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Newport NV-Series 55lb Thrust Saltwater Transom Mounted Trolling Electric Trolling Motor w/ LED... | $199.00 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 2 |
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Newport Kayak Series 36lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor w/LED Battery... | $139.00 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 3 |
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Minn Kota 1352155M Endura Max 55 lb. Thrust, 36" Shaft | $349.98 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 4 |
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Newport L-Series 62lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor w/LED Battery... | $269.00 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 5 |
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Minn Kota Edge 55 lb. / FP - 45" | $608.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 6 |
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Minn Kota Endura C2 30 Freshwater Transom Mounted Trolling Motor (30" Shaft) | $169.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 7 |
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Newport X-Series 55lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor w/LED Battery... | $219.00 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 8 |
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Edge 45 lb. / Hand - 45" | $329.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 9 |
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VEVOR Electric Trolling Motor 55lb Thrust Transom Mounted 24-Volt Boat Motor Variable Speed 10 LED... | $107.53 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 10 |
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Watersnake T18 ASP - 18 Pound Thrust 12v Electric Saltwater Trolling Motor with Transom Mount | $100.00 | Buy on Amazon |
If you fish out of a boat, a trolling motor might be recognized as one of the most important tools for a fisherman. It lets you move around with stealthy precision and get into the best position to tempt and catch big fish. Some boats only have a trolling motor as their propulsion system while others have an outboard motor and a trolling motor. The outboard moves you spot to spot while the trolling motor lets you work an area quietly as you fish. Regardless of budget, you want to get the best trolling motors you can afford for your boats.
The trolling motor market exploded in the last 5 years. Before that, there were really only two main players. Today there are nearly a dozen trolling motor or electric motor makers offering some form of electric trolling propulsion for John boats, kayaks, and larger fiberglass boats. They can run you as little as $149 up to $5,000 depending on the features, power, and build that matters to you.
We’ll run down a few of the best in the categories that are most important to fishermen to give you some options across multiple budgets and feature sets. And we’ll discuss some other options at the end. So let’s dig into our picks for the best trolling motors for 2024.
Best Trolling Motors of 2024
Here are the top 10 trolling motors available on Amazon that stand out in terms of performance, reliability, and user satisfaction:
1. Minn Kota Ultrex Quest
The original Minn Kota Ultrex set the bar for what a serious top-of-the-line trolling motor should be. It was rock solid, could handle a ton of abuse, had Spot-Lock GPS anchoring capabilities, and had the most power in the market. The new Quest trolling motors are more powerful, quieter, and more efficient with improved Spot Lock technology. With a powerful 112-pound thrust, it is refined to be quieter while maintaining power and reducing vibration.
PROS:
- Great GPS anchor locking technology
- Very easy to quietly deploy and stow
- Very quiet operation
- Connectivity to all of your other Minn Kota and Humminbird electronics
- Incredible battery efficiency with variable speed control
CONS:
- Price is steep at $3,999
- QUEST Series: These 24/36V dual-voltage brushless motors have been completely re-imagined from the ground up with updates to mounts, propellers, lift assist systems, drive motors and software – taking the world’s greatest trolling motors and redesigning them to outperform everything else on the water for years to come.
- Power Steering: The most comfortable, responsive steering available. Ultrex's foot pedal is built for all-day ease, with precision control and instant responsiveness.
- Steering Lock: When you take your foot off Ultrex's foot pedal, the motor head remains pointed in the direction you left it. No recoil or readjustment, just easier steering every day.
- Advanced GPS Trolling System: The One-Boat Network gives you unprecedented control over your boat by linking your trolling motor to your Humminbird fish finder. Control your trolling motor from the included remote or a connected Humminbird. You can set Spot-Lock, record paths, follow depth contours, automatically navigate to your favorite spots, control speed and steering, and more.
- Part of the One-Boat Network: Minn Kota motors come standard with everything you need to connect to select Humminbird fish finders. Link and control your trolling motor, shallow water anchor and fish finder through the One-Boat Network App on Apple or Android devices.
