Top Trolling Motors for Freshwater & Saltwater Use (2023)

As a child, I loved going out fishing with my father. It is the best childhood memory so far, and I continue to cherish it even till date. My father taught me a lot about the fishing techniques, and how we shouldn’t be spooking the catch. The fishes are smart enough to know that you are out for catching dinner! At that time, he bought a cheap trolling motor which could help the boat move quietly.

Now that I have grown older and have my own children, I did the kindest thing a father could do and bought them a robust and compact trolling motor!

Over the past 15 years, I have learned a lot about trolling motors and it is about time that I created a buying guide for all the keen fishing enthusiasts. This trolling motor review will help you choose the right product in the market. Let us start the journey by knowing what a trolling motor does and why it is needed!

We Tested and Ranked These 10 Trolling Motors

01 Goplus Electric Trolling Motor (Best Overall)

The overall best buy is the Goplus Electric trolling motor. With great reviews on Amazon, the product is gaining a lot of popularity. I personally loved the smooth movement of the motor. This is because it has a three blade propeller that ensures smooth movement on the water.

The aluminum head is durable and it ensures that the service life increases. The product has a battery indicator that helps in protecting the batteries. This will show you as to how much battery is left in your motor.

Even though it does not come with a guide, you are able to easily use the product. There are five forward and three reverse speeds to utilize. It will be a smooth ride because the product is fairly simple to use. The six-inch adjustable handle allows you to ride smoothly and comfortably. Let us take a look at the specifications and the pros/cons.

Specifications

Pros

• There is a battery indicator on the product.
• The product is durable and sturdy
• There are five forward speed and three reverse speeds
• The product is easy to control.
• It has an adjustable 6 inches handle.

Cons

• The reverse mode is weak as per reviewers.

Our Verdict

The product has received rave reviews on Amazon. Although it does not come with a manual, it is easy to use. You will be able to figure out the usage of the product. There are three reverse speeds and five forward speeds.

Is it worth the price you pay for it? For the price you pay, you are getting excellent features such as an adjustable 6-inch handle, battery indicator, and the product is durable as well.

In a nutshell, we’ve good reasons to put it at the top of our list. It offers great value for the money. We hope you’ll not regret buying it.

02 MinnKota Endura Transom Mount (Best Budget Trolling Motor)

Looking for the ultimate budget trolling motor? The MinnKota Endura Transom mount trolling motor could be an ideal pick. MinnKota builds the most durable and innovative trolling motors. There may be few loopholes but the product is certainly the ideal pick for those, who have a restrained budget.

There are five forward speeds and three reverse speeds. Smooth on water and allows you to cruise around without any difficulty. It can take a lot of wear and tear! However, the only drawback is that it made unpleasant sounds.

An ideal trolling motor should be quiet, but this one makes some sounds. The manufacturer must look into it and work on making it quiet. As for durability and functioning, the product scores full points.

The highlight of the product is that it is energy efficient. The product works on the water for a couple of hours, which shows that the battery lasts long. The inexpensive trolling motor is certainly a good purchase!

Specifications

Pros

• It has five forward and three reverse speeds.
• It has a lever lock bracket
• A long-lasting battery life which is rechargeable
• It comes with a two-year

Cons

• Reviewers mentioned that there was an electrical smell.
• The product made strange sounds.

Our Verdict

There are some loopholes that can be handled by the manufacturer. The product makes strange sounds and the reviewer talked about the peculiar smell which came from the motor. A good trolling motor should be able to operate silently.

This is because you do not want to scare the fishes away! If you are looking for a superb motor for the money, then this could be a good pick.

If the manufacturer takes care of the unpleasant and noisy sounds, then this will be the right purchase as per your budget. This is the ideal budget trolling motor for all those, who have a strict budget to abide by.

03 Newport Vessels NV-Series (Best for Saltwater)

Do you wish to fish all day long without the motor getting overheated? Say hello to the Newport Vessels saltwater electric trolling motor. It has a 36 lb thrust and a 30-inch composite shaft. We placed it on #3 for a very good reason! This product is ideal for the saltwater situation. You either buy a motor for freshwater or saltwater, and this seems to be perfect for the latter.

