Are you trying to find trolling motors among various brands on the market but aren’t sure where to begin? To assist you in finding the right one, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best to help you pick the perfect one!
We investigated and evaluated a number of the top-selling trolling motors on the market in order to create our list of the best. Making a decision among the many options available is never simple. There are an infinite number of models available, each with a distinct price. And as you’ll find out, the best options aren’t usually the ones you imagine! This comparison is rich and relevant because of the numerous factors that were employed. You will find products featured in this ranking not only based on their pricing but also on their features and other customers reviews. To write this review, we completed 22 hours of research and did 35 trolling motors tests. You won’t need to pick products at random any more. If you’re unsure of what to look for, browse our list and consult the buying guide!
An overview of our top picks
Table of contents
The best trolling motors you can buy today
- Efficient Power: 55Lb Thrust - This 12V Electric Trolling Motor Provides Excellent Power And Efficiency For Any Boater. The High Quality Build Allows The Motor To Run All Day Long Without Overheating, Or Making Noise To Spook Fish
- Features: This Motor Features A 30 Inch Shaft, A 5 Led Battery Meter, A 6 Inch Telescoping Tiller Handle, And 3 Blade Propeller. The Mount Angle, Height, And Direction Can All Be Adjusted And Locked Into Place When Needed
- Speed: This Motor Has 8 Speeds, 5 Forward And 3 Reverse. The Motor Is Designed For Trolling, So The Top Speed Of This Motor Is About 4Mph, But Depends On Your Boat Shape, Weight, Water, Wind, And Other Factors. Our 3 Blade Propeller Gives The Motor Great Low End Torque To Get The Boat Moving
- Battery: The Nv 55Lb Motor Requires One (1) 12V Lead-Acid Deep Cycle Or Lithium Deep Cycle Battery (Battery Not Included), 50Ah Recommended. The Motor Also Includes A 50Amp Circuit Breaker Which Is Recommended At All Times To Protect From Battery Voltage Surges. Max Amp Draw: 52A
- VARIABLE SPEED: Control the direction or speed of your boat with a touch of your foot with the variable speed foot control unit
- CORROSION FREE: All models are fitted with stainless steel propeller shafts, propellers and corrosion free composite shafts that flex on impact
- WEEDLESS DESIGN: The 3-blade propeller has a weedless design that can chew through the heaviest of underwater grasses and marsh
- THRUST: Features a 54-pound thrust while running on 12-volts of power and a 48-inch shaft
- SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: Necessity is the mother of invention. Created by anglers to be used by anglers. If you’re not satisfied with your Watersnake Electric Motor, contact your distributor to be taken care of.
- Lever Lock Bracket: This solid 10-position bracket features a quick-release lever lock and reinforced composite material that resists flexing, warping, and UV damage.
- Telescoping Tiller: Get easy, comfortable, intuitive operation of your trolling motor with the six-inch telescoping tiller.
- 5 Fwd/3 Rev Speed Settings: Five speed settings for forward and three speed settings for reverse.
- Power Prop: This prop delivers extra power to push through heavy vegetation. Includes prop pin, nut and washer.
- Indestructible Composite Shaft — Guaranteed for Life: At the core of your Minn Kota trolling motor is an indestructible composite shaft. It's a Minn Kota exclusive, and we guarantee it for life.
- Push-to-Test Battery Meter: Press a button on the trolling motor head to get an instant status of battery life you have left.
- Cool, Quiet Power: Every Minn Kota lower unit runs cool to extend trolling motor life, and stays quiet.
- 【Powerful and Durable】: Reinforced Nylon Bracket kayak trolling motor ensures high strength, good ablation resistance and good dimension stability. Durable all aluminum head increase the service life of the motor.
- 【Ergonomic extendable handle】: 8 Speeds and 6-inch Telescoping adjustable Handle (5-sp forward & 3-sp reverse) puts total control at your fingertips for a smooth and easily controlled ride.
