Updated October 26, 2022
For a serious fisherman in a small to medium-sized watercraft, a trolling motor is practically a necessity. Quiet so as not to alert the fish and with the agility to put you right where they are located, the best electric trolling motor for your boat can move at a slow, steady pace while you fish or a little faster to speed you from A to B.
With so many trolling motors on the market with different specs and capabilities, finding the one that suits your boat could take significant research. To help with that, a selection of the best electric trolling motors is presented below as an introduction to the range available. There’s a basic comparison table to start, followed by descriptions, key features, photos, videos, and a buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please use the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For more reviews of boats, kayaks, canoes, and accessories, please check out these popular posts:
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Best Electric Trolling Motors Reviews
- Minn Kota Edge Bow Mount Trolling Motor
- Newport Vessels L-Series Trolling Motor
- Minn Kota Endura Transom C2 Transom Mount Trolling Motor
- Newport Vessels NV Series Trolling Motor
- Minn Kota Traxxis Transom Mount Trolling Motor
- Watersnake ASP Trolling Motor
- MotorGuide Xi3 Wireless Bow Mount Trolling Motor
- Minn Kota Riptide Powerdrive Bow Mount Trolling Motor
Electric Trolling Motor Comparison Table
| Photo | Trolling Motor | Thrust | Water Type | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Minn Kota Edge Bow Mount Trolling Motor | 45/55/70 lbs | Freshwater | $$$ |
  | Newport Vessels L-Series Trolling Motor | 62/86 lbs | Saltwater | $$ |
  | Minn Kota Endura Transom C2 Transom Mount Trolling Motor | 30/40/45/50/55 lbs | Freshwater | $ |
  | Newport Vessel NV Series Trolling Motor | 36/46/55/62/86 lbs | Saltwater | $ |
  | Minn Kota Traxxis Transom Mount Trolling Motor | 45/55/70/80 lbs | Freshwater | $$$ |
  | Watersnake ASP Trolling Motor | 18/24 lbs | Saltwater | $ |
  | MotorGuide Xi3 Wireless Bow Mount Trolling Motor | 45/55/70/80/105 lbs | Freshwater | $$$$$ |
  | Minn Kota Riptide Powerdrive Bow Mount Trolling Motor | 55/70 lbs | Saltwater | $$$$$ |
| Photo | Trolling Motor | Thrust | Water Type | Price |
Minn Kota Edge Bow Mount Trolling Motor
Three thrust options of 45, 55, or 70 pounds are available with an exceptionally durable composite shaft from 36” to 52” depending on the model.
It is easy to set up and remove with latch and door mounts and comes with a 2-year limited warranty.
Key Features
- Water Type: freshwater
- Battery: 12V & 24V
- Mount: bow
- Shaft: durable composite, 36”, 45”, 50”, 52” (depending on the model)
- Prop: MKP-2 Power Prop pushes through heavy vegetation
- Thrust: 45, 55, and 70 pounds
- Speeds: 5 forward, 3 reverse
- Control: available in hand or heel-toe/cable-steer foot pedal
- Other Features: latch and door mounts for easy removal, a directional indicator on the top of the trolling motor head on foot control models
- Warranty: 2-year limited
- Price: $$$
Newport Vessels L-Series Trolling Motor
It comes in a choice of 62 or 86 pounds of thrust with a durable 40” composite fiberglass shaft and a 10” reinforced nylon blade great for moving through grass and weeds in the shallows.
Transom mounted it has a tiller adjustable to several angles with a 6” telescoping extension great for sitting or standing.
Newport prides itself on customer service and it comes with a 2-year warranty.
Key Features
- Water Type: saltwater
- Battery: 12V & 24V
- Mount: transom
- Shaft: 40” composite fiberglass
- Prop: reinforced nylon, 3-blade, 10” diameter
- Thrust: 62, 86 pounds
- Speeds: 5 forward, 3 reverse
- Control: handle/tiller with 6” telescoping extension
- Other Features: 10-point LED battery meter, built with corrosion-resistant materials including stainless steel and zinc
- Warranty: 2-year
- Price: $$
View More From Newport Vessels
Minn Kota Endura Transom C2 Transom Mount Trolling Motor
Available in 5 models with thrust output from 30 to 55 pounds, it comes with a telescopic tiller for easy steering and is unusually quiet.
The power prop is effective in the weeds and the lever lock bracket makes mounting easy.
To top it off, it comes with a 2-year warranty with a limited lifetime warranty on the durable composite shaft.
