Best Trolling Motors: 7 Picks by Boat Type and Mount

The best trolling motor for you depends on two things before brand or features: the boat it goes on and where it mounts. A 24 in shaft that suits a kayak will leave the propeller near the surface on a sailboat transom, and a foot pedal that works on a bass boat deck has nowhere to sit in a canoe. We compared seven motors from Newport and Minn Kota across kayaks and canoes, jon boats, bow-mount fishing boats with GPS, and salt water.

Our Best Overall is the Newport NV-Series 46. Its 30 in shaft suits a wider range of transom heights than the 24 in Kayak Series, since Newport’s shaft length guide notes a longer shaft can be adjusted while a short one cannot be lengthened, and Newport lists it as compatible with salt water and fresh water on a single 12 V battery. Every other pick carries a label backed by a figure in this article, such as the most thrust, the shortest shaft, or the only motor with a given control type.

This guide is general product information, not repair or electrical safety advice. Follow the installation, wiring, and charging instructions in your product’s manual, stop using any battery, charger, or electronics that overheat, swell, or smell of burning, and contact the manufacturer.

Our Top Picks at a Glance

• Best Overall: Newport NV-Series 46 lb. A 12 V tiller with 46 lb of thrust on a 30 in shaft, for salt water or fresh water, per Newport.
• Best for Kayaks and Canoes: Newport Kayak Series 55 lb. The shortest shaft here, 24 in, per Newport.
• Lightest Listed Weight: Minn Kota Endura C2 30. A 17 lb item weight per the listing, and Minn Kota’s shipping weight for it is also the lowest weight given for any motor here.
• Only Foot-Pedal Pick: Minn Kota Edge 45. A heel-toe foot pedal on a 36 in bow mount, per the listing.
• Only 12 V GPS Bow Mount: Minn Kota Terrova 55. Spot-Lock GPS position hold on a single 12 V system, per the listing.
• Only Saltwater GPS Bow Mount: Minn Kota Riptide Terrova 80. Spot-Lock on a saltwater bow mount with the longest shaft here, 60 in, per the listing.
• Most Thrust: Newport L-Series 86 lb. 86 lb of thrust on a 40 in shaft, per Newport.

Trolling Motors Compared

N = Newport product page; L = Amazon listing; M = Minn Kota help center, whose weights are shipping weights that include packaging. Scroll sideways on a phone to see every column.

How We Chose

We started from electric trolling motors sold new on Amazon in the U.S. and kept only models that met all of our product requirements: a strong average owner rating, enough owner ratings to judge it, a brand and manufacturer that match on the listing, and a listing for the motor itself rather than a part or accessory. We then picked motors that cover the main boat types and mounting styles. The boat-type labels are our own editorial criteria, built from thrust, shaft length, mount type, and voltage, not claims by the makers.

Only two makers appear here, Newport and Minn Kota. That reflects what we found, not a preference: other makers’ listings we reviewed missed at least one requirement at the time of our research, or did not appear as a motor listing in our search. Because so few makers clear that bar in this category, our trolling motor guides allow up to four motors from one maker.

For specs, Newport’s product pages for the NV Series, Kayak Series, and L Series opened for us. Minn Kota figures come from the Amazon listings, checked against Minn Kota’s help center pages for the Endura, Edge, and Terrova and Riptide Terrova, which list all four Minn Kota motors here as current models. Owner comments come only from the listing for that exact motor; three of the seven listings had no owner reviews we could use, so those picks have no owner section.

Amazon owner ratings form the base of each AnglerTechLab Score, with a limited editorial adjustment explained on our How We Review page. We do not conduct our own product trials. Our Best Overall follows the top-pick criteria on that page (the main type of product the article covers, a strong average customer rating, a production status confirmed with the maker, and, in a main category roundup like this one, the most versatile model that qualifies), and we also look for a deep base of owner ratings from a brand we have approved. Two motors here meet all of these, the NV-Series 46 and the Kayak Series 55. The four Minn Kota motors are current models, per Minn Kota, but each has a much thinner base of owner ratings than those two. Of the two, the NV-Series 46 is the more versatile because its 30 in shaft fits more transom heights than the Kayak Series’ 24 in. We list the seven motors by AnglerTechLab Score, highest first, and where scores match, the motor with more owner ratings goes first. Five of the seven share the top score, so position separates them only slightly; the label on each pick says more about fit. More motors and guides are in our trolling motors section.

We earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. Commissions never affect our rankings or AnglerTechLab Scores.

Best Trolling Motor Reviews

Newport NV-Series 46 lb (Best Overall)

Who it’s for: Owners of a small aluminum jon boat, a light skiff, or a car-top boat with a low transom who want one 12 V battery and a tiller, in fresh or salt water.

Standout features: Newport’s NV Series page lists the 46 lb version with a 30 in shaft, 12 V input, a 40 A maximum draw, a 20 lb weight, a 3-blade propeller, 5 forward and 3 reverse speeds, a 5-point LED battery meter, and saltwater and freshwater compatibility, backed by a 2-year limited warranty. The page states that models up to 62 lb run on a 12 V deep cycle marine battery and only the 86 lb version needs 24 V. The Amazon listing’s headline mentions “12V or 24V,” which matches a line-wide feature on Newport’s page; for this 46 lb model, Newport and the listing’s own voltage field both say 12 V.

• Pro: Compatible with salt water and fresh water, per Newport, so a tidal creek trip does not need a second motor.
• Pro: A 40 A maximum draw, against 52 A for the Kayak Series 55, per Newport.
• Con: Five fixed forward speeds, not variable speed, so the slowest setting is the slowest you get.
• Con: Tiller steering only, with no remote, foot pedal, or position hold.

Who should look elsewhere: If you paddle a kayak or canoe with a low stern, the Kayak Series 55 has a shorter 24 in shaft. If your transom sits well above the water, such as on a sailboat or a heavy skiff, the L-Series 86 has a 40 in shaft. If you want to fish from the bow hands-free, look at the Terrova 55.

Newport Kayak Series 55 lb (Best for Kayaks and Canoes)

Who it’s for: Kayak, canoe, and pedal boat anglers with a transom or a motor mount at the stern who want 55 lb of thrust without a shaft long enough to drag on a shallow flat.

Standout features: Newport says the Kayak Series is designed specifically for kayaks, canoes, and pedal boats. Its page lists a 24 in shaft, 12 V input, a 52 A maximum draw (also given in Newport’s Kayak Series owner’s manual), a 23 lb weight, a large 3-blade propeller, 5 forward and 3 reverse speeds, a 6 in telescoping handle, 5 ft 6 in battery cables, and saltwater and freshwater compatibility. The manual also says the built-in battery meter is not meant for lithium batteries. Our Newport trolling motor review covers this motor and its 36 lb sibling in more depth.

• Pro: The shortest shaft here, which by Newport’s sizing rule fits a mounting point about 4 in above the water.
• Pro: Long battery cables and a telescoping handle for a seated paddler, per Newport.
• Con: The highest maximum draw of the three Newport motors here, so a small battery runs down faster at top speed.
• Con: Kayaks without a flat transom need a separate motor mount.

What owners say: Two owners call it quiet, one adding it has plenty of power for going up river. A kayak owner reports a top speed of 4.5 mph, and a tandem kayak owner reports about 4 mph at the top setting in a choppy bay but ran out of power in about an hour at that speed. Another trolled for hours on the lower settings and saw range drop at the top two speeds. One owner says the tilt button is not as sturdy as it should be.

Who should look elsewhere: If you sit in a jon boat or a skiff with a taller transom, the NV-Series 46 has a 30 in shaft. If weight on the stern of a light kayak is the main worry, the Endura C2 30 lists a 17 lb item weight, though it has much less thrust and is listed for freshwater use.

Minn Kota Endura C2 30 (Lightest Listed Weight)

Who it’s for: Inflatable and small freshwater boat owners on calm water who carry the motor to the shore and want the lightest option here.