The composite shaft made of fiberglass is adjustable and has full strength. This can operate at eight speeds in which five are forward and three are reverse. The LED meter for checking the battery is super bright. You can keep a track of how much battery is left in the motor.

The hardware used for creating the motor is ideal for saltwater conditions. Stainless steel, magnesium, and zinc is used. We can safely say that this product is built primarily for salt-water conditions. It also comes with a 2-year warranty which makes it ideal for the users.

Every damage is covered as per the warranty. Also, the customer care service is helpful and prompt with their response. Get a smooth and comfortable ride with this smooth yet efficient motor! This is one of the top-rated trolling motors!

Specifications

Pros

• It has a bright LED battery meter
• The product has been built with salt-water friendly hardware
• It comes with a 2-year warranty
• The product has five forward and three reverse speed
• The 30-inch composite shaft is adjustable

Cons

• The head and shaft is not sealed

Our Verdict

The product comes with a strong and adjustable shaft. The hardware used for building the product is corrosion resistant and salt-water friendly. This includes zinc, magnesium, and stainless steel. The 2-blade propeller is ideal for power conservation and better compatibility.

The only complaint reviewers had was that the head and shaft are not sealed properly. This makes way for water to creep inside the product. The manufacturer can make changes and put a seal on the product. Overall, the product provides greate value for it’s money and does a pretty good job in salt-water conditions.

 

04 MotorGuide Xi5 Wireless Trolling Motor

The MotorGuide Xi5 is an advanced option for those who are looking for a hands-free fishing experience. It has all the features that you are looking for. These include auto-pilot feature, foot control, universal sonar, and battery indicator.

The battery indicator is an important feature as it tells you about how much battery charge remains. The foot pedal is also a good feature because you can cruise around in the water without using your hands. Catching a fish requires patience and a lot of time. Do not have to use your hands because this product can be used hands-free.

The 55 lb thrust is ideal for small boats. The shaft length is 48 inches. In a nutshell, the product does a great job in water. In fact, we did not see or hear any negative reviews for this efficient and advanced product.

Specifications

Pros

• The product has foot control which gives you a hands-free experience
• It has an auto-pilot feature
• The product can be used for saltwater and freshwater
• It has a 55 lb thrust

Cons

• There is no mounting bracket.
• It can be shipped only within the USA.

Our Verdict

The product has not received any negative reviews so far. The MotorGuide Xi5 wireless trolling motor comes with foot control and Pinpoint GPS. The motor is recessed and the operation is smooth. When you are out for fishing, hand control can be troublesome as you are not able to concentrate on fishing.

This product gives you a hands-free experience and you are able to cruise around and catch fish without worrying about the hand control. It also has an auto-pilot feature.

No wonder why it’s not a cheap trolling motor. Basically, the user can cruise without worrying about using their hand. The icing on the cake is that the product can be used in fresh as well as saltwater.

05 Minn Kota Edge 45 Bowmount

We have another Minn Kota product on our list. Most of the buyers trust a Minn Kota because they are famous for their quality trolling motor lineups. This one has a bow mount and is the most reliable product in the market.

The product is ideal for freshwater. Also, you can stay stress-free as this motor has foot control. It’s also hands-free because it allows you to use the foot pedal to cruise around and go fishing without any worries about using your hands for the control. Do not let the size of this product fool you at all! It has five-speed settings, which makes it easy for trolling.

There is a directional indicator that gives you a clear reading. The composite shaft is indestructible and the motor is powerful yet quiet. We personally love this product for its efficiency and quiet operation. This is great for small boats like kayaks.

Specifications

Pros

• The product is ideal for smaller boats
• It has a 45 lb max thrust
• The product is used for freshwater
• It has an indestructible composite shaft

Cons

• The product is not as easy to operate

Our Verdict

As per some of the reviewers, the product is not as easy to operate. However, it is a Minn Kota. Minn Kota is famous for its sophisticated trolling motor lineups. The maximum thrust is 45 lb and is ideal for smaller boats. You can also apply it on inflatable boats as well. If the whole idea is to buy a product for small boats then invest in this product. It is primarily used in freshwater.

