Best Trolling Motors

Review & Comparison, Last Update February 19, 2024
Are you tired of rowing your boat to troll for fish? It's time to make trolling easy! We have reviewed 5 best trolling motors for you to find the needed model ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Mounting location
Best For
Shaft length
Thrust
Speed
Features
Battery voltage / amperage
 
PROS
Excellent Latch & Door design allows for easy detachment and attachment of the motor.
CONS
The motor slope angle is not adjustable.
OUR VERDICT
This electric trolling motor will make your boat maneuverable and controllable that is advantageous for hunting in a gulf or lake.
detailed parameters
Mounting location
Bow-mounted
Best For
Freshwater
Shaft length
45"
Thrust
45 lbs
Speed
8 speeds (5 forward, 3 reverse)
Features
Composite shaft, Latch and Door Mount, 4 Point Battery Meter
Battery voltage / amperage
12V / 50Amp
PROS
Its motor head can be reversed by 180 degrees, so you can mount the motor on either bow or transom.
CONS
No battery charge indicator.
OUR VERDICT
Having mounted this trolling motor, you will have an opportunity to quickly change the position of your boat for effective fishing or hunting. The motor will fit best for the boats of 14-16 ft long.
detailed parameters
Mounting location
Bow/Transom-mounted
Best For
Freshwater
Shaft length
36"
Thrust
45 lbs
Speed
7 speeds (5 forward, 2 reverse)
Features
Reversible motor head, Aluminum shaft provides high durability, Taper-lock mount with 7-point adjustment
Battery voltage / amperage
12V / 44Amp
PROS
The ergonomic handle contours the palm and provides comfortable steering.
CONS
The shaft is quite short, so it's improper for boats with high freeboards.
OUR VERDICT
High performance and affordability make this trolling motor a great solution for both novices who've got their first boats and skilled expertized boatmen.
detailed parameters
Mounting location
Transom-mounted
Best For
Saltwater/Freshwater
Shaft length
34.5"
Thrust
50 lbs
Speed
8 speeds (5 forward, 3 reverse)
Features
Composite shaft, 10 lever lock bracket positions, 6" telescoping handle, 10 Point Battery Meter
Battery voltage / amperage
12V / 47Amp
PROS
A highly durable metal propeller. Aluminum head takes the heat away from the motor well.
CONS
The battery exhausts fast.
OUR VERDICT
A peculiar design of this trolling motor makes it suitable for deep passenger boats. It can also be used for transporting big groups of people.
detailed parameters
Mounting location
Transom-mounted
Best For
Saltwater/Freshwater
Shaft length
40"
Thrust
62 lbs
Speed
8 speeds (5 forward, 3 reverse)
Features
Composite shaft, 10 tilt lever positions, 6" telescoping handle, 10 Point Battery Meter
Battery voltage / amperage
12V / 58Amp
PROS
A button on the motor allows switching to a cleaning mode, during which the blades can be cleaned off plants.
CONS
The motor is not appropriate for quick floating.
OUR VERDICT
Designed specially for small inflatable boats or kayaks and is perfect for water recreation and fishing.
detailed parameters
Mounting location
Transom-mounted
Best For
Saltwater/Freshwater
Shaft length
36"
Thrust
40 lbs
Speed
8 speeds (5 forward, 3 reverse)
Features
Composite shaft, 8 tilt positions, 6" extendable handle, Weed escape control button, Soft Start, 4 Point Battery Meter
Battery voltage / amperage
12V / 35Amp
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Minn Kota Bowmount Hand Control Trolling Motor

Design and Mounting Location

This trolling motor refers to bow-mounted models, so it is to be installed on the fore of your boat. Such a position allows you to easily guide your vessel or quickly change the direction. This trolling motor may serve as an accessory rudder for small boats sailing in havens or swamplands where maneuverability is essential. The body, head, and shaft of the motor are made of the high-strength composite. Still, it is elastic and is able to withstand shocks of reefs and underwater stones. The motor is designed for freshwater body.

Performance

The power unit of this Minn Kota trolling motor is the 12V motor of 50 Amp that is able to give a thrust of 45 lbs. Such parameters allow for mounting this motor on small and medium-sized boats. The motor is able to work for about 1 hour continuously or for approximately a day during the roam fishing. The shaft is 45" long, thus the motor can be installed on boats which freeboard lies within the range from 16" to 22".

