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Electric Sailboat Motor: Range, Cost, Best Kits for Conversion

Today, owning a completely green sailboat has been made possible with electric sailboat motors.

Imagine cruising with the silence of an electric sailboat motor and the ease of use with a simple press on the start button. What’s better is there are no exhaust fumes at all with significantly less maintenance.

It’s so appealing that a lot of sailing liveaboards have made their electric sailboat motor conversion.

However, some sailors are still on the fence, worrying about the range and price of the electric sailboat motor.

If you are one of them, you are in the right place!

This post will guide you through every aspect you need to know about electric sailboat motors to help you make an informed decision.

Besides, you will get professional insights on how to make the electric sailboat motor conversion for your own boat and learn the best electric sailboat motors (with honest reviews).

Table of contents:

• Electric Sailboat Motors: Confusion Explained

Electric Sailboat Motor or Combustion Motor

• Electric Yacht Motor Conversion: Two Solutions
• How to Size an Electric Sailboat Motor

Best Electric Sailboat Motors (with Reviews)

Electric Sailboat Motor: Confusion Explained

Can you go cruising with an electric sailboat motor? Can you put an electric motor on a sailboat? Are there any limitations?

Whether electric sailboat motors are a good fit for your boat is not a YES or NO question. Here we will explain your top worries with statistics and facts. That way, you can make a wise decision according to your situation.

You may hear some complaints about the batteries and range of the electric propulsion.

However, their experience may not suit electric sailboat motors.

In fact, even small electric engines work pretty well in many sailboats. That’s because most of the time, the wind can power the boat, and the motor is just used for docking or in rare times when there is no wind.

Therefore, it makes more sense to learn electric sailboat motor performance in real-world applications.

Here is a test report of a 3 HP electric sailboat motor on an RS21 racing sailboat:

Power (W)	Speed (mph / kph)	Runtime (hh:mm)	Range (mile / km)
50	2.2 / 3.5	20:00	43.5 / 70
150	3 / 4.8	6:50	19.3 / 31
300	4 / 6.4	3:20	12.4 / 20
500	4.2 / 6.8	2:00	8.5 / 13.6
700	4.8 / 7.7	1:30	6 / 9.7
900	5 / 8	1:05	5.6 / 9
1000	5.5 / 8.8	1:00	5.5 / 8.8

As you can see, the small electric sailboat motor can run at 5.5 mph top speed for one hour continuously.

And there is a big difference in terms of range vs speed for electric sailboat motors:

If you lower the speed, the range and runtime can be greatly extended. The slower you go, the further you’ll get. For example, if you cut your speed in half, the electric sailboat motor can last 7 hours and go 20 miles within one charge.

That’s pretty sufficient if you use the electric yacht motor mostly for docking or as an auxiliary engine.

Faster top speed (and more range) is available with higher power electric sailboat motors depending on your specific requirements. Contact a specialist to design your electric sailboat motor solutions.

Also, don’t forget to get the electric sailboat motor with regeneration (See recommendations below).

That’s to say, when there is a lot of wind and you’re moving rapidly via your sails, they regenerate and store electric power on the batteries to keep you moving at other times. Solar recharging is also a plus.

Essentially, the range depends on how many batteries you have, so it’s not a limitation of electric sailboat motors but energy and batteries.

If you are still worried, you can offset this by getting a diesel generator, which is more efficient than a diesel engine. And it is a range extender when you need it, but for 90% of your motoring that you don’t need the range, you can rely on the electric sailboat motor.

Some of you might be concerned about the extra weight of the batteries.

In fact, an electric sailboat motor with lithium batteries weighs less than a diesel engine, particularly if you include the fuel weight.

If you want a lightweight electric sailboat motor solution, make sure you get one with LiFePO4 batteries . Compared with other marine batteries, they are more compact in design with much less weight and higher energy density.

Some more advanced electric motors for small sailboats (such as Spirit 1.0 Evo) feature an integrated lightweight battery. So you don’t need to worry about the complex wiring to hook it up or extra space to store the battery.

This is a huge plus if you want to use the electric sailboat motor on a tender or dinghy.

Here is also a chart that collects the weight of some popular electric sailboat motors for your reference:

Model	HP	Motor Weight	Battery Weight	Note
Spirit 1.0 Evo	3 HP	11.3 kg / 24.9 lbs	8.7 kg / 19.2 lbs	1276 Wh Integrated Battery
Navy 3.0 Evo	6 HP	24.3 kg / 53.6 lbs	48 kg / 105.8 lbs	4096 Wh E80 Battery
Navy 6.0 Evo	9.9 HP	36 kg / 79.4 lbs	87 kg / 191.8 lbs	8960 Wh E175 Battery

For many people, another big problem with electric sailboat motors is the cost.

It’s true that a gasoline outboard with similar power is a lot cheaper to buy. However, the electric sailboat motor eventually wins in long-term operating cost. That’s especially the case if you are going to do a lot of motoring.

Electric sailboat motors save on fuel and maintenance costs, which can build up to a large amount over time.

Here is a chart that compares the cost of a 3HP electric sailboat motor (coming with a built-in battery) with its combustion counterpart:

That’s to say, you will cover the price difference for electric yacht motors eventually as long as you use it long enough. Click to check the details of the calculation .

What makes the electric sailboat motor even more worthwhile is it saves you a lot of hassles, especially for sailors who only use the engine in and out of the harbor. Dealing with the maintenance of the gas outboard for a 10 minute motor out of and into the harbor is disproportionate and painful.

*The higher horsepower electric sailboat motor may be different in terms of the cost calculation. Check out the outboard motor pricelist by HP for more information.

As you may have already noticed, electric propulsion has already been widely used in the marine industry:

It’s quiet while motoring, clean to handle, environmentally friendly, with less maintenance and operation costs.

The electric sailboat motors are easier to use with dramatically fewer moving parts to break and no worries about being a diesel mechanic to deal with the hard pulling start. You can have it always on, so it is ready whenever you need it.

And it makes even more sense in sailing applications:

You don’t really need to motor much if your plan is to actually sail. If you are completely becalmed, you will probably just need to motor at 2 knots to keep making way, which is easy for electric sailboat motors.

If you mostly use the motor to get into and out of the harbor, the electric sailboat motor also works great for you.

You can always charge up at the dock, motor out of the marina (or even motor to your sailing area or race start), then hoist the sails and when you’re through, the batteries are charged again.

The electric sailboat motor is also useful as a backup (kicker) motor in case your system goes down. That’s why you can see people pushing a lot of big boats with small electric motors. (Click to learn more information about kicker motors .)

Personally, it’s really nice to have an electric auxiliary in the boat – no smelly, messy diesel and motor oil to deal with, a much simpler system with less maintenance, and much, much quieter operation.

However, powerboats tend to have much higher requirements in terms of both power output and runtime. In that case, an electric sailboat motor can be hard to satisfy your needs.

How Do You Size an Electric Motor for a Sailboat?

As a rule of thumb, you will need approximately 1 HP per 550 lb of the displacement of your boat.

Generally speaking, a 3 HP electric sailboat motor can push a sailboat up to 25 ft and a 9.9 HP motor is sufficient for a 30 ft sailboat to motor at a satisfying speed.

However, bear in mind the horsepower you need always depends on your needs and applications.

It’s better to check the data from real-world tests to decide whether the electric sailboat motor is suitable for your specific needs.

For example, the 9.9 HP electric sailboat motor Navy 6.0 allows you to go at 6.9 mph (11.1 kph) on a 30 ft sailboat, and the range can be extended to 46.4 miles if you decrease your speed to 2.9 mph (4.6 kph).

Click to see more test reports with other electric motor and sailboat combinations, and find the electric sailboat motor that suits you best.

If you are still not sure about the size of the electric sailboat motor for you, feel free to leave us a comment and we will get back to you ASAP with professional suggestions.

Electric Sailboat Motor Conversion

Basically, there are two ways for you to convert your sailboat to a clean and quiet electric drive system:

You can either convert your current vessel to electric or buy an engineless yacht and install an electric sailboat motor on your own.

#1. Repower Your Sailboat with Electric Motor

If you decide to replace the diesel engine with an electric motor, you will need to do a lot of preparations:

The DIY approach requires an electric sailboat motor kit (including motor and controller), batteries, a good level of mechanical ability and basic electrical knowledge, as well as some common tools such as a voltmeter.

You will need to take the old engine out for the new electric sailboat motor installation. It’s not an easy task that involves removing the engine mounts and the drive shaft (dealing with the numerous hoses and cables), taking out the engine, exhaust system, fuel tank, and its attendant tubes, etc.

Remember to balance the boat to avoid listing during the electric sailboat motor conversion.

Then in with the new electric sailboat motor. The installation process can be straightforward if you choose the electric sailboat motor kit wisely (See steps below). Furthermore, you can set up solar charging for your electric sailboat motor with solar panels and charger.

Many sailors have recorded their electric sailboat motor conversion process and experience. Be sure to check them out to get some inspiration. For example, Ed Phillips has documented everything which can serve as a guide for newbies to get started.

Mind you there can be a whole heap that can go wrong in designing and maintaining the electric sailboat motor systems. You really need to be totally on top of it if you want decent performance or reliability.

If you are not that technically inclined, it’s better to talk to a specialist first to discuss your plan for a smooth electric sailboat motor conversion.

#2. Install an Electric Motor in a Sailboat

If you own an enginless sailboat, the electric sailboat motor conversion is much easier for you.

All you need to do is to find a reliable electric sailboat motor and install it in simple steps. The whole process can be easily done, even for beginners. Here we take the popular 6 HP electric sailboat motor Navy 3.0 as an example to show you the installation process:

• Step 1 : Rotate the clamps or use the screws to fix the outboard onto the sailboat.
• Step 2: Mount the steering system in the proper position.
• Step 3: Install the tiller on the electric sailboat motor.
• Step 4: Connect the batteries to the electric sailboat motor system.

Click to check the video tutorial that guides you through each step of the installation.

If you are worried about aesthetic issues and want higher horsepower options, an electric inboard motor can be a better suit for your sailboat. If you prefer an inboard motor for your sailboat, contact our OEM team to get an electric propulsion solution tailored to your needs.

Note : You might find some electric trolling motors rated by #s of thrust on the market. Actually, those electric trolling motors for sailboats can only provide limited speed and range. If you are heading into the wind, the trolling motors for sailboats are definitely not an ideal solution.

Once you’ve evaluated if electric sailboat motors are right for you, there are a lot of options for electric systems.

Here are some popular electric sailboat motors with positive reviews from customers worldwide. Fast charger is available for all the models recommended to reduce your charging stress.

#1. 3 HP Spirit 1.0 Evo

If you are looking for an electric motor for a small sailboat, be sure to check out the ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Evo. It’s suitable for large daysailers or small cruising sailboats under 25 ft.

With the Spirit 1.0 Evo electric sailboat motor, you can go 5.5 mph (8.8 kph) at top speed on the 21 ft RS21 sailing boat, or troll for 20 hours continuously at 2.2 mph (3.5 kph) according to our test .

This electric sailboat motor with regeneration allows you to recover energy from the prop while under sail. It will start to generate power automatically when the sailing speed reaches 2 knots.

As an electric auxiliary sailboat motor, it can also be easily installed on your tender boats or yacht dinghies since it’s portable and easy to transport (with a lightweight integrated battery).

Features You Will Love:

• Come with the industry-first hydrogeneration capability
• Direct-drive technology makes it maintenance-free
• Portable with a 1276Wh large integrated lithium battery for long range
• Safety wristband keeps you safe in case of MOB
• Digital operation keeps you informed of the battery status

Spirit 1.0 Evo Electric Sailboat Motor Reviews:

“Great weekend with my 17′ sailboat powered by the Spirit Evo. This is great. Quiet and reliable. Went at 3/4 throttle for about 1.5hrs when taking it back to boat ramp.” – Robert Taylor

“Very happy with our Spirit Plus. Pushing our Kolibri 560 a 750 Kg sailboat, with ease. Doing about 5.8 km/h at 500W.” – Frank van Asten

#2. 6HP/9.9 HP Navy Evo Series

If you want a little more juice on the electric sailboat motor, check out the ePropulsion Navy Series. It offers 6 HP and 9.9 HP models for your selection and it provides sufficient power for sailboats up to 30 ft.

According to our test , the 6 HP electric motor Navy 3.0 can push the Catalina 25 sailboat (25 ft) at 6 mph (9.6 kph) top speed, while the Olga 33 sailboat (33 ft) can go at 7.5 mph (12 kph) with the 9.9 HP Navy 6.0 motor.

The Navy series electric sailboat motor also comes with regeneration features which can be recharged with hydrogeneration, wind turbine, and solar panel.

• Four controls to fit your sailboat installation and your boating style
• Accompany LiFePO4 batteries (need separate purchase) are more energy efficient
• Digital display offers real-time monitoring of the power and battery
• Magnetic kill switch and safety wristband keep you safe on the boat
• Electric start saves you trouble pulling the cord to start

Navy Series Electric Sailboat Motor Reviews:

“I have a Navy 3.0 with E80 on a Catalina 25 sailboat. It is working well. Currently I am using about 4% battery to go in/out of the marina by boat.” – Aaron Young

“Just finished my 8 weeks sailing journey in the Baltic Sea. The two Navy 3 outboards provide enough power for my 33ft catamaran. The 400W solar panels provided enough energy for engines and all other energy consumed on board with 2-6 persons. The two Navy Batteries provide power for engines and all other on-board electric devices. I never had to use shore power, so totally self-sufficient electric system.” – Martin Hildebrand

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Portable Electrical Propulsion for Small Sailboats

Courtesy of Torqeedo

In part one of our two-part test of five and six-horsepower engines in the upcoming January issue of Practical Sailor, we take a second look at portable electric motors. Practical Sailors interest in modern portable electric propulsion dates back to 2004, when then editor Doug Logan began to lose faith in the two-stroke outboard on his Boston Whaler. While awaiting the prognosis on his unresponsive 15-horsepower Evinrude, he bought a Minn Kota Riptide 55 trolling motor, wondering if it might make a good dinghy engine.

Logans initial review of the Minn Kota focused on its potential as a dinghy motor but he also tested it on larger skiffs. We later heard from several Practical Sailor readers who use trolling motors to power their sailboats (some as large as 30-feet!), but most said they used them mainly for short distances and in mostly flat water. Prices on saltwater-rated trolling motors start at around $350 (a 12-volt deep cycle battery to power them adds at least another $120), making the initial costs much less than for other electric motors.

Although people often compare such trolling motors to the $2,000 Torqeedo Travel 1003, there are several key differences. The Torqeedo uses a dedicated lithium magnesium battery that has a longer life and a more favorable power-to-weight ratio than a lead-acid battery. The Torqeedos brushless motor design is more reliable and better suited for continuous duty.

In 2005, we tested four popular trolling motors with rated thrusts ranging from 40 to 80 pounds. The results highlighted a major drawback of all electric motors: available horsepower and range is closely tied to battery capacity. Driving a sailboat with one of the more powerful trolling motors at full throttle for more than a half an hourwill nearly drain a standard Group 24 battery. And you can’t expect a trolling motor to dislodge your Catalina 22 when a stiff wind has pinned it to the dock (a task that would challenge the Torqeedo Travel 1003 as well). Even with these drawbacks, a trolling motor is a viable option for sailors who just need a little help getting up a canal or off a dock in calm water.

If you need more power, there are other options. In our most recent foray into electric outboards, we tested a motor called the SolidNav Traveler . The hefty 48-volt, four-horsepower outboard was manufactured by Parsun Power Machine, Chinas largest outboard exporter. The outboard’s brushless solid magnet motor was built by Mars Electrical Co. of Milwaukee, Wis. (now Motenergy). The engine looks nearly identical to a gasoline outboard of the same horsepower and weighs slightly more. Although the Solid Nav is no longer available, Elco is marketing a very similar mode l for about $3,000 suggested retail price. The price does not include the requisite four 12-volt batteries (or equivalent), which can add at least another $1,500-making the initial outlay much higher than any other electric motor option.

Our testers were impressed by the motor’s heavy duty design, and the way the electric motor was incorporated into the familiar gasoline outboard form factor. Performance was good, but again, it was limited by the constraints of electric power. In our test of the Solid Nav, four North Star Energy group 24 AGM batteries with 140 amp hour reserve capacity were wired in series to deliver the required 48-volts. This battery tank delivered about eight miles of range on our test boat (a 19-foot Cape Dory Typhoon) at four knots.

