Fishing is known to be a delicate skill that requires subtle moves and the right position in order to have a productive day. Making a cast needs to be done quietly and one wrong move could lead to a bent rod. That’s where trolling motors step in to the rescue. Trolling motors enable anglers to be in control of their boat at all times and to move smoothly from one spot to another, which may result in a better catch.
A top quality trolling motor can make all the difference during your fishing adventures. We looked over dozens of trolling motors aiming to find the best products suitable for any budget, taking into account the type of a trolling motor, thrust, speed, Amazon ratings, and other considerations for selecting right trolling motor for your craft. We picked out top 5 of the best-rated trolling motors to make your day out fishing more efficient and productive.
For high performance and maximum silence while fishing, we’ve identified the Minn Kota Endura C2 30 Freshwater Transom Mounted Trolling Motor (30″ Shaft) as a top choice. This 12-volt transom-mounted trolling motor is built to explore as it provides thrust level of 30 and indestructible composite shaft while being extra quiet.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Trolling Motors
| Editor’s Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Minn Kota Endura C2 30 Freshwater Transom Mounted Trolling Motor (30″ Shaft) | 4.6 |
| Runner Up | Newport Vessels 55 Pound Thrust 8 Speed Electric Trolling Motor | 4.4 |
| Best Budget Buy | Coleman 12V Electric Trolling Motor | 3.6 |
| Best Transom Mount Trolling Motor | Minn Kota Endura C2 55 Freshwater Transom Mounted Trolling Motor (36″ Shaft) | 4.4 |
| Best Bow Mount Trolling Motor | Aquos Haswing 12v 55lbs Bow Mount Electric Trolling Motor | 4.1 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Our Top Pick: Minn Kota Endura C2 30 Freshwater Transom Mounted Trolling Motor (30″ Shaft)
The Minn Kota Endura C2 30 Freshwater Transom Mounted Trolling Motor (30″ Shaft) is a great addition to your boat that will make your fishing activities more productive and enjoyable. This 12-volt trolling motor features thrust level of 30 and a 6-inch telescoping handle and tilt twist tiller for ergonomic speed control and steering. Its lever lock bracket provides a solid mount and its 5 forward and 3 reverse speeds give maximum control over the boat.
This trolling motor comes with a indestructible 30-inch shaft backed by a lifetime warranty along with a 2-year warranty that covers the motor. The reviewers say that this is a great all-around motor that is easy to install, very quiet, and sturdy enough to last for years. It’s available at the price of $81.
Minn Kota Endura C2 30 Freshwater Transom Mounted Trolling Motor (30″ Shaft) Key Features:
- 12-volt trolling motor with thrust level of 30
- 6-inch telescoping handle and tilt twist tiller
- Indestructible 30-inch shaft backed by a lifetime warranty
- Lever lock bracket
- 5 forward and 3 reverse speeds
- Quiet power that maximizes battery life
Our Runner-Up Pick: Newport Vessels 55 Pound Thrust 8 Speed Electric Trolling Motor
The Newport Vessels 55 Pound Thrust 8 Speed Electric Trolling Motor is a powerful tool that ensures maximum performance while fishing. It features 55lb thrust that is extremely quiet and enables you to fish all day long without fear of overheating or spooking the fish. It contains 30-inch composite fiberglass shaft that’s suitable for all water conditions. It also features 8 speeds, a 6-inch telescoping handle, and a 5-Point LED battery meter, which provides immediate charge reading of your DC 12-volt marine battery.
This trolling motor is made of stainless steel, zinc, and magnesium, which makes it suitable for saltwater and freshwater alike. It’s available at the price of $200.
Newport Vessels 55 Pound Thrust 8 Speed Electric Trolling Motor Key Features:
- 55lb thrust
- 30-inch composite fiberglass shaft
- 8 speeds (5 forward and 3 reverse)
- 6-inch telescoping handle
- 5-Point LED battery meter
- Made of stainless steel, zinc, and magnesium-suitable for saltwater and freshwater
Best Budget Pick: Coleman 12V Electric Trolling Motor
Reviewers say the Coleman 12V Electric Trolling Motor is perfect for kayaks, extremely light, and easy to mount. It features a plastic bracket for transom mount and a stainless steel tube with plastic fittings for boat eyelet mounting. It can be mounted to bow if the boat is equipped with bow eyelets.