Features

The branded latch and door mount allows you to mount or demount the motor in a second. The motor submersion can be easily changed right on the go, so you can easily overcome the shoal keeping the motor safe. The enhanced propeller speed adjustment allows you to set the needed speed for specific areas. Thus, you can choose one of 5 forward speeds or one of 3 reverse speeds. What is more, the motor can be equipped with an optional foot pedal to set your hands free for fishing rod. The motor cover features a 4-point battery meter, so you can monitor the battery charge.
Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B005GRCJS8

VIDEO
Minn Kota Bowmount Hand Control Trolling Motor
 

MotorGuide Freshwater Hand/Transom Trolling Motor

Design and Mounting Location

This trolling motor has a unique design; the head and propeller can be turned by 180 degrees. Hence, you can mount the motor both on the bow and transom of your boat. The motor should be installed on the transom plate or a designated mounting adapter if your boat comes without a transom plate. The shaft is made of light but strong aluminum alloy, and the propeller is made of steel with a powder coating. Such a design provides long life and durability of the motor intended for use in freshwater environments.

Performance

This trolling motor is able to gain the thrust of 45 lbs, consuming just 44 amperes thanks to the trilobate "Machete" propeller. The motor needs a standard 12V boat battery with the capacity of 50Ah and higher. The motor is able to work for about an hour. The shaft length is 36", so this motor is an excellent version for boats with low freeboard or rafts. The maximum freeboard height should not exceed 16" for comfortable motor mounting.

Features

The controlling of this motor is effortless. The convenient handle is tailored to a palm and provides a maximum comfort and minimum fatigue. The adjustable taper lock mount allows you to change the immersion depth of the propeller to float through weeds and shallows. The simple clamp screws fix the motor firmly on the transom for additional security. 7 motor positions and 5 speeds are available for setting the optimal mode for trolling. In addition, 2 reverse speeds are available to escape from narrow gulfs or stop the boat quickly.
Last updated price $257.53
Stock In stock
ASIN B004HX8DTQ

VIDEO
MotorGuide Freshwater Hand/Transom Trolling Motor
 

Outsunny 12V Transom Electric Trolling Motor

Design and Mounting Location

A high-quality assembly and modern materials of this troll motor will be like a duck to water in lakes and seas. The shaft is made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic that is absolutely invulnerable for salt water, being rather flexible at the same time. Such a material allows the propeller to withstand collisions with stones or other underwater objects. The metal motor head with a protective coating will provide durability of the structure and withdraw excessive heat from the motor. The motor should be installed directly on a boat transom or a special adapter for handy guiding the boat.

Performance

Outsunny 12V Transom Electric Trolling Motor comes with 34.5" shaft for mounting on rafts, pontoons or boats with freeboard up to 16". The motor is powered by 12V battery and consumes 47 Amps at maximum load, so it works best with batteries of 60 Ah and more. Having put a pair of standard boat batteries, you will be able to run the motor for several hours. The thrust of 50 lbs enables the motor to suit medium-size boats for 5-6 persons.

Features

The motor is equipped with an ergonomic telescopic handle that can be extended by 6". This is advantageous for wide inflatable boats. The motor features 8 speeds including 5 forward 3 reverse. The motor is able to reach a speed of 6.5 miles per hour, allowing your boat to drift rather quickly. The 10-point battery meter allows you to control the battery charge and estimate its consumption reasonably. What is more, you can change the motor angle by setting the lock bracket to one of the 10 positions by a single button.
Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B00LG72CK2

VIDEO
Outsunny 12V Transom Electric Trolling Motor
 

Newport Vessels Electric Trolling Motor Saltwater

Design and Mounting Location

Newport Vessels Electric Trolling Motor is designed for mounting on a transom plate or adapter, if no plate is available. Such a mounting is classical for trolling motors and provides a comfortable steering. The control unit and shaft are made of a wear-resistant composite material, while the motor head is furnished with aluminum for efficient cooling of the motor and reducing the overall weight of the structure. The watertight housing of the motor makes it resistant to the salt water.

Performance

This trolling motor delivers the thrust of 62 lbs, so it can be used for fishing and hunting in small or medium boats, as well as carrying various freights on inflatable boats or pontoons up to 22 ft long. The motor consumes 12V and 58Amp at a maximum load, so it's better to have 2 standard boat batteries or one 60Ah battery. The shaft is 40" long, hence the motor can be successfully mounted on boats with a freeboard from 16" to 22".

