Trolling motors are the perfect solution for people who want to catch bass, walleye, striper or many other species of fish but don’t always want to get on the water early. Some people also enjoy using trolling motors to fish for salmon, pike, catfish, trout and other species.
The only way to effectively use a trolling motor is to mount it on your boat. Fortunately, there are a lot of great trolling motor mounts options available today.
The following article is a full review of the best trolling motor mounts on the market. You’ll know what to look for in a good trolling motor mount and why you need one.
1. Minn Kota Endura Transom Mount Trolling Motor
Pros:
- Surprisingly quiet for a direct-drive trolling motor
- Extremely lightweight
- Charges quickly 6V models)
- Easy to push and maneuver
- 3-year warranty
Cons:
- Very loud and very heavy for a 12V model
- Dampens the responsiveness of your boat
This is a great trolling motor for the price. This is a big 12 volt, long-shaft, direct-drive, and transom-mount trolling motor with a stainless steel shaft and built-in trim adjustment.
This trolling motor has a mounting system that lets you adjust for different thickness of your boat. However, it isn’t meant to be used with a boat that’s more than 20 to 25 feet long. You also get five year warranty with this trolling motor.
Read more about the Minn Kota Endura Transom Mount Trolling Motor
2. MotorGuide X3 Bow Mount Foot-Control 940200090
This motor is amazingly very quiet. It is definitely one of the best trolling motors for kayaks and fishing boats. In fact, you won’t hear the motor running unless you come very close to it. It’s very lightweight and can be utilized without any problems as a bow motor.
It works best in wide and open bodies of water so if you’re trolling for bass on a clear, wide lake, this is a great motor to use. It will help you to get a lot of distance covered without being excessively tired as it has a decent amount of power.
This motor, as many others, has a low-end and high-end power mode. At low power, the motor is fast and quiet, but it won’t go that far. At high power, the motor is pretty quiet and fast as well, but that depends on the type of water you’re in.
Read more about the MotorGuide X3 Bow Mount Foot-Control 940200090
3. Minn Kota Riptide Terrova a 80 54" Shaft Length 80 lbs Thrust 24V Trolling Motor
Pros:
- Designed to be lightweight and easy to use
- Low-vibration
- Powerful
- Portable
- Plugs into a standard wall outlet
Cons:
- Does not have a braking system
- The device could be better secured on the boat
The 80 pounds of thrust in this motor is truly capable of moving the boat at a rapid pace. It also has excellent battery life.
The motor measures 14.4 x 8 x 9 inches and weighs in at 26 pounds. The handle is ergonomically designed and has built-in controls.
The Riptide® Terrova 80i is designed to perform with the innovative i-Pilot® Control System and an 80-pound thrust. It has the capability of moving the boat at a rapid pace, and it also has excellent battery life.
Read more about the Minn Kota Riptide Terrova a 80 54" Shaft Length 80 lbs Thrust 24V Trolling Motor
4. Newport Vessels NV-Series 55lb Thrust Saltwater Transom Mounted Trolling Electric Trolling Motor
Pros:
- Uses 'Power Pulse' technology
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Solid brass construction
- Has digital control capability
- Operates silently for fish not to notice
- Comes with an 18-month warranty
- Available in different sizes
- Affordable
Cons:
- Might release 'high voltage shock'
- Discontinued in 2019
- Low battery indicator
- Haven't noticed any so far
This is the perfect trolling motor for anyone who's looking for an entry-level motor that can be easily installed. The battery indicator shows the state of the battery. It is easily swiveled to adjust the direction and angle. The 'Power Pulse' technology enables the electric motor to move at a speed of 20 degrees per second. This is extremely helpful when you're trolling or doing something else on the water.
5. Minn Kota Endura Transom Mount Trolling Motor
Pros:
- Surprisingly quiet for a direct-drive trolling motor
- Extremely lightweight
- Charges quickly 6V models)
- Easy to push and maneuver
- 3-year warranty
Cons:
- Very loud and very heavy for a 12V model
- Dampens the responsiveness of your boat
This is a great trolling motor for the price. This is a big 12 volt, long-shaft, direct-drive, and transom-mount trolling motor with a stainless steel shaft and built-in trim adjustment.
