early enough. Customers in Zone 1 or 2 will have a new battery the next day and usually 2-3 days for everyone else. You might not even experience any downtime.

This is another solid brand doing some unique things with lithium marine power. 

• Unique 16V option for cleaner electronics
• Very good customer service
• App has preventative monitoring for issues
• Bonus discounts past 10 year warranty

BUY AT OMNIA FISHING

RELiON LITHIUM RB 36V 40Ah

Reliable 36V System

These came in late in our testing, so they have not been in our boats as long as some others. I am super impressed with the RELiON  36V 40Ah system. I’m currently running the 36V 40Ah battery in parallel with another one and getting 80Ah on my 36V system. These batteries are powerhouses. You get a 38.4V system 1536Wh per battery with a capacity of 40Ah and you can run the system in parallel to double your amp hours. 

What many folks don’t know is that 36V controllers are made to work in 36V environments and give you way more leeway in one battery degrading your whole system. First, you have to understand in parallel or series systems, when one battery goes down, the whole thing is down. You’re only as good as your worst battery.

With a 12V battery you have 4 cells at roughly 3.2V or something like that to get you to 12.8V. So if one of those cells gets close to its shutoff level, the whole battery is dead. This gives you less leeway in that shutoff threshold. However, if you have a 36V system you have a lot more leeway with one cell shutting down the battery. Ultimately, 36V systems in parallel are actually a better choice for anglers than three 12V batteries in a series. Your 12-volt batteries have 12V controllers and are somewhat limited on managing a 36V system. A 36V controller is way better equipped to handle your 36V power environment in each battery and as a system. 

The RELiON 36V 40Ah batteries impressed me with their power. I ran a trolling motor the other day on a windy day for about 4 hours. When I got off the water and checked the charge (part of my testing), I had used hardly anything for power. I hooked it up to my 36V 18A Dakota Lithium Charger, and in 8 minutes my batteries were fully charged. Now, granted, a Garmin Force is very good at managing power consumption when on Anchor Lock. I was doing that a lot and used almost nothing out of my RELiON system. I have a lot of examples of this. I’m somewhat amazed how little these RELiON batteries have to be charged. An hour on my charger most days, and the system is fully charged again.

It’s some of the cleanest power I’ve used. This battery is $1,089 which lands it middle of the road for other comparable 36V lithium batteries with similar amp hours. Not the best but not the worst either. They are part of the Navico group so if you’re a Lowrance guy, they are being optimized for those systems. They power my Garmin system equally well. Lastly, they don’t make chargers so you will need a lithium charger of your own.

• It manages power consumption very well
• Charges fast as a result
• 36V system option
• Price is upper range but less than some for comparable batteries
• 7 Year Full Replacement Warranty while several others are 10

BUY AT AMAZON

BUY AT WEST MARINE

IMPULSE LITHIUM

Reliable 36V and 12V options

Wired2fish Associate Editor Sam Hanggi switched over to all lithium batteries a few years ago. Currently he runs the 12.8-volt, 160-amp hour Impulse Lithium as both a cranking battery and to run all five of his graphs. He also runs two 36.8-volt, 40-amp hour Platinum Series Impulse Lithium batteries for his Ghost trolling motor. He charges all of his Impulse Lithium batteries using the Power-Pole Charge . 

Not only did he go from 5 lead acid batteries to three lithiums, but he went from 300 pounds to 91 pounds in his battery compartment with these Impulse Lithiums.

He has been testing these batteries for a while. The 12.8V 160Ah Impulse Lithium battery will run 5 graphs, plus Humminbird 360 and Active Target 2 modules, all day for several days before needing to charge. It also has plenty of continuous cranking amps to fire a Mercury 250 PRO XS 4-stroke without fail. They charge quickly and hold a charge well with a good lithium charger.

Impulse Lithium also offers a full, 10-year (non-prorated) warranty on their batteries. Read our full review on Impulse Lithium 12.8V and 36.4V batteries . 

• Proven platform (lots of pros using these)
• Full 10-year warranty
• Good options
• Higher Price

BUY FROM IMPULSE LITHIUM

GOLDENMATE LITHIUM 12V 100Ah

Best Budget Lithium Battery

We took a chance on the Goldenmate battery after seeing it on Amazon. They reached out to us, and we agreed to test it to see if one of these lower priced Amazon batteries was as good as the rest. I have to say, we have been very pleased with this battery thus far, especially at $295 (discount for W2F readers). It has a great digital read out on top, as you charge it. It has a bluetooth app that connected quickly and kept me informed on the battery through my testing. I charged it with a 10A 12V LiFePO4 charger, it charged fast and the charger shut off correctly. We used it as our electronics battery; I was also able to fish 4 trips with it before having to charge it again. So it has a good run time. 

I actually expected to have issues as there are so many off-brands on Amazon, that it’s sometimes difficult to tell the good ones from the less reputable ones. The Goldenmate Orion 1000 has been nothing short of impressive to me. Obviously longevity is the question here as is service. So I will continue testing that more and report back. They use grade A cells, and the warranty is 5 years for manufacturer defects. They report that you will get 10 years or 3,000 to 5,000 cycles. Even after that period you will still get 75% to 80% of the battery’s rated capacity as it slowly degrades after 10 years. Service is also said to be “within 24 hours” so it won’t be instant and quick like the more prominent brands. 