06 Newport Vessels Kayak Series Trolling motor

The Newport Vessels kayak series is ideal for smaller boats, kayaks or canoes. This model is one of the best-rated trolling motors on our list. It has 12 V and a handle which measures 6 inches. The product is built for saltwater conditions. The high-quality materials used for creating this durable product make it a top pick as per the reviewers.

It has received stellar reviews on Amazon and other shopping websites. The shaft is durable and measures 24 inches. With 8 speed, out of which 5 are forward and 3 are reversed and you can expect the motor to run smoothly in the water.

The item weighs 23 pounds and is ideal for smaller boats. It comes with a 2-years warranty and you get all these features at an affordable price. The 55lb thrust is powerful enough for a small or an inflatable kayak. You can cruise around smoothly with this motor easily mounted on your boat.

Specifications

Pros

• The product is ideal for saltwater conditions
• It has eight speeds, five for forward and three for reverse
• The product comes with a 2-year warranty
• It has an LED (5) Battery indicator
• The fiberglass shaft is 24 inches and gives optimum performance

Cons

• Warranty and support services are available only for the USA territory
• The motorhead and handle are not waterproof.

Our Verdict

The first thing that I noticed was that the motor is quiet and does not make unpleasant sounds. It is a powerful motor with 12V. I personally recommend it for saltwater conditions. It has eight speeds out of which five are forward and three are reversed.

The product has an LED battery indicator which shows you the exact amount of charge left. The good news is that there were no negative reviews for this product. All the reviewers were elated the look and feel of the product.

07 Minn Kota Ulterra Trolling Motor

The Minn Kota Ulterra trolling motor is the most interesting invention. It has an autopilot mode which allows you to cruise around automatically. You can navigate to the direction in which you choose to go. Just push a button on the iPilot remote and this way you will be able to easily stow and deploy. The iPilot uses reliable GPS to easily control the trolling motor.

There is a large LCD screen through which you can see the boat positioning and much more. The iPilot copilot remote can also tell you the exact charge left in your motor. It will deliver as much charge which is required. The composite shaft is indestructible and comes with a lifetime guarantee.

The product has endless features that will impress you and compel you to buy the product. The motor is quiet and does not scare the fishes away! This Minn Kota Ulterra trolling motor is one of the top-rated products on the market for its self deploying or auto-deploy feature. Also, it has received many positive reviews online. The product has not received negative reviews so far.

Specifications

Pros

• It has automatic stow and deploys
• It comes with an iPilot remote
• The product has a spot-lock
• It has an electrical foot pedal
• It has mega down imaging (built-in)
• The product has a power trim
• Elaborate center console

Cons

• This product contains a substance called DEHP, marked as harmful by Proposition 65

Our Verdict

No matter how heavy your boat is, this motor is powerful enough to help you cruise around. A powerful motor is needed for cruising in the boat in rough waters. Whether it is calm or rough, the product can help you sail through. The iPilot remote is surely the highlight of the product.

I personally loved that it has an automatic stow and deploy. Also, the iPilot tells you how much charge is left in the motor. It will utilize as much charge as needed. It helps you to save energy which is a big plus. In a nutshell, its an excellent motor up for sale.

08 Attwood MotorGuide X3 Bow Mount Hand-Control 940200210

The AttwoodMotorGuide X3 Bow mount hand-control trolling motor is built for freshwater use. This product has many features that will compel you to purchase it for your boat. It works smoothly on the water and has a three-blade machete propeller.

One of the most intriguing features of the product is that it comes with a composite shaft. There is a twist handle that can extend for better control. The composite shaft has a lifetime guarantee. With all these benefits, you get a solid product for the price you pay.

The brand ensures the durability of the product. You can expect a tough-quality trolling motor on the water. It will swiftly pull the boat and give you a silent ride. Looks like fishing will be fruitful with this motor mounted on your boat.

There is no doubt that the product has some negative aspects which include the reverse and insufficient parts being shipped to the user. The manufacturer can look into the matter! Despite these few loopholes, the product is worth the purchase.