- 【28-inch Fiberglass Composite Shaft】: High tensile strength and corrosion resistance adjustable shaft allows for proper depth placement in all water conditions. 28” shaft is more suitable for sitting.
- 【10-Point LED Battery indicator】: Battery indicator protects the batteries, and it is convenient to observe how much electricity is left.(battery not included)
- 【Stainless steel Hardware】: Saltwater compatible hardware make the motor can run perfectly in saltwater or freshwater.
- Patented Variable Ratio Steering (VRS) lets you accurately position your boat even in wind, rough water, and other challenging conditions
- Foot-control unit with heel/toe design and directional indicator; lets you keep both hands for what really counts—reeling in the big one
- Rigid aircraft grade aluminum mount and stainless steel bushings ensure dependable performance
- Ultra-quiet on the water, thanks to the composite precision locking pin and composite bushings installed in key areas
- Freshwater use
- Kayak Shaft: 24-Inch Fiberglass Shaft Allows For Variable Depth Placement, While Offering A Lifetime Of Dependable Performance
- Variable Speed: 8 Speeds (5 Forward & 3 Reverse) With 6-Inch Telescoping Handle Puts You In Total Control Of Your Ride
- Saltwater Rated: Durable All Aluminum Motor Head W/ Corrosion Resistant Magnesium, Zinc, And Stainless-Steel Hardware For Saltwater Use (Lead-Acid Dc 12V)
- Extra Long Cables: 5'6" Battery Cables Allow For Versatile Battery Placement For Optimal Weight Distribution
- 【EFFICIENT POWER】- 36LB Thrust,This 12V electric trolling motor provides excellent power and efficiency for any boater. The High Quality Build Allows The Motor To Run All Day Long Without Overheating, the trolling motor runs stably with less noise and will not disturb the fish
- 【VARIABLE HANDLE】-Comes with 6" telescoping adjustable handle. You can use it as long or as short as you want. Also,comfortable handle, 5 forward speeds and 3 reverse speeds is for you to take a smooth and easily control
- 【ADJUSTABLE DEPTH AND ANGLE】- Adjusting the shaft angle by press the button can adapt to different sailing conditions according to your surfing demands. Also, you can also adjust the depth of the machine in the water at will with a knob
- 【UNIQUE DESIGN】- PEXMOR Electric Trolling Motor is equiped with three bladed propeller, which can enhance motivation and effiency. Three sharp blades make it easy to get rid of seaweed. In addition, we have an additional two and three bladed propeller in the 36/45 and 55/86 thrusters respectively
- 【LED BATTERY INDICATOR】- 1-10 LED light indicator let you keep track of the battery's capacity. The red and green lights will give you a big hint. 1-3 red lights indicate low power to remind you of the left capacity of battery. (Battery not included)
- Wireless remote control lets you precisely operate the motor from anywhere on the boat
- Innovative mount features easy-to-read LED dashboard that lets you quickly check the status of four key functions in any light conditions
- Efficient motor provides best-in-class quiet operation that’s up to 40 percent quieter than the leading competitor
- SecureStep system lets you stow and deploy the motor safely and easily by stepping on the release lever from a comfortable standing position
- Freshwater motor delivers 55 pounds of peak thrust and has a 48-inch-long composite shaft with a 3-blade Machete propeller
- This 12-volt motor has a maximum draw of 52 amps
- Classic twist-tiller operation equipped with the 3-blade Machete propeller
- Digital Power Management technology extends battery life up to 5 times for longer running between charges
- Tough aluminum 7-position mount gives you greater flexibility and adaptability
- Lower unit constructed of solid steel and aluminum with a powder coat finish to withstand the toughest conditions
- Freshwater use
- 30 lbs. thrust
- 30" shaft
- #03 transom mount
- 5 speed forward and 2 reverse
- Reversible motor head for bow or transom mount operation; Sport type: Boating
- AQUOS Haswing Cayman B (NOT GPS) 12V 55LBS 48inch Bow Mount Trolling Motor is designed and engineered to run quieter than ever before. With variable speed will let you dial in your desired speed and provide more precise, smoother adjustments plus improved control. Moreover the variable speed is the lower power consumption of the motor, it can increase battery life quite a bit at any speed. Also the trolling motor suitable for boats weighing up to 2750LBS, Max boat length (suggestion) 18ft.