This trolling motor develops thrust up to 18 lbs. It’s compatible with the Sevylor® 12V rechargeable battery or other marine batteries. It comes at the price of $108.
Coleman 12V Electric Trolling Motor Key Features:
- Thrust up to 18 lbs
- Plastic bracket for transom mount
- Stainless steel tube with plastic fittings for boat eyelet mounting
- Can be mounted to bow if the boat is equipped with bow eyelets
- Compatible with the Sevylor® 12V rechargeable battery or other marine batteries
Best Transom Mount Trolling Motor: Minn Kota Endura C2 55 Freshwater Transom Mounted Trolling Motor (36″ Shaft)
If you’re looking for a top-quality transom mount trolling motor that is suitable for any boat, the Minn Kota Endura C2 55 Freshwater Transom Mounted Trolling Motor won’t let you down. Its lever lock bracket offers reliable and strong mount and is made of materials that resist flexing, warping, and UV damage. This small but powerful 12-volt engine features 5 forward speeds and 3 revers speeds, 6-inch telescoping handle, and tilt twist tillers for a firm grip and easy steering.
This motor also features a 36-inch composite shaft that flexes on impact before returning to the original position and that won’t break or corrode. The shaft is backed by a lifetime warranty, while the motor comes with a 2-year warranty. It’s available at the price of $194.
Minn Kota Endura C2 55 Freshwater Transom Mounted Trolling Motor (36″ Shaft) Key Features:
- Develops thrust up to 55 lbs
- 36-inch composite shaft that won’t break or corrode
- 12-volt engine with 5 forward speeds and 3 revers speeds
- Lever lock bracket that resists flexing, warping, and UV damage
- 6-inch telescoping handle with tilt twist tillers
- Power prop
- Shaft comes with a lifetime warranty, motor comes with a 2-year warranty
Best Bow Mount Trolling Motor: Aquos Haswing 12v 55lbs Bow Mount Electric Trolling Motor
Haswing Cayman Bow Mount Electric Trolling Motor is designed to be quiet, durable, precise, and to provide maximum control. It comes with a wireless hand control, foot control, and a quick release bracket. This 12-volt motor develops thrust up to 55lbs, and it features a depth collar that lets you change depth quickly and an adjustable 48-inch shaft length built to fit all inflatable boats.
Extremely rugged shaft support and low vibration turning motor reduces friction and operates quietly so that you could come close to the fish. It features a rechargeable, wireless hand remote that allows you to control the motor from 164 feet distance. It’s available at the price of $608.
Aquos Haswing 12v 55lbs Bow Mount Electric Trolling Motor Key Features:
- 12-volt motor with thrust up to 55lbs
- Wireless hand control, foot control, and a quick release bracket
- Adjustable 48-inch shaft length built to fit all inflatable boats
- Rugged shaft support and low vibrations for reduced friction and quietness
- Rechargeable, wireless hand remote that works on 164 feet distance
- Depth collar
- 2-year warranty
Who Should Buy a Trolling Motor
As anglers know, fishing requires a certain amount of precision and stealth. You need to be able to approach the fish as quietly as possible and from the right angle in order to catch it. Trolling motors enable skillful and silent approach that ultimately leads to more fish. These tools are quiet and enable smooth transitions from one place to another, which is why anglers can benefit immensely from them.
You’ll also want a comfortable seat, so check out our list of the best boat seats as well. And if you’re kayak fishing, we’ve also reviewed the best kayak trailers for easy hauling in a separate review. Finally, if you have gear that you need to keep dry – like your smartphone – you’ll want to invest in a good waterproof backpack.