Specifications

Pros

• It has three blade propeller
• Built for fresh-water use
• Twist handle can extend for comfort and better control
• The product is tough
• It is durable

Cons

• Reverse does not work as efficiently
• Insufficient parts were shipped to some buyers

Our Verdict

The Attwood motor guide X3 is a decent purchase but there are some loopholes. As per the reviewers, not enough parts were provided for mounting the product. The composite shaft has a lifetime guarantee. Also, it comes with a brand new mount.

Overall, it is a decent product and the reviewers gave it good ratings. If the manufacturer takes care of the reverse loophole and ships sufficient parts for mounting, then this product can climb up the ladder and be on #7.

09 Minn Kota Vantage 80 Freshwater Transom

The Minn Kota manufacturer is known for creating the finest trolling motors and accessories. Many buyers trust the manufacturer for their efficient products. This specific product is ideal for freshwater. The mounting is transom and the thrust is 80 pounds.

The more thrust, the more powerful the motor is! I personally love that the product comes with a 2-years warranty and the composite shaft is indestructible. The product is durable and you can expect a long-lasting motor.

The product comes with instant back trolling and a digital maximize. We can think of multiple features that make this a worthy product. The motor is quiet and does not disturb the fishes which means you will surely catch a fish tonight!

Specifications

Pros

• It has a transom mount
• The product comes with a 2-year warranty
• Stow and deploy with just a push of the button
• Thrust is 80 pounds

Cons

• Some existing buyers had problems with the motherboard.

Our Verdict

Minn Kota is known for creating great quality motors for your boats. It has 80 lb of thrust and can extend till 31 inches for better control. There are many advantages of using this motor. It comes with a warranty card and a manual. In case you find it difficult to figure out the usage, the manual will help you to get started.

It stows and deploys with just an easy push of the button. Also, it has a power trim and comes with a 2-year warranty. If there are any technical glitches, the 2-year warranty can cover it for you. On top of that, you can easily attach your Humminbird fish finder with this Minn Kota motor.

The composite shaft is indestructible and the product does not make a lot of sounds. Some users had a problem with the motherboard. There were few odd comments but most of the reviews were positive. From our side, we will give it a thumbs up.

Other Minn Kota models that might interest you:

565MX, Maxxum 70, Maxxum 65, Maxxum 74, Maxxum 80, Maxxum 55, Maxxum 101, Maxxum pro 80, US2, 3HP, Traxxis 45, Traxxis 55, Traxxis 70, Traxxis 80, Endura C2 30, Endura C2 50, Endura Max 45, Endura max 50, Endura 55, Endura C2 40, Endura C2 45, Endura 50, Endura 36, Endura C2 55, Endura Max 40, Terrova 55, Terrova 112 72, Powerdrive V2 (1866310), Classic 28, RT 160, Ulterra 112, Turbo 35, Turbo 65, All Terrain, Powerdrive 70, Riptide 40, EM 160, Riptide 45, Riptide 55, Riptide ST, Edrive, Endura 40, Genesis, Riptide 80, Riptide 70, Riptide 112, Ultrex 80 45, Ultrex 80 52, Ultrex 112, Fortrex 80, Fortrex 101, Fortrex 112, Ulterra 80, Edge 55, Edge 65, and Edge 70.

10 Motorguide 940500010 X5 55Fw 45″ 12V Foot-Operated

The Motorguide 45 inches variant has 12 V and is foot-operated. Go out fishing without any stress in your head. Going hands-free for fishing is the best way to do it! The fishing enthusiasts must have a lot of patience and should opt for a hands-free motor.

Cruise around in the water with this foot pedal motor. The outer shaft is made of stainless steel. This is a durable product that you must invest in! It also has an LED directional indicator which gives you a quick-view.

The product has a 2 blade propeller and a wide mount. If you are looking for durability and efficiency, this product does a great job!

Specifications

Pros

• The product has a 2 blade propeller
• The outer shaft has an oversized stainless steel material
• An LED directional indicator is included

Cons

• The switch is not protected with an anti-corrosion layer.

Our Verdict

The motor guide variant is known for its foot pedal control. When a fishing enthusiast is out for fishing, they want it to be a hassle-free experience. The key advantage of the product is that it has digital power management. It can extend the lifetime of the product.