- The remote control fits into the palm of your hand easily or can be attached around your neck with a lanyard. Conveniently control the motor on the boat or shore-side with the farthest 164 ft distance, meanwhile the remote can be recharged with a USB cable on power bank when necessary. Quick release bracket can help you to install/remove the motor easily. There need at least a 13.7 x 8 inch flat surface to install the trolling motor.
- Cruise control (NOT SPOT LOCK) keeps your boat at the desired speed by using remote control to press on the speed up or down button then you can focus on fishing all the way, but you might have to manually correct the direction from time to time due to wind or current, meanwhile you can adjust the speed when you need. And if you turn the motor 180 degrees of rotation and it will push the boat in reverse direction.
- AQUOS Haswing Cayman 55LBS 48inch shaft bow mount trolling motor can be set up both in fresh water and salt water, it is designed to have excellent corrosion resistance, using a sacrificial anode that protects important metal components. The 48-inch Aluminum Alloy Shaft (available 38.4 inch) makes it easy for different types boat, meantime please hold on the motor shaft before adjust motor depth to avoid slide.
- Comfortable to carry the motor with the ergonomic lifting handle, makes you take the motor off the car or boat effortless in every using time. And the stow and deploy pedal can be depressed with a single hand or foot and makes transitioning between in the water and on the boat quickly, so you can save more strength to reel in the big ones. The easy-to-use depth collar lets you change depths quickly, simply, securely. When you find depth, locks in tight to keep your motor right where you want it.
- Patented Variable Ratio Steering (VRS) lets you accurately position your boat even in wind, rough water, and other challenging conditions
- Foot-control unit with heel/toe design and directional indicator; lets you keep both hands for what really counts—reeling in the big one
- Rigid aircraft grade aluminum mount and stainless steel bushings ensure dependable performance
- Ultra-quiet on the water, thanks to the composite precision locking pin and composite bushings installed in key areas
- Freshwater use
- 45 pounds peak thrust rating with 12-volt power
- 45" composite shaft
- 5 speed with pull/pull smooth responsive steering control
- Corrosion Resistant Shaft
- Mounting bracket built with aircraft-grade extruded aluminum
- Haswing Cayman 24V 80LBS 60" Shaft Bow Mount Trolling Motor is designed for saltwater and freshwater use. With variable speed will let you dial in your desired speed and provide more precise, smoother adjustments plus improved control. Moreover the variable speed is the lower power consumption of the motor, it can increase battery life quite a bit at any speed. Also the trolling motor suitable for boats weighing up to 4000LBS.
- The remote control fits into the palm of your hand easily or can be attached around your neck with a lanyard. Conveniently control the motor on the boat or shoreside with the farthest 164 ft distance, meanwhile the remote can be recharged with a USB cable on power bank when necessary. Quick release bracket can help you to install/remove the motor easily.
- Cruise control (Not Spot Lock) keeps your boat at the desired speed by using remote control to press on the speed up or down button then you can focus on fishing all the way, but you might have to manually correct the direction from time to time due to wind or current, meanwhile you can adjust the speed when you need. And if you turn the motor 180 degrees of rotation and it will push the boat in reverse direction.
- Haswing Cayman 80LBS 60inch Shaft bow mount trolling motor can be set up both in fresh water and salt water, it's designed to have excellent corrosion resistance, using a sacrificial anode that protects important metal components. The 60-inch Stainless Steel Shaft (adjustable 50.2 inch) makes it easy for different types boat, meantime please hold on the motor shaft before adjust motor depth to avoid slide.