This trolling motor has a mounting system that lets you adjust for different thickness of your boat. However, it isn’t meant to be used with a boat that’s more than 20 to 25 feet long. You also get five year warranty with this trolling motor.
Read more about the Minn Kota Endura Transom Mount Trolling Motor
6. Newport Vessels NV-Series 36lb Thrust Saltwater Transom Mounted Trolling Electric Trolling Motor w/LED Battery Indicator & 30" Shaft
Powered by a 12V battery, the Newport Vessels Transom Mounted Electric Trolling Motor comes with an upgraded 1100 RPM to 1200 RPM for 2019, as well as an extra strong 36-lb thrust rating. The unit is self-adjusting from its transom-mounting plate through its jack-screw assembly, so you’ll avoid any over-torquing from the sharp turns. It also comes with 2 LED indicators and a push button control with 12-volt wiring.
Rock Solid Thrust, the motor’s thrust rating of up to 36 pounds makes it the perfect option for big boats, lightly loaded boats, heavy wind or currents, and shallow/deep waters.
Designed for Multiple Rides, the Newport Vessels Transom Mounted Trolling Motor is made with a tough aluminum motor housing. It’s also outfitted with stainless steel hardware. Furthermore, it provides a variety of speeds to be used for long trips at varying depths and speeds.
7. Newport Vessels X-Series 55lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor w/LED Battery Indicator
This Newport Vessels trolling motor is a great retro fit for on- and off-water. It has a corrosion-resistant transom mount, which is a grated area behind the back of the boat.
The shaft of the motor has a 36” and has a 1.5… bearings. It is a shaft, which means that it can run on magnetic, hydraulic or electric motors.
A very important thing to keep an eye on when buying a new trolling motor is the shaft length, as this can affect the price of the motor. A longer shaft means that you can navigate larger bodies and areas. This Newport Vessels trolling motor has a class 3 shaft and comes with a battery and charger.
8. Watersnake – ASP 18 and 24 Pound Thrust 12V Saltwater Transom Mount Trolling Motor Kayak Bracket Optional
Pros:
- EXTRA LONG works on 15' rowboats,the best trolling motor ever
- MOUNTING FIXTURE made from heavy duty plastic aluminum and steel
- WATERPROOF sealed control box with wire cover
- IRRESISTIBLE to fish the best freshwater and saltwater trolling motor
- COMPATIBLE with PVC Adapters for 12 volt battery for trolling motor, trolling motor compartment, and mounting bracket for trolling motor
- WORRY-FREE warranty 3-year warranty, 2-year warranty on trolling motor shaft, 1-year warranty on trolling motor bracket
Watersnake is a trolling motor manufacturer over 30 years with headquarters in Taiwan. Its high quality and performance is well recognized. They are one of the best 7 foot trolling motors.
This Asp 26 trolling motor weighs only 8.6 pounds with shaft made of aluminum. This is not a huge issue nor does it make a bad product. Trolling motors are light alternatives to when you use a fishing rod. eHand fishing is one of the fastest growing boating trends.
9. MinnKota Edge Bowmount Foot Control Trolling Motor
Pros:
- Switches easily from power to trolling mode
- Features a SwitchPilot function that allows for switching between trolling and power modes while still engaged in the process of steering
- Easy to install
- Powerful
Cons:
- Heavy
- Expensive
When it comes to trolling motors, there are quite a few notable brands, including MotorGuide, Tohatsu, and Yamaha. However, the most popular one by far is MinnKota.
There are two types of MinnKota motors: the bow mount and the transom mount. Both are different in design and usability.
The MinnKota Edge Bowmount Foot Control Trolling Motor with Latch and Door Bracket is perfect for 18 to 34 foot boats. It has a revolutionary design that lets the user switch from one mode to the other with the push of a button.