Also, the VRS technology gives you maximum control. Like the Brute 767 and Pro series models, this model’s build quality is also spot on. As we mentioned, it has a little issue with the switch coating, but there have been no substantial negative reviews for this product so far.

Why Buy a Trolling Motor

There are a number of advantages that come with a trolling motor. Some of them are mentioned below:

• It’s a self-contained unit. It operates smoothly and quietly – The fishes do not know of your arrival.
• Even beginners can easily use a trolling motor. It does not require technical expertise. The manufacturers usually place a manual inside the product.
• Say no to gasoline because most of the trolling motors have rechargeable batteries. Well, looks like you are contributing towards a greener society.
• When you buy a gas powered motor, it can cause a peculiar smell. The trolling motor does not have any stink.
• The trolling motors are super easy to use!

These are the major benefits of investing in a trolling motor. Let us understand more about products for you in the next section.

Trolling Motor Buying Guide: Key-features

Thrust

How much power does your trolling motor possess? By thrust, we mean to say the power that your motor possesses. The thrust is usually measured in lbs/pounds. The more the thrust, the more powerful it will be on the water. The fastest models come with the most powerful thrusts.

If you are mounting it on a kayak or a smaller boat (for example: a Jon boat), go for a small motor. Large motors are expensive but they are certainly better than the smaller ones.

The thrust has the ability to pull your boat at a steady speed. Bigger ones are ideal for big boats, pontoons and tandem kayaks.

You’ll find motors coming with a wide range of thrust power. The most common models thrust capacities include 30 lb., 35 lb., 40 lb., 50 lb., 70 lb., 65 lb., 80 lb., 160 lb., 200 lb. and 250 lb.

Shaft Length

The length of the shaft can affect the performance on the water. If the transom or bow is farther from the body of water, you may require a longer shaft. A fishing kayak will need a short shaft and the bigger boats (for example: a bass boat) need a lengthy shaft.

However, do not go for such a long shaft that it hits in shallow waters. Most trolling motors will come with an adjustable shaft which makes it easier for you to adjust it according to the boat you are using.

Speed

The trolling motors come with fixed eight speeds. You can also find variable speed models too. You will usually find 5 forward and 3 reverse speeds. This basically gives you the versatility to move in water efficiently.

It really depends on the type of fish you are chasing. If the fish is fast enough, you would require a speedy motor. Firstly, put the bait inside the water and then gradually speed up. Don’t expect  Jet Ski speed out of these units.

Bow Mount vs Transom Mount

The Bow mount is the popular pick in today’s world. When you mount it in the forward position of the outboard of your kayak or boat, there is better control. The front mount system makes it easy to make turns quickly and more effectively.

The trolling motor pulls the boat rather than pushing it. These are mounted on the floor of the boat or the kayak. This can be wireless, foot, and hand-controlled.

As for the transom mount, the motor is attached to the stern of the boat.  There are some boats which do not have a lot of space on the floor. The biggest advantage of this motor is that it is versatile. You can mount it in different positions. There is no drilling required for this type of mount. There are engine mount models out there that can be fitted to the engine.

Foot Pedal or Hand Tiller

The hand tiller is usually extendable up to 6 inches. The speed can be adjusted with the hand tiller. All you need to do is twist it. The hand-controlled version is ideal because you have more control over changing the direction when something is blocking your path. This kind can be used for medium size paddle boats and paddle boards.

As for the foot pedal, it is popular in medium to larger boats. These are hands-free which makes it a popular pick for those who do not wish to use their hands. If you want to do fishing peacefully, this hands-free foot pedal will be ideal for you.

Saltwater or Freshwater Motor

The materials used for creating a trolling motor for saltwater conditions will be different. Hardware such as stainless steel, magnesium, and zinc will be used for saltwater motors. The only difference in the motors is the anodes.

In the saltwater motor, the anodes will be covered with corrosion-resistant materials. The saltwater is more expensive than the latter because of the maintenance and hardware cost. The freshwater motors are usually manually handled. In these, hand or foot control is used.

Design & Material

The trolling motors material depends on the type of motor you wish to invest in. If it is a salt-water friendly motor, then you need something which has a cover made of corrosion-resistant material. Also, use the right kind of trolling motor jacket for wiring or cable management.