- Comfortable to carry the motor with the ergonomic lifting handle, makes you take the motor off the car or boat effortless in every using time. And the stow and deploy pedal can be depressed with a single hand or foot and makes transitioning between in the water and on the boat quickly, so you can save more strength to reel in the big ones. The easy-to-use depth collar lets you change depths quickly, simply, securely. When you find depth, locks in tight to keep your motor right where you want it.
- Stow/Deploy Lever: Press this lever on the mount and fall-away ramps will effortlessly slide your trolling motor into the water. And when you're ready to move, Auto Park helps the motor stow effortlessly by orienting the lower unit to the perfect stow position automatically.
- Advanced GPS Trolling System: The most-trusted navigation system in fishing. Terrova uses GPS to control your trolling motor with unrivaled features that keep you on the fish. Set Spot-Lock, record paths, control speed and steering, and more. Minn Kota makes boat positioning and control automatic, and you can take command from the easy-to-read LCD screen of Terrova's wireless remote.
- Part of the One-Boat Network: Minn Kota motors come standard with everything you need to connect to select Humminbird fish finders. Link and control your trolling motor, shallow water anchor and fish finder through the One-Boat Network App on Apple or Android devices.
- Spot-Lock with Jog: Spot-Lock will hold you in place with unparalleled GPS accuracy. Spot-Lock gives you the power to stay 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.
- Drift Mode: This new feature automatically engages speed and course control simultaneously, meaning anglers no longer need to depend on drift socks, kicker motors, or manual operation to control speed over water – even in the heaviest wind and current.
- Real-time Battery Monitoring: Check battery power levels while the motor is in use, real-time “time until empty” display monitor, with a notification when battery power is reduced to 20% to prompt users to enter Eco Mode which can reduce current draw to extend battery life.
- 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.
- 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.
- Indestructible Composite Shaft — Guaranteed for Life: At the core of your Minn Kota trolling motor is an indestructible composite shaft. It's a Minn Kota exclusive, and we guarantee it for life.
- 60" Shaft, 24v, 80 lbs Thrust
- i-Pilot Link Integrated GPS Trolling System: i-Pilot Link gives you unprecedented control over your boat by linking your trolling motor to your Humminbird fish finder. Control your trolling motor from Link's color touch-screen remote or the Humminbird. You can set Spot-Locks, record paths, follow depth contours, automatically navigate to your favorite spots, control speed and steering, and more.
- Spot-Lock with Jog: Spot-Lock will hold you in place with unparalleled GPS accuracy. Available on i-Pilot GPS system that is pre-installed, Spot-Lock gives you the power to stay 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. Activate Spot-Lock from the i-Pilot remote or Humminbird fish finder.
- 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.
- Built-In MEGA Side and Down Imaging: With a transducer built right into the trolling motor, you get crystal clear Humminbird MEGA Side Imaging and MEGA Down Imaging with a clean look and protected housing.
- 👍Adjustable Gears: The fixed tiller has 5 forward and 3 reverse speeds.You can smoothly switch the speed and change the direction during driving.
- 👍Real-time Monitoring of Power: The top of the thruster has a real-time display of the battery power, allowing you to check the power situation any time and prepare for charging in advance to avoid running out of power in the middle of the voyage.
- 👍Propeller Design: The propeller is designed with a multi-dimensional optimization iterative method to improve propulsion efficiency and reduce propeller losses.
- 👍Fin Streamline Design: When it collides with an object underwater, the design can protect the propeller that is running at high speed.
- 👍Easy to Drive: The main rod is made of aluminum.Its lightweight will not increase the entire weight of your boat and the difficulty of driving.
- AQUOS Haswing Cayman B (NOT GPS) 12V 55LBS 54inch Bow Mount Trolling Motor is designed and engineered to run quieter than ever before. With variable speed will let you dial in your desired speed and provide more precise, smoother adjustments plus improved control. Moreover the variable speed is the lower power consumption of the motor, it can increase battery life quite a bit at any speed. Also the trolling motor suitable for boats weighing up to 2750LBS, Max boat length (suggestion) 18ft.
