Best Trolling Motors
To save you the shopping hassle, we have compiled a list of our top five trolling motors that come with great features and will transform any small boat into a trolling fortress.
1. Minn Kota Endura
The Minn Kota Endura C2 55 is a trolling motor that comes with a 10-position mounting bracket equipped with a quick-release lever lock and is built from highly durable composite material. It packs 55 lbs. of thrust, comes with a telescopic six-inch tiller, and adjustable speed settings for both forward and reverse. The propeller delivers excellent propulsion through vegetation and sports a high-strength composite shaft for the utmost durability.
- Impressive thrust.
- Transom mounted, forward/reverse action.
- Highly durable.
2. Newport Vessels NV-Series
The Newport Vessels NV-series feature high efficiency transom-mounted trolling motors that boast of cool, ultra-quiet performance and come with lightweight fiberglass shafts. It packs 46 lbs. of thrust, forward/reverse hand controls, comes with a five-LED battery indicator, and runs on 12 V. It also features a stainless steel, zinc, and magnesium blend making it ideal for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.
- Cool, ultra-quiet performance.
- Impressive thrust and easy controls.
- Very durable, corrosion-resistant.
3. Watersnake – ASP Trolling Motor
The Watersnake ASP trolling motor is ideal for small vessels and comes in at just 4.85 lbs. It comes with dual speed control, forward/reverse propulsion, a telescopic handle for easy steering, and a highly efficient propeller for heavy vegetation. It runs on 12V, come in 18 lbs. and 24 lbs. thrust models, and is transom-mounted.
- Great for small vessels.
- Easy handling, highly efficient.
- Impressive thrust, easy to mount.
4. MotorGuide Xi3 Trolling Motor
The MotorGuide Xi3 is a high-tech trolling motor that comes with wireless control and is bow-mounted. It comes with an intuitive display and controls, boasts of very quiet operation, and comes with a GPS function. It also packs an impressive 55 lbs. thrust, runs on 12V, and features a composite shaft that powers its triple-blade propeller for efficient performance.
- Very efficient, quiet operation.
- Wireless operation, excellent control.
- Includes GPS, impressive thrust.
5. Minn Kota Ulterra Trolling Motor
The Minn Kota is a top-notch trolling motor and features a wireless/foot control and automatic operation. It boasts of easy controls via its touch remote and single-push button, features GPS functions, and is bow-mounted. It also comes with a built-in sonar and transducer, runs on 24 V, and packs 80 lbs. of thrust.
- Impressive thrust.
- Automatic control.
- Features GPS and sonar scanning.
Trolling Motors Buying Guide
Trolling motors pack impressive propulsive power into lightweight units and are great for both newbie and experienced anglers. They are ideal for small boats without engines or boats with engines that may be too fast or noisy for trolling.
Our buying guide reviews the best trolling motors on the market based on their specified features and tested performance to give you the best options to choose from. We then take it a step further to outline the particular factors you should consider and qualities you should look out for in a trolling motor before you make a purchase.
Power
The first factor you want to consider is the power of your trolling motor and will depend on factors like the size and weight of your boat, your preferred trolling speed, etc. The power is measured in Watts and measures how much energy your trolling motor delivers over a time value. The more powerful the trolling motor, the more thrust it can deliver for a particular speed and vice versa.
Another important power factor to consider is the rated voltage. In general, trolling motors run on 12V, 24V, and sometimes 36V. 12V trolling motors are the standard and can easily hook up to a single standard battery but will draw more current. 24V and 36V trolling motors will draw lesser current for the same power but will require two and three batteries at least, respectively.
Controls
The controls of your trolling motor is another important factor to consider. In general, trolling motors come with manual steering, hand or foot pedals, and wireless remote control. Wireless models are the most expensive but most convenient. Other controls to look out for include the ability for both forward and reverse motion, variable speed, etc. The ideal trolling motor should also come with other features like a battery level indicator and GPS.
Freshwater or Saltwater
The ideal trolling motor should be easily used in both freshwater and saltwater conditions. Saltwater is especially corrosive to moving components, so any trolling motor you want to be able to use in both environments must feature highly durable, corrosion-resistant materials like composites and metal alloys for ling service life.
Mount
Another important factor you want to consider when choosing a trolling motor is the mount type. In general, trolling motors are classified as bow-mounted, transom-mounted, and engine-mounted models. Bow-mounted trolling motors are especially suited to larger boats and are mounted in front of the bow and boasts of superior maneuverability and handling. Transom-mounted trolling motors are mounted on the rear and are especially suited to smaller boats.