2. Garmin Force Trolling Motor
The Garmin Force has been a reliable choice for many anglers. It features a lift assist, quiet operation, and a powerful thrust that uses minimal battery power. The wireless pedal is easy to use, and the gesture steering with the remote is a cool feature that allows you to control the motor with just a point in the desired direction.
PROS:
- Quiet and powerful operation
- Wireless foot pedal makes for clean install
- Responsive electric steering
- Lower priced than competitors of equal feature sets
CONS:
- Anchor lock drives a bit too much in calm waters
- Garmin Force trolling motor with foot steer control.
- Provides powerful thrust with 80/100 pounds of thrust.
- 50-inch shaft length for versatile use in various water conditions.
- Offers efficient and quiet operation.
- Compatible with 24V or 36V battery systems for flexibility.
3. Lowrance Ghost Trolling Motor
The Lowrance Ghost is known for its strong and quiet operation. It features a brushless motor design with a powerful 120 pounds of thrust. The power management is one of the best in the industry, allowing you to run all day without draining your battery.
PROS:
- Very strong and quiet
- Efficient brushless motor
- Competitive price in its class
CONS:
- Arrow doesn’t always line up with live forward-facing sonar
- SILENT OPERATION: Move in close with Ghost's ultra-quiet brushless motor - fish will never hear you coming
- RELIABLE: After 4 years and 10,000 testing hours, we have delivered one of the quietest, most reliable, and most powerful trolling motors on the market
- PLUG-AND-PLAY LOWRANCE SONAR: Ghost includes an HDI nosecone transducer, giving you Lowrance CHIRP sonar and DownScan Imaging out of the box; Upgrade options include Active Imaging 3-in-1 nosecone with Lowrance CHIRP, SideScan and DownScan Imaging
- CONFIGURABLE PEDAL: Set preferences via shortcut buttons and a Flip Switch. Pedal Features: battery-level, Anchor/Heading mode, and quick access keys. Program shortcut keys to drop a waypoint or operate your Power-Pole shallow-water anchor
- INTERFERENCE FREE: Ghost’s brushless motor not only runs quieter than common brushed motors, but emits zero electromagnetic interference, ensuring the clearest, interference-free sonar views on your fish finder display
4. MotorGuide Tour Trolling Motor
The MotorGuide Tour trolling motors are synonymous with toughness and performance. The latest versions have tough shafts, brackets, and components that can take a lot of abuse. The 82-pound thrust cable drive is a great trolling motor at a good price, making it the best value option.
PROS:
- Simple quick install
- Powerful and tough
- Durable metal pedal
- Priced competitively starting at $1,449
CONS:
- No remote or controlling with other electronics in the boat
- America’s toughest trolling motor with 360° breakaway system, oversized aluminum outer column, aircraft-grade extruded aluminum mount
- No-flex metal control pedal has premium no-slip grip for easy operation and smooth control
- Zero-G nitrogen gas spring lift assist system for easy stowing/deploying with half the effort of competitive systems
- New high-performance Katana weedless prop delivers increased power with 30% more efficiency than previous props
- 45-In. shaft has unbreakable inner composite shaft backed by lifetime warranty
5. Power-Pole MOVE ZR
The Power-Pole MOVE is a new player in the trolling motor market, designed to be super dependable. It features a titanium shaft, which is lighter and stronger than traditional materials. The brushless motor is built from the ground up, ensuring reliability and performance.
PROS:
- Titanium shaft with lifetime warranty
- Tons of power
- Quietest we’ve seen
CONS:
- Newer product with limited track record
- 【Function】: This battery terminal clip is mainly used to connect battery and battery cable, battery extension, parallel connection and ground connection, powerful and stable performance. The terminal is threaded and very easy and quick to install. The edges are polished smooth and do not hurt your hands.