- The remote control fits into the palm of your hand easily or can be attached around your neck with a lanyard. Conveniently control the motor on the boat or shore-side with the farthest 164 ft distance, meanwhile the remote can be recharged with a USB cable on power bank when necessary. Quick release bracket can help you to install/remove the motor easily. The 14.7 ft cable wired foot control, can not only release your hands when fishing but also provide precise, easy operation.
- Cruise control (NOT SPOT LOCK) keeps your boat at the desired speed by using remote control to press on the speed up or down button then you can focus on fishing all the way, but you might have to manually correct the direction from time to time due to wind or current, meanwhile you can adjust the speed when you need. And if you turn the motor 180 degrees of rotation and it will push the boat in reverse direction.
- AQUOS Haswing Cayman 55LBS 54inch shaft bow mount trolling motor can be set up both in fresh water and salt water, it is designed to have excellent corrosion resistance, using a sacrificial anode that protects important metal components. The 54-inch Aluminum Alloy Shaft (available 44.3 inch) makes it easy for different types boat, meantime please hold on the motor shaft before adjust motor depth to avoid slide.
- Comfortable to carry the motor with the ergonomic lifting handle, makes you take the motor off the car or boat effortless in every using time. And the stow and deploy pedal can be depressed with a single hand or foot and makes transitioning between in the water and on the boat quickly, so you can save more strength to reel in the big ones. The easy-to-use depth collar lets you change depths quickly, simply, securely. When you find depth, locks in tight to keep your motor right where you want it.
- Lever Lock Bracket: This solid 10-position bracket features a quick-release lever lock and reinforced composite material that resists flexing, warping, and UV damage.
- Telescoping Tiller: Get easy, comfortable, intuitive operation of your trolling motor with the six-inch telescoping tiller.
- 5 Fwd/3 Rev Speed Settings: Five speed settings for forward and three speed settings for reverse.
- Power Prop: This prop delivers extra power to push through heavy vegetation. Includes prop pin, nut and washer.
- Indestructible Composite Shaft — Guaranteed for Life: At the core of your Minn Kota trolling motor is an indestructible composite shaft. It's a Minn Kota exclusive, and we guarantee it for life.
- Push-to-Test Battery Meter: Press a button on the trolling motor head to get an instant status of battery life you have left.
- Cool, Quiet Power: Every Minn Kota lower unit runs cool to extend trolling motor life, and stays quiet.
- Haswing Transom 12V 65LBS trolling motor equipped with innovative and powerful 12V brushless motor, providing excellent propulsion for a wide range of boats and waterways.
- Equipped with step-less forward and reverse speed control.
- The motor can easily be tilted in and out of the water and the trim height is adjustable by way of a quick lock system, so you can motor in almost any level of water.
- It features an 3 levels LED battery power indicator so that you can plan your fishing time accordingly.
- It is suitable for both salt and fresh water use.
- Lever Lock Bracket: This solid 10-position bracket features a quick-release lever lock and reinforced composite material that resists flexing, warping, and UV damage.
- Telescoping Tiller: Get easy, comfortable, intuitive operation of your trolling motor with the six-inch telescoping tiller including finite adjustment of forward and reverse speed settings.
- Digital Maximizer: Trolling motors equipped with Digital Maximizer provide up to 5 times longer run times 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.
- Push-to-Test Battery Meter: Press a button on the trolling motor head to get an instant status of battery life you have left.
- Power Prop: This prop delivers extra power to push through heavy vegetation. Includes prop pin, nut and washer.
- Indestructible Composite Shaft — Guaranteed for Life: At the core of your Minn Kota trolling motor is an indestructible composite shaft. It's a Minn Kota exclusive, and we guarantee it for life.
- Cool, Quiet Power: Every Minn Kota lower unit runs cool to extend trolling motor life, and stays quiet.