Standout features: According to the Amazon listing, the Endura C2 has 30 lb of thrust, a 30 in composite shaft, a 6 in telescoping tiller, five forward and three reverse speeds, a 10-position lever lock bracket for setting the motor angle, a push-button battery meter on the motor head, and a Power Prop designed for heavy vegetation. The listing gives a 17 lb item weight, 12 V, and a 2-year warranty, names inflatable boats as a recommended use, and calls it a freshwater motor in its title. Listing weights do not say whether packaging is included, but Minn Kota’s 16.76 lb shipping weight for this motor is also lower than any weight given for the other motors here. Our Minn Kota Endura review covers it in more depth.

• Pro: The lowest listed item weight here, which matters when you carry the motor down a bank.
• Pro: A 10-position lever lock bracket for quick angle changes.
• Con: 30 lb of thrust, the lowest here, which leaves little margin for wind, current, or a loaded boat.
• Con: Listed for freshwater use.

Who should look elsewhere: If you fish tidal water, the Newport Kayak Series 55 and NV-Series 46 are compatible with salt water, per Newport. If you paddle a heavier canoe with two people and gear, the Kayak Series 55 has 25 lb more thrust.

Minn Kota Edge 45 (Only Foot-Pedal Pick)

Who it’s for: Anglers on a small bass boat or an aluminum boat with a low bow deck who want to steer with a foot and keep both hands on the rod, and who do not need GPS.

Standout features: According to the Amazon listing, the Edge has 45 lb of thrust on a 36 in shaft, a heel-toe, cable-steer foot pedal with speed control and momentary and constant on and off, five speed settings, a latch-and-door bracket for stowing and removal, and a directional indicator on the motor head. The listing gives an 18 lb item weight, 12 V, fresh water as its use, and a 2-year warranty. Our Minn Kota Edge review covers the pedal and bracket in more detail.

• Pro: The only foot pedal here, so steering stays hands-free.
• Pro: A latch-and-door bracket for stowing and removal, per the listing.
• Con: No GPS, position hold, or remote is mentioned in the listing.
• Con: A 36 in shaft suits a low bow; a taller bow needs a longer shaft.

Who should look elsewhere: If you want the motor to hold your spot, the Terrova 55 adds Spot-Lock on 12 V. If you fish salt water, the Riptide Terrova 80 is the saltwater bow mount here. If your boat has only a transom, a tiller such as the NV-Series 46 is simpler to fit.

Minn Kota Terrova 55 (Only 12 V GPS Bow Mount)

Who it’s for: Freshwater anglers on a bass boat or a small fishing boat with a casting deck who want the motor to hold them on a brush pile while they fish, on a single 12 V battery.

Standout features: According to the Amazon listing, the Terrova has 55 lb of thrust, a 54 in shaft, and a GPS trolling system with Spot-Lock position hold, jog that moves the locked position 5 ft in any direction, and drift, follow, and dodge modes. A wireless remote with an LCD screen and a heading sensor come in the box, and a one-touch lever deploys and stows the motor. The listing also gives variable speed, a 48.8 lb item weight, and a three-year warranty with registration. Our Minn Kota Terrova review goes deeper on setup and modes.

• Pro: GPS position hold on a 12 V system; the only other GPS motor here runs on 24 V.
• Pro: Variable speed, for slower trolling than a five-step tiller allows.
• Con: At 48.8 lb, the heaviest motor here with a listed weight, and it bolts to the deck.
• Con: Listed for freshwater use.

What owners say: Several owners praise Spot-Lock, one saying it held position in heavy wind and waves, and a couple on a winding pond now follow saved GPS tracks. An owner who moved up from the PowerDrive says deployment is easier and the remote worth it. On the critical side, one owner found the install a pain on a boat not designed for a bow motor and says lifting and stowing takes some strength; another had to drill new holes when replacing an older Edge and recommends adding Minn Kota’s quick release bracket.

Who should look elsewhere: If you fish salt water, the Riptide Terrova 80 is the saltwater GPS model here. If you do not need GPS and want to steer with your feet, the Edge 45 is the foot-pedal pick. If your boat has no bow deck, a transom tiller is the simpler fit.

Minn Kota Riptide Terrova 80 (Only Saltwater GPS Bow Mount)

Who it’s for: Bay boat, flats skiff, and center console anglers with a high bow who fish salt water and want the motor to hold them over a spot while they work it.