Read more about the MinnKota Edge Bowmount Foot Control Trolling Motor
10. Newport Vessels Kayak Series 36lb/55lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor w/LED Battery Indicator
Pros:
- Works well in shallow areas
- Provides amazing thrust for its size
- Can be used for fishing
- Has an amazing warranty plan
- Is very affordable
- It has a good design
- It comes with a battery pack that very useful
- Has a good warranty plan
- It has a great sturdiness
Cons:
- The body is not that sturdy
- Has many different parts that can break apart
- Needs to be placed somewhere safe from water and from heat
- Doesn’t have a steering wheel
- It does not work very well in deeper waters
The Newport Vessels Kayak Series 36lbs/55lbs Transom Mounted Electric Trolling Motor has some amazing features for a trolling motor its size. First, it’s a 24-inch prop shaft that’s ideal for shallow water.
It’s an incredible unit that has a lot of power and also runs quietly. It’s also very durable through and will be able to handle a lot of different situations.
11. Newport Vessels L-Series 62lb/86lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor w/LED Battery Indicator
Pros:
- * Fast and smooth trolling motor * Rust-proof * Push button to start up system * Three battery levels * Low noise
The Newport Vessels battery-powered trolling motor is powerful, with the thrust geared up to 86 pounds.
With this powerful trolling motor you can bring your boat to life.
The motor has a maximum speed of 2 knots and the shaft is 40 inches long.
12. Newport Vessels L-Series 62lb/86lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor w/LED Battery Indicator
Pros:
- * Fast and smooth trolling motor * Rust-proof * Push button to start up system * Three battery levels * Low noise
The Newport Vessels battery-powered trolling motor is powerful, with the thrust geared up to 86 pounds.
With this powerful trolling motor you can bring your boat to life.
The motor has a maximum speed of 2 knots and the shaft is 40 inches long.
13. MinnKota Traxxis Transom Mount Trolling Motor
Pros:
- Easy to mount
- Quiet
- Light weight
- Durable
- Doesn’t require a lot of maintenance
- Ergonomic
Cons:
- Takes time to learn how to operate
- You need to have pretty decent upper body strength to learn
- Expensive
Trolling motors are a great option to get more power while fishing, but still helps you keep from pulling up to shore and having to wade through the water and getting everything else wet while you’re fishing. It’s a great accessory to have for those who love the sport of fishing.
There are many brands that offer this kind of motor. Some of the major brands include MinnKota, MotorGuide, Sevylor and others. Each brand offers different sizes and power output. Some brands even offer different power outputs of the same size motor for the exact same weight and size.
This particular motor is a great option, because it offers three different power levels. It’s a fairly lightweight motor, so you may have to get it customized to be able to mount it on your canoe or any other smaller boat.
Read more about the MinnKota Traxxis Transom Mount Trolling Motor
14. Minn Kota Endura Transom Mount Trolling Motor
Pros:
- Surprisingly quiet for a direct-drive trolling motor
- Extremely lightweight
- Charges quickly 6V models)
- Easy to push and maneuver
- 3-year warranty
Cons:
- Very loud and very heavy for a 12V model
- Dampens the responsiveness of your boat
This is a great trolling motor for the price. This is a big 12 volt, long-shaft, direct-drive, and transom-mount trolling motor with a stainless steel shaft and built-in trim adjustment.
This trolling motor has a mounting system that lets you adjust for different thickness of your boat. However, it isn’t meant to be used with a boat that’s more than 20 to 25 feet long. You also get five year warranty with this trolling motor.
Read more about the Minn Kota Endura Transom Mount Trolling Motor
15. Intex Trolling Motor
Pros:
- Easily fits on most inflatables
- 380-watt motor provides enough power to move the boat
- Minimal assembly required
Cons:
- Low thrust, you’ll have to move slower
- Defective motor
The Intex Trolling Motor is a motor specifically designed for inflatable boats. We very much like the fact that it fits all inflatable boats.
The Intex Trolling Motor is easy to use and works well. It is particularly good for fishing, although you may have to adapt your fishing technique to be able to use it.
It comes with a 12 volt battery which is sold separately.
Read more about the Intex Trolling Motor
16. Intex 12V Transom Mount Boat Trolling Motor & Mounting Kit 68631E + 68624E
Pros:
- Good price for those looking for great performance without paying for the added features
- Intex also makes a higher-priced version for those looking for a little extra durability
- Includes all the mounting brackets you need to install the motor
- Includes an 8-foot long power cable, which provides plenty of room for you to run the cable towards your preferred battery
- Includes a cooling fan that ensures maximum motor durability if the motor overheats
Cons:
- This motor doesn’t come with a built-in battery and so you will need to buy that separate.