I give this battery a thumbs up. It was my most pleasant surprise in the group as a lesser known brand. Goldenmate is offering our readers a discount on their batteries as well.

If you buy direct from Goldenmate on the button below, you can use code WIRE2FISH to SAVE 30% on their site . Use this code: 786Q9JNH  to save 5% on the Amazon link below.

• Good Price for Lithium power
• Battery performs well
• Great readout and info on battery app
• Service is “within 24 hours”
• Warranty is shorter than most at 5 years

BUY AT AMAZON Discount Code: 786Q9JNH

BUY AT GOLDENMATE Discount Code: WIRE2FISH

EVERSTART MARINE

Best Budget Lead Acid Battery

I ran the Walmart Everstart Batteries for more than a decade without a single problem. I had 3 of those 29 series Deep Cycle batteries last me more than 5 years. The fact that you can pay roughly $100 and get a battery to power your stuff for 5 years is a pretty darn good deal in my opinion. I still use an Everstart Marine battery for my cranking battery because all it does is start the boat and run my livewells.

These are simple, no-nonsense lead acid batteries. They will degrade over time and not put out as much power in the latter years. However, they are easy to keep charged if left on a trickle charger or charged right after use. They come with a 2-year, free-replacement warranty. I’ve even had them prorated if brought back in year three, which is when they start to degrade. This battery also has 845 MCA to start your outboard. Although it’s made specifically for marine deep cycle use. 

• Price is great compared to lithium options
• Familiarity for users of lead acid batteries 
• Can be charged by nearly all chargers 12V Chargers
• Shorter lifespan than lithium
• Needs to be charged after every use to prevent early degradation
• Only 2-year warranty
• Battery will reduce in power during the day unlike lithiums

BUY AT WALMART

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING MARINE BATTERIES

When it comes to marine batteries or trolling motor batters, you have your typical 12-volt lead acid batteries, AGM (or Gel Mat) batteries and you have lithium batteries (LiFe PO4). These can be used to start an outboard, power lights and pumps, power multiple electronics and fish finders and run a 12, 24 or 36-volt trolling motor. One of the key components are that the batteries are waterproof. The batteries need to provide ample energy and duration to power your various needs on the boat or kayak and, the batteries need to do so for many years. Obviously there is a tradeoff between price and longevity. When it comes to technologies like lithium batteries, you pay more for service, support and warranty as well as improved information about your battery through bluetooth apps and on-battery displays. 

The two main things you need to know before purchasing a marine battery are your budget and your power needs. You can rough estimate some of it. But you can also power to cover your bases. A 12-volt lead acid battery that is a 31 series will have a bit longer run time than a lead acid battery that is a 24 series. They will also generally have more continuous cranking amps to start an outboard multiple times throughout a day of fishing. Likewise, a 12V 160Ah battery is going to be able to run more electronics for a longer period than, say, a 12V 40Ah battery will. Start to game it out by asking yourself simple questions like the following:

• How many graphs do you have? (2 in the front and 2 in the back)?
• How many add on accessories do you have (i.e. Power-Poles, Livescope, Mega 360)?
• How many continuous cranking apps does my outboard recommend?
• How many volts does my trolling motor require? 
• How will I be using my trolling motor (i.e. cutting through grass all day or fighting current draws more power)?

When you have a rough idea how much power you draw and how long you draw it you can figure out what setup you need. The best battery manufacturers will provide the best service to help you pick the exact right batteries for your personal setup, not just try to sell you the most expensive battery. 

We will also be providing an in-depth guide for choosing the right lithium power options for marine/fishing applications very soon to remove a lot of the myths around lithium power and help you be very comfortable with running lithium batteries. There seems to be as much misinformation out there as correct information and too many people trying to make lithium power work like lead acid batteries work. 

WHY YOU CAN TRUST THIS GUIDE

I, along with the other editors at Wired2fish, spent an inordinate amount of time testing all of the batteries in various scenarios, recording their usage and data, monitoring battery behavior over days of use, testing in different boats, kayaks and more. We will be adding a comparison table shortly to quickly look at all the batteries side by side as well. You can trust that we don’t just list what’s popular.

We only share information on equipment we have used and fished with. There is not a single battery in this guide that we have not used and tested. A lot of other guides might just go off of Amazon sales or something similar. We won’t do that. We have spent months testing to put together the best resource for anglers. We want to make sure there is as much hands-on information in real-world applications for anglers to make the best decisions they can on how they spend their money.