Standout features: According to the Amazon listing, the Riptide Terrova has 80 lb of thrust on a 60 in shaft and a 24 V system, with Spot-Lock position hold, jog, and drift, follow, and dodge modes. The listing says the lower unit housings are coated against corrosion for saltwater use and lists a wireless remote with an LCD screen, a heading sensor, variable speed, a one-touch deploy and stow lever, and a three-year warranty with registration. The listing gives no item weight; Minn Kota lists a 55 lb shipping weight. Our Minn Kota Riptide review covers it in more depth.

• Pro: The longest shaft here at 60 in, for a high bow or rough water.
• Pro: The only motor here that pairs GPS position hold with listed saltwater use.
• Con: Needs a 24 V battery setup, usually two batteries.
• Con: A deck-mounted bow motor is a bigger install than a clamp-on tiller.

What owners say: One owner trolls all day at about 2 knots with an 18 ft boat and says it maintains position without an anchor, and two others say it holds the boat in place like one. An owner with a 21 ft skiff says it handles the boat well and was easy to install alone. On the critical side, one owner reports the propeller stopped turning after four trips and the motor then lost power.

Who should look elsewhere: If you fish fresh water from a bass boat with a lower bow, the Terrova 55 runs on one 12 V battery with a 54 in shaft. If you only need thrust in salt water and steer from the stern, the Newport L-Series 86 is compatible with salt water, per Newport.

Newport L-Series 86 lb (Most Thrust)

Who it’s for: Owners of heavier boats with deep transoms, such as small sailboats, pontoons, and larger skiffs, who need the most thrust in this guide from a clamp-on tiller motor and can carry a 24 V battery setup.

Standout features: Newport’s L Series page describes the line as engineered for larger boats and deeper transoms. For the 86 lb version it lists 24 V input, a 40 in shaft, a 6 in telescoping tiller, a 10 in 3-blade propeller, 5 forward and 3 reverse speeds, a 5-point LED battery meter, and saltwater and freshwater compatibility. Newport’s page gives two different weights for this motor, so we use the listing’s 24 lb item weight. According to the Amazon listing, the motor needs two 12 V deep cycle batteries, and its top speed is about 4.5 mph depending on the boat, load, water, and wind.

• Pro: 86 lb of thrust, the most of the seven, per Newport.
• Pro: A 40 in shaft, which by Newport’s sizing rule fits a mounting point about 20 in above the water.
• Con: Needs a 24 V setup, which the listing says means two batteries to buy, carry, and charge.
• Con: Owners describe light mount fittings and a plastic control housing.

What owners say: Owners describe it moving heavy loads: a 12 ft row boat with three adults and gear, a 3,000 lb sailboat at up to 4 mph, and a 24 ft pontoon on a lake. Two owners say the lowest speed is too fast for slow trolling, and one sees little difference between speeds and says it struggled against a strong wind. Two say the meter’s green lights are hard to see in bright sun. On durability, owners report set screws that slip when the boat rocks, rust after a year and a half in salt water, and failed speed gears in the handle.

Who should look elsewhere: If you need a motor to move the boat as its main power source, note that Newport positions its NV and L Series as secondary propulsion. If you want 24 V power with GPS position hold, the Riptide Terrova 80 lists Spot-Lock. If your boat is light enough for 46 to 55 lb, a 12 V Newport needs only one battery.

How to Choose a Trolling Motor by Boat Type and Mount

Start with your boat, then the mount, then the features. Two rules from Newport help with the numbers. For a transom motor, its shaft length guide says to measure from the mounting spot down to the waterline and add 20 in, round up between sizes, and add another 5 in for rough water. Its thrust guide suggests 5 lb of thrust for every 200 lb of boat weight plus its maximum load, for slower fishing use rather than as a primary motor, and more thrust for chop, current, wind, or tides. By that rule, 30 lb covers about 1,200 lb, 46 lb about 1,840 lb, 55 lb about 2,200 lb, and 86 lb about 3,440 lb. Our guides on measuring shaft length and how much thrust you need walk through both rules.

Kayaks and Canoes

A kayak or canoe stern usually sits only a few inches above the water, and every pound behind the seat changes the trim. Look for a short shaft, long battery cables, and a weight you can lift from a seated position: the Kayak Series 55 covers the first two, and the Endura C2 30 the third. Most kayaks need a separate mount, so read our guides to installing a trolling motor on a kayak and how to mount a trolling motor on a canoe before you buy.