This is a fairly basic trolling motor, but it’s still one of the best affordable trolling motors on the market. It will work for both smaller boats and kayaks. It’s also built to last and comes with a built-in cooling fan, which is a nice added benefit that makes it a good value.
Read more about the Intex 12V Transom Mount Boat Trolling Motor & Mounting Kit 68631E + 68624E
17. Cloud Mountain 36/40/46/50/55/60/86 LBS Thrust 8 Speed Electric Trolling Motor
Pros:
- In terms of affordability, smooth control, power, multiple uses and versatility, these brands of trolling motor leave behind their competitors.
- The trolling motor has been built with a heavy-duty, long life, high-impact composite frame design that can easily move through the toughest of terrains.
- The motor has also been made with sealed ball bearings which make it possible to handle high torque applications efficiently and smoothly.
- Other than its long durability, the motor also comes with a 3-blade propeller that once works at its best, it provides a top speed of 6-7 knots.
- These aquatic motor brands have been made with a center equipped motor that gives you the liberty to take control of both direction and speed at the same time.
- If you are concerned about the motor’s performance, then you don’t have to fret as it features an adjustable handle that allows you to choose from four different speeds.
- You can choose from the 1.5, 2.0, 3.5 and 6.5-MPH speeds as well as trolling speeds. The motor is also designed with a depth control option that gives you the liberty to control the amount of thrust output needed to maintain desired depth.
Read more about the Cloud Mountain 36/40/46/50/55/60/86 LBS Thrust 8 Speed Electric Trolling Motor
18. MotorGuide Wireless Saltwater Bow Mount Trolling Motor
Pros:
- Offers quick and easy installation
- Remote control works efficiently
- Has a sleek design
- Operates quietly
If you’re looking for the best trolling motor, you definitely have to go with the MotorGuide Wireless Saltwater Bow Mount Motor.
This powerful motor comes at a competitive price and can be set up within minutes. It is not overly heavy but it is strong enough to be pulled behind a boat. It does not require any assembly and comes with a wireless remote control that works efficiently.
This motor’s battery life, on the other hand, is pretty impressive. It runs for 10 hours on a single charge. Furthermore, it is extremely quiet so that you won’t disturb the marine life while you’re out on the water.
Read more about the MotorGuide Wireless Saltwater Bow Mount Trolling Motor
19. Aquos Black Haswing 12V 55LBS 48" Shaft Bow Mount Electric Trolling Motor Portable
Pros:
- Collapsible shaft
- Efficient for saltwater and freshwater
- Cut-off switch
- High performance
- Durable
- Lifetime hassle free warranty
- Quiet operation
- Variable speeds
- Lightweight
- Reasonable price
Cons:
- Can catch on sand, sandbars, and weeds
- Higher price tag than other motors
And Safe for Children and Pets, Perfect Upgrade to Motor.
Overall, Aquos 48" bow mount trolling motor is a great motor to consider for your boat. It's reasonably priced, durable, and has a lifetime hassle free warranty. This motor will help any type of boater. And it'll hold up well against the wear and tear of the elements.
20. Minn Kota Endura Max in Shaft Thrust Trans MNT
Pros:
- EC Series offers an extended 3-year warranty
- Drive over the gunwale mounting is awesome
- Perfect for casting lures on the surface
- Additional rod storage
Read more about the Minn Kota Endura Max in Shaft Thrust Trans MNT
21. Coleman 12V Electric Trolling Motor
Pros:
- Portable
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Simple to assemble
- Fairly quiet
- Bluetooth enabled
Cons:
- Battery mount is flimsy
- Only one speed
- No guide for mount
- Several reviewers complained about not getting enough range out of the setup
The Coleman trolling motor is a recent addition to the trolling motor market. Designed to get boat owners out on the water faster and easier, this unit has a Bluetooth connection feature that allows it to connect with and sync with the downloadable app for Android and iPhone devices.
