Electric trolling motor have evolved in the last decade, enough to make them a staple piece of equipment on a lot of angler boats.
History of Electric Trolling Motors
The first ever electric trolling motor was invented by O.G. Schmidt in 1934, when he took a starter motor from a Ford model A and added a flexible shaft along with a propeller. As O.G. Schmidt’s manufacturing company was on the border of Minnesota and North Dakota, Schmidt decided to name his company Minn Kota which is the very name that is synonymous with electric trolling motors to this day.
Saltwater Vs Fresh
In the last decade electric trolling motors have become ever so increasingly popular in the saltwater fishing scene, with anglers through out the world swapping their anchor and chain for an electric trolling motor. The electric motors were made popular in the 1980s with anglers using them as auxiliary engines. These auxiliary engines quickly evolved into bow mounted electric motors that allowed anglers to sneak up on schools of feeding tuna.
Thrust Vs Weight
The rule of thumb when it comes to choosing an electric trolling motor is 2lb of thrust for every 100lb of gross weight of the boat.
| BOAT WEIGHT (LB) | MAX BOAT LENGTH (FT) | MINIMUM THRUST LEVEL (LB OF THRUST) | BATTERIES NEEDED |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,500 or less | 14′ | 30 | 1 battery (12v) |
| 2000 | 17′-18′ | 40-45 | 1 battery (12v) |
| 2,500 | 20′-21′ | 50-55 | 1 battery (12v) |
| 3,000-3,500 | 23′ | 70 | 2 batteries (24v) |
| 4,000 | 25′ | 80 | 2 batteries (24v) |
| 4,500 or more | 25’+ | 101-112 | 3 batteries (36v) |
Batteries
When it comes to choosing the right battery for your electric trolling motor you have three choices.
Flooded Lead-Acid
These batteries are the more common and cheapest of the three options, easily found at any auto or marine retailer. These batteries will generally last around 2-3 years with the correct installation and maintenance.
AGM (Absorbed Glass-Mat)
Generally twice the price as the flooded lead acid battery, the main difference between the two is that instead of having liquid acid it is absorbed into mats. With this feature it does make the AGM comparatively heavier but also maintenance free. The AGM batteries generally last slightly longer than the flooded lead acid batteries.
Lithium Iron Phosphate / Lithium Ion / LiFePO4
Most anglers tend to lean towards these batteries, although they are far more expensive then their counterparts. You can buy a singular battery in 12v, 24v and 36v instead of buying multiple batteries to achieve the recommended voltage required by the trolling motor. Another massive benefit to the lithium range of batteries is that some manufacturers will offer up-to a 10 year warranty.
Length
When choosing an electric trolling motor, there is more than just the thrust to weight ratio. Having the right size shaft is extremely important to get the most out of your trolling motor.
For bow and transom mounts it’s recommended that the shaft be at least 12 inches under the water line, when fishing mainly off shore you will want to add an extra 5 inches for a total of 17 inches under the water line.
Bow Mounted Trolling Motor
| BOW TO WATERLINE (IN) | RECOMMENDED SHAFT LENGTH (IN) |
|---|---|
| 0″ to 10″ | 36″ |
| 16″ to 22″ | 42″ to 45″ |
| 22″ to 28″ | 48″ to 52″ |
| 28″ to 44″ | 54″ to 72″ |
| 45″+ | 87″ |
Transom Mounted Trolling Motor
| TRANSOM TO WATERLINE (IN) | RECOMMENDED SHAFT LENGTH (IN) |
|---|---|
| 0″ to 10″ | 30″ |
| 10″ to 16″ | 36″ |
| 16″ to 22″ | 42″ |
| 22″+ | Consult Factory |
Best Saltwater and Fresh Water Electric Trolling Motors
1. Minn Kota Riptide Ulterra Electric Trolling Motor
The Minn Kota Riptide Ulterra comes in two different sizes, the 80 and 112. Both packing the same amazing features, the only difference is the shaft lengths and thrust.
Autopilot & iPilot
Navigate your boat automatically to any destination with AutoPilot™. Simply point your trolling motor in the direction you wish to travel, activate AutoPilot™, and it will automatically keep you on your intended course, compensating for wind, waves, and current.
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. In addition to setting Spot-Locks, recording paths, following depth contours, and automatically navigating to your favorite spots, you can control speed and steering as well.
Power Trim
Ulterra can be adjusted to changing conditions without reaching down to your trolling motor with a simple push of a button – either on foot pedal, i-Pilot remote or i-Pilot Link.
Auto Stow & Deploy
You can deploy or stow Ulterra by simply pushing a button on your i-Pilot or i-Pilot Link remote, foot pedal, or Humminbird fish finder.
Spot-Lock with Jog
With Spot-Lock, you can stay right on top of any productive fishing spot without even touching your trolling motor. Spot-Lock is available on i- Pilot GPS system that comes pre-installed. Spot-Lock can be activated from the i-Pilot remote or Humminbird fish finder by using the included heading sensor.
Built-In MEGA Down Imaging
With a transducer built right into the motor, you get crystal clear Humminbird® MEGA Down Imaging and a clean protected look.
Heel-Toe Electric Foot Pedal
The Ulterra foot pedal allows you to adjust trim and deploy the unit, while Spot-Lock can be activated with a single tap. Includes an 18′ cord.
Minn Kota Riptide Ulterra Specifications
| Model | Riptide Ulterra 112 lb. / no FP / i-Pilot Link – 72″ |
| Product Code | 601630 |
| For Use In | Saltwater |
| Mounting Location | Bow-Mount |
| Motor