Key Features
- Water Type: freshwater
- Battery: 12V
- Mount: transom
- Shaft: 30”, 36”, 42” (depending on the thrust/model) composite
- Prop: 2-blade power prop
- Thrust: 30, 40, 45, 50, 55 pounds
- Speeds: 5 forward, 3 reverse
- Control: twist tiller with 6” telescoping extension
- Other Features: 10-position lever lock bracket for easy mounting, very quiet (won’t scare off the fish)
- Warranty: limited lifetime warranty on the shaft, 2 years for the entire product
- Price: $
Newport Vessels NV Series Trolling Motor
Using corrosion-resistant materials, it can be used effectively in saltwater as well as freshwater.
The design includes a durable, adjustable fiberglass composite shaft, a 3-blade fiberglass-reinforced prop, and a convenient 6” telescoping tiller.
A 5-point LED battery meter makes it easy to keep track of the battery load.
The NV Series models come at very reasonable pricing and Newport supports your satisfaction with a 2-year warranty.
Key Features
- Water Type: freshwater and saltwater
- Battery: 12V or 24V (86 model)
- Mount: transom
- Shaft: 24”, 30”, 36” (depending on the thrust/model) fiberglass composite, adjustable
- Prop: 3-blade fiberglass reinforced
- Thrust: 36, 46, 55, 62, 86 pounds
- Speeds: 5 forward, 3 reverse
- Control: twist tiller with 6” telescoping extension
- Other Features: built with corrosion-resistant materials including stainless steel and zinc, 5-point LED battery meter, 4’ battery cable
- Warranty: 2-year
- Price: $
View More From Newport Vessels
Minn Kota Traxxis Transom Mount Trolling Motor
The battery charge efficiency is increased with digital maximize technology and it has an adjustable tiller that extends 6” and can be tilted up to 45° for more convenient steering.
The Wedge 2 Power Prop is especially effective in getting through weeds and vegetation and there is added convenience with a quick-cam depth adjuster, as well as a one-hand stow mechanism.
Pricing is a little higher than many models in the same size range reviewed here but it comes with a 2-year warranty.
Key Features
- Water Type: freshwater
- Battery: 12V
- Mount: transom
- Shaft: 36”, 42” (depending on the thrust/model) fiberglass composite, adjustable)
- Prop: weedless Web 2 Power Prop
- Thrust: 45, 55, 70, 80 pounds
- Speeds: 5 forward, 3 reverse
- Control: tilt/twist tiller with 6” telescoping extension and up to 45° tilt
- Other Features: digital maximizer technology increases battery charge efficiency, quick-cam depth adjuster, stainless steel hardware and aluminum head, one-hand stow mechanism, push-to-test battery meter
- Warranty: 2-year
- Price: $$$
With a corrosion-resistant coating and 24” alloy shaft, it is made for saltwater.
The simple durable design includes a 2-blade weedless prop, 2 forward and 2 reverse speeds, a hand control tiller, and a stowaway handle.
Pricing is for the budget-minded and it also includes a 1-year warranty.
Key Features
- Water Type: saltwater
- Battery: 12V
- Mount: transom
- Shaft: 24” alloy
- Prop: 2-blade weedless
- Thrust: 18, 24 pounds
- Speeds: 2 forward, 2 reverse
- Control: hand, stow away handle
- Other Features: corrosion-resistant coating, anti-impact clip system
- Warranty: 1-year
- Price: $
MotorGuide Xi3 Wireless Bow Mount Trolling Motor
Available in five sizes with thrust from 45 to 105 pounds, there are plenty of power options for middle-sized boats.
It is quiet and has digital power management for lengthening battery life substantially, and an LED dashboard display for easy-to-read control info.
Available in 3 versions, standard, standard with GPS, and standard with GPS plus sonar, the sonar can be integrated with popular fishfinder brands like Simrad and Lowrance.
As you would expect for such a technology-packed trolling motor, the pricing is high. It comes with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Key Features
- Water Type: freshwater (saltwater model available)
- Battery: 12V or 24V
- Mount: bow
- Shaft: 48”, 54”, 60”, 68”, 72” composite
- Prop: 3-blade Machete
- Thrust: 45, 55, 70, 80, 105 pounds
- Speeds: digital power management for 5X longer battery life
- Control: wireless remote
- Other Features: easy-to-read LED dashboard, easy stowing and deploying, 40% quieter operation, HD + universal sonar compatible (brands like Lowrance and Simrad), Pinpoint GPS compatible, pontoon models available, optional wireless foot pedal
- Warranty: 2-year limited
- Price: $$$$$
Minn Kota Riptide Powerdrive Bow Mount Trolling Motor
Smart boat control features include a wireless remote and the iPilot GPS trolling system with Spot-Lock to hold a position, with Bluetooth mobile app compatibility.
It comes in two sizes for mid-sized vessels and has a digital maximizer for extended battery life with a push-to-test battery meter to keep track of power use.