Of all the electric outboards available to the sailor, the Torqeedo holds the most promise, but the niche is rather narrow. This is the third time weve looked at these motors. In our first preview, we tested an early iteration of the Travel 801L , an ultralight electric equivalent of a two horsepower outboard. Four years ago, we tested the more powerful Torqeedo Travel 1003. We pitted it against the Electric Paddle, an ultralight portable electric motor that looks like a trolling motor but has a larger diameter prop and its own rechargeable battery.

With 30 percent more battery power than the 801, plus an increase in thrust and efficiency, the Travel 1003L (long shaft) has proved impressive on the variety of boats weve used it on including: a round-bilge carbon fiber dinghy from Wing Systems, the Cape Dory Typhoon, a 9-foot, 10-inch Dynamic RIB from Mercury, a Venture 22, and the Catalina 22.

As with all electric motors, power and range are limited. On our test boat, a Catalina 22, the range on a single battery at 4 knots speed is about 2.5 miles. At slower speeds of about 2.5 knots, the maximum range is about 7 miles. Maximum speed on the Wing Systems dinghy was about seven knots, but that could only be sustained for about half an hour. At slower speeds, range approaches 10 miles.

Bottom line: For the average daysailer with high power demands, a small gasoline outboard remains the most practical choice for portable propulsion. An electric motor can work, but for longer range service it will require significant investment in big battery banks, and perhaps a solar charging system. The limited range wont matter for the lake sailor who just needs the occasional short boost home when the wind dies. For this task, the Torqeedo is the most convenient and best suited, but for the budget-minded small boat sailor tired of the hassles of gasoline power, a trolling motor will also work within certain limits.

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If be interested to learn more about how to mount one of these motors on a sailboat without an open transom, such as my Lightning.

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• Digital edition

Best trolling motors: 8 electric outboard alternatives

• Howard Walker
• April 21, 2022

We pick out 8 of the best trolling motors that have enough electric power to punch an incoming tide without breaking the bank

So you’re looking for an electric outboard to whizz your RIB around the harbour. Who wouldn’t want a fancy Torqeedo to hang off your transom? But at £1,450 and up, chances are it’s not in the budget. A solid alternative, however, is the trusty trolling motor at a fraction of the cost. With prices starting at under £100, the best trolling motors are lightweight, dependable, and if you pay a bit extra, extremely well-built.

We’ve tested some of these models against the Torqueedo (and ePropulsion) electric outboard in our thorough electric outboard motor test and, though they don’t offer quite the same level of functionality, many do pretty well comparatively.

But which one to buy? With more than 40 or more on offer, and with tongue-twisting brand names like Fayelong and Flyhero, U-BCOO and Caroute, sorting out the good from the bad and the ugly, can be a challenge. Remember, many of the motors you’ll see advertised will be aimed at fisher-folk looking to slowly sneak-up on a snook, rather than punch an incoming tide. Power here is important.

And talking of power, know that when it comes to trolling motors, they’re rated in pounds of thrust, not horsepower. They can start off as low as 18 pounds, but load-up your RIB with crew and supplies and you’ll be going nowhere fast. Go for at least 45 pounds of thrust – 55 is better – and you’ll have power in reserve when you need it.

Also, when looking at prices, remember you’re going to need to add-in the cost of a 12-volt battery. Unlike that fancy Torqeedo with its snap-on battery pack, trollers need a separate battery for juice. Budget between £80 and £120 for a good one. And we recommend nothing less than a 105 amp-hour deep-cycle marine battery to give you the range you’ll want. Sorry, that Halfords cheapo won’t cut it.

You’ll also want a trolling motor that’s designed for saltwater rather than fresh, and with a transom mount rather than one at the bow. So which electric trolling motors should be on your wishlist?

Best trolling motors available right now

Minn Kota Riptide 45 SC trolling motor

It’s hard to beat this rugged, reliable troller from the company that essentially invented the trolling motor, and has been building them since 1934. Available in sizes from a 45-pound version with a 91cm shaft, to a muscular 112-pounder, our favourite is still the entry-level Riptide 45 SC, packing 45 pounds of thrust.

With five forward speeds and three in reverse, a 15cm telescoping tiller, indestructible, guaranteed-for-life composite shaft, and full two-year warranty it’s a great balance between performance and value. A icy-cool white finish too. We also like the clever Digital Maximiser tech that helps extend battery power.

Buy it now on Amazon Buy it now on eBay (UK) Buy it now on eBay (US)

With each product is a ‘Buy it now’ link. If you click on this then we may receive a small amount of money from the retailer when you purchase the item. This doesn’t affect the amount you pay.

Newport Vessels X-Series 55 trolling motor

This California-based company’s electric troller delivers a 55-pound punch yet tips the scales at a lightweight 10.4kg. For us, what sets it apart is its 30-degree tilting tiller handle – it also extends by 15cm – as well as its large three-blade prop and, our favourite, the 10-point LED battery meter.

It’s also got a durable composite shaft and five forward and three reverse speeds. The company reckons that powering an eight-foot RIB, the 55 would give a top speed of 4mph, depending on weight in the boat. The X-Series is also fully saltwater-resistant and comes with a two-year warranty. Another plus; that 25cm diameter three-blade prop is made of tough fibreglass-reinforced nylon rather than cheap plastic.

Buy it now on Amazon Buy it now on eBay

Bison Neraus 55 trolling motor

The best-selling electric trolling motor on Amazon UK right now, the US-built Bison Neraus 55 is all about value. At £189.99 with a free spare prop thrown-in for good measure, the price is hard to beat, especially as it’s designed for saltwater. And it has all the typical trolling motor goodies, like a composite shaft and transom bracket, an LED battery level indicator, five forward and three reverse speeds, plus a two-year warranty with Bison’s UK service centre.

Despite the value price, there’s no shortage of 5-star reviews on Amazon UK praising the solid performance and silent running. Of course, if you need more oomph, there’s always the 68-pound version.

Motorguide R3 Digital 55 trolling motor

MotorGuide is part of US-based Brunswick Corporation – they own Mercury Marine – and have been engineering trolling motors for over half a century. Their big focus is on developing trollers for serious fishing machines and have a tight relationship with Lowrance, integrating hi-tech sonar transducers and chartplotter technology into trolling motors. Serious stuff.

For more humble applications, like pushing RIBs and dinks, they have the high-quality, transom-mounted R3 and R5 digital saltwater series. Yes, they’re pricey, but they’re built using aluminium alloy and stainless steel topped off with a three-coat corrosion protection process. We like the R3 55-pound thruster with a 91cm shaft, which at around £280 is still excellent value.

Haswing Osapian 55 trolling motor

Best cheap trolling motor

Up and coming Chinese trolling motor maker Haswing offers everything from a £119 30-pound thruster to a Torqeedo-rivalling lithium-ion-juiced outboard for a hefty £1,240.

For value hunters, we like the simple delights of the Osapian 55 costing around £147. Weighing only 8.2kg, it packs a 55-pound punch, features five forward and three reverse gears, and offers a five-level LED battery indicator.

The cast aluminium drive shaft won’t be as durable as composite versions, and the plastic head cover is definitely on the flimsy side. But there’s a sturdy fin at the base of the motor to protect the prop and the tiller extends up to 35cm and angles up nicely. For the money, it’s hard to beat.

Watersnake Venom SXW trolling motor

Call it the quiet thunder from Down Under. This Aussie-made saltwater troller from Dandenong, Victoria, comes with a choice of 34, 44 and 54-pound thrust motors and 66, 76 or 91cm shafts. All run on separate 12-volt battery power and operate with five forward and three reverse speeds.

There’s plenty of tough composites in their construction – including the shaft – and refrigerator-white paint. We’d go for the torquey, yet super-quiet 54-pound Venom with its three-bladed prop, telescopic tiller and digital volt meter on the head cover. A fair dinkum price at around £317.

EP Carry trolling motor

Most trolling motors tend to look the same, right? The same lozenge-shaped head, skinny shaft, underwater pod with a prop on the end, and wires leading down to a separate lead-acid battery. The US-made EP Carry shakes things up by looking more like a traditional outboard, with a traditional cover and long steering tiller.

Yes, there’s still a separate battery, but here it’s a lithium-ion pack in a soft case weighing just 2.9kg. The motor and battery combined tip the scales at just 9.5kg. Plug in its fast charger and it’ll re-juice the battery in less than five hours. According to makers PropEle, it can easily push something like a three-metre Walker Bay RIB at over 3.5 knots. Right now, it’s only available in the US at $1,600 – roughly £1,220 – though they’ll happily ship one over.

Buy it now on electricpaddle.com

Torqeedo Travel 1003 trolling motor

Yes, it’s pricey at £1,449 and up, but to power your RIB with the least fuss this German-made Torqeedo Travel 1003 is still the Gold Standard of electric outboards. With 68 pounds of thrust – that’s roughly equivalent to a 3hp petrol outboard – it’ll push a decent-sized RIB at around five knots at full throttle. Throttle back to three knots and it should run for three and a half hours on a charge.

And it’s such a lovely piece of design with its built-in high-performance lithium-ion battery pack and distinctive grey and orange colour scheme. The base version comes with a 530Wh battery, though for around £250 extra you can get the bigger 915Wh battery pack for extra range.

Buy it now on BHG Marine Buy it now on Force 4

Don’t miss our electric outboard motor and trolling motor test .

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The Ultimate Guide to Electric Trolling Motors (Plus Some Awesome Models)

Frustrated in choosing the best electric trolling motor for your boat? Learn more about electric trolling motors with this handy guide.

They've been around for decades, the technology keeps improving and they greatly improve fishing ability . So, you'll want to find the best trolling motor so you can enjoy fishing every season!

With endless choices available, how do boaters choose the best one? What if you spend your hard-earned cash and it doesn't fit your needs? It's pretty hard to return or exchange a trolling motor (more so if you throw away the box in your haste/excitement).

In order to avoid inconvenience, pain, suffering and misery, it's important to research (tears are optional).

Electric Trolling Motor Basics

Pounds of thrust and voltage.

The first consideration is how many pounds of thrust you need. Trolling motors, instead of horsepower, use "thrust," which typically ranges from 30 lbs to 112 lbs.

Voltage correlates with the lbs thrust, providing 12-volt, 24-volt and 36-volt options. The more voltage, the more lbs. thrust and longer battery life available (if you're conservative).

So it's important to choose the right lbs thrust relative to your boat's size.

Here's a demonstration of boat size to thrust and voltage :

• Smaller 12 to 15-foot boats use 12 or 24-volt motors .
• Slightly larger 16 to 19-foot boats are ideal for 24 to 36 volts .
• Anything over 20 feet  needs a 36-volt motor .

Also, don't think you'll save money by going smaller. When winds pick up and you're off anchor , you'll be blown all over the place. Spend the money and get the motor you need.

Keep in mind that with more voltage levels, you'll need more batteries . A 12-volt is one battery, 24-volt is two batteries and a 36-volt requires three batteries.

Now if you're cursed and kill batteries left and right, I recommend sticking with a gas-powered trolling motor as they're not so dependent on batteries.

Electric Trolling Motor Controls

• Hand-control motors:  These are much like your traditional gas-powered troller. Tiller handle models are easy to control, but you have to be right by it.
• Foot-control motors: Using your foot, you control both the power level and steering. Some are mechanical, whereas others have an electric steering system. One benefit to foot-control models is they let you steer from the comfort of your seat.
• Wireless model motors:  Using a hand controller grants absolute freedom to control the motor from anywhere in the boat. Just whatever you do avoid dropping the remote in the water. It'll make for one lousy fishing day. Thankfully, they come with lanyards to wear around your neck. One disadvantage to wireless controls is that they can be finicky if you're inexperienced.  

All these electric trolling motor controls have their pros and cons, so it's best to pick your preference based on your boating style. Are you itchy and like to move about the boat? Then wireless is probably your best bet.

Prefer to plant yourself? A hand or foot-controlled is just fine. 

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Deployment Features

What is a deployment feature? Simply put, it's how you set the motor down into the water. While most boaters do this by hand, a newer "auto-deploy" technology is now offered, allowing the motor to drop in the water automatically at a push of a button. It's pretty slick tech that's starting to generate buzz around the boating world.

Ease of Removal

Electric trolling motors can either clamp on the rear or mount on the boat's bow.  Rear mounts  have self-tightening hand clamps, whereas bow mounts directly bolt to the boat.

If bolting a motor (or anything) to your boat is not something you're keen on, invest in quick release mounts (check price on Amazon) . One advantage of quick-release mounts is it makes removing the motor easy for storage.

It also works well when you can't fit the motor and boat cover on together. Of course, make sure to lock it up when not in use. They tend to grow feet and walk away.

Extra Electric Trolling Motor Features

• GPS tracking :  A versatile and flexible feature, you can mark a path for the motor to follow. My favorite is to hover in the same place.
• Built-in transducer: Link up with your fish finder and get a more accurate picture of what's in front of you. As a side note, not every model fish finder is compatible with this feature.

Motor Guide Electric Trolling Motors

Motor Guide has been around since the 1960s. Its currently part of Mercury Marine. I actually like that Motor Guide has a smaller, yet more simplistic selection when compared to Minn Kota.

Granted, the selection of Minn Kota can meet more needs, but I'm always an advocate for simplicity. Their GPS systems are the most accurate on the market, with anchor positioning that locks you into your fishing spot.

Tracking is also very efficient and allows you to plot a course to follow. To my knowledge, Motor Guide is also the only brand with a wireless foot-control option available, which offers flexibility to the user to control from anywhere in the boat.

Motor Guide's electric trolling motors (check prices on Amazon)  are also compatible to link up with Lowrance fish finders (check prices on Amazon) fish finders to give greater control and the ability to find the fish more easily.

My favorite model has to be Motor Guide's Xi5 Wireless trolling motor with GPS.

Minn Kota Electric Trolling Motors

Minn Kota has been around since 1934 and, always on the pinnacle of innovation, has invented foot pedal controls, composite shafts and more. They have the widest selection of motors to choose from and the latest in tech.

Their GPS models are known as i-Pilot and work very well. Motor Guide may be more accurate, but Minn Kota offers, in my opinion, an easier interface to interact with i-pilot.

More so with i-Pilot Link . Minn Kota has been making waves with their newest model, the Ulterra (check price on Amazon) , which has a self-deploy feature, dropping it in the water at the push of a button.

It's also possible to use this feature with GPS tracking to unload the boat unmanned and have it waiting at the dock while you park your truck and trailer. I've never tried this feature, and I wouldn't dare. There are many variables that put holes in this boat including people, weather, hidden underwater objects and malfunctioned batteries.

Many boaters love that feature, but with my luck, it would fail, leaving my boat adrift in the middle of the harbor.

Minn Kota electric trolling motors (check price on Amazon)  are only compatible to link up with Humminbird fish finders (check prices on Amazon) .

A few years ago, Lowrance was still compatible. However, since the parent company owns both Minn Kota and Humminbird, they restricted the compatibility with Lowrance. Captive market anyone?

My favorite model has to be the reliable Terrova with i-Pilot (check price on Amazon) . It's simple to use and works fantastic!

Gas Trolling Motors vs Electric Trolling Motors: The Cost Differences

One of the many questions that have plagued boat owners: Should I have a gas trolling motor or an electric trolling motor? If you can afford both, then you can actually use both effectively together. Granted, this option can be expensive and not everyone wants both.

I'll explain the pros and cons of each (If you're mister money bags or have money growing on trees, I'll leave my email below so you can give me a helping hand).

This is tricky to tackle as there are so many different models to choose from in both options, and many different boats to put them on. I'll break down the differences below.

Average Costs of Electric Trolling Motors

Electric trolling motor prices vary all over the place. However, don't just take the face value cost of the motor's final cost. You'll need to add the cost of batteries to the overall cost of your investment.

Electric motor prices begin at $500 and can reach $3,000 . Batteries, on the other end, cost on average $125- $150 (for good quality).

So, for example, the $500 trolling motor is a 12-volt battery, adding $125 at least for an adjacent battery. However, that's not all. You also need to factor electrical wiring, breakers and optional accessories. It's important to keep these factors in mind.