- 【Widely Universal】: Used for cars, trucks, ATVs, RVs and boats, etc. These have a standard top post battery (19mm tapering positive and 17mm tapering negative). The battery stake head can withstand a maximum current of 300A and can also be used for large trucks, forklifts and construction vehicles, as long as the dimensions match.
- 【Reliable Material】: High quality thickened brass one-piece molding, with good electrical conductivity, oxidation resistance, corrosion resistance, strong and durable. Brass has great conductivity, can effectively reduce voltage distortion and power loss, is a very reliable and practical material.
- 【Easy to Install】: ①Remove the original positive and negative poles from the battery post, and split it with the battery cable. ②Press the stripped battery cable to the battery clip. ③Put the pressed battery clip on the battery pole, tighten the fastening screw and fix the battery clip. (Install the positive pole first)
- 【Package Included】: You will get 1 positive (17-19mm) battery terminal + 1 negative (15-17mm) battery terminal connector. They are easy to identify with clear symbolic markings of "+" and "-" on the terminals of the battery posts. The crimp wire size is 25-50 mm.
6. Minn Kota Endura 55
The Minn Kota Endura 55 is an excellent choice for kayaks and smaller boats. It offers a 55-pound thrust and is known for its reliability and ease of use. This motor is perfect for those who want a lightweight and efficient option for their fishing adventures.
PROS:
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Reliable performance
- Affordable price point
CONS:
- Limited thrust for larger boats
- Lever Lock Bracket: This solid 10-position bracket features a quick-release lever lock and reinforced composite material that resists flexing, warping, and UV damage.
- Telescoping Tiller: Get easy, comfortable, intuitive operation of your trolling motor with the six-inch telescoping tiller including finite adjustment of forward and reverse speed settings.
- Digital Maximizer: Trolling motors equipped with Digital Maximizer provide up to 5 times longer run times on a single battery charge. These variable speed trolling motors let you dial in your exact speed, and they deliver only as much power as you need, helping to conserve your battery for a full day of fishing.
- Push-to-Test Battery Meter: Press a button on the trolling motor head to get an instant status of battery life you have left.
- Power Prop: This prop delivers extra power to push through heavy vegetation. Includes prop pin, nut and washer.
7. Garmin Force Kraken
The Garmin Force Kraken is designed for deep hull boats and offers exceptional power and efficiency. It features advanced technology that allows for precise control and maneuverability, making it a great choice for serious anglers.
PROS:
- Powerful thrust for deep hull boats
- Advanced technology for precise control
- Durable construction
CONS:
- Higher price point
- Most powerful trolling motor on the market with 100 lbs of thrust (in compliance with ISO standard 13342)
- Anchor lock provides our most precise boat positioning, thanks to multi-band GPS and integrated AHRS for heading hold
- Wireless integration with Garmin chartplotters allows you to create routes, patterns and tracks for the trolling motor to follow
- Easy installation where space is limited, thanks to the pivot-style mount
- Longer shaft length accommodates many different boat sizes and deck layouts
8. Newport Vessels NV-Series
The Newport Vessels NV-Series is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality. It offers a 55-pound thrust and is perfect for smaller boats and kayaks. This motor is easy to install and operate, making it a great choice for beginners.
PROS:
- Affordable price
- Easy to install and operate
- Lightweight design
CONS:
- Limited thrust for larger boats
- Efficient Power: 55Lb Thrust - This 12V Electric Trolling Motor Provides Excellent Power And Efficiency For Any Boater. The High Quality Build Allows The Motor To Run All Day Long Without Overheating, Or Making Noise To Spook Fish
- Features: This Motor Features A 30 Inch Shaft, A 5 Led Battery Meter, A 6 Inch Telescoping Tiller Handle, And 3 Blade Propeller. The Mount Angle, Height, And Direction Can All Be Adjusted And Locked Into Place When Needed
- Speed: This Motor Has 8 Speeds, 5 Forward And 3 Reverse. The Motor Is Designed For Trolling, So The Top Speed Of This Motor Is About 4Mph, But Depends On Your Boat Shape, Weight, Water, Wind, And Other Factors. Our 3 Blade Propeller Gives The Motor Great Low End Torque To Get The Boat Moving
- Battery: The Nv 55Lb Motor Requires One (1) 12V Lead-Acid Deep Cycle Or Lithium Deep Cycle Battery (Battery Not Included), 50Ah Recommended. The Motor Also Includes A 50Amp Circuit Breaker Which Is Recommended At All Times To Protect From Battery Voltage Surges. Max Amp Draw: 52A
9. Watersnake T24 Electric Motor
The Watersnake T24 is a compact and lightweight electric motor that is perfect for small boats and canoes. It offers a 24-pound thrust and is easy to use, making it a great choice for casual fishing trips.