Read more about the Coleman 12V Electric Trolling Motor
22. MotorGuide Bow Mount Hand-Control
Pros:
- Easy to store
- Ergonomic handle
- Easy to switch from forward to reverse
- Great trolling motor for freshwater use
- Sturdy and durable
Cons:
- Only produces up to 3 horsepower
- Does not work well for seawater
Here at SportyCo, we’re all about fishing. That’s why we decided to put together a list of what we believe are the best casting rods of 2020, so that no matter what kind of fishing you want to do, you have the proper rods to do it with.
Read more about the MotorGuide Bow Mount Hand-Control
23. MotorGuide Xi5 Wireless Trolling Motor
Pros:
- The motor is extremely powerful
- The wireless can easily reach 300 feet and upgradeable to 400 feet
- The wireless is easy to adjust
- The laptop compartment is very durable
- The battery is removable and rechargeable
Cons:
- The wireless can only be used for a certain length of time
- The battery was not included in the kit
MotorGuide Xi5 Wireless Pro Series Motor has everything you need in a trolling motor. Whether it be in saltwater or freshwater, the MotorGuide Xi5 Saltwater, Bow Mount 12 volt is durable and provides you with everything you could ever need.
As time passes, trolling motors do not permanently lose their charge, they actually lose their peak charge. This depends on how much your motor is used and if maintained properly.
The best way to maintain level charge is to use a large battery bank like what the saltwater series does. In fact, it's not only the best way but it's the only way to maintain the charge of your trolling motor.
Read more about the MotorGuide Xi5 Wireless Trolling Motor
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best trolling motor for the money?
One thing I learned when researching trolling motors is that depending on what your needs are, and how much you are willing to spend, there are a lot of good options out there.
While trolling motors are one of the pricier upgrades you can make, they are definitely worth it. They significantly simplify your fishing experience and make the entire process more enjoyable.
If you are looking to spend a little extra to improve your overall fishing experience, check out my section on the best fishing trolling motors in 2019.
Who makes the best trolling motors?
Boat propellers come in a few different variations, but trolling motors are the best choice for most kayaking and canoeing. These motors are usually mounted to the side or stern of the boat, and they allow you to power through the water without much effort.
Of course, trolling motors require an electrical source to run, but that is generally not an issue in the great outdoors. If you are looking to install a trolling motor in your boat, it is absolutely crucial that you find the right motor. This is because a malfunctioning motor can cause damage to your boat, and even cause injury if you are in the water.
Before we dive into our reviews of the best trolling motors, let’s take a moment to discuss motor power ratings. The power of a trolling motor is measured in lbs/h and it describes how much power the motor will produce over an hour of use. Most motors have a between a 0.5-1.
Are watersnake trolling motors any good?
The term, watersnake, is just used generically by manufacturers to describe trolling motors with rechargeable batteries. Rechargeable trolling motors are either 12 volt or 24 volt motors and they use a rechargeable battery. Both 12 and 24 volt trolling motors work on 24 volts when they are hooked up to their external battery. They work on lower voltages when on internal battery.
As the power of trolling motors has increased in the last few years, so has the power of rechargeable batteries. They are still not as powerful as a fuel-powered motor but they do have their place and they do have their place. If you are fishing in a deeper body of water and plan on staying out more than a few hours, a rechargeable motor may hold up better.
What is the most powerful electric trolling motor?
The Mercury EFI Titanium 250 HPDI is the most powerful electric trolling motor on the market as of this writing. That’s quite a feat as gasoline motors easily get up to 500,000 in.lbs. of torque.
Electric motors are limited in terms of RPM, but their torque is still pretty impressive. The horsepower is also very high at 4.0.
For fish seekers, this motor is great for keeping an aluminum boat on shore.
This might be a good choice for you if you need to travel long distances in a short time. It will get up to 10-15 knots of speed. This is great for leaping or cruising over waves if you’re on rough water.
Conclusion
It can sometimes be difficult to find a great trolling motor. They are available from many manufacturers and cost a great deal of money to boot. With all the options out there, you may not know where to start. These recommendations will save you a lot of time and make the selection process easier for you.