Features

A simple mounting bracket design allows for quick installation of the motor. The motor weighs just 23 lbs, so you can easily carry and mount on the desired place. The extendable handle gives you an opportunity to customize its length for comfortable use. The 10 point battery meter is located on the motor top and indicates the status of the battery charge. 5 forward and 3 reverse speeds are available for quick adjustment for trolling or quick sailing through the water. The motor tilt can be adjusted to 10 positions, hence you can set the needed position for a particular place or even raise the motor above the water to inspect it.
Last updated price $274.04
Stock In stock
ASIN B00KJE9PDK

VIDEO
Newport Vessels Electric Trolling Motor Saltwater
 

Intex Trolling Motor

Design and Mounting Location

Intex Trolling Motor was developed for mounting on Intex boats like Challenger 3, Seahawk 2, 3, 4, Excursion 3, 4, 5 and Mariner 3 and 4. Still, it is compatible with other inflatable boats equipped with adapters or transom plates. A high stiffness and longevity of the motor assembly are achieved through present-day elastic composite materials that withstand strokes and bends, keeping the structure undamaged.

Performance

This trolling motor consumes just 35 Amps at a maximum load. It should be noted that this trolling motor with a standard boat battery works longer than similar motors of other manufacturers. Having the thrust of 40 lbs, Intex Trolling Motor is able to propel boats of a displacement up to 2000 lbs and freeboard from 10" to 16". A standard 50 Ah battery will fit well for normal functioning of the motor.

Features

The motor features Soft Start system that allows extending the motor life through limiting the time from 'off' to 'on' position. The 4-point battery indicator will let you know how much charge has been left for use. The control module features a weed escape control button that will help you easily remove annoying algae from the propeller. 8 speeds, including 5 forward and 3 in reverse allow varying the speed for enhanced maneuverability. Moreover, you can tilt the motor in 8 positions for comfortable trolling or visual checkup of the gear.
Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B005QIB7K8

VIDEO
Intex Trolling Motor
 

What is a Trolling Motor

Every trolling fisherman knows that fish are timid beings and can be frightened by the slightest noise, not to mention gasoline motors. But then, what should be the best solution to this problem? Trolling motors are the perfect answer. They are noiseless and don’t scare the fish. Having put such a motor on your boat, you will be able to change your fishing place and troll effectively. Thanks to a simple installation and small size, the trolling motors gain more popularity among people that have small boats or just like to have a rest on the river or lake. In this review we will consider 5 best trolling motors and analyze the key points which are worth your attention when choosing the one.

If you’re a true fisherman wishing to make fishing comfortable, we advise you to look at fishing rods and fishfinders that will be certainly helpful for you.

What Features to Compare

Design and Mounting Location

You can easily get confused in the wide variety of trolling motors available today. First of all, you should consider its mounting location and the materials of a trolling motor. They are usually mounted on the boat bows or transoms. The transom-mounted trolling motors are the most widespread now. Installation of these motors is very easy and they can be mounted on any boat, including inflatable models. The bow-mounted trolling motors are usually installed on the fores. Such motors provide a high maneuverability and minimize the probability of running aground. The bow-mounted models serve well as supplementary drives for sailing boats. The materials featured in a trolling motor will be vital for its durability and type of water. The motors which heads are made of painted steel or composite can be used only in freshwater since these materials are vulnerable to salt contained in the seawater. Moreover, the composites can be damaged by corals or stones that may result in the motor failure. The motors which cases and propellers are made of stainless steel or aluminum alloys will be suitable for both fresh and salt water.

Performance

Once you determine the mounting method of a trolling motor and the water it's best used for, next to be clarified is the performance. It depends on several factors which include thrust, consumed energy, and the shaft length. The thrust is the main indicator of the performance and it is measured in pounds or pound-forces. The higher the thrust is, the bigger boat a motor can propel. It is better to pick a motor with a high thrust as it may come in handy in tough situations. They may occur when the boat is heavily loaded or you sail against the headwind. The energy consumption determines the type of battery and operating time on a single charge. The 12V trolling motors are the most common on the market. They usually feature 12V batteries of 50-60Ah. For example, the motor consuming 50Amp is able to work for about 1 hour powered by a 50Ah battery. So, take into account the battery capacity when you choose a trolling motor. The shaft length shows how deeply a propeller sits in the water, so you should consider the distance from waterline to the main deck of your boat. This distance is usually called a freeboard. The higher the freeboard is, the longer the motor would be; otherwise, the motor might not reach the water or interfere with the boat deck. If the freeboard of your boat is of a medium height, you should look for the motors with medium shafts accordingly.

Features

Don’t forget to explore the features of a trolling motor that improve its usability. The adjustment of the shaft allows you to fix the motor at your desired angle to overcome the shallow water. A telescoping handle will provide a comfortable motor controlling and steering. The variable speed allows you to set the optimal velocity for specific locations. The accessory control elements like foot pedals help you navigate with no digressing from fishing. Last but not the least, the battery charge indicator will notify you of the condition of the battery and remaining charge.

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