Best Trolling Motors in 2022 – an Extensive Review and Buying Guide

When fishing at sea, one of the major requirements to make a significant catch is to limit the amount of noise. If you sail noisily into a region where there are several fishes, there is a likely chance that you will not make any catch because you will scare them away. Fishes are very sensitive creatures, and it is vital to note that when there are vibrations in the water, they can easily detect it.

To avoid this, you need the best trolling motor that would mask your appearance and prevent the fishes from knowing you are onto them. Over the years, fishermen have come to prefer trolling motors to conventional motors that are powered by gasoline. The primary reason for this is that trolling motors are more noiseless in their operations than gasoline-operated motors that are very loud.

With trolling motors, fishermen have a more stable and covert approach when they are on the sea. Most importantly, it is easy and seamless to maneuver a fishing boat if it is fortified with a trolling motor. Below are the top 10 trolling motors you can buy on the market.

Top 10 Best Trolling Motor Reviews in 2022

1. Newport Vessels NV-Series Trolling Motor

If you need a trolling motor that gives you optimum performance in saltwater bodies, the Newport Vessels Trolling Motor is the ideal choice. It comes with a 55-pounds thrust that impacts tremendous power. Also, it contains a noiseless mechanism that maintains the state of the motor.

Hence, even if you use it for long hours, you can expect unending top-notch performance levels. Also, this pontoon trolling motor has a fiberglass shaft with a length of 30 inches. With this, it is effortless to adjust despite being strong.

More so, it is seamless to change the water placement irrespective of the water conditions. There is also a telescoping handle of six inches that allows for enhanced control for its operation. There is an LED battery meter for better monitoring that shows you the instant readings of your deep-cycle marine battery (12V). This electric trolling motor is best suited for saltwater conditions, thanks to the zinc, stainless steel, and magnesium make-up.

2. Intex Trolling Motor for Intex Inflatable Boats

The Intex Trolling motor is a very noiseless motor with a water cooling system and a digital maximizer control module. These features impact the motor with the power needed to achieve the set speed, thereby increasing its efficiency and operation. With this motor, it is easier for you to effectively control the boat’s speed irrespective of the environment.

The control panel of the Intex Trolling Motor comes with outstanding features like Overload protection controls, Battery meter, dry operation protection, automatic escape weed control key. The best trolling motor for kayak is designed for major Intex boats, and it works fine with several inflatable boats that come with in-built mount fittings.

Also Read: Best Marine Battery Chargers – Smart Choice for You

3. MinnKota Edge Bowmount Trolling Motor

One of the outstanding features of the MinnKota Trolling Motor is its beautiful aesthetic design. This trolling motor is very noiseless during operation, even when the waters are calm.

It also comes with a foot pedal that grants users unlimited access to the reel quickly. Besides, you have the luxury of selecting any cruising speed you want, thanks to its sturdy five forward speed feature.

The shaft of this trolling Motor comes in four various sizes between 36-52 inches. And you can effortlessly take out the shaft due to the installed door and latch system. With the MinnKota Foot Trolling Motor, you can focus properly on your fishing expedition without having to bother about tripping off when the tides act unfavorably.

4. Watersnake Venom Swet Trolling Motor

If you are looking to take your angling experience to the next level, you can use the Watersnake Trolling motor to control your boat’s speed and power. If your boat’s conventional motor goes dysfunctional at any time, this trolling motor is a good backup.

This best trolling motor for the money has a sturdy design featured by telescopic tiller handles for comfort, versatility, and control. The shafts on this electric trolling motor are very sturdy and designed mainly for saltwater marine habitats.

The bow mount is also versatile as it comes with a sturdy ergonomic grip, which is stylish and portable. There is a digital voltage display on the head design that helps you monitor the state of your battery. The Watersnake Trolling motor operates on 12 volts power, which runs with five forward speeds and three reverse speeds controlled by the tiller handle throttle.

5. U-BCOO Mounted Electric Trolling Motor

Many anglers will love the U-BCOO Trolling Motor because of its multi-purpose capacity. This electric trolling motor comes with top-notch quality and optimum performance. Also, it is very portable and lightweight, which does not add extra weight to your boat.