Important Features to Consider
A trolling motor should do several things well. Here’s what to consider when selecting a trolling motor for your fishing trips:
- Thrust. In order to propel a boat, trolling motors use battery power. The amount of power needed for a boat to move through the water is described as thrust. There are many factors you need to take into account when deciding on the right amount of thrust for your boat, for example, the weight and the length of the boat, whether you carry a lot of equipment with you, and weather and water conditions you fish in. If you carry a lot of equipment and fish in rough conditions, you’ll need higher levels of thrust. Also, the longer the boat is the more thrust it will need. So, for a 12ft long boat, you’ll need 30lbs of thrust, for a 16ft long boat you’ll need 40lbs of thrust, and a 22ft long boat requires 101lbs to be able to move through water efficiently.
- Voltage and batteries. Trolling motors have 3 power systems: 12, 24 or 36 volts. A 12V motor needs one 12V deep cycle marine battery, whereas 24V and 36V motors require two and three batteries respectively. The appropriate voltage for your boat depends on its length. If your boat is 16ft long, a 12V trolling motor will be enough. However, if your boat is longer, you’ll need a 24V or a 36V power system to avoid hassling.
- The type of the motor. A trolling motor can be either transom mount or bow mount. Transom mount motors are installed at the back of the boat, while bow mount motors are installed at the front. In order to install a bow mount model, you need to have enough room up front and a mounting bracket to affix the housing. A transom mount motor is simply attached to the stern of the boat and it’s suitable for any type of boats. A bow mount trolling motor provides more space for maneuvering and better control, which makes it perfect for 14ft or longer boats that have bow mount fittings. However, if you have a small boat, canoe or a dinghy, transom mount is a great option.
- Shaft. The length of shaft is extremely important when choosing a trolling motor. A shaft that is too short won’t allow sufficient submergence of the prop during rough water conditions. On the other hand, a shaft that is too long will cause you a lot of problems in shallow waters. The length of the shaft depends on the height of the bow or stern. Short shafts are a great solution for canoes, while deep V boats require longer shafts.
- Materials. When buying a trolling motor for your boat, make sure that the shaft is made from stainless steel to be able to defy rough conditions. Also, the prop should be weedless and the mount should be heavy duty and strong, without plastic parts if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a trolling motor and how does it work?
A trolling motor enables your fishing boat to move through the water more efficiently and gives you greater control over the boat. It enables you to make smooth transitions from one place to another and to approach the fish quietly, without spooking them. A trolling motor runs on batteries.
What size shaft do I need on my trolling motor?
The height of the bow or stern of your boat determines the shaft length you need. Canoes require small shafts, while longer shafts are adequate for deep V boats.
How fast is a 55 lb thrust trolling motor?
Higher levels of thrust will not make the boat go faster, so 55lbs thrust motors are as fast as the ones of 30lbs thrust. Motors with higher thrust levels are suitable for bigger and heavier boats that contain more load. The maximum speed of a trolling motor is approximately 5 mph regardless of the level of thrust.
Can you use a saltwater trolling motor in freshwater?
As saltwater has greater destructive power than freshwater, many parts of a saltwater trolling motor are made of stainless steel to prevent corrosion, so they are safe to use in freshwater. However, many brands build different models suitable for either saltwater or freshwater use.
Other Trolling Motors We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other trolling motors. Even though they didn’t make our top 5 best trolling motors, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your fishing time. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
- Transom Mount Trolling Motors
- Bow Mount Trolling Motors
- Saltwater Trolling Motors
- Freshwater Trolling Motors
Transom Mount Trolling Motors
Cloud Mountain Thrust 8 Speed Electric Trolling Motor
Cloud Mountain transom mount trolling motor is durable, stable, and it provides good ablation resistance. It’s suitable for saltwater and freshwater alike.
Key Features:
- Reinforced nylon bracket
- 8 speeds and 6-inch telescoping handle
- 28-inch composite fiberglass shaft
- LED battery indicator
- 36lbs of thrust
Cost: $130
Goplus Electric Trolling Motor
Goplus Electric Trolling Motor can be used in freshwater and saltwater. It’s sturdy, durable, and it provides easy handling.
Key Features:
- 8 speeds and a 6-inch adjustable telescoping handle
- 2-blade propeller
- Battery indicator
- 46lbs of thrust
Cost: $125
Intex Trolling Motor for Inflatable Boats
Intex trolling motor is designed for Intex boats, but it’s compatible with most inflatable boats that have built-in motor mount fittings. It can be used in saltwater and freshwater.