How to choose a good trolling motors
Does the idea of finding a fantastic trolling motors make you anxious? When it comes to purchasing this product, specifically when deciding which model to select, has your head been spinning between options? You are not alone if that is the case. We are aware of the pressure involved in the purchasing process!
Your presence here indicates that you are interested in trolling motors. Before choosing which product would be the best for your needs after being inundated with information, locate a reliable source with genuine selections. You can get that information from a variety of sources, including buying guides and rating websites, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, online discussion forums where users can share their own experiences, product reviews that can be found all over the internet, and YouTube channels. You can only get the right product through exhaustive analysis. But you realize that’s not always simple. In order to ease your concerns, we have taken the time to develop a list of the top trolling motors products available right now. You might be wondering how we came up with the list. How was this buying guide developed?
First, we used our algorithms to gather as much reliable data as we could about these products. To verify all the data gathered, we used both artificial intelligence and a lot of algorithms.
Then, our experts used criteria that are recognized in the business to evaluate them according to their quality to price ratio, allowing us to choose the top trolling motors on the market right now!
The selection of the goods is not arbitrary. Before creating a list, we take into account a number of factors. Below are some of the criteria discussed:
Brand Value: What happens if you choose a dubious brand just because it appears to be a good deal? So the likelihood of receiving a product with a short shelf life increases. That is due to the fact that well-known brands have a reputation to uphold, while others do not. Top trolling motors brands strive to provide some distinctive traits that set them apart from the competition. So, hopefully one or more of the items on our list will be perfect for you.
Features: Useful features are all you need, not tons of them. We consider the important aspects and select the top trolling motors based on those.
Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products with higher specifications, but with the right balance.
Quality: A product’s quality may always be quantified with the aid of numbers. We look for goods with better standards that strike the proper balance. The best quality product that gets highly appreciated and recommended by experienced users.
Customer ratings: Would it be accurate to suggest that the trolling motors were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.
Customer Reviews: Like ratings, provide you with accurate and reliable information about the product from genuine customers. Customer ratings are very important to all of us because they contain accurate and reliable information about the customer service we received from several hundred customers.
Seller Rank: This is very intriguing! Not only do you need a good trolling motors, you also need a product with rising sales that is trendy. It accomplishes two goals. First, the expanding user base proves the quality of the product. Second, given that number, producers must be able to offer greater quality and after-sales support.
Value: You get what you pay for, they say, so consider the value. Cheap isn’t always good and expensive isn’t always bad. However, that does not imply that spending a lot of money on a product that is flashy but underwhelming is a good idea. Before adding them to the list, we make an effort to evaluate how much value you can get for your money from your trolling motors.
Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting trolling motors for months and years to come.
Product availability: Products come and go, and new ones replace the old ones. Most likely, a few new features and required changes were made. What use is it to use a supposedly good product if the maker no longer supports it? We make an effort to highlight products that are current and offered by one or more trustworthy sellers, if not more.
Negative Reviews: Yes, we do take that into account as well! The goods with the majority of bad reviews are filtered out and disregarded when we choose the best-rated one on the market.
These are the standards by which we selected our trolling motors. Do we end our process there? Hell no. The most crucial fact about us that you should be aware of is that we regularly update our website with current and pertinent information. We have one more layer of filtration since we place the greatest importance on reader satisfaction. Please let us know if any product included here is incorrect, irrelevant, subpar, or simply out of date. We always value your opinions, and we’ll work hard to make any necessary corrections to our list in response to them.
Why should you believe us?
There are now thousands of possibilities for these products on Amazon, but choosing the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. And what trolling motors should you purchase in 2022?
This guide is the result of more than 10 years of experience in researching, testing and writing about many topics. Each member of our team is an authority in their area. We read every article we could find online and every consumer review on every retail website for seven hours. Additionally, we discovered a ton of websites that offered helpful resources, including buying tips and thorough information on trolling motors.