Battery Efficiency

How many hours does the battery last? This could be a key factor in choosing the right product. Also, the size of the battery is important when choosing one. If you use Digital Maximizer, your motor battery will last longer.

Power and Voltage

There are three voltage options to choose from. 12 volt, 24 volt and 36 volt are the common ones you will find. There’s also 48 volt models for greater power. If a motor has more thrust, it will require more power.

If a motor has a thrust of about 100 lbs, it will require 36 V voltage. A smaller boat, such as a beginner kayak, would require a 12 V voltage.  The 24 and 36V have a multi-battery system, which is much more economical.

Other Features

• Directional Indicator – Some motors are self-directed. This basically means they can steer on its own in the right direction. This allows you to concentrate on fishing and nothing else. It will be hands-free as the motor is self-directed.
• Digital display – Some products come with a bright digital display which shows you the speed at which you are going and the depth of water underneath your boat. This will give you a clear picture of whether you are at the right place to catch the fish.
• Lift-Assist – Raising the motor without any effort is a blessing for keen fishing enthusiasts.
• Battery Indicator – The battery indicator shows you as to how much battery charge is left. Some motors will save energy by using as much battery that is required for operations. Most of the good trolling motors come with a bright LED battery indicator.

Value for the Money

When buyers invest in a product, they look for the price tag. It is more or less important while choosing the product of your choice. At the end of the day, the quality will matter. You may not need an expensive one, maybe a budget trolling motor has all the features that you need.

However, you must buy a quality product based on your requirements and not think too much about the price. That way you can secure a model offering the best value.

Consider it as an investment, a good quality trolling motor would be needed for durability and efficiency. Again, if you go low on the budget, check out the craigslist for any refurbished models or look out for Black Friday discounts and promotions.

There are other DIY options to assemble a trolling motor where you can apply homemade solutions for cutting on the budget.

Trolling Motor Care, Maintenance and Safety Tips

You may purchase an expensive and advanced trolling motor or a cheap one, in all cases, you need to ensure proper care and maintenance.  Maintenace will seem easier if you know how trolling motor works. Some safety, maintenance, and care tips are given below which you must follow.

Let us first take a look at the maintenance tips:

• Always recharge the battery before using it. The battery should be fully recharged at least 100% before you can start using it.
• Cleaning the motor on a regular basis is ideal. Keep it dirt-free by using an anti-abrasive material.
• Check the product for any peculiar sounds. If you hear any cranking sound, it is possible that the motor is not working properly. The product may require servicing or replacement.
• Is there any damage to the propeller? A damaged propeller could affect the overall performance.

Safety tips

• Look for the five safety features of your product – overheat protection, start protection, low-voltage protection, stall, and reverse-connection protection.
• Buying a circuit breaker may be a wise idea. If the max speed is 40 amps, then investing in a circuit breaker of 50 amps will be a good idea. This is needed for avoiding any kind of damage to the motor.
• The engine should be sealed properly so that water cannot go inside it. This could damage the motor and it is possible your product may get ruined completely.
• Always check how much battery/juice is left in your motor. To ensure that the product is 100% recharged before you set out on an expedition.

Wrapping It Up

We hope that the trolling motor buying guide helped you to make a decision. The reviews are structured in such a way so that it gets easier for you to decide. It starts with our top choice–Goplus Electric Trolling Motor– and then we move on to the top budget-friendly MinnKota Endura Transom.

In case your intention is to take the boat in saltwater, the third option will be ideal for you. It all boils down to your requirement and budget. However, my thinking is that you must invest in a quality motor from the list. 

If you are up for a great trolling motor for the money, then the second pick should be ideal for you. A trolling motor does not help you to troll but only makes your fishing experience much more fruitful. Don’t let the fishes know that you are around else you will return to your home without a catch for dinner!

The question is – Who makes the most capable trolling motors? You have ten options in front of you. Choosing one will not be a hard decision because all the pros and cons are mentioned.

Consider going through the buying guide yet again. This will help in choosing the right model as per your needs. Buy the best one as per your requirements!