Key Features:
- 36-inch shaft
- 8 speeds and an adjustable handle
- Digital maximizer control module
- 40 lbs thrust
Cost: $128
Intex 12V Transom Mount Boat Trolling Motor & Mounting Kit
Intex trolling motor comes with a detachable mounting kit for easy storage and transportation.
Key Features:
- Detachable mounting kit that expands the capability of your Intex inflatable boat
- 12-volt motor
- 8 speeds
- Battery meter
Cost: $181
Minn Kota Traxxis Transom Mount Trolling Motor with Speed Coil
Minn Kota Traxxis transom mount trolling motor is designed for freshwater use. It features digital maximized technology that helps the battery run 5 times longer on a single charge.
Key Features:
- 36-inch or 42-inch composite shaft with a lifetime warranty
- Versatile steering tension control
- 45lbs or 55lbs of thrust
- 2-year warranty on the motor
Cost: $223-$275 depending on the size of the shaft
Watersnake T18S Asp Motor can survive the toughest conditions. It is designed for kayaks, small dinghies, and inflatable boats.
Key Features:
- 24-inch alloy shaft
- High and low speed control, a forward and reverse switch
- 18 lbs thrust
- 1-year warranty
Bow Mount Trolling Motors
Haswing White Cayman 24V 80LBS 60″ Shaft Bow Mount Electric Trolling Motor
Haswing trolling motor comes with a wireless hand remote that enables you to control the motor from 164 feet distance. It’s constructed to be quiet and to have a longer battery life.
Key Features:
- 60-inch shaft
- Wireless hand remote
- Depth collar
- Stow/Deploy pedals
- Lift handle
Cost: $688
Minn Kota Edge Bow Mount Foot Control Trolling Motor
Minn Kota Edge Bow Mount Trolling Motor is built for tough water conditions, with marine-grade anodized aluminum spine and an impact-resistant composite head. It features latch and door mount for easy removal.
Key Features:
- Indestructible composite shaft (available in 36″,45″, 50″, and 52″)
- 5 forward speeds
- Latch and door bracket
- Foot pedal
- 2-year warranty
Cost: $297-$1553 depending on the size of the shaft
Minn Kota Riptide Terrova Trolling Motor
Minn Kota Riptide Terrova features i-pilot and Bluetooth and a lift assist design, so that you can raise the motor by barely lifting a finger. It also features hardware suitable for saltwater.
Key Features:
- 54-inch shaft
- 24-volt motor
- 80 lbs thrust
- i-Pilot and Bluetooth
- Lift assist design
Cost: $1569
MotoGuide Xi5 54″ Bow Mount 55 lbs Saltwater 12V Trolling Motor with GPS
MotoGuide Xi5 54″ Bow Mount Trolling Motor features wireless capability so that anglers can have precise motor and steering control from anywhere on the boat. It’s suitable for saltwater conditions.
Key Features:
- Wireless GPS remote
- 54-inch composite shaft that resists breakage
- 55 lbs thrust
- LED lights and battery indicator
Cost: $1325
Motorguide X3 Bow Mount Foot-Control Trolling Motor
Motorguide X3 Bow Mount Foot-Control is constructed with durable components, such as aluminum mounts and stainless steel bushings, and it’s designed for smooth and quiet operation. It’s suitable for freshwater and saltwater use.
Key Features:
- Variable Ratio Steering for easier positioning of the boat
- Foot-control unit with heel/toe design and directional indicator
- Aluminum mount and stainless steel bushings
- 45-inch rugged composite shaft
- 55 lbs thrust
Cost: $520
Motorguide X3 Bow Mount Hand-Control Pontoon 940200230
Motorguide X3 Bow Mount Hand-Control features an extended twist handle for better control of the boat. It’s suitable for freshwater use.