PROS:
- Compact and lightweight
- Easy to use
- Affordable price
CONS:
- Limited thrust for larger boats
- PORTABLE - Watersnake Saltwater Electric Outboard Motor is the ultimate in lightweight portability, weighing only 4.85lbs (2.2kg). Watersnake’s simple design keeps the weight down while delivering quality and performance.
- COMPATIBLE - It is the ideal trolling motor to use on kayaks, canoes, small dinghies, and inflatable boats. Please note: Battery not included.
- DESIGN – 24” shaft, adjustable mount fitting that makes for easy attachment, and anti-impact clip system. This easy to steer motor uses a hand tiller with an extendable handle, high and low speed control, forward and reverse switch and two blade weedless propeller design.
- STYLE - Electric motor with 24lbs thrust, Kayak Bracket Mount included.
- SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: Necessity is the mother of invention. Created by anglers to be used by anglers. If you’re not satisfied with your Watersnake Electric Motor, contact your distributor to be taken care of.
10. Haswing Cayman Trolling Motor
The Haswing Cayman is a versatile trolling motor that offers a good balance of power and efficiency. It features a 55-pound thrust and is suitable for various boat types. This motor is known for its durability and ease of use.
PROS:
- Versatile and durable
- Good balance of power and efficiency
- Affordable price
CONS:
- Limited features compared to higher-end models
- Haswing Cayman T 12V 55LBS Trolling Motor aimed at fishermen who require the versatility of guiding their motor via a hand remote. The trolling motor comes standard with a hand control, sacrificial anode and encapsulated electronics. It's equipped with one-way stepless speed control. The depth height can easily be adjusted, so you can motor in virtually any water. It's features 3 levels LED battery power reader. Suitable for both salt and fresh water.
- Offer 0 - 85 degree titling position, so it can easily be tilted in and out of the water when the depth or fishing condition change
- Motor Fin: Separated design for propeller protection
- The remote control fits into the palm of your hand easily or can be attached around your neck with a lanyard. Conveniently control the motor on the boat or shore-side with the farthest 164 ft distance, meanwhile the remote can be recharged with a USB cable on power bank when necessary
- Haswing Cayman T 12V 55LBS Trolling Motor with 39inch cast aluminum shaft; Max boat lenght is about 18ft
Buying Guide for Trolling Motors
When looking for the best trolling motor, consider the following factors:
- Thrust: The thrust of the motor should match the size and weight of your boat. A general rule of thumb is to have 2 pounds of thrust for every 100 pounds of boat weight.
- Type: Choose between a transom mount or a bow mount based on your boat type and fishing style.
- Power Source: Most trolling motors run on 12V, 24V, or 36V batteries. Ensure you have the right battery setup for your motor.
- Features: Look for features like GPS anchoring, remote control, and variable speed settings to enhance your fishing experience.
- Durability: Ensure the motor is built with high-quality materials to withstand harsh marine environments.
In conclusion, the right trolling motor can significantly enhance your fishing experience. Whether you prioritize power, efficiency, or advanced features, there is a perfect trolling motor for every angler’s needs in 2024.
Last update on 2024-09-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API | votechriscarrillo.com is a participant in the Amazon Associate program and will earn from qualifying purchases.