Jon Boats and Small Skiffs

A flat transom makes a clamp-on tiller the simple choice. Add up the hull, the people, and the gear: if the total stays under about 1,840 lb and the transom mounting point sits about 10 in above the water, Newport’s two rules point to 46 lb on a 30 in shaft. The NV-Series 46 has those numbers and saltwater compatibility, per Newport, and runs on one 12 V battery. The Endura C2 30 has the same shaft length with less thrust, which can be enough for one angler on a pond. If you want to steer from the front of a jon boat, see our guide on how to mount a trolling motor on a jon boat.

Bass Boats and Bow Mounts: Tiller, Foot Pedal, or Remote

On a casting deck, a bow mount pulls the boat from the front so you can steer along a bank, and its shaft has to reach from a taller deck, which is why the three bow mounts here list 36 to 60 in shafts. A tiller (NV-Series 46, Kayak Series 55, Endura C2 30, L-Series 86) is the simplest: you steer and set speed by hand from the stern. A foot pedal (Edge 45) frees your hands but ties you to the pedal’s spot on the deck. A wireless remote (Terrova 55, Riptide Terrova 80) lets you steer from anywhere in the boat. Speed control differs too: the tillers here have five forward speeds, while both Terrova models list variable speed, which matters if you troll slowly, since two L-Series owners found its lowest step too fast. Our bow mount vs transom mount comparison covers the tradeoffs, and how to install a trolling motor covers the deck work.

GPS Position Hold (Spot-Lock)

Spot-Lock is Minn Kota’s GPS position hold, and owners mention it often on both Terrova listings. Here it comes only on the two deck-mounted remote motors, which take more installation work than a clamp-on tiller. If you anchor rarely or fish moving water, read what Spot-Lock does before you decide you need it.

Saltwater and Coastal Boats

Four motors here are sold for salt water: the three Newport models, per Newport, and the Riptide Terrova 80, per its listing. The other three are listed for fresh water. Even a saltwater motor needs care: Newport’s NV page says its motors are saltwater compatible but not corrosion-proof and should be washed with fresh water and dried after use in salt water. If you already own a freshwater motor, see our article on using a freshwater motor in salt water.

12 V or 24 V

Five of these motors run on 12 V and one battery; the L-Series 86 and Riptide Terrova 80 run on 24 V, which usually means two batteries and more weight. In this guide, the two 24 V motors are also the two with the most thrust, 80 and 86 lb. Our 12 V vs 24 V comparison and our guide to trolling motor battery size cover the choice, and you can also see our 12 volt trolling motor picks; for wiring, follow the motor’s manual and have a qualified marine technician handle it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best trolling motor for my boat?

If you are unsure, start with the NV-Series 46, our Best Overall, then check shaft length and thrust against your own boat with the two Newport rules in the buying section; the boat-type labels above cover kayaks, bow decks, and heavier boats.

How long does a 12 volt trolling motor last?

On one charge, it depends on the battery, the speed, and the load; one Kayak Series 55 owner ran out of power in about an hour at the top setting. Our guide on how long a 12 volt trolling motor lasts covers run time and service life.

What size trolling motor is recommended for a small skiff?

Use your skiff’s own numbers with the two Newport rules above: the transom-to-waterline height plus 20 in for the shaft, and 5 lb of thrust per 200 lb of hull and maximum load. A skiff that weighs 1,500 lb loaded works out to about 38 lb, so the NV-Series 46 leaves some margin if its mounting point sits about 10 in above the water. If your boat needs more push, see our 55 lb thrust picks.

How do you wire a 24 volt trolling motor?

Follow the wiring section of your motor’s manual exactly, and have a qualified marine technician handle the wiring if you have any doubt. A 24 V motor such as the L-Series 86 runs on two 12 V batteries, according to its listing, so plan room and weight for both.

Can you use a freshwater trolling motor in salt water?

For regular saltwater trips, a motor sold for salt water is the better match. Check your motor’s manual and rinse any motor with fresh water after a trip.

About the author