Currently working as Senior Advisor to Wired2fish. Former COO and Publisher, Jason Sealock came to Wired2fish shortly after inception in January of 2010. Prior to that he was the Editor-in-Chief of FLW Outdoors Magazines. He worked up from Associate Editor to Photo Editor and finally Editor in Chief of three magazines FLW Bass, FLW Walleye and FLW Saltwater. He set the content direction for Wired2fish while also working directly with programmers, consultants and industry partners. Sealock has been an avid angler for the better part of 40 years and has been writing and shooting fishing and outdoors content for more than 25 years. He is an expert with fishing electronics and technologies and an accomplished angler, photographer, writer and editor. He has taught a lot of people to find fish with their electronics and has been instrumental in teaching these technologies to the masses. He's also the industry authority on new fishing tackle and has personally reviewed more than 10,000 products in his tenure. He has a 30-year background in information technologies and was a certified engineer for a time in Microsoft, Novell, Cisco, and HP. He mostly fishes for bass and panfish around the house. He has, however, caught fish in 42 of the 50 states in the US as well as Costa Rica, Mexico, and Canada and hopes to soon add Finland, Japan, Africa and Australia to his list.

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Collection: trolling motor batteries.

The wait is over! Xantrex’s 24V and 36V Lithium-Ion Batteries are now live! For those long fishing days, you need a battery that won’t quit. With 10 times the cycles compared to AGM, compact size, and advanced safety features, these batteries are built to keep you on the water longer and stronger. Whether you're chasing bass or drifting quietly in your skiff, you’ll have the power you need to reel in that big catch without worrying about your battery.

Xantrex 50Ah, 24V Lithium Trolling Battery

Xantrex 50ah, 36v lithium trolling battery.

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Saillong Trolling Motor Plug, Trolling Motor Plug Receptacle,12V Male & Female Trolling Motor Connector Compatible with Minn Kota Marine Boat, Waterproof Trolling Connect for Boats Kayaks

About this item

• Package Content: You will receive 1 piece trolling motor plug, 1 piece trolling motor receptacle; Simple flush mount trolling motor plug and receptacle for easy installation without complicated wiring or tools
• Enhanced Charging Efficiency: Trolling motor plugs tin plated and copper plated copper wire reduces resistance, enabling faster charging of your trolling motor; Experience improved performance and quicker power delivery; Performs in 8 gauge wire leads, trolling motor plug 12V
• Easy Installation: with our trolling motor fast connect plug socket, setting up your trolling motor becomes a breeze; Simply plug in the male and female connectors, and you're ready to use; No complicated wiring or tools required
• Safety and fire Prevention: Trolling motor plug and receptacle for 12V trolling motor plug features a shell with added flame retardant materials, ensuring it is non flammable.Rest assured knowing that safety is a top priority in the design of our product
• Compatible with Minn Kota Marine Boat Kayak: Trolling motor connector high quality construction materials contribute to the longevity of our product; Trolling motor plug receptacle set Use Plated tin and copper wires enhance durability, ensuring reliable performance over time

Saillong Trolling Motor Plug, Trolling Motor Receptacle,12V Male & Female Trolling Motor Connector Compatible with Minn Kota Marine Boat, Waterproof Trolling Motor for Boats, Kayaks(male)

• Quick Charge: elevate your boating experience with our 12V boat trolling motor plugs; Crafted with 8 AWG marine copper wire, they minimize resistance, ensuring swift and efficient charging for your trolling motor
• Secure, Fireproof and Waterproof: constructed with flame-retardant materials, it's non-flammable and built to last; The waterproof two-wire design provides a robust electrical connection, even in demanding marine conditions
• Easy Installation: setting up your trolling motor is now a breeze with our fast connect plug socket; No more complicated wiring or tools required; Just plug in the trolling motor female plug connectors, and you're ready to embark on your boating adventures
• Fits Most Marine Boats: whether you have a small fishing boat or a larger vessel, our trolling motor power plug is designed to seamlessly connect with various marine boats; Enjoy a hassle-free boating experience, no matter your boat size
• Our Promise to You: you'll receive 1 x 2 prong trolling motor female plug with butt connectors kit, and our unwavering support. We're available 24/7 to assist with any trolling motor wire accessory concerns. Plus, we offer a 1-year replacement and refund support. Thank you for choosing us

Saillong Trolling Motor Plug, Trolling Motor Receptacle,12V Male & Female Trolling Motor Connector Compatible with Minn Kota Marine Boat, Waterproof Trolling Motor for Boats, Kayaks (Female)

• Faster Quick Charge:The male and female connectors are made of tinned copper with 8 AWG marine grade copper wire. Less drag on the trolling motor ensures fast and efficient charging of your trolling motor
• Quality Material: The female trolling motor plug is made of flame retardant material that is non-flammable and durable. The internal corrosion-resistant copper and flame-retardant material casing provides excellent durability and long-lasting use in harsh marine conditions
• Easy Installation: No more complicated wiring or tools are required. Simply plug the male connector into the female connector, no complicated wiring required, and you're ready to start your boating adventure
• Waterproof Design:The female trolling motor connector (boat side) features a weatherproof cover with a faceplate for flat surface mounting. The waterproof two-wire design provides a robust electrical connection, even in demanding marine conditions
• Fits most boats: The 12V female trolling motor connector 8 gauge 2 wire trolling motor connector fits most boats. Whether you have a small fishing boat or a large vessel, our trolling motor power plugs connect seamlessly to a wide range of boats
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