Key Features:
- 50-inch composite shaft
- Twist handle
- 3-blade propeller
- Freshwater use
Saltwater Trolling Motors
MotoGuide Xi5 60″ Bow Mount 80 lb Saltwater 24V Trolling Motor
MotoGuide bow mount trolling motor features a wireless fob that allows steering from anywhere on the boat. It also features digital variable speed control and LED lights in the controller so anglers can quickly check the status of four key functions in any light conditions.
Key Features:
- Wireless fob
- LED lights in the controller
- 24-volt motor
- 2-blade propeller
- 60-inch indestructible composite shaft
- 80lbs thrust
Cost: $1285
Newport Vessels NV-Series 36 lb. Thrust Saltwater Transom Mounted Electric Trolling Motor
Newport Vessels NV-Series trolling motor is built to fit all inflatable boats, kayaks, canoes, row boats, bass boats, jon boats, and skiffs. It’s suitable for saltwater use.
Key Features:
- 30-inch composite shaft with nylon mount
- 12-volt motor with 8 speeds
- LED battery meter and 6-inch telescoping handle
- Stainless steel hardware
- 36lbs thrust
Cost: $110
Newport Vessels X-Series 55 lb. Thrust Saltwater Transom Mounted Electric Trolling Motor
Newport Vessels X-Series trolling motor is versatile and it can be used on a variety of inflatable boats, including kayaks, dinghies, tenders, and fishing boats. It’s suitable for saltwater use.
Key Features:
- 36-inch composite fiberglass shaft
- 12-volt motor with 8 speeds
- 30 Degree adjustable (up/down) control head with 6-inch telescoping handle
- Stainless steel hardware
- 55lbs thrust
Cost: $184
Newport Vessels Kayak Series 36lb Thrust Saltwater Transom Mounted Electric Kayak Trolling Motor
Newport Vessels Kayak Series electric trolling motor is built to fit the unique demands of kayak anglers. Its aluminum motor head with stainless steel hardware makes it suitable for saltwater environment.
Key Features:
- 24-inch fiberglass shaft
- 8 speeds and a 6-inch telescoping handle
- 2-blade propeller
- 5’6″ battery cables allow for versatile battery placement
- 36lbs thrust
- Aluminum motor head with stainless steel hardware
Cost: $123
Newport Vessels 62lb Thrust Electric Trolling Motor Saltwater
Newport Vessels 62lb Thrust Electric Trolling Motor features stainless steel hardware suitable for saltwater use. The motor can be used on any type of boat, kayak or watercraft.
Key Features:
- 40-inch composite fiberglass shaft
- Adjustable mounting bracket
- Aluminum head with 6-inch telescoping handle
- 3-blade propeller
- 8-speeds
- 62lbs thrust
Cost: $289
Newport Vessels 86lb Thrust Electric Trolling Motor Saltwater
Newport Vessels 86lb Thrust Electric Trolling Motor features stainless steel and zinc hardware for saltwater use. It’s ideal for large crafts, such as pontoon or sailboats.
Key Features:
- Powerful engine ideal for larger crafts
- 40-inch composite shaft with nylon mount
- 24-volt motor with 8 speeds
- Aluminum head with 6-inch telescoping handle
- Stainless steel and zinc hardware
- 86lbs thrust
Freshwater Trolling Motors
Minn Kota Endura C2 40 Freshwater Transom Mounted Trolling Motor (36″ Shaft)
Minn Kota Endura freshwater trolling motor features high-quality materials and extra large windings and commutators that dissipate heat and offer powerful cooling system, extended battery power, and longer motor life.
Key Features:
- 36-inch indestructible composite shaft
- 12-volt motor with 8 speeds
- Powerful cooling system with extra large windings and commutators that dissipate heat
- Lever lock bracket
- 40lbs thrust
Cost: $153
Minn Kota Endura Max in Shaft Thrust Trans Mnt
Minn Kota Endura Max trolling motor is designed for freshwater use. This powerful and quiet motor features 36 or 42-inch shaft, digital maximizer that enables the motor to run longer by conserving battery power, and variable speed control.
Key Features:
- 36 or 42-inch shaft
- Digital maximizer
- Variable speed control
- Extendable control handle
- 50 lbs thrust
Cost: $257-$284 depending on the size of the shaft