If you have your local dealer do the install, you need to add labor costs . Also, every bow on every boat's different. Some are easy and some are nightmares to work with.

It's difficult to provide an estimated cost for the motor set-up that'll work best for you. It's better to look for the motor that works best than to try to save money.

It's also difficult to exchange or return trolling motors after usage. It's better to do research and find what suits your boating style.

Average Cost of Gas Motors

Gas trolling motors have a higher initial cost. The 2.5 models start right around $1,000 . They go up to the popular 9.9 motors which are around $3,400- $3,700 .

However, they don't require batteries (electric start models use a boat's existing cranking battery). They don't need all the wiring, breakers or extras like an electric trolling motor.

You may need an external fuel tank or a fuel filter set-up to hook the motor to the onboard gas tank, but those costs are less compared to electric trolling motors.

The only cost prohibitor is if you need a bracket to hold your gas trolling motor, which can range from $300 to over $1,000, depending on the bracket you choose.

Battery Care/Costs

As mentioned, electric trolling motors will need batteries to work. You have the initial cost of the battery, but you also need to maintain it or you'll spend hundreds of dollars each year.

Buying a battery charger is a wise and valuable investment. Battery chargers start around $45 and go up from there. But with careful care, you can get three to four years out of your trolling motor batteries.

Electric trolling motors have become a staple in today's boating world, offering many useful and beneficial features to enhance the fishing experience . My best recommendation is to look for motors that have features you need/want and work within your budget.

One important decision-making factor is which brand fish finder you prefer, as the two main brands are compatible with different motors.

In the end, keep in mind that gas works really well, though electric has GPS tracking benefits and ease of deployment. Given the option, I like to actually have both.

Good luck catching the big one!

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Electric Trolling Motors: Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Picks (2023 Updates)

The electric trolling motor has evolved greatly in the past decades to be much more powerful, efficient, and easy to use, making it an indispensable piece of equipment for angler boats, kayaks, canoes, and other smaller boats.

Looking to get a decent electric trolling motor for your boat?

You will possibly get lost in the endless trolling motor options on the market, with similar designs, various features, different specs and in a wide price range across different brands.

So where should you start to get the best electric trolling motor that suits your specific needs?

No worries. I’ve done all the research for you and compiled this comprehensive guide to help you get started and make a wise pick.

In this post, you will learn all the basics about electric trolling motors, the top things to consider before buying an electric boat motor outboard, the best motor recommendations, pro tips to save money, etc.

Note: Click the links below to jump to the right piece of information you need:

Table of content:

• Get Started: Electric Trolling Motor Basics

Are Electric Trolling Motors Worth It?

• Buying Guide: Top 5 Things to Consider
• Best Electric Trolling Motors with Reviews

How to Save on Buying Electric Trolling Motor?

• Frequently Asked Questions (Updating)

Electric Trolling Motor Basics

First things first, let’s learn some fundamental basics about electric trolling motors to make sure we are on the same page for further discussion.

1. What is an Electric Trolling Motor?

An electric trolling motor is a small self-contained motor that provides clean, quiet, and consistent propulsion for boats at low trolling speeds. There are several crucial things you need to know about the small electric trolling motor for boat:

#1. Bow Mount vs Transom Mount

There are bow and transom mount electric trolling motor types depending on where the motor mounts to the boat.

The bow mount electric trolling motor is located at the front of the boat which hauls the boat through the water. It’s especially popular among anglers (almost exclusively used for fishing) with versatile features and controls.

The transom mounted outboard clamped on the rear of the boats which pushes the boat through the water. It’s usually used as general boat propulsion.

#2. Hand, Foot & Remote Control

Usually, you have three different control options for the electric trolling motor, including hand control (via the built-in tiller), foot control (via foot pedal), and remote control (via remote controller).

#3. 12V, 24V & 36V Trolling Motor

If you’ve searched around, you will find three electric trolling motor options: 12-volt, 24-volt and 36-volt ones.

What’s the difference?

To put it easily, the voltage implies the power level (lbs of thrust). The more voltage the electric trolling motor is labeled with, the higher power and longer battery life it has.

Another important thing to note is that a 12V small electric trolling motor only requires one battery, whereas a 24V one requires two batteries and 36V requires three to work.

Wondering how big of an electric trolling motor you need? Continue reading our buying guide for quick answers.

#4. Electric Trolling Motor vs Outboard

Remember that electric trolling motors are not outboards.

Although coming with similar designs and looks, trolling motors and outboards are different things for various purposes.

Electric trolling motors (where the output is measured in lbs. of thrust, typically 30 lbs to 112 lbs) provide low trolling speed for small boats (kayak, canoe, and small fishing boats), while electric boat motor outboards (where the output is measured in HP, typically 1 HP to 10 HP) are much more powerful and are used as the vessel’s primary source of propulsion.

You can feel the speed and performance difference immediately if you get a chance to have a test ride.

According to our test on the Hobie pro angler, an electric outboard can get to 6.1 mph, towing at 4.1mph, while the small electric trolling motor tops out at 4 mph.

That being said, the electric trolling motor still provides sufficient power for a lot of applications, including fishing, with a bunch of useful features, at more affordable prices.

2. How Does Electric Trolling Motor Work

Electric trolling motors work in a simple way with easy operation.

Generally speaking, an electric trolling motor consists of the shaft, thrust, control, propeller, motor, battery charger, and the terminal end (to connect to the battery).

In theory, the electric current creates a magnetic field that powers the permanent magnet motor in the propeller hub, which turns the propeller.

To make the small electric trolling motors work, you just need to control the outboard through its handle (or foot pedal/remote) and the propeller will twist in the water to provide propulsion for the boat.

Considering the way electric trolling motors work, the bare bone you will need to start your fishing is a basic trolling motor pack (such as the 100 dollar Minn Kota Endura ) and a deep cycle battery (such as the 80 dollar Miady battery ). This will be the lowest-cost setup.

From here, you may upgrade to more versatile packages such as the 100 Ah lithium battery pack with an XI3 GPS electric trolling motor . That way, you can have spot lock and hand held remote but the price will amount to over $1000.

Click to see more electric trolling motor recommendations with reviews.

These days, electric trolling motors are getting prevalent, and a basic setup can cost hundreds (even thousands) of dollars.

No one wants to waste their hard-earned money on some useless water toy. Are electric trolling motors worth it?

In fact, the value of electric trolling motors depends on your applications.

For anglers, the electric trolling motor is a game changer. It not only provides quiet propulsion (that won’t spook fish) with easy control, but also makes your fishing more efficient than ever before:

For example, the spot lock feature allows you to stay in one spot against current or wind without deploying a physical anchor. More importantly, it provides a superior boating experience with no smell and no noise, so you won’t spook fish.

It’s also perfect for smaller boats (such as tenders, dinghies, kayaks, canoes, pontoon boat, etc) or if you want to boat on small lakes just for cruising. A lot of users are surprised by its performance after they tried it:

For example, the Newport Vessels Kayak Series , a basic 55-pound thrust electric trolling motor, can go 5 miles per hour in smooth water and last 2 hours. If you adjust the speed to lower settings, it can last up to 16 hours!

However, if you are planning to go for long trips as the main power source, the electric trolling motors might not be an option due to their limited range, speed, and energy (compared with the outboard motor).

Why are trolling motors so expensive?

Electric trolling motors for boats sell at a higher price for some good reasons: electric boating is a relatively new technology that involves a lot of R&D investment. The good news is that the price is likely to decrease in the future as technology becomes more mature and on a larger scale.

Also, the batteries used to power electric trolling motors are expensive. However, you can save on gasoline bills, making it a cost-effective option in the long run.

Anyways, electrification is the trend and electric trolling motors have already got their place in a lot of boating applications, and they are still evolving to satisfy your demands at a faster speed than you think.

Click here to learn some pro tips to buy cheap electric trolling motors.

Buying Guide: Top 5 Things to Consider for Best Picks

Frustrated in searching for ideal electric trolling motors among so many options available on the market?

Reading our exhaustive guide helps you save time to target the best motor and spend the money wisely.

Now let’s go through the top 5 considerations one by one to narrow down your options effectively.

#1. Thrust & Voltage

How big of an electric trolling motor do I need?

You need to make sure that the electric trolling motor is powerful enough to overcome the possible winds and currents, but without being an overkill.

The rule of thumb is to have at least 2lb of thrust for every 100lb of gross weight of the boat (including people and gear). If there is any significant wind or current, you will need more thrust.

In terms of voltage, it indicates the power your trolling motor requires from the battery. You will need one battery for every 12 volts of the electric trolling motor. The higher voltage, the greater the motor thrust (and more batteries).

Combining the correlative information of thrust, voltage, boat weight, and length, here is a simple chart that indicates the size of electric trolling motor for different boat ranges:

1500 or less	14	30	12	1
2000	17-18	40-45	12	1
2500	20-21	50-55	12	1
3000 – 3500	23	70	24	2
4000	25	80	24	2
4500 or more	25+	101-112	36	3

Notice : More thrust is not always better, and increasing thrust does not necessarily mean higher speed. In fact, a 55 lbs thrust electric trolling motor will not move a boat much faster than the 30 lbs counterpart. The extra thrust is mostly intended for heavier boats instead of faster speeds.

#2. Shaft Length

The next important thing you need to decide on is the electric trolling motor shaft length.

If it’s too long (with the motor being too deep in the water), it will produce more drag that affects speed and drains your battery life. If it’s too short (with the motor head being too shallow), it will produce cavitation bubbles and noise that spook the fish.

The rule of thumb is to submerge the center of the motor section at least 12” of water. Remember to add an extra 5” if you fish in rough waters.

In real-world applications, you need to measure from the mounting surface to the water surface and add 20” to get the minimum shaft length.

With that measurement, you can also use the table below to find the right electric trolling motor shaft length:

	0” to 10”	36”
	16” to 22”	42” to 45”
	22” to 28”	48” to 52”
	28” to 44”	54” to 72”
	45”+	87”
	0” to 10”	30”
	10” to 16”	36”
	16” to 22”	42”
	22”+	Consult Factory

Further Reading : How to Measure Outboard Shaft Length

#3. Freshwater or Seawater

Now a lot of electric trolling motors are available in both freshwater and saltwater versions to satisfy anglers fishing in different waters.

The main difference is their ability to resist corrosion. The saltwater electric trolling motors are designed with protective layers on all metallic parts and fully-encapsulated electronics to guard against corrosion, and thus, they are more expensive compared with their freshwater counterparts.

It’s an easy and straightforward choice depending on your specific use cases.

Wondering about using a freshwater trolling motor in saltwater to save some money?

Although it works, the electric trolling motor might not last as long and will lose the warranty.

Personally, I don’t think it’s worth the risk and will choose to upgrade to a saltwater version.

If you just use the trolling motor occasionally on saltwater, it should be good to go with proper precautions. For example, use fresh water to rinse the motor and cover the metal parts with oil or grease .

#4. Functionality

The electric trolling motor price eventually comes down to the features you need.

A basic trolling motor costs around $100, while a fully furnished one can cost over $3000.

Here are some features you might consider adding to your electric trolling motor setup:

• Remote Control : It allows you to control the outboard wirelessly
• Auto-Deploy : It allows the motor to drop in the water automatically at the push of a button
• Spot Lock : It allows you to lock onto fishing spots without touching the electric trolling motor
• GPS : It helps record and retrace paths on the water
• Fish Finder Sonar : It can detect fish and underwater topography, providing you with a clear picture underneath your hull

You may check and mark the features important to you and select the best electric trolling motors on the list below accordingly. That way, you can get an ideal electric trolling motor that’s customized to your needs and make the best use of it.

#5. Dealer Support

Last but not least, you need to check the accessibility of dealer support if anything goes wrong.

People tend to overlook the importance of a nearby dealer network which could cause potential trouble and pain in the future, especially if you are not technically inclined.

That’s where big brands shine.

If budget allows, buy electric trolling motors from big names with a long history, such as Minn Kota, MotorGuide, Newport Vessels, etc. They are more experienced in dealing with all kinds of customers’ queries with reliable warranty and after-sales policy (Note: Two-year warranty is standard in this industry).

The best scenario is that you can find a dealer nearby who can handle your inquiries and help troubleshoot any problems that may occur. You can easily confirm this by visiting their official website.

Best Electric Trolling Motors: Our Top 5 Picks (with Reviews)

So now, with enough knowledge, we’ve got to the most crucial step: browse all electric trolling motor options and select the one that suits you best.

It could be a pain for you to go through websites, read catalogs, manuals, and reviews to compare all models.

To make things easy for you, we’ve tested and selected the best electric trolling motors based on the features, specs, prices, as well as real-world users’ experiences.

Rest assured, they are all from reliable brands with solid support and hundreds and thousands of happy customers worldwide.

1. Minn Kota Endura C2 Transom Mount Trolling Motor

This Minn Kota setup is one of the most popular electric trolling motors in the business. Selling at an affordable price, it’s ideal for people who simply want a quiet and discreet ride with adequate power.

Specs & Feature Highlights

• Thrust levels (lb): 30, 40, 45, 50, 55
• Shaft lengths: 30″, 36″, 42″
• Voltage: 12V
• Weight: 30lb – 6.8kg / 55lb – 10.2kg
• Control: Telescoping Handle
• Application: Freshwater
• Mounting Type: Transom Mount
• Speed: 5 Fwd/3 Rev
• Warranty: 2 Year

The small electric trolling motor is available in a wide power and shaft range to accommodate different boat sizes. However, remember that it’s designed for freshwater use only.

This electric trolling motor is also beginners friendly. The 12V system only needs one battery to work, making it easy to install and mount – there is no complex wiring as the 24V or 36V trolling motor requires.

It features a five-speed control system with smooth and simple operation. If you are looking for a reliable, easy-to-use and efficient electric trolling motor for your small boat, the Endura C2 is a great option.

Note : Although this is a transom mount trolling motor, you can still use it as a bow mount. You just need to remove the control head and reconnect it backward.

Customer Review:

“ My notion is that if you have a 14ft boat or less, this engine is adequate. No need to break the bank if you’re on a budget. For my purposes, it is perfect! “

Further Reading: Check out our comprehensive product review to learn more about this electric trolling motor.

2. Minn Kota Terrova iPilot Trolling Motor

If you are looking for a more versatile electric trolling motor, the Minn Kota Terrova won’t let you down. Featuring the advanced i-Pilot system, it will make your fishing trip more enjoyable and fruitful than ever before.

• Thrust & Voltage: 112 lb (36V), 80 lb (24V), 55 lb (12V)
• Shaft lengths: 45″, 54″, 60″, 72″
• Weight: 55 lbs – 16.8 kg/80 lbs – 19 kg
• Control: Foot Pedal & Remote
• Mounting Type: Bow Mount

This electric boat motor kit is easy to operate with the wireless remote and foot pedal (not included).

It features a lot of smart designs to make boating faster and easier. For example, the spring loaded lift-assistant allows you to deploy and lift the motor out of water effortlessly. The push-to-test battery meter keeps you informed of the remaining battery life, offering a piece of mind especially when you forget to charge the batteries.

It’s also worth mentioning that the Digital Maximizer claims to prolong the runtime 4 times since it only draws as much power as you need. So less worry about battery life.

The highlight of this electric trolling motor is the GPS i-Pilot system which offers a bunch of innovative features:

• Spot lock : This amazingly accurate GPS anchoring locks the boat into your favorite fishing spot
• Jog : It allows you to adjust your spot-lock location by moving five feet in any direction
• Record path : You can mark your productive fishing route and come back to the exact spot next time
• Auto pilot : It ensures you stay in the desired spot all the time regardless of the wind and current
• Sonar Imaging : a new fish finding technology that delivers a crystal clear view of what’s underneath the water
• Compatible with Hummingbird Fish Finder

All these features help you catch more fish.

With multiple power options available, you are sure to find the right model that fits your style of fishing perfectly.

Note: This model adopts electric steering, which may require some time to get used to if you are just switched from cable steering. They just don’t feel the same. Electric steering is not as responsive but will cause less fatigue.

“ Great purchase! The Terrova is much easier on the battery, super easy to deploy and stow, has no trouble in the wind, and autopilot and spot lock are absolute game changers. “

If you intend to use the electric trolling motor for saltwater use, check out its saltwater version Riptide Terrova .

3. Haswing Cayman 12V Bow Mount Trolling Motor

Haswing is also a reputable manufacturer known for producing high quality electric outboard motors since 1995. Although it doesn’t come cheap, it’s a cost-effective option given all the benefits and features it provides.

• Thrust & Voltage: 55 lb (12V)
• Shaft lengths: 48″
• Weight: 15.5 kg
• Control: Foot Pedal (Cable Wired) & Remote
• Application: Freshwater & Saltwater

Similar to the Digital Maximizer from Minn Kota, Haswing allows for variable speed which lets you dial at your desired speed with lower power consumption. Therefore, the battery life is extended greatly.

Controlling the electric outboard motor is super easy with long-range remote control (164 ft the farthest). So you can even control it offshore. Or you can use the cable wired foot pedal to operate and release your hands when fishing.

The quick release bracket is also a useful and highly-praised feature that helps you install and remove the electric trolling motor easily. With the built-in 5 level battery status indicator, you will know when it’s time to charge.

Different from the spot lock that keeps you staying at a particular spot, the Haswing features Cruise Control. It allows you to stay at the desired speed all the time, so you can be more focused on fishing.

Another big plus for this electric trolling motor is that it’s designed for both freshwater and saltwater.

“ After looking around a ton, this one stuck out to be a nice value. The parts feel quality, the wires are thick and the trolling motor is responsive. “

This electric trolling motor is suitable for boats weighing up to 2750 lbs. If you are looking for more powerful options for heavier boats, check out this 80 lbs model .

4. Newport Vessels NV Series Trolling Motor

This is one of the best selling electric trolling motors with thousands of positive customer reviews on Amazon. If you want a reliable and affordable trolling motor (with no need for fancy GPS navigation), be sure to check it out.

• Thrust & Voltage: 36 lb (12V), 46 lb (12V), 55 lb (12V), 62 lb (12V), 86 lb (24V)
• Shaft lengths: 30″, 36″
• Weight: 36 lb (8.4 kg), 46 lb (9.1 kg), 55 lb (10.5 kg), 62 lb (10.5 kg), 86 lb (11.3 kg)
• Control: Tiller

The NV Series electric trolling motor offers a wide range of thrust options for you to choose from. The most popular model is 55 lb, suitable for small and medium sized boats (such as fishing kayak, inflatable dinghy, jon boat), providing a top speed of 4 mph.

Designed for use in both freshwater and saltwater, this motor is ready to tackle any environment. The fiberglass shaft, stainless steel hardware and corrosion proof designs make it durable in all applications.

The 5-point LED battery meter lets you know the battery status, so no worries about battery life, since you can always plan ahead of time. For example, adjusting to a lower speed to greatly extend its range or having it charged timely before it dies.

It requires only one deep cycle battery (either lead-acid or lithium battery type), which can save your day if you are not comfortable with doing the wiring work. If you’ve decided on the 86lb 24v model (2 batteries required), check out our step-to-step guide for easy wiring.

This electric trolling motor is popular for its performance-to-price ratio. If you want good value for the money and don’t care about the fancy GPS feature, the Newport Vessels NV Series is an excellent choice.

“ This is the best trolling motor I have ever owned. Very powerful and salt water does not have any effect on it. The reverse is just as powerful. This motor performs just as well as the high dollar motors. “

5. Motorguide Xi3 Kayak Trolling Motor

If you are looking for an electric trolling motor to motorize your fishing kayak or canoe, we recommend Motorguide Xi3 for its easy maneuverability and great versatility.

• Shaft lengths: 36″
• Weight: 40.5 pounds (18.4 kg)
• Control: Remote & Foot Pedal (Optional)
• Application: Freshwater ( Check Saltwater Model )

For kayak anglers, it’s important to find an electric trolling motor with a proper shaft length. With a 36” shorter shaft, Xi3 offers a perfect fit for your fishing kayak. The 55 lb trolling motor is efficient and powerful enough to move the kayak fast (at a top speed of about 4.4mph when fully loaded, according to our test).

It’s easy to use. Just bolt on the motor base, connect it to a 12V battery, and you are ready to go.

This kayak electric trolling motor doesn’t come cheap, mainly because it features a lot of premium features of larger trolling motors, including GPS navigation, virtual anchor, route record, auto pilot, heading lock, LED display, wireless remote control, fish finder compatibility, etc.

As an electric motor for fishing kayaks, it will definitely help you catch more fish.

If you just want a specialized trolling motor on kayak (or canoe) to offer some relief on long paddles, the Newport Vessels Kayak Series would be a better choice. It’s much lighter and cheaper with a shorter adjustable shaft length, suitable to be used as a canoe electric trolling motor. As a plus, you can use it in both freshwater and saltwater.

• Shaft lengths: 24″
• Weight: 23 pounds (10.4 kg)
• Control: Tiller (Telescoping Handle)

All the recommendations are available worldwide with free shipping, so don’t worry if you want to order the electric trolling motor in Canada, Ontario, Australia, NZ, or Europe.

If you have other specific requirements for the electric boat motor kit and couldn’t find the one that suits your needs, feel free to leave a comment below and I will get back to you ASAP with recommendations.

Useful Accessories:

There are also some useful accessories that you may want to add to your shopping list:

• Quick Release Mount : It allows you to quickly remove the electric trolling motor from or reattached it to a boat
• Battery Box : It provides a clean, easy and safe way to store and carry your battery to the boat
• Extension Handle : It extends the length of the handle, allowing you to control it from the center of the boat
• Kayak Mount : It makes adding an electric trolling motor to your kayak easy without screwing

Also, don’t forget the most important add-ons to your trolling motor setup: batteries. Unfortunately, you can not have the whole setup (electric trolling motors with battery) from the same manufacturer, and it requires you to do more research. Check our previous dedicated guide to find the best pick for your boat.

Looking for electric trolling motors for sale near you? It’s true that trolling motors don’t come cheap, but there are still some handy tips to help cut down your boating expenses:

• Learn to do maintenance by yourself. The maintenance bill can accumulate to a large number over time. If you can learn some basic tasks (including cleaning and waxing the hull), you will save big in the long run.
• Buy a used electric trolling motor. There are some used trolling motors sold still in good condition but only at a fraction of the cost. If lucky enough, you might find something just as good as brand new in the second hand market.
• Trade or swap with others. If you have a gas outboard or an old electric trolling motor, see if you can trade it out and get the new one for less. If you have some skill or service to offer, you may try to get the outboard from other boat owners by providing valuable services.
• Join a boating club or online community. Online platforms such as forums and groups provide a good channel for people to spread information and exchange ideas. You might discover a good valued trolling motor through word of mouth or find a nice electric trolling motor for sale.
• Compare different platforms. You may compare the prices of electric trolling motors on Amazon, Walmart, and other channels to get the best offers.

FAQs About Electric Trolling Motor

Here I collected the hottest questions concerning electric trolling motors for boats with quick answers, in case you share the same confusion. Feel free to let me know in the comments if you have any more specific questions.

1. How fast do electric trolling motors go?

Generally speaking, electric trolling motors can go about 4-5 miles per hour depending on the boat type, load, weather, etc. A typical 55 pound thrust trolling motor can go up to 5 mph.

2. How long do electric trolling motors last?

How long a trolling motor can run on a batter mostly depends on the speed. If you run the electric trolling motor at top speed (5 mph), it can last about 2 hours. However, if you adjust the speed to lower settings, the runtime will extend greatly. You can troll with an electric motor for up to 16 hours.

Take the Minn Kota Endura as an example. Here is its runtime for different speeds (5 speed available):

5 (Top Speed)	2
4	4
3	8
2	12
1 (Lowest Speed)	16

3. Are trolling motors electric?

Yes, all trolling motors are electric.

4. How to use an electric trolling motor?

It depends on the types of electric trolling motor you are talking about:

With a tiller steered trolling motor, you need to pull or push the tiller to control the direction. Grab the tiller and twist it clockwise (or counter-clockwise) to increase (or reduce) speed.

There are also trolling motors controlled by a foot pedal (where you need to push the pedal up and down to steer the motor) and a wireless remote (where you can steer the boat at your fingertips).

5. What’s the most powerful electric trolling motor?

By far, the most powerful and fastest electric trolling motor is 112 lbs (36V) models, including Ultrex and Terrova , both from Minn Kota.

6. Can 2 electric trolling motors be used simultaneously?

Yes, you can run two trolling motors simultaneously, but that won’t increase speed much.

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• Trolling Motors

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• Kayak Motors
• Transom Mount

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Quiet, powerful, and endlessly versatile, our collection of high-quality electric trolling motors take you and your boat farther than ever before. Unlock harder-to-reach spots and stay out on the water longer when you fish with a Newport electric trolling motor.

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Home » Fishing Gear » Electronics » 23 Best Electric Trolling Motors for Boats, Kayaks, and Canoes in 2023

23 Best Electric Trolling Motors for Boats, Kayaks, and Canoes in 2023

Trolling motors are a great way to power a small johnboat, canoe, or kayak. Larger pedal-operated trolling motors are used extensively on bass boats and shallow ocean running boats to fish near the shore. A trolling motor allows the boat to quietly sneak into the best fishing spots.

Without a trolling motor, fishermen have to rely on drift fishing. This is a big disadvantage because the boat is simply taken in the direction of the wind and current. Sometimes the boat ends up in shallow water that is difficult to navigate out of with the large primary motor.

There are several important decisions that will have to be made when selecting a trolling motor. First deciding how much thrust will be needed to propel the vessel is important. Next how it will be mounted. The mounting option for trolling motors includes bow-mounted, transom-mounted, and primary motor mounted.  Control options for trolling motors include hand-controlled, cable steered, cable controlled, and technologically controlled.

The power supplied to the motor is delivered by electric batteries. These batteries need to have the proper voltage and current. The amount of current stored in the batteries is measured in amp-hours. The larger the battery’s capacity the longer the motor can be run without being recharged.

The voltage requirement varies based on the max thrust of the motor. Trolling motors with 55 pounds of thrust and under can use a single 12-volt battery. The second level of motors with 60-80 pounds of the thrust recommends using 24 volts requiring two batteries. For large motors with 90-112 pounds of thrust, it is recommended to have 36 volts of power requiring three batteries.

Here Are the Best Electric Trolling Motors

Transom mount trolling motors, 1. minn kota endura.

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	$115-$260
	30, 40, 45, 50, or 55
	Telescopic Tiller
	5 Forward, 3 Reverse
	12 Volts
	30, 36, or 42-Inch
	No

Minn Kota has several top-selling trolling motors for pretty much every scenario and watercraft type. The Minn Kota Endura is a transom-mounted unit sporting five different thrust options which are 30, 40, 45, 50, and 55 pounds.

The shafts lengths vary based on the distance the motor is mounted in the water. The shaft length also affects the handle height. If the boat is controlled while sitting down a lower handle height is good. When controlling to motor from a standing position a taller handle height is better. Shaft lengths are 30, 36, and 42 inches. The handle of this unit is telescopic to make it longer or shorter based on the situation.

The Minn Kota composite shaft is well known for its incredible durability. It is true that it can significantly bend but it won’t break. These motors can take some abuse without having major issues.

This is an excellent trolling motor for anglers that want a basic reliable transom mount trolling motor using a single 12-volt battery. Minn Kota offers a lifetime warranty on the shaft and a two-year limited warranty on the rest of the package.

2. Minn Kota Endura Max Transom Mount Trolling Motor

Buy from Amazon

	$240-$310
	40, 45, 50, or 55
	Telescopic Tiller
	Digital Maximizer
	12 Volts
	30, 36, or 42-Inch
	No

This unit is almost entirely the same as the regular Endura but comes with the Digital Maximizer system. The difference in price is roughly $50, and some of you may not need the Digital Maximizer on the Endura Max so that is why both of the trolling motors are on the list.

The Digital Maximizer is a software that automatically adjusts the power supplied to the trolling motor based on a predetermined speed. This can in theory increase your battery life by 5 times in certain situations. Trolling motors do not necessarily make the boat go faster by applying more power. The pitch of the prop limits how fast a trolling motor will go. The maximizer helps ensure the user is not running the motor faster than is needed. This is most helpful when traveling from one location to another with the trolling motor.

3. Minn Kota Riptide SC Transom Mount

	$310-$520
	45, 55, or 112
	Tilt Extending Tiller
	5 Forward, 3 Reverse
	12V for 55, 65, 36V for 112
	36, 42, or 52-Inch
	Yes

The Minn Kota Riptide SC is a transom mount saltwater-rated trolling motor that is controlled with a tiller handle. Features include the indestructible composite shaft, push to test battery life indicator, quiet motor, and a 10 position bracket that adjusts with a quick-release lever. The SC  version has 5 forward speeds and three reverse speeds. The other type is continuous variable speed.

The tiller handle extends 6 inches and can tilt up to 45 degrees. The shaft has a lifetime warranty and the unit has a two-year limited manufacturer warranty.

4. Minn Kota Vantage Freshwater Trolling Motor

	$1,500
	80 or 101-Pound.
	Tilt Extending Tiller
	Digital Maximizer
	24 Volts, 36 Volts
	31-Inch.
	No

The Minn Kota Vantage is a powerful trolling motor that is hand steered. The motor is unique in that it can be raised and lowered automatically with the push of a button. It has the vantage mounting system which breaks away on impact which helps protect the boat and motor when striking the ground.

The trolling motor has a 4:1 articulating steering system for sharper turns with less tiller handle movement. It can also turn 180 degrees so the propeller can be used in the more efficient forward motion to travel in all directions. The Vantage can quickly be placed in back trolling mode where the motor is turned 180 degrees.

Features include a tiller handle that can extent 31 inches, digital battery life indicator, and the digital maximizer to control the boat speed more efficiently to extend battery life. It also has the Weedless Wedge 2 propeller which is very popular with anglers who bass fish in the weeds.

5. Minn Kota Traxxis Trolling Motor

	$395-$450
	45, 55, 70, or 80
	Tilt Extending Tiller
	Digital Maximizer
	12 Volts or 24 Volts
	36 or 42-Inch
	No

The Minn Kota Traxxis unique trolling features are with its steering modes. It is a transom mount trolling motor but the direction the motor faces can be quickly changed 180 degrees to allow for back trolling. This makes the propeller and motor more efficient when back trolling.

It also has a 4:1 articulating steering system where 45 degrees of motion of the tiller handle moves the motor 180 degrees. Other features include the digital maximizer, an indestructible composite shaft that is strong and flexible, and a tilt extending tiller handle. It can be stored and deployed using one hand. This unit comes with a 3-year limited manufacturer warranty.

6. Watersnake with Kayak Bracket Trolling Motor

	$123-$190
	18 or 24-Pound
	Tiller
	High, Low, and Reverse
	12 Volts
	24-Inch
	Yes

The watersnake trolling motor is specifically designed for kayaks. It comes in two configurations a transom mount or a kayak side mount.  The two-blade propeller is a weedless design so it will work well when fishing in thick cover. This trolling motor is designed with fishing in mind.

Key features include its lightweight, high-low power switch, forward-reverse switch, and mounting design that will work with most kayaks. There is an Intex Mount Kit that will also allow this trolling motor to be used on small inflatable boats.

7. Goplus Electric Trolling Motor

	$170-$250
	46, 55, and 86-Pound
	Extending Tiller
	5 Forward, 3 Reverse
	12V for 46, and 55, 24V for 86
	36-Inch
	Yes

The Goplus is a transom mount tiller controlled electric trolling motor. This is a basic trolling motor and would be good to use on a small Jon boat, kayak, or inflatable boat.

It has a 10 position bracket to lift and lower the motor into different angled positions. The shaft depth can also be adjusted with a clamp which is nice when going into really shallow water. There is also a 10 point LED battery life indicator. The head of the motor is made with aluminum which can increase the life of the unit.

8. Newport Vessels Kayak Series Trolling Motor

	$180-$250
	36 or 55
	Telescopic Tiller
	5 Forward, 3 Reverse
	12 Volts
	24-Inch
	Yes

The Newport Vessels Kayak series is a short trolling motor that is built for Kayaks.  It is available in either 36-pound or 55-pound thrust options and comes with a 24-inch fiberglass shaft. The shaft length is to short for most boats but can work with inflated boats.

This is purpose-built for kayaks, is economically friendly, and easily propels a kayak with tons of gear. The motor is equipped with anti-corrosion coatings and seals making it resistant to saltwater.

The motor encasement and internals are all crafted from lightweight aluminum and stainless steel. This unit is to be mounted on the rear (transom) of the kayak. It comes with an adjustable handle height and works work most kayak sizes. The motor also comes with a 2-year limited warranty.

9. Newport Vessels Mossy Oak Trolling Motor

	$190-$260
	40 or 55-Pound
	Extension Tiller
	5 Forward, 3 Reverse
	12 Volts
	36-Inch
	Yes

These Newport Vessels trolling motor comes in Mossy Oak camo or black. Power options are 40 pounds or 55 pounds. Both sizes are powered with a single 12-volt deep cycle battery.

Features include a 30-degree adjustable handle in the vertical direction, a LED battery life indicator, and saltwater rated equipment. This is a transom mount trolling motor with a tilt-adjust mounting bracket. The battery cable is 4 feet in length. A 50 AMP circuit breaker is included and should be installed to help protect against electrical damage.

Bow Mount Trolling Motors

10. motorguide x3 bow mount hand control trolling motor.

	$392-$605
	45 or 55-Pound
	Extending Tiller
	5 Forward, 3 Reverse
	12 Volts
	50-Inch
	No

This Motor Guide X3 is a bow mount trolling motor with a tiller to control position and speed. Some anglers prefer to use a tiller over a foot pedal or wireless remote. While this is less common it is an effective way to control the boat.

Features include a composite shaft with a lifetime warranty, extendable tiller handle, new mount design, composite locking pins, and quiet 3-blade Machete propeller.

11. Minn Kota Riptide Maxxum Saltwater Trolling Motor with Latch

	$780-$1,350
	55, 70, and 80-Pound
	Tilt Extending Tiller
	Digital Maximizer
	12V for 55, 24V for 70 and 80
	52 or 62-Inch
	Yes

This is the Minn Kota Maxxum Riptide saltwater trolling motor with latch. It is a bow mount trolling motor that is controlled with a tiller handle. The latch and door make the motor easily removable. It is placed on a Bowguard 360 mount which allows the motor to break free if it runs aground.

This is a Riptide model which means that it is saltwater rated with coated aluminum for corrosion resistance. The digital maximizer helps adjust the motor power to level for a given speed which helps maximize battery life. There is a button to press to display battery life. The depth of the motor can quickly be changed with the quick lock cam depth adjuster.

12. Minn Kota Maxxum Bow Mount Trolling Motor

	$700-$1,080
	55, 70, and 80-Pound
	Foot Pedal or Tiller
	Digital Maximizer
	12V for 55, 24V for 70 and 80
	42, or 52-Inch
	Yes

The Minn Kota Maxxum is a bow mount freshwater trolling motor. This is the freshwater version of the Riptide Maxxum and comes in a shorter 42-inch shaft length option and has a weedless wedge 2 propeller. The unit can come in the cable food pedal control configuration or the tiller hand-control configuration.

It is mounted on the Bowguard 360 which breaks away if it runs into the ground. After breaking away the unit will automatically reset. The mounting bracket also makes it easy to remove the trolling motor. Features include the digital maximizer, illuminated directional indicator, anodized aluminum mount, and a push to test battery indicator.

13. Minn Kota Edge Bow Mount Trolling Motor

	$410-$610
	45, 55, or 70.
	Tilt Twist Tiller or Foot
	5 Speeds
	12V for 45, 55, 24V for 70.
	36, 45, 50, or 52-Inch
	No

The Minn Kota Edge is a reasonably priced bow mountable trolling motor. It also comes in two styles, a foot-controlled model and a hand-controlled model. The foot control model is more popular as this leaves both hands free to fish.

The foot control cord is roughly 4 feet in length. It has a latch and door design that makes the motor easy to remove which is often important. The hand control model has a tilt tiller for easy control even when standing. This trolling motor comes with a two-year limited manufacturer warranty and the composite shaft has a lifetime warranty.

14. MotorGuide X3 Bow Mount Trolling Motor

	$440-$710
	45, 55, or 70
	Power Prop
	5 Speeds
	12V for 45, 55, 24V for 70
	36 or 50-Inch.
	Yes

The MotorGuide X3 is a bow mount trolling motor with foot control. It comes equipped with the MotorGuide Proprietary Variable Ratio Steering (VRS) system. This is widely known as one of the most accurate foot-controlled systems in units priced under a thousand bucks.

The entire unit is constructed of aircraft-grade aluminum and uses stainless-steel hardware, making it fairly corrosion resistant and ready to plunge into saltwater. The X3 was built with sound reduction in mind. They utilized composite bushings and locking pins to ensure quiet operation the entire unit is easy to use.

15. Motorguide Tour Pro Trolling Motor

	$2,700-$2,800
	109-Pound.
	Cable-Steer with GPS Anchor
	Foot Pedal.
	136 Volts
	45-Inch
	No

The Motorguide Tour Pro is a powerful freshwater trolling motor commonly used on bass fishing boats. It is the only trolling motor that has the GPS anchor feature with a foot pedal cable steer design. The GPS can connect to most fishing finders.

It has a 3 blade weedless prop that is 30 percent more efficient than older version propellers. The 360-degree breakaway mount helps protect the motor when running to the ground. Other features include Zero-G lift-assist, pinpoint with anchor lock, heading lock, and cruise control.

16. Motorguide Xi3 Wireless Trolling Motor

	$845-$1,070
	55 or 70-Pound
	Wireless Remote
	Digital Power Management
	12V for 55 and 24 V for 70
	36 48, 54-Inch
	Salt Version Available

The Motorguide Xi3 comes in black which is the freshwater version and white which is the saltwater version. There are three options to choose from, standard, standard plus GPS, and standard plus GPS with sonar.

All of these units are controlled using a wireless remote control. A wireless foot control pedal is available for the unit but is not included. Features include an efficient quiet motor, GPS to allow a position to be held, a secure step lever for easy deployment, and digital power management to allow the batteries to last longer. The sonar can be integrated with most popular fishfinder brands such as Lowrance and Simrad.

17. Motorguide Xi5 Wireless Saltwater Trolling Motor

	$1,990-$2,402
	55, 80, 105-Pound
	Wireless Remote
	Digital Power Management
	12V, 24V, 36V
	48, 54, or 72-Inch
	No

The Motorguide Xi5 is a trolling motor with wireless operation. It can come with or without GPS. A built-in 83/200 kHz sonar is included and can interface with select Lowrance, Simrad, and Mercury VesselView fish finders.

Key features include Pinpoint GPS, saltwater rated components, high-efficiency electronics, wireless handheld remote control, and digital power management for longer battery life. A wireless foot control pedal is available for this unit but does not come included.

18. Minn Kota Riptide Powerdrive Bow Mount Trolling Motor

	$950-$1,180
	55, or 70
	Wireless, GPS, or Foot
	Digital Maximizer
	24 Volts
	48 or 54-Inch
	Yes

The Riptide Powerdrive and the Riptide Terrova are very similar in appearance and functionality, but the Terrova is a more expensive and polished product.

The Powerdrive does come equipped with the I-Pilot feature, which is powered by GPS and enables many powerful functions such as spot-lock, autopilot, and is controllable by the I-Pilot handheld remote. Now, the Powerdrive does not allow the use of both a foot pedal and the remote simultaneously, that functionality is reserved for the more expensive Terrova model.

The Powerdrive is deployed by hand, without the use of the Minn Kota deploy assist. If you are not using the I-Pilot function with the remote, you will have to operate the trolling motor by hand. There is no foot pedal integration with the Powerdrive model. This is when many people spend the extra money and get the Terrova model.

The I-Pilot system also allows co-pilot with the use of BlueTooth integration on your smartphone. This allows the driver to make quick and easy adjustments from their phone.

The spot-lock holds a position and is accurate up to 3 feet. It calculates position using GPS and can even account for most wind and wave conditions.

Both Riptide modules are specifically designed for saltwater use. Riptide signifies that the unit is anti-corrosive and suitable for saltwater implementation. If the Minn Kota unit you are looking at doesn’t say it is a Riptide model, it will not come with the proper anti-corrosive coatings.

19. Minn Kota Riptide Terrova Bow Mount Trolling Motor

	$1,064-$2,500
	80-Pound
	Wireless, GPS, or Foot
	Digital Maximizer
	24 Volts
	54, 60, or 72-Inch
	Yes

This Riptide Terrova trolling motor has the same basic functionalities as the Powerdrive with the added features of a foot pedal and lifts assist. This is the Riptide version of the Terrova, which is the version purpose-built for saltwater use and is anti-corrosive.

Another difference here between the Powerdrive and the Terrova is its thrust and shaft options. With the Terrova, the max thrust is 80 pounds compared to 70 pounds with the power drive. The Terrova also has 60 and 72-inch shaft length options.

If your watercraft is on the heavier side or you want the lift-assist feature or you want to control with your feet the Terrova is a better option than the Powerdrive. Both options are great and both have their place based on user needs. If money is not an factor, check out the Minn Kota Ultrex, as it is even more powerful than both of these units and offers some advanced control features.

20. Minn Kota Ultrex I-Pilot Bow Mount Trolling Motor

	$3,780
	80 or 112-Pound
	Wireless, GPS, or Foot
	Digital Maximizer
	24V for 80 and 36V for 112
	45 or 52-Inch
	No

The Minn Kota Ultrex is widely reviewed and praised by many professional fishermen.  It comes with a foot pedal and some of the most advanced control mechanisms on any trolling motor to date.

Key features include the lift assist, large easy to read LCD display, remote control, spot-lock, steering lock, and the most sensitive foot-pad ever found on a trolling motor. It is so sensitive that some people actually complain about it at first as it takes some time to get used to how smooth and easy it is to use!

The I-Pilot feature utilizes GPS functionality for its co-pilot and spot-lock features. It will also record your travels and automatically position your boat within a 3-foot radius. Spot-Lock can also be adjusted in any direction by 5’, allowing easy incremental adjustments.

I-Pilot will also report battery life and estimated time remaining based on real-time data from usage, conditions, etc. Of course, the Ultrex also comes equipped with the Minn Kota Digital Maximizer, which has proven capabilities of increasing battery life up to 5 times compared to units without this feature.

The I-Pilot also has smartphone integration, allowing full access to its controls in the palm of your hand. Some people even use this when taking the boat off the trailer.

Lastly, the Universal Sonar 2 feature is a handy method of mounting a transducer by allowing you to completely conceal the wiring of pretty much any transducer you choose to implement.

21. Aquos Haswing Cayman Bow Mount Motor

	$670
	55-Pound
	Wireless or Wired Foot
	Digital Control
	12 Volts
	48-Inch
	Yes

The Aquos Haswing Cayman is a bow-mounted trolling motor. It comes standard with rechargeable wireless remote control. A wired foot pedal is optional and it has a digital display. There is also a quick-release mount that can add a padlock to prevent people from stealing the motor. Color options are white or black which are both saltwater rated.

This motor can be used on boats that are 18 feet or smaller and weigh up to 2750 pounds. The wireless remote can control the motor up to around 150 feet. Features include an LED battery meter, encapsulated electronics, depth collar to adjust the depth, motor fin, and 360-degree steering.

22. Minnkota E-drive Primary Electric Motor

	$4180
	2 HP about 150-Pounds
	Electric Throttle
	Digital Maximizer
	48 Volts
	20-Inch
	No

Minnkota E-drive is set up to act as a primary electric motor. This is a great motor option for fishing boats and pontoon boats on electric-only lakes. The E-drive can push a full-size pontoon boat about 5 miles per hour. It can run for about 2 hours on a full charge. Much longer than two hours at slower speeds.

The motor is rigged with outboard cable linkage to be able to steer from the driver’s seat. It has an electric throttle with forward, reverse, and neutral. The motor can be raised and lowered using the push-button tilt. On the throttle unit, there is a real-time gauge that shows the engine power level and battery life.

The motor is connected with a bolt-on transom mount and has a breakaway system that helps protect the motor in the event it runs into the ground. It has a stainless steel prop with a shear pin that can protect the prop if it hits the ground.

23. Torqeedo Travel 1003 Electric Outboard Motor

	$2500
	3 HP about 225-Pound
	Tiller
	Digital Control
	29.6 Volts
	30, 36, or 42-Inch
	24.4, or 29.7-Inch

The Torqeedo Travel 1003 is an electric outboard motor that can be used on sailboats, dingings, and inflatable boats. This motor is rated for boats between 1000 pounds to 3000 pounds. The weight of the motor is 19.6-20.0 pounds, with the batteries the weight is 29.5-30.9 pounds.

A battery does come included with the trolling motor. It is 915Wh and 29.6 Volts. The battery takes about 15 hours to charge. It lasts about 17 hours at 1.25 miles per hour, 6 hours at 2 miles per hour, and 55 minutes at 3 miles per hour. Its potential range is increased at slower speeds in most conditions.

A charger is included with the motor. Lead deep cycle batteries do not work with Torqeedo motors. There is an onboard computer integrated with GPS that will display the battery charge status, range, and speed information. A magnetic stop key is located on top of the unit in the event of and emergency requiring the unit to be stopped immediately.

Electric Trolling Motors

Electric trolling motors are very useful when fishing in shallow water for fish like bass, crappie , and tarpon . Trolling motors are not actually used to troll lures but rather to get into shallow locations quietly and without risking hitting the bottom with the main motor.

Trolling motors are comprised primarily of four basic components. The shaft, the motor, the propeller, and the battery. Each of these has many subsets that will cause variations in the way the trolling motor is utilized and how it will perform. Understanding each of them and choosing a conglomerate of the four that are built for your boat size and your needs is important when shopping for a trolling motor.

A trolling motor is an all-in-one removable unit encompassing a small motor attached to a prop at the end of a shaft. These motors are designed to offer the operator advanced control and precision over their watercraft. Many people use them for fishing in instances of navigating small watercraft without a primary source of power or navigating boats more precisely through difficult obstacles.

For example, one may have an outboard motor attached to their boat, but to fire that up and use it to maneuver around closely packed trees in the water may result in scaring the fish away. It may also cause a few more bumps and rubs against the trees than you would like. Using a trolling motor in this situation keeps the noise level significantly lower than what your full-size motor would produce. At the same time, it allows you to navigate in smaller more precise increments around the trees in the area.

Trolling Motors Applications

Another great example of utilizing a trolling motor is on watercraft which does not have the capabilities of using a traditional motor and prop system. Watercraft such as canoes, kayaks, rowboats, etc will benefit greatly from the use of a trolling motor. Most of us love fishing and therefore would rather use our time and energy on the actual act of fishing itself instead of rowing all day to fish good spots. Using a trolling motor makes it easy to navigate these watercraft.

Many people also keep a trolling motor retracted on their watercraft as a backup option in case their primary source of power becomes damaged or fails. Being stuck in the middle of a lake with a failing motor is never fun, but coming prepared with a trolling motor ensures you get back to the dock safely and timely. Since trolling motors are fairly light, highly durable, and don’t take up much space, it’s rather easy to come prepared with one as an emergency backup.

Another major advantage of using a trolling motor is in situations where wake or gas combustion motors are prohibited. So long as you’re using an electric powered trolling motor, most places will allow this over the use of a gas-powered motor, giving you more options in where you can fish.

Mounting Positions and Configurations

Before we get started on the specific components you should plan for, let’s figure out where we’re sticking our trolling motors. Where you choose to mount your trolling motor will usually depend on your method and type of fishing, your boat construction, and mounting availability.

Furthermore, there are a few more aspects to mention about mounting that you need to consider. Not all mounts are created equally and you generally get what you pay for. Many of the most popular brands of trolling motors will come with a mounting package alongside the trolling motor itself.

Mounts can range in quality and features. For example, some mounts are pretty much permanent installations where your trolling motor would sit in that position and would remain there regardless of using your boat or not. Other mounts offer release mechanisms that allow you to turn a few knobs to release the trolling motor. This allows you to store it somewhere else. Having it in a locked garage helps so someone does not come along and steal your trolling motor off your boat when it is in storage or docked.

Quick-release models usually use a lever locking system that allows you to quickly attach and detach the trolling motor. These are especially useful as backup units like we talked about before, where you may not use your trolling motor every time you take the boat out, but you want the option to do so if the need arises and you need to quickly deploy the motor without the hassle of installation.

Primarily, there are three main sections of the boat you can utilize a trolling motor:

Mounting your trolling motor to the front, or the bow of the boat is widely agreed upon as the top option for control and precision in movements. This allows the trolling motor to pull the boat instead of pushing it, giving you greater control over how the boat handles wake, waves, currents, etc. Mounting a trolling motor in this fashion typically requires a mount fastened to the front of the boat with some kind of bolt-on bracket.

Bow mounting works best on watercraft that have open bows such as most sail-boats, Jon boats, skiffs, fishing boats, etc. Obviously, if you have a bow that isn’t easily accessible, bow mounting wouldn’t be a good idea. Most trolling motors would require you to manually engage them, deploy them, and perhaps even control them by being near them.

The transom, otherwise known as the rear portion of your watercraft is an excellent place to mount a trolling motor. For some people, this may be the only option you have. These are best used on small watercraft, like a canoe, dinghies, or single-person boats. You get pretty general control that you would expect from a traditional motor with much less noise and power. These are also mounted using a bracket that would attach to the exterior of your watercraft using brackets.

Transom mounting should work for pretty much everyone that has a little extra space on the rear of their watercraft. Furthermore, this is an excellent option for boaters looking for an auxiliary or emergency backup operation.

Primary Motor Mount Trolling Motors

In this configuration, your trolling motor would be mounted to the cavitation plate on the outboard or inboard motor. These likely won’t be retractable or deployable, meaning they are always in the water ready to use. This results in more drag on the boat overall, even when not in use. A huge advantage of this mounting configuration is the fact that your trolling motor package won’t take up any valuable deck space. This is especially handy if you take multiple people boating and fishing with you or you have a small craft with lots of gear.

Obviously, this isn’t an option on watercraft that does not have a primary motor, such as a canoe, paddleboat, or a traditional sailboat. Furthermore, if gas mileage is something you like to consider, then you have to understand that adding more drag coefficient to your boat will reduce your gas mileage slightly. These are typically mounting types that do not allow for quick release mechanisms, thus meaning your trolling motor is essentially a permanent addition to your watercraft, not easily removed.

Control Configuration

Back in the day, using a traditional trolling motor meant holding on to a little paddle or handle and sitting right next to where the trolling motor is mounted, ensuring it stays put and steering it accordingly. Nowadays, we get some options that are rather handy and much friendlier!

Primarily, there are three control configurations you can choose from:

Hand Controlled Trolling Motors

First is the traditional “old fashion” hand controlled method. You will be grasping a tiller handle to control the movement, depth, and steering of your trolling motor. Many people like these despite more technologically advanced units being available for their easy-to-use controllability, simple setup, deployability, and overall cost-effectiveness.

Using this method, however, means your hands will always be occupied. This means you can’t work on your fishing setups, take selfies on the lake, or anything else, as you’ll be driving the unit with your hands. Also, you have to sit or stand right next to the trolling motor and have to be in the rear of the watercraft.

Cable Steer Trolling Motors

These are trolling motors that utilize a cable attached to a foot pedal to allow the steering and power output to be controlled by the user without the need to manually control the motor itself. These were the cream of the crop for many years, especially among Bass fisherman who needed a hands-free solution and an easy way to utilize the precise movements of their trolling motors.

Cable Controlled Trolling Motors

Despite being a bit outdated, it still offers several advantages. First off, many fishermen enjoy the quicker and more precise movement over electronic controlled units. Since the motor’s controls are directly tied to the cable, any movement in the foot on the pedal results in immediate results without delay. Second, electronically controlled units utilize a series of servos to control the motor, which means additional electronic noise and more moving parts to service and maintain.

Technologically Controlled Trolling Motors

Finally, technologically controlled trolling motors  are considered the leading edge in the world of trolling motors. These basically work by using electrical impulses, both wired and wireless, to communicate your needs with the motor. These offer the most flexibility by allowing you to walk around and control your trolling motor from anywhere in the boat. The top brands typically give you both an electronically controlled foot pedal and a wireless remote, which can easily be hung around your neck with a lanyard, giving you control over the motor no matter what you’re doing or where you’re at.

Furthermore, these units are now coming equipped with tons of technological advancements such as autopiloting, GPS auto-positioning, circling patterns, jogging, etc. The higher-end models even allow you to plot a course and allow the unit to automatically make adjustments and continue on the course without any further human interaction. Some trolling motors can be used with onboard systems such as navigation computers, advanced fish finders, chart plotters, and even your mobile device!

Many anglers feel that the delay in response between their interaction, whether via the electronic foot pedal or the remote control, is significant enough to warrant sticking to a cable controlled unit. Furthermore, these units require electronic servos that generally make some kind of unnatural electronic sound and may require more maintenance than other units.

Thrust Requirements

Choosing a trolling motor that has enough power for your watercraft is one of the most important buying decisions. Simply put, if you buy a trolling motor that lacks the power to move your boat, you’ll blow your money on something that won’t be effective. On the flip side, if you overcompensate, you’ll needlessly spend extra money on additional power that you don’t need.

As a very rough general rule, you could abide by the 2 pounds of thrust for every 100 pounds that your watercraft weighs. Weight is tricky, though, as your boat likely won’t weigh the same at all times. You can’t just use the weight number in your boat’s manual. This is because your gear, personnel, food, fish that you catch, fuel, etc will all factor in against the capabilities of your trolling motor. Many people make the mistake of preparing for the weight of their boat but forget to compensate for additional people and gear, which quickly adds up. If the average person weighs roughly 200 pounds, that’s an additional 4 pounds of thrust per person.

The NADA boat directory  details the weight of thousands of different boats. Check it out if you’re unsure of how much your boat weighs.

Aside from just weight, there are many other factors that may result in diminished performance, warranting a more powerful unit. If the boat is used in areas with strong current or strong winds that would be a reason to get a more powerful motor.

If you want to know the horsepower for comparison or curiosity, a fairly general idea is that 75 pounds of thrust equals up to roughly 1 horsepower.

Voltage Requirements

Simply put, you need to power your trolling motor and that power is measured in voltage. Trolling motors use one or more 12-volt deep cycle batteries. The trolling motor battery page has more information about selecting the best deep cycle battery.

The thrust output of the trolling motor and will generally fall into one of three categories:

55 pounds of thrust or less can be used on a single 12-volt battery.

60- 80 pounds of thrust generally required 24 volts of output, requiring two batteries.

90-112 pounds of thrust usually requires 36 volts of output, requiring at least 3 batteries.

These are rough estimates and as electrical systems and trolling motor become more efficient these figures may change. The trolling motors owners manual will tell you what you need. Always check the owner’s manual for the voltage requirement before supplying power to the motor.

Shaft Length Requirements

Shaft length varies across models and some models may even be adjustable or rely on different mounting procedures. Either way, you’ll want the center of your motor submerged roughly 12 inches to get the most out of the motor. An industry standard is 42 inches, but this may not work for everyone.

A shaft length guide created by Minn Kota is useful when selecting shaft length. Optimum lengths will vary based on your mounting area, type of trolling motor, watercraft size, etc. Using the guide in the link above will likely be better than a general piece of advice.

Saltwater vs Freshwater Trolling Motor Models

Some may argue there is no difference here, and they would be kind of right in most situations. In theory, so long as you have enough thrust for the weight of your boat and the conditions, your trolling motor should suffice in either salt or freshwater.

There is a caveat to this and that is durability over time. We know salt is incredibly corrosive and you have to safeguard your gear against it far more than you would in freshwater. Trolling motor manufacturers are well aware of this and built them accordingly. Trolling motors rated for saltwater comes with much better build materials to protect from corrosion and have thicker seals to ensure durability, usually at a greater cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big of trolling motor do I need?

The size of the trolling motor that is needed depends on the weight and drag of the boat. Larger heavier boats need larger trolling motors. The power of a trolling motor is given in terms of trust power. Common thrust power ranges are 30, 40, 45, 50, 55, 80, 112, or 150 pounds of thrust. One horsepower is about 75 pounds of thrust for comparison.

Trolling motors do not go faster if you get a larger motor for a small boat. The speed and pitch of the prop will only move the boat so fast. Most trolling motors under 55-pounds of thrust can be run on a single 12-volt deep cycle marine battery. In fact, it better to get a smaller motor for light boats because the battery will last longer. The rough rule is you want 2 pounds of thrust for every 100 pounds on the boat. So a 30-pound thrust motor works for the boat, equipment, and crew up to 600 pounds.

The other size that matters on a trolling motor is the shaft length. For trolling motors to work properly the propeller needs to be 12 inches or more into the water. Kayaks and small boats are low to the water and need shorter shaft lengths. The bow of a boat is typically higher from the water than the transom and therefore needs longer shaft lengths as well.

How fast will a 55 pound thrust trolling motor go?

Most trolling motor’s tops speed is around 5 miles per hour. So a 55-pound trolling motor can move a boat that weighs up to 2,250 pounds at 5 miles per hour at full throttle. This is a rough estimate based on calm conditions and no current. Wind and current can greatly affect the speed a boat can go with a trolling motor.

How fast will a 112 pound thrust trolling motor go?

A trolling motor’s top speed is typically only 5 miles per hour even with a large 112 thrust pound motor. This is because the rotation speed of the prop and pitch of the prop is what determines the speed. A special prop could be designed to allow for faster speeds with lighter boats. A 112-pound thrust motor can move a boat that weighs up to 6500 pounds at a speed of 5 miles per hour. This assumes the wind and current are negligible.

How deep should a trolling motor be in the water?

The trolling motor should be in the water about 1 foot. Most trolling motors have long shaft lengths that can be adjusted up in case the motor need to be set deeper or more shallow in the water. The transom of a boat sits closer to the water so the overall shaft length can be much shorter. Typical transom mount shaft lengths are 24-52 inches.

The bow of the boat sits further from the water so the shaft length needs to be longer. Typically bow mount shaft lengths are 36-72 inches. Most trolling motors are used in calm conditions but in wavy conditions, it better to set a bow mount trolling motor deeper in the water. This helps prevent the propeller from exiting the water as the boat moves up and down in the waves.

Which is better MotorGuide or Minn Kota?

Minn Kota and MotorGuide are both top trolling motor brands. Motor guide trolling motors tend to only have the basic features and are found at a slightly lower price point. Minn Kota tends to be the industry standard and has advanced features like wireless control, GPS navigation, GPS position hold, and transducers mounted within the motors. MotorGuide does offer similar features in some of its models. It is best to compare similar models for price and performance and either way the motor should be of good quality. Both companies typically offer a two-year limited warranty on the product.

How many pounds of thrust is 1 horsepower?

Pounds of thrust and horsepower are not a direct equivalent unit. Pounds of thrust is a static measurement while horsepower is a unit of power or force times velocity at a constant velocity. However, at the typical operating conditions of a trolling motor 1 horsepower is about 75-pounds of thrust.

What is the most powerful 12-volt trolling motor?

The most powerful trolling motor that runs on 12-volts is a 55-pound thrust motor. A size 80 which is the next size up requires 24 volts of power. It is not good to run a trolling motor with less voltage than it is rated for. This is because it will not output the expected thrust level and might not even work at all. Make sure you provide the required voltage level for the size of the trolling motor being used.

What’s the difference between Xi3 and Xi5?

The Xi3 and Xi5 are both bow-mounted MotorGuide trolling motors that can be controlled wirelessly by hand with remote control. The first difference is that Xi5 is saltwater rated and the Xi3 is freshwater rated. The other difference is that the Xi5 has a larger mounting bracket and a heaver stronger transmission. Some people like the lighter Xi3 as it is not known for having any problems with the light transmission. Lastly, the Xi5 has the option of using a wired or wireless foot pedal.

What’s the difference between 12-volt and 24-volt trolling motors?

The main difference between a 12 volt and a 24 volt trolling motor is the size of the boat that the motor can push. A 12-volt trolling motor can be as large as a 55-pound thrust motor which can move a boat that weighs about 2,250 pounds. A 24-volt trolling motor is typically an 80-pound thrust motor that can move a boat that weighs up to 4,000 pounds. Both size trolling motors will move the boat at a max speed of around 5 miles per hour.

How long will a 12v battery run a trolling motor?

A trolling motor battery is a deep cycle marine battery that typically holds between 35 amp hours and 124 amp-hours. To determine how long the battery will last depends on the amp draw from the motor. This varies based on the trolling motor size and power level it is being operated at.

A 30-pound thrust motor draws about 30 amp-hours at full throttle. This means that it will last between 1 hour and 4 hours depending on the size of the battery. A 55-pound thrust trolling motor draws about 40 amp-hours at full throttle. Therefore it will last between 50 minutes and 3 hours depending on the size of the battery. At half throttle, the battery will last about twice as long.

I have fished a 6-hour bass fishing tournament with a 30-pound thrust trolling motor with two 55 amp hour batteries in an electric-only lake in a small Jon boat. It was enough battery power for the entire tournament because most of the time when fishing the trolling motor is off or only at partial throttle. On windy days though the trolling motors battery usage will go up significantly.

Captain Cody has worked on charter fishing boats in the Florida Keys, Virgin Islands, and Alaska. Growing up in Pennsylvania Cody has also done extensive freshwater fishing including bass fishing tournaments. Cody strives to provide detailed information about the best fishing gear and tactics to help both novice and experienced anglers have a more productive and enjoyable time on the water. Cody also has a background in aerospace engineering and neuroscience but really only takes pride in being good at one thing and that is fishing!

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Using a trolling motor on small boat

• Thread starter PK Harvey
• Start date Apr 28, 2021
• Forums for All Owners
• Trailer Sailors

Hi, all. After years of sailing medium-sized Hunters (sold my last of those after a move a few years ago), I'm starting in with a Classic Lido 14, as a boat I can trailer and use to teach my grandsons to handle a sail. I'll be taking the boat out on Lake Buchanan in the Texas hills. There aren't any good choices for a permanent slip for a little boat like this, so I'm going to be launching her new each time out. Here's the issue: The ramp near my property on the lake has an available dock for loading, etc., but it's in close enough quarters that it's not an option to move from the trailer to the ramp under sail. I'd like to add a small electric trolling motor just to move the boat around in the inlet where we'll be launching. I've read some advice that a small gas outboard is a better choice, but in Texas that means registering and all the paperwork for being a power boat. My plan would be to just use the trolling motor to move the boat the 50 or so feet to the dock, and then offload it before I head out on the lake. Wondering how much thrust I'd need on a trolling motor to move a roughly 350 lb. (fully rigged) boat around in those limited circumstances. Thoughts? Thanks in advance for any help.-PK  

PK Harvey said: .................... Wondering how much thrust I'd need on a trolling motor to move a roughly 350 lb. (fully rigged) boat around in those limited circumstances............... Click to expand

I am sure a trolling motor will work just fine. My concern would be with the battery when you capsize. I learned on a Lido 14 and those things are super light / stable so moving it around is no issue at all. May I ask why not just use a paddle for the 50 feet or so? Seems like a lot less cost and hassle.  

I think the problem paddling a small light boat is the you have to lean to each side to make a paddle stroke and the boat will list as a result. If the main is up the boom will swing back and forth and be annoying not to mention the rudder flopping back and forth. I tried this on my Bandit 15 and it wasn't that effective. I would consider sculling. You could fit a half circle fitting on the transom and once you get the technique down move pretty effectively for 50 feet. Off Center Harbor has some Vids posted on this subject and you get to view a few free.  

Of course you could buy an electric motor with a water proof battery like a Torqeedo. I have a 503 on my dinghy. Kayak Trolling Motor - Ultralight 403 A -Torqeedo Electric Outboard with direct drive - Travel 603 - Torqeedo  

Okay so.... one more thing to consider. Once you put a motor on it, you have to register it, display a registration number & tags and pay annual registration fees. COST and HASSLE That might be another reason to stick with human power.  

"No officer. That's not a motor. It's a blender but I don't have another way to stow it!"  

SailingLoto

I used an old transom mount minnkota and small car battery the first couple times I ever went sailing. Worked fine. I had to go 250-300 yards in and out. Zero issues. Light, easy to remove and stow. The battery was from a mid 90s civic and fit directly infront of my trolling motor. Gas was a definite upgrade for me, but you on a small boat, going such a short distance.... I think it would be ideal  

sloughsailer

When the motor on my 3000 LB Columbia 22 self destructed I installed an oarlock on the transom and got a long oar. With a little practice I was able to scull anywhere I wanted to go. One windless night I sculled 2 miles against the current without a great deal of effort. Your 14 foot dingy will scull easily.  

I used a trolling motor on my 16' AMF Sunbird for years. The 'bird was already titled so that wasn't an issue. But when I sold the 'bird and put the trolling motor onto my 8' Walker Bay, I had a Texas Game Warden give me a warning about registering the Walker Bay. I used a small AGM battery to power the trolling motor. I still have the trolling motor if you want it. Just collecting dust here at Canyon Lake.  

I used a 22 lb thrust Minnkota on a Taser to motor out of the dead air in an inlet ramp and get back across the lake if the wind died. Battery was mounted under the mid thwart and a dead-man switch. Do use a dead-man switch for any smaller boat/dingy for safety. (momentary push-on switch).  

I've used a really small trolling motor on a boat that weighed 500 lb alone. I can motor around for at least a couple hours on a lawn mower battery.  

I use an older 12-volt Minnkota 48LB thrust trolling motor on my Macgregor 26S for electric-only lakes. It pushes me at three knots in light wind. I've used it the whole day (without sailing) at times with six people on board.  

I used a 36lb thrust one summer on my SJ21, and it worked great. I would recommend an AGM battery just because of the motion, you don't want to expose the plates during discharge.  

Crazy Dave Condon

You have to ask your state if registration and/or titling is required. Virginia requires it even with a trolling motor  

George_NJ said: I use an older 12-volt Minnkota 48LB thrust trolling motor on my Macgregor 26S for electric-only lakes. It pushes me at three knots in light wind. I've used it the whole day (without sailing) at times with six people on board. Click to expand

bgstar19 said: Hey George, What size battery (amp- hours?) did you use to motor around all day on your 26S with the 48 lb thrust trolling motor? I've got a 1983 O'Day 19 with a very finicky 5 hp 2 stroke Mercury outboard that failed to start on a number of occasions as I tried to motor back to the crowded marina, making for long frustrating returns to the dock. I'm guessing that a 48 lb thrust trolling motor would work for my sailboat as well based on your experience. Click to expand

Philly2DC2LBI

New to the site, still a sailing newbie relatively as well, this is exactly the conversation I was looking for. I'm on a small, narrow inlet off Barnegat Bay in NJ, have sailed a sunfish for years but recently upgraded size-wise to a used but hardly-used Javelin. Depending on wind/current sometimes I can't tack in/out on the sunfish, so I kept a little paddle with me, but of course that's not an option for a larger boat so I have to figure out best solution. Electric trolling motor seems the best choice, but the range of options is a little overwhelming. I'm assuming I need one that's saltwater rated, but not sure about shaft length/how powerful. Cheapest seems Min-Kota, they are all on backorder for weeks (supply chain problems with the pandemic, apparently), so looking for a used one or I have to drive to a dealer. I see George's tip above on what battery to get - any tips on the battery storage/housing? Any other safety features needed with a battery on board??  

Philly2DC2LBI, I don't know what the difference is between the saltwater & fresh water motors, like if it's just the paint? If it was just the paint you could paint it yourself with some Rustoleum or the like. You would want to put the battery by the transom, the trolling motors don't like long cords. I would put some kind of grippy pad to keep it from wanting to slide and maybe a bungie cord to keep it in place for when you heel, or a more permanent battery box install. I buy used all the time, craigslist, facebook marketplace, offerup... I think I paid $75 for my 48 LB thrust troller out of season (the time for deals). Keep an eye out at garage sales & flea markets also. I paid $5 for a 12 LB troller at a Habitat For Humanity store years ago and that thing still works great on my 14' crestliner V hull boat.  

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electric trolling motors for small sailboats?

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i recently purchased a san juan 21, 7'' beam, weighs 1250 lbs. i am considering powering it with electric trolling motor(s), the kind typically used by fishermen for keeping quiet. naturally, this is not a permanent arrangement. i intend to install a small gas outboard in a short while, but need a quick power fix to move the boat and get me around in the meantime. has anyone tried this before? will the engines produce enough power to get me through the water? i have access to some really cheap electric motors, which is why i am even considering this. any guidance would be most appreciated.  

I have powered a 18'' daysailer with a 1.2hp outboard. It worked OK. There was a guy that powered a 25'' sailboat with a simular motor. He moved slow. Unfortunately the trolling motors are rated in pounds of thrust and the small outboards in horsepower. In short I think that it would work in light winds to move you a short distance in and out of the dock. I''ve seen some bass boats moving along at several knots with their trolling motors.  

The sailing school I went to allowed you to charter their school boats, Tanzer 22s, for day sails. They had 12 boats or so, but only three outboards. If you didn''t get there early, you had to get towed out and back. So I pulled a trolling motor off of my small aluminum fishing boat (35-pounds of thrust) and brought it with me for the Tanzer. Got me out away from the dock and out on the water, and back with no problem. In later years I used it on a Catalina 22 with similar results. You didn''t move fast, but even in a blow you could make forward progress. They make 55-pound thrust saltwater motors and I was considering one of those to replace an old Johnson 9.9 that was a bit finicky. Was motoring out next to a J-24 that had one of them, and the guy was moving along very smartly, much faster than I did with the smaller motor. The 55-pound thrust motor is used with a 12-volt deep cycle battery. If you rig up a 24-volt system, you can get electric motors that have much higher thrust. These would be more than enough for a small sailboat.  

I power my Express 27 (2450#) with a Honda 2HP. The motor only weighs 28lbs and burns 1qt/hr. In protected waters, I can motor at about 5-6 knots, and it''s never failed to start.  

Quite a while back I owned a Holder 20 that I think weighs about the same as your San Juan. I used an old Sears trolling motor and a marine battery as an auxiliary. It worked fine. I eventually moved up to a 2 HP Honda outboard, and that worked even better. Gerhard  

I currently use a walmart bought 50lb thrust electric to push my 18Ft trimaran around. works great, very quiet no fumes and just needs an occasional battery charge. A friend has alos used one to push his Oday 20'' as well. Stan  

I have a 22' US Yacht and I want to go down from an 8HP 2 stroke to a 2HP Honda 4 stroke and I'm wondering if it will help at all when the winds pick up and I decide to try and head into the wind to lower my sails. 8 and 9.9 HP motors are just too heavy and that's what I've been using for over 10 years. I like everything about Hondas little 2 except I know I'm loosing a lot of power and my only concern is what happens in a heavy storm?  

I was on a capri 22 with a 2 hp honda on the Delaware river which has a strong current, it did "ok", not a world beater. If I was in any coastal conditions, I would like a bigger motor, perhaps a 3.5 hp ?  

Thank you. Looks like the Tohatsu you have is the 2 stroke and that they do not make anymore. They do have a 4 stroke though and their prices look better than Honda and Yamaha. ]  

I use a 30 pound pushpower trolley (probably the smallest) on my inflatable dinghy. The consumption is about 230 watt. I use two 80 amp batteries. One in the dinghy, the other on board the ship for charging. One charge last for 4 hours use. For charging I use a 2,5 KW gas-generator. If were not that I also need to use the generator for a whole lot of other charging purposes, like charging the batteries for use with refrigerator, TV, computers etc. I would probably spend more gasoline, make more noyce charging the batteries for the dinghy than i would using a small 5 -6 HP two-stroke for propulsion. I believe you need to make an input/output calculation of the charge/use of current. It is the charging capacity that will define the distance of "the point of no return".  

I had one on my Siren, a 36lb thrust motor attached to a group 24 battery. It worked just fine, pushed the boat at 3.5mph.  

I thought this thread had something to do with electric motor propulsion? Howard  

I'm interested in electric trolling motor too I have a 25' fixed keel Quarter Tonner weighing 1600 kg and am seriouly considering using a 80 lb thrust 24V trolling motor. These motors have up to 1140 Watt motors, direct drive without gearbox losses so would probably equate to about 2 HP (1500 Watts, less gearing losses). Would only be used for moving around pens and getting in and out of Yacht Club marina. I intend to eventually replace my 6HP Volvo in-board with a 5KW electric, but that will take time. I'd be interested in others using these great little motors for larger yachts.  

Where I sail is a nature preserve and no gas engines are allowed. On my Elan 19 I have a 550W Minkota E55. This is the most powerful 12V trolling Minkota there is but it's still only about 2/3 of a HP. I flat water I can get 2.5 knots but it will not punch into more than a force 3 headwind. I only use it to get back if becalmed. There are boats with several kW electric motors but these are hugely expensive. Unless you are on a lake or very sheltered waters with never any current, forget it. Buy a gas O/B.  

Thanks For that feedback. Very informative and valuable.  

I am not a huge fan of electric motors, but a 17' Siren in our marina has been slippig in and out of the harbour this season with a Minn Kota trolling motor on the transom, and I was looking for a new propulsion system for our small dinghy, so I decided to try electric, for a couple of reasons: 1. Our dinghy is LIGHT. TOO light. ie, tippy. In fact, too tippy to safely load into from the dock, as our dock is 3 feet above the floor of the dinghy. So I figured the added ballast of a group 27 battery would help, and I liked the fact that the battery ballast was movable to make allowances for payload. 2. Ergonomically, our boat was too small to start our 2 stroke OB. The pull was too long, and you ran out of boat before you ran out of rope. When you did get the OB started, with no neutral, you better make sure you are pointed in the right direction. So, this wekend we strapped a Minn Kota 24 lb. thrust trolling motor on the transom, and SWMBO took it for a test drive. The results were mixed. When it ran, it ran well, and powered the dinghy along respectably.... BUT, our marina has a big issue with weeds... and so does our trolling motor. On the shakedown cruise, my wife repeatedly had to clear the prop, as it simply did not have enough "oomph" to get rid of the wad of weeds that it collected. Maybe a "weedless" prop will help. We plan to install one next weekend. On the upside, , SWMBO did like the quiet, the fact that the motor had a reverse, and the added stability provided by the group 27 ballast. I like the light weight of the motor and the fact that we don't have to carry an additional tank of fuel. The downside is that that ballast also cut into available legroom, which reduces the usability of the boat as a 2 person conveyance. The verdict? The jury is still out. With a little dinghy frame redesign work, we might be able to make the battery stow a little better, and with a new prop weeds may not be an issue. I'll report back with an update next week.  

Minn kotas RT202/em The Minn kota RT202/em can be used at variable voltage and will deliver a fine force behind your boat. The RT160/em and the 101 should be exceptional power. These are salt water trawlers and the prices are in line or as much as half in line with gas motors. And to top it all off ad a folding prop and your good to go. Specifications for Minn Kota's saltwater Engine Mount motors: Model Motor Configuration Maximum Thrust Volts/Max. Amp Draw Recommended Boat Length MSRP RT202/EM Dual 202 36/98 22' - 26' $1499.99 RT160/EM Dual 160 24/116 20' - 24' $999.99 RT101/EM Single 101 36/49 18' - 22' $899.99 RT80/EM Single 80 24/58 16' - 20' $799.99 RT55/EM Single 55 12/50 14' - 18' $599.99 Also search youtube for minn kota and electric boats These guys sell a 20hp kit that will work as an inboard replacement or outboard. They also have an electric outboard. Electric Motorsport :: Marine Thats 20 horsies inboard for 1400.00 think about it.  

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New Electric Trolling Motors for Salt Water

• By Jim Hendricks
• September 12, 2024

Big news emerged from the 2024 ICAST fishing trade show in Orlando, Florida. Both Lowrance and Simrad debuted bow-­mounted, electric-­steered brushless trolling motors designed for salt water, representing the first trolling motors from either engineered to perform in the brine; indeed, the Simrad motor is the first ever from this long-established marine electronics brand.

These motors join a ­cadre of models from Garmin, Minn Kota, Power-Pole and Rhodan all featuring GPS guidance, rugged marine-grade construction, sophisticated technology and advanced system integration. Among experienced boating anglers, positioning is everything. And positioning is exactly what these motors are designed to achieve. Let’s look at some examples.

The new saltwater trolling motors from Lowrance and Simrad share the same ­model name—Recon—and possess the same design, including a brushless motor that operates on either 24 or 36 volts and produces 90 and 115 pounds of thrust, respectively. 

These manually deployed, electric-steered trolling motors boast a unique joystick remote called Freesteer. Incorporating a color LCD screen, the remote is lightweight and wearable, providing 360 degrees of manual steering, as well as activation of automatic functions. With the Lowrance version of the Recon, the remote can be combined with a wireless foot pedal with a programmable keypad and seamless display integration via a NMEA 2000 network. The Simrad version grants full integration with a Simrad multifunction display via NMEA 2000. 

Recon trolling motors also feature a GPS-guided virtual anchoring system that holds boats within a 3-foot radius. A unique jogging function allows anglers to execute diagonal moves in eight directions. There’s also the option to move virtual anchor positions in almost any direction. The carbon-fiber-infused shafts carry lifetime warranties, while the motor carries a three-year warranty. 

The Recon motors have integrated sonar technology and are available with a sonar nose-cone option. The Recon models are available in 54-, 60- and 72-inch shaft lengths, and start at $3,499. To learn more, visit lowrance.com or simrad-yachting.com .

The news coming out of ICAST 2024 is that Garmin expanded its Force Kraken brushless saltwater trolling- motor series (which was introduced last year) with a 48-inch shaft length to accommodate smaller boat sizes, including flats boats and microskiffs. 

Like the other models in the Kraken series, the 48-inch model is engineered with a pivot-style mount for easy installation on boats where bow space is limited. With manual deploy and stow, it offers anglers seamless, wireless integration with Garmin sonar systems, multifunction displays and smartwatches. 

Now completing its first season in the hands of saltwater anglers, the Kraken features a brushless motor and high-­efficiency propeller to produce 100 pounds of thrust as a 36-volt system or 80 pounds as a 24-volt system. Anglers can also easily install live sonar thanks to a cable management system that routes the transducer cable inside the trolling-motor shaft. With the Kraken LiveScope Mounting Bracket (additional purchase required), any Garmin LiveScope transducer can be installed and operated in all three modes: Forward, Down and Perspective. 

The included wireless remote gives anglers control of the trolling motor with precise virtual anchor lock, autopilot functionality, heading hold and point-and-go gesture steering. The new 48-inch Kraken is available in both black and white, with suggested retail prices of $3,599.99 and $3,799.99, ­respectively. Other Kraken models feature 63-, 75- and 90-inch shaft lengths in white, and 63- and 75-inch lengths in black. To learn more, visit garmin.com . 

Read Next: The Benefits of Brushless Saltwater Trolling Motors

Minn Kota has set a high bar among saltwater anglers with its top-of-the-line Riptide Instinct models featuring Quest brushless motor technology and push-button deploy and stow. Now completing its first full season on the bows of saltwater fishing boats, the Riptide Instinct operates on either 24 volts for 90 pounds of thrust or 36 volts for 115 pounds of thrust. Shaft-length choices include 60, 65, 87 and 100 inches.

It also has a beefy composite shaft and pivot points, and the motor incorporates real-time battery monitoring with a “time until empty” indicator, which prompts anglers to switch to Eco mode when reserves drop to 20 percent. Built-in i-Pilot and ­i-Pilot Link GPS guidance enable functionality such as Spot-Lock virtual anchoring and a Drift mode that works like a virtual drift sock. 

Control options include a GPS wireless remote to drive the motor from anywhere in the boat. Riptide Instinct offers compatibility with the One-Boat Network for networking with and controlling via a Humminbird multifunction display easily. They are available in black or white and start at $4,399.99 for a 60-inch-shaft model. For more information, visit minnkota​.johnsonoutdoors.com .

The Move PV series saltwater trolling motors from Power-Pole feature pivot mounts, brushless motors, GPS guidance, wireless controls and virtual anchoring. The brushless motors are engineered to deliver power at lower rpm. A super-strong titanium shaft carries a lifetime guarantee. Advanced electronic technology includes built-in GPS navigation with features such as Anchor mode and Active Vector Heading navigation. A variety of ­user-friendly wireless controls include a ReelFeel foot pedal that provides the sensation of cable steering and the ability to put it anywhere you like. 

There are also wireless foot buttons available to activate the Anchor and Active Vector Heading modes. Power-Pole’s ProNav app can enable a ­mobile device to become a controller. The PV series is available in 45-, 52-, 60- and 72-inch shaft lengths, and is available in black or white. It starts at $4,999.99. To find out more, visit power-pole.com .

The HD GPS Anchor+ saltwater trolling motors from Rhodan feature pivot mounts and digital pulse-width modulation circuitry to help maximize efficiency and heat dissipation, optimize power and extend battery life. A wireless and waterproof floating remote fob controls the motor from anywhere on the boat. 

Available in 12-, 24- and 36-volt models delivering 80 to 120 pounds of thrust, these trolling motors also have the unique ability to steer the boat while the main engine is at low power settings, allowing anglers to troll at higher speeds or to anchor in fast-moving currents. The Anchor mode automatically compensates for wind, waves and cross current. 

Rhodan integrates with Raymarine’s Axiom MFDs to adjust thrust and the motor’s direction, and activate Anchor mode. This enables anglers to use the touchscreen display to control the Rhodan trolling motor when it is active. The HD GPS Anchor+ is available in black or white in shaft lengths ranging from 36 to 108 inches, starting at $2,399. Visit rhodanmarine.com to learn more. 

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Newport L-Series Electric Trolling Motor

Product details.

With a fully adjustable fiberglass composite shaft, Newport® L-Series Electric Trolling Motor is built to fit all transom mount boats such as sailboats, fishing skiffs, pontoon boats, and other mid-size boats. The L-Series offers the ideal balance between power and portability. This incredibly powerful and durable 12V electric trolling motor from Newport weighs only 23 lbs., making it the best combination of power and portability available on the market. Built to withstand anything you throw at it, this trolling motor is designed to withstand both freshwater and saltwater applications. For extra convenience, this motor features an LED battery meter to let you know when you're running low on power. It also has an extendable handle that keeps you more comfortable while guiding your boat. This freshwater and saltwater trolling motor has 5 different speeds going forward, and 3 speeds in reverse.

• Ideal balance between power and portability
• 5 different speeds going forward, 3 in reverse
• Comfortable, extendable handle
• Freshwater and saltwater applications
• Adjustable composite shaft
• LED battery meter

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Minn Kota Riptide Ulterra Saltwater Bow-Mount Trolling Motor with i-Pilot GPS (24-Volt, 80-Pound)

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Purchase options and add-ons

Brand	Minn Kota
Item Weight	66 Pounds
Color	White
Material	Composite, Aluminum, Plastic
Engine Type	Electric

About this item

• 54" Shaft, 24v, 80 lbs Thrust
• i-Pilot GPS Trolling System: The most-trusted GPS system in fishing. i-Pilot uses GPS to control your trolling motor with incredible features that keep you on the fish. Set Spot-Locks, record paths, control speed and steering, and more. i-Pilot makes boat positioning and control automatic, and you can take command from its easy-to-read large LCD screen.
• AutoPilot: Automatically navigate your boat in any direction you choose. Just point the head of your trolling motor in the direction you want to travel, activate AutoPilot, and your trolling motor will keep you on that heading automatically, even correcting for wind, waves and current
• Digital Maximizer: Provides up to 5 times longer run time 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
• Weedless Wedge 2 Prop: With swept-back flared blades to power through anything without battery-draining chopping and hacking, the Weedless Wedge 2 is one of the most trusted props in fishing

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Top Brand: Minn Kota

From the manufacturer.

Never Touch Your Motor Again

Minn kota riptide ulterra saltwater trolling motor.

Durably designed for saltwater fishing, the bow-mounted, electric-steer Riptide Ulterra trolling motor is Minn Kota's easiest motor to get in the water thanks to its Auto Stow/Deploy and Power Trim features. Stow or deploy the Riptide Ulterra and adjust to changing fishing conditions without reaching down to your trolling motor—simply push a button on your i-Pilot or i-Pilot Link remote. The Riptide Ulterra also features Spot-Lock for amazingly accurate GPS anchoring, an indestructible composite shaft, an integrated battery meter that displays the exact charge left in your trolling batteries, and a variable speed Digital Maximizer motor feature that helps you run longer on a single battery charge.

Spot-Lock with Jog

Available on all Riptide Ulterra models, Spot-Lock gives you the power to hold right on top of any productive fishing spot without touching your trolling motor. With the included heading sensor, you can use Jog to move your Spot-Lock location five feet in any direction.

Key Technical Specs

• Motor Style: Electric-steer
• Mounting Location: Bow-mount
• Shaft Lengths: 54-inch, 60-inch, 72-inch
• Voltage: 24-volt (80 pounds) or 36-volt (112 pounds)

GPS Control System: i-Pilot or i-Pilot Link

Riptide Ulterra models come with one of Minn Kota's two wireless GPS systems—i-Pilot or i-Pilot Link. i-Pilot delivers speed, steering, Spot-Lock, and the ability to record and retrace paths on the water, all at your fingertips. With a customizable color touchscreen remote, i-Pilot Link gives you all the features of i-Pilot, plus the ability to connect your Minn Kota motor to a Humminbird fish finder.

Auto Deploy and Power Trim

The Riptide Ulterra is the easiest motor you’ve ever fished with. Get your motor in and out of the water automatically using the included i-Pilot or i-Pilot Link remote. Once your motor’s in the water, Power Trim lets you easily adjust the motor depth for changing conditions, using the i-Pilot or i-Pilot Link remote. (You can also control the Riptide Ulterra from an optional foot pedal, as well as a Humminbird fish finder.)

Saltwater Ready

Minn Kota Riptide motors are designed with advanced corrosion protection and fully-encapsulated electronics to ensure the ultimate saltwater defense.

Optional Riptide Ulterra Foot Pedal

Stow, deploy, and adjust the trim on the Riptide Ulterra, all from the optional electric heel-toe foot pedal (sold separately). You can even activate Spot-Lock with one tap. It also includes rotary speed control dial, momentary/constant on toggle, AutoPilot on/off toggle, and an 18-foot cable with waterproof connector plug.

GPS Control System

Auto Deploy & Power Trim

Optional Foot Pedal

Choosing the Right Minn Kota Motor for Your Boat

Equipped with Minn Kota's most advanced features and a wide range of control options, the Riptide Ulterra trolling motor mounts directly to the front of the boat and pulls it through the water for better maneuverability and control.	Choosing the proper shaft length is important—if it’s too short, the prop won’t be sufficiently submerged. Minn Kota recommends submerging the center of the motor section at least 12 inches.	Boat weight is key when determining how much thrust you need. You will generally need at least 2 pounds of thrust for every 100 pounds of fully-loaded boat weight (people and gear included). If things like wind or current are major factors where you fish, you’ll want a little extra thrust.	To achieve the right amount of thrust for your boat, you'll need to determine how much battery power your trolling motor requires. Up to 80 pounds of thrust (2 batteries) Up to 112 pounds of thrust (3 batteries)

Customer Reviews
Price	—	—	—	—	$1,586.65$1,586.65
For Use In	Freshwater	Freshwater	Freshwater	Saltwater	Saltwater
Motor Style	Cable-steer, Electric-steer	Electric-steer	Electric-steer	Electric-steer	Hand-steer
Thrust/Voltage Options	112-pound (36-volt), 80-pound (24-volt)	112-pound (36-volt), 80-pound (24-volt), 55-pound (12-volt)	112-pound (36-volt), 80-pound (24-volt)	112-pound (36-volt), 80-pound (24-volt)	112-pound (36-volt), 80-pound (24-volt)
Shaft Lengths	45-inch, 52-inch, 60-inch	45-inch, 54-inch, 60-inch, 72-inch	45-inch, 60-inch, 72-inch	54-inch, 60-inch, 72-inch	52-inch, 62-inch
Auto Stow/Deploy			✓	✓
Lift Assist	✓	✓			✓
Foot Pedal Style	Heel-Toe / Cable	Heel-Toe / Electric (not available on all Terrova models)	Heel-Toe / Electric	Not included	Not included
Wireless Remote	✓	✓	✓	✓
Bowguard					✓

Product Description

The only trolling motor that can automatically stow and deploy itself with the push of a button, the Minn Kota Riptide Ulterra provides saltwater anglers convenient control via the included i-Pilot remote or foot pedal (sold separately). Trim the Riptide Ulterra up or down at the push of a button to adjust to changing fishing conditions without having to reach down to your trolling motor. This variable-speed trolling motor includes Minn Kota's Digital Maximizer feature, which allows you to dial in your exact speed, draws only as much power as you need, and provides up to five times longer run time on a single battery charge. Using GPS to lock onto fishing spots with Spot-Lock, record and retrace paths, command speed and steering, and more, the i-Pilot Link system allows you to control your motor from the color touchscreen remote or from a virtual remote on your Humminbird fish finder (sold separately). It also offers Spot-Lock with Jog to hold you in place on top of any productive fishing spot without touching your trolling motor. With the included heading sensor, you can use Jog to move your Spot-Lock location five feet in any direction. An integrated battery meter is built into the i-Pilot to give you an instant reading on the motor's battery life. Minn Kota Riptide motors are designed with advanced corrosion protection and fully-encapsulated electronics to ensure the ultimate saltwater defense. The lower unit housings of Riptide motors are grit-blasted, then coated in aluminum to prevent oxidization and rust. Then, a final layer of powder coat paint provides the ultimate protection. This Minn Kota Riptide Ulterra features 80 pounds of thrust (24 volts) and includes a heading sensor, mounting hardware and cabling, and i-Pilot GPS system.

Product information

Technical details.

Brand	‎Minn Kota
Item Weight	‎66 Pounds
Color	‎White
Material	‎Composite, Aluminum, Plastic
Engine Type	‎Electric
Operation Mode	‎Automatically
Recommended Uses For Product	‎For Salt Water
Voltage	‎24 Volts
Mounting Type	‎Bow
Fuel Type	‎62371
Manufacturer	‎Johnson Outdoors
UPC	‎029402043996
Global Trade Identification Number	‎00029402043996
Item Package Dimensions L x W x H	‎71.25 x 16.5 x 10 inches
Package Weight	‎30.84 Kilograms
Item Dimensions LxWxH	‎64.58 x 0.1 x 17.5 inches
Brand Name	‎Minn Kota
Warranty Description	‎2 Year Limited Manufacturer Warranty
Model Name	‎Riptide Ulterra
Suggested Users	‎unisex-adult
Number of Items	‎1
Part Number	‎1358955
Model Year	‎2019
Style	‎54" Shaft
Included Components	‎Wireless Remote
Size	‎54" Shaft
Sport Type	‎Boating, Fishing
Fishing Technique	‎Trolling

Additional Information

ASIN	B01M3SOFPY
Customer Reviews	3.9 out of 5 stars
Best Sellers Rank	#556,900 in Sports & Outdoors ( ) #776 in
Date First Available	September 22, 2016

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Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the quality, ease of use, and maneuverability of the outboard motor. They mention it's awesome, easy to install and use, has many options, and makes controlling their boat easy. However, some customers have reported that the stow and deploy feature doesn't work properly.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers are satisfied with the quality of the outboard motor. They mention it's awesome, great in a test run, and flawless. Some say it'll look badass when they launch the boat by themselves.

"I like everything about this product. His operation has been flawless and it looks badass when you launch the boat by yourself" Read more

" Nice motor ! When the water is rough it's nice using the auto deploy, what a concept." Read more

" This machine is awesome !" Read more

" great item , many options, mounts easy" Read more

Customers find the outboard motor easy to use. They mention it's nice to use the auto-deploy feature when the water is rough. Customers also appreciate the great features and easy mounting.

"...Not sure if it catch me more fish but it is a work of art. Easy to install and use . Great features as well." Read more

"...Makes controlling your boat way to easy! Love the auto stow and deploy ! Way to go Minn Kota!..." Read more

"Nice motor! When the water is rough it's nice using the auto deploy , what a concept." Read more

" Auto deploy and stow " Read more

Customers like the features of the outboard motor. They mention it has many options and mounts easily.

" Lots of great features . Haven't had chance to use most." Read more

"...Easy to install and use. Great features as well ." Read more

" The features are great . I don't know if I could ever go back to dropping an actual anchor...." Read more

"great item, many options , mounts easy" Read more

Customers find the outboard motor easy to maneuver. They mention it's good for easy use and makes controlling their boats easy.

"Love it love it and more love !! Makes controlling your boat way to easy ! Love the auto stow and deploy! Way to go Minn Kota!..." Read more

" Easy to maneuver . Trolling motor on boat." Read more

" Good for easy use ..." Read more

Customers are dissatisfied with the outboard motor's deployment capability. They mention it wouldn't deploy or stow properly, is not trustworthy, and stops working 5 miles offshore.

"...The deploy/stow stopped working 5 miles offshore so this week long trip was ended first day...." Read more

"...I installed it on my boat while in the driveway. It would not deploy or stow properly . I requested a return label & was refused...." Read more

"...As soon as warranty ended the motor would not turn. The stow and deploy was not trust worthy . I keep my boat indoors and baby it...." Read more

"...All the problems deal with the stow/deploy features . You never know when this will fail and I take great care of my equipment...." Read more

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Classic look hydrofoiling electric boat debuts in Moscow

A team in Russia has developed this sleek hydrofoiling electric boat with a retro-tech classic runabout look, both inside and out.

The boat is called the Molniya – Russian for ‘lightning’ – and uses fixed surface piercing (SP) foils rather than the retractable inverted-T fully submerged (FS) type on boats like the Candela 7 .

The Molniya prototype was built by Artem Markov and a small team he assembled in Moscow. Markov is a graduate of the Moscow Automobile and Road Construction Institute, where he was part of their Formula MADI electric car racing team that competed against other universities from around the world.

Hydrofoiling electric boat idea started in 2016

Like many other electric boat developers he is also a long time sailor and says “ I have never been able to understand what is the beauty of going on motor boats with a lot of vibration and noise. So, I decided I wanted to find a way to transfer the silence and comfort of a sailing yacht to a boat. The idea came to me in 2016, and from that moment I started working on the project .”

He is a big fan of the work that the team at Candela has been doing, and is well versed in their reasonings of why hydrofoiling is the way to reduce drag and increase efficiency and comfort. So he knew foiling was the way to go and began to design his dream boat.

It is one thing to know exactly what one wants, but b udget realities quite often make inventors adapt. So he found a classic fibreglass-and-aluminum hull and went to work redesigning and converting it. The team had to strengthen and reinforce the hull to handle the stresses from the front foils. At the stern of the boat they designed  protruding half-wings that would help lift the boat onto those front SP foils as it accelerated.

80kW motor mounted to stern drive unit 

That gives the 8.9 m • 29 ft boat a cruising speed of about 20 kts • 37 km/h and maximum speed of 36 kts • 66km/h. As for range, the Molniya can go for 135 Nautical miles at 5 kts, 17 Nm at 25 kts and 20 Nm at the top speed. 

For the battery, they have taken stock lithium-ion cells and developed the modules themselves. The size is 160kW and there are some creative and useful ideas incorporated into the charging and battery management systems. One is the ability to connect a warning system to a GPS route so if you are driving at a speed that is taking yo u beyond range of getting back to shore the motor will automatically slow down. When you do get back, a full 0-100% charge takes 3.5 hours and you can check status through SMS.

One of the intriguing things about the Molniya is that all of the electric boat technology has been incorporated into a striking overall retro look. The dashboard looks like it might have been taken from a 1950s luxury car catalogue, but of course the actual meters are all digital. The interior of the entire boat harkens back to an earlier day, appearing ready to whisk 6 passengers off to a swing era supper club.

From prototype to production

Having built and tested the prototype from an existing hull, the goal of Markov and the team is to move to production mode and use the materials he always envisioned in his dream boat. While the aluminum and fibreglass of the original have been useful for testing, speed and range will benefit from materials like much lighter carbon-kevlar.

The adapted stern drive was useful for proving the hydrofoiling electric boat concept, but all of the designers and engineers are keen to see the improved efficiency they will get from a motor, drive and battery system they have designed from scratch for the Molniya. As for the foils themselves, the production model will use lighter, thinner composites instead of stainless steel.

Obviously the spring and summer of 2020 has not provided the best opportunities to introduce the prototype at boat shows and stir up interest with consumers, the trade or investors. It seems, though that the Molniya is the type of boat that should appeal to peopl looking for the same thing Artem wanted for himself: a classic motor boat experience but one that is quiet, odour free…and smooth sailing.

You can find out more on the Molniya website, lightning-foil.com .

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