The deploy-assist lever makes it easy to deploy and retrieve and a Wedge 2 prop efficiently pushes through seagrass and plant life.
With this level of technology, it’s expensive but comes with a fairly generous warranty from Minn Kota to back it up.
Key Features
- Water Type: saltwater
- Battery: 12V or 24V
- Mount: bow
- Shaft: 48”, 54” composite
- Prop: weedless Wedge 2 prop, swept back to power through weeds
- Thrust: 55, 70 pounds
- Speeds: digital maximizer for 5X longer battery life
- Control: wireless waterproof remote, iPilot GPS trolling system with Spot-Lock to hold a position
- Other Features: advanced corrosion protection, mobile app compatibility, push-to-test battery meter, a deploy-assist lever for easy in and out of the water
- Warranty: lifetime warranty on the shaft, 3-year on the entire product
- Price: $$$$$
Electric Trolling Motor Buying Guide
Motor Size and Thrust
Thrust is a measure of the ability of the motor to propel a vessel through the water. It is expressed in pounds and all electric trolling motors have a rating for it. Generally, the larger the motor the greater the thrust output.
Considerations for how much thrust is required include the weight of the vessel, people on board, the load, wind conditions, and weeds and undergrowth. A basic rule of thumb as a starting point is that 2 pounds of thrust are required for every 100 pounds of weight to be propelled. Additional Thrust Guidelines
Batteries/Voltage
Based on the thrust rating of a motor, 12, 24, or 36 volts in 1-3 batteries are required. Generally, if your boat is under 17 feet in length, a 12V battery will suffice. Up to 20 feet, 24V is enough, and over 20 feet, a 36V battery is most suitable.
Mount Type
Electric trolling motors can be mounted on the bow or the transom of a boat. Bow mounts usually provide a little better maneuverability. Transom mounting is often the choice for smaller boats and kayaks where bow mounting is difficult. Hand control can be achieved easily from the seating position nearby.
Speed
Electric trolling motors come with adjustable speeds, frequently with 5 forward and 3 reverse speeds. For cruising across open water a higher speed is optimal whereas for fishing trolling at a much slower pace can be effective. Keep in mind, the maximum speed is usually in the range of 5 to 8 mph.
Speed Controls
Traditionally trolling motors come with hand or foot controls.
- Hand controls involve a handle used for steering and acceleration. They require keeping a hand in place on the mechanism which can limit the capability to manipulate fishing gear.
- Foot controls are operated from deck mounts and have the advantage of freeing up hands for fishing and other activities.
- A third option is a handheld wifi remote control. Some of these are programmable to leave you free from manipulation for significant periods. They can be substantially more expensive, though. The Minn Kota Riptide Powerdrive and MotorGuide Xi3 trolling motors reviewed above are such models.
Shaft Length
For the best performance, the shaft should be long enough for the propeller to be submerged about 12 inches below the surface. You need to keep in mind how high your bow or transom is so that after mounting the propeller is at the prescribed depth.
Saltwater or Freshwater
Saltwater is much more corrosive on certain metals than freshwater. In addition to employing materials that are corrosion-resistant like stainless steel, composites, nylon, fiberglass, and others, models designed for saltwater will include a part called an “anode” with a protective material covering it to increase corrosion resistance. Trolling motors designed for saltwater can perhaps evidently be used in freshwater, as well.
For more reviews of boats, kayaks, canoes, and accessories, please check out these popular posts:
Kayak Knives Fishing Knives Sailing Knives Scuba Diving Knives Titanium Dive Knives Rain Gear for Fishing Boat Trailer Tongue Jacks Boat Trailer Winches Bimini Tops Inflatable Boat Launching Wheels Inflatable Dinghies Inflatable Pontoon Boats for Fishing Boat Ladders Kayak Rod Holders Anchor Ropes Boat Anchors Kayak Storage Racks Kayak Compasses Kayak Anchors Kayak Bilge Pumps Inflatable Canoes Electric Pumps for Inflatables Motorized Kayaks Pedal Kayaks Ocean Fishing Kayaks Fishing Kayak Paddles Waterproof Bags Canoe Paddles Canoes Kayak Shoes Kayak Helmets Kayak Wetsuits Kayak Roof Racks Kayak Carts Kayak Drysuit Review Kayak Paddles Kayak Life Vests Women Kayak Life Vests Marine VHF Radios Small Outboard Motors Kayak Trolling Motors Kayak Fish Finders Marine GPS Marine Binoculars Women’s Kayaks Touring Kayaks Tandem Kayaks Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners Lake Kayaks Ocean Kayaks Fishing Kayaks Beginner Kayaks Recreational Kayaks Inflatable Kayaks Inflatable Boats
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