It has a telescopic handle of 4-inches, which provides you with improved control and a better adjustment angle. The Electric Trolling Motor is a copper-wire motor which possesses needed qualities like optimum magnetic permeability, durable service life, low heat production, noiseless operation, and top-notch performance.

Also, it would interest you to know that the U-BCOO Trolling Motor comes with three power options. You can decide to opt for the 12-volts, 46-pounds thrust, 12-volts, 55-pounds thrust, and the 12-volts, 60-pound thrust. Lastly, this trolling motor is highly durable, and it functions properly in freshwater and saltwater.

Also Read: Best Kayak for Kids – Find the Perfect One

6. AQUOS Haswing Cayman Electric Trolling Motor

The AQUOS Trolling Motor is for serious anglers who seek versatility during fishing. You can simultaneously guide the motor with the foot control pedal and a wireless hand remote.

This wireless remote control can suitably fit into your hand, or you can place it around your neck. Also, the trolling motor comes with a variable speed that allows you to choose your selected speed. Again, this variable speed gives you improved and smooth control.

The interesting part about the variable speed is that it uses less power, which has a positive effect on the battery’s life. With the display on this trolling motor, you can monitor the three battery power levels (20%, 50%, and 100%). With this, you can easily monitor and plan your fishing time.

There is also an ergonomic handle, which allows for ease when you are carrying the motor. With this handle, you can effortlessly remove the motor off the boat or car. More so, it has a depth collar that enables you to switch depths securely and safely.

7. MotorGuide Xi3 Wireless Mount Trolling Motor

If you seek convenience and ease while you are away on the sea, the MotorGuide Xi3 Trolling Motor helps you achieve that. With the GPS features and wireless control, this trolling motor proves that you don’t have to have a long and tiring day at sea.

The wireless control sits comfortably in your hand while it helps you perform steering options alongside the wireless foot pedal. This best trolling motor gives precise GPS navigation alongside other related features that give you full control of your boat. Besides, there is a big SecureStep lever, which allows for quick stowing and deploying.

As you hop from one point to another, the SecureStep lever saves you energy and time. Also, for easy monitoring of your motor’s status, there is a mount LED display dashboard that shows you the readings and allows you to take the necessary measures. You will also love the noiseless operation that this trolling motor offers, which is better than most trolling motors on the market.

8. PEXMOR Electric Trolling Motor

If you are looking for one of the best trolling motors for canoe that is resistant to corrosion, the PEXMOR Electric Trolling Motor is the ideal choice. This pontoon trolling motor has an adjustable telescoping handle with a length of 6 inches that allows for easy control and maneuverability.

There are five-forward speeds and three-reverse speeds that give you smooth and easy control while fishing. To keep track of the battery’s condition is not a problem as there is a LED battery indicator. When there are 1-3 red lights, it means low power. The PEXMOR Electric Trolling Motor is ideal for professionals who are adept at monitoring the sailing conditions.

And they can effortlessly adapt to any sailing condition by pressing the button to adjust the shaft angle. Similarly, the boat’s depth in the water can be adjusted with a knob, depending on your preference. More so, this trolling motor comes with a three-bladed propeller, which grants efficiency and easy elimination of seaweed that can disrupt your voyage.

9. Black Haswing Mount Electric Trolling Motor

Do you need an electric trolling motor that offers a mix of durability and strength? The Black Haswing Electric Trolling Motor is all you need. First, it comes with five forward speeds and three reverse speeds that gives you firm control of your boat when fishing.

It also comes with the OSAPIAN aluminum alloy shaft of 35.5 inches, making it seamless for various heights adjustment. With the ergonomic handle, which can extend up to a length of 13.7 inches, you can easily steer comfortably.

The Black Haswing Electric Trolling Motor is structured to operate quietly when you are on the water. Also, when the condition of the water changes, you can easily adjust the depth or your fishing position. Interestingly, you can use this trolling motor in both saltwater and freshwater.

You can be sure that it would not be affected by corrosion because it comes with an anode that safeguards the metal parts. With the LED digit display, you can check the battery’s power and adjust your fishing trip if needed.

Also Read: How to Set Up a Fishing Reel – Guide for Beginners

10. LOYALHEARTDY19 Hangkai Outboard Motor

For anglers who need an outboard trolling motor that offers ample power and reduced energy consumption, it is best to opt for the LOYALHEARTDY outboard trolling motor.

With its long service life, you can use this trolling motor for a long time without repairs or replacements. The LOYALHEARTDY outboard trolling motor is fortified with a copper core that reduces the noise when you are on the water.

To increase the propeller’s thickening, there is an electric outboard motor to facilitate this need. You can easily mount this motor on the board without using any tools. One exciting feature of this trolling motor is, it comes with a 100% money-back guarantee if there are problems with the packaging.

Factors to Check When Buying a Trolling Motor

For fishermen, one of the most challenging decisions to make is choosing a trolling motor. The fact is, a good level of experience and knowledge is needed before you opt for any trolling motor. It is vital that before you buy a trolling motor, you ensure the one you opt for fits your fishing needs and the type of boat you are using. If this is your first time using trolling motors or not being used to them, this guide will assist you in making the right decision.

Thrust

Thrust is a quintessential aspect that must not be joked with when selecting a trolling motor. The thrust of a trolling motor refers to the motor’s capacity to push the boat across the water. Generally, the value of thrust is in pounds, and fishermen usually use terms like “pounds of thrust.” When you are considering the thrust factor, you need to have a basic idea of physics.

If you are using a huge boat, you will need the relative pounds of thrust from the trolling motor that propels it. A well-known rule states that a minimum of 2 pounds of thrust is needed for every 100 pounds of chock-a-block boat weight. And this weight includes people and other accessories in your boat. If you are fishing in a region where the wind or current is stronger than usual, you will need an additional extra thrust.

Voltage

The voltage of a trolling motor is the translation of the amount of power it should come with. In this case, the boat’s size is a big factor when you are considering the voltage of the boat. In the market currently, there are three voltage categories for trolling motors: 12 volts, 24 volts, and 36 volts.

The 12 volts motor works with the 12-volt battery; the 24 volts motor works with two 12 volts batteries, while the 36 volts motor works with three 12 volts batteries. If you have a boat of 15 feet long and your fishing duration is occasional and quite instantaneous, you would need the 24 voltage system.

And if you plan to fish for some hours and maybe a few times all through the year, the 12 voltage system is ideal for you. In comparison, the 36 voltage system works well for angers because it is ideal for fishing for long periods, and it is best for those who love pushing beyond their limits. When it comes to endurance and performance, the 36 voltage system is the ideal choice.

These days trolling motors are designed to handle the multi-battery system. And the reason for this is anglers are used to using their trolling motors beyond the expected capacity. It is a rare sight to see an angler who does not push his trolling motors for several hours at the highest level of operation.

These batteries are proficient in storing a greater amount of electricity, and recharging takes a shorter time. Deep cycle batteries are perfect for marine because they are ecologically safe as they don’t regurgitate acid. More so, these batteries do not need special maintenance, and neither does vibration, which is a cause of battery failure, affects them.

Also Read: Kayak vs Canoe – Differences That You Should Know

Length of the Motor Shaft

It is also imperative to remember the motor’s shaft length before you make a choice. Generally, longer boats need longer shafts, and shorter boats require motors that come with shorter shafts. One effective way to choose the best trolling motor with the ideal shaft length is to carry out some measurements yourself.

First off, take the shaft’s length measurement right from the waterline to the transom’s apex. Then, with the bow mount, take the distance measurement from the waterline to the bow’s apex. After the measurement, make an 18 inches addition to get the ideal length that your  motor needs to fit your boat.

New Innovations

These days, it is a usual sight to see new trolling motors that give superb results due to their masterful and efficient performance. For instance, one of the top trolling motor manufacturers designed a digital tool known as Digital Guardia.

This tool effectively controls the motor’s speed alongside keeping a check on the crucial motor constituents. It would interest you to be informed that the digital modules were selected because they were not impacted by shock, moisture, corrosion, and heat.

More so, they give a seamless and effortless parts interchange process without needing to reach out to the dealership. Interestingly, digital motors have been found to offer noiseless and smooth operation than analog motors. Digital motors are not affected by sonar, which typically affects analog motors.

Bow or Transom

Generally, trolling motors have two designs: The transom positioned on the stern and the bow fixated on the bow’s front. Both the transom and the bow have their merits and downsides.

Irrespective, the crucial thing to note is, transom mounts are meant for smaller crafts, but they can work well on any boat. However, transom mounts do not give much maneuverability like the bow mount. The bow mounts give the fisherman increased maneuverability, which is why most fishermen prefer using it to transom mounts.

Speed and Control Steering

Trolling motors have three distinct control methods: foot pedals, remote units, and hand units. In this case, personal choices determine the system that works well with you. Many anglers would rather use foot control because it allows their hands to perform other tasks when they are on deck.

The downside with the foot control system is, it is pricey, and it can accommodate much room on the deck. Also, the foot control system gives a snail-paced response time. For hand units or hand control, they were structured to function from the boat’s bow. The downside of the hand control system is, the hands-on approach is needed.

Some fishermen prefer using the hand unit because it does not consume ample space, and it is relatively inexpensive to install than the foot pedal system. Any system you opt for definitely affects your fishing. Hence, it is ideal to try any of the three control systems to see what works best for you.

One of the best ways to use them is by following some of your fellow anglers on their fishing expeditions and implore them to allow you to run a trial. With this, it would be easy to experience each of these control methods and choose what works best for you.

Fresh and Saltwater

Not all trolling motors detect if you are coasting away on either fresh or saltwater. However, it is imperative that you always put this factor into consideration. You should be aware that saltwater promotes corrosion, making it important to opt for a good saltwater trolling motor uncovered by little amounts of metal.

Also Read: Best Aquarium Air Pump – for Healthier Environment

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What Do Trolling Motors Do?

A: A trolling engine is a self-contained unit connected to an angler’s boat, either at the bow or stern, and includes an electric motor, propeller, and controls. A gasoline-powered outboard used in trolling can also be referred to as a trolling motor if it is not the primary source of propulsion for the vessel. When the boat’s direct engine is in service, trolling motors are always lifted from the water to minimize drag. It is used to drive a fishing boat quietly across the sea to avoid spooking the fish.

Q: How Deep Should a Trolling Motor Be in the Water?

A: The rule of thumb is that 12 should be submerged at the motor segment’s top. In general, with bow-mount motors, shaft length selection is more critical compared to transom-mount engines. Most boat transoms are close to the water in their distance, and the regular transom shaft lengths of Minn Kota should be sufficient.

Q: How Fast Will a 55 Lb. Thrust Trolling Motor Go?

A: With the use of the best gasoline, i.e., distillate marine diesel and moderate load, 55-pound trolling motors are likely to reach a maximum speed of just 5 miles per hour, assuming ideal riding conditions. The deep cycle battery charge will take about two hours to get fully depleted.

Q: Can You Turn the Head Around on a Trolling Motor?

A: Yes, you can. For this, first, you’ll need to go to the base of the control box. Second, remove the screw and nut there. Next, turn the control box 180 degrees on the motor tube. Lastly, put the screw and nut back in place. While you’re doing this, make sure you do not twist or otherwise harm the wires in the tube. That’s it! Now the head of the trolling motor is turned around.

Conclusion

One of the common questions that newbie anglers ask is, “what is the best trolling motor?” And one reason this question pops up more often than usual is that it is often difficult to pick the trolling motor that offers the best performance.

However, we hope that with this trolling motor reviews and buying guide, people who are new to fishing would find it helpful to make the right choice. If you want to buy the best trolling motor that would suit your needs, it is imperative to consider factors like thrust, voltage, and the likes.

One amazing feature that unites all the listed trolling motors is that they are all inexpensive. This means that you don’t have to cut through your pocket before buying a trolling motor that fits your needs. Lastly, we recommend that you do extensive and thorough research before buying a trolling motor for your machine. It would help prevent you from making the wrong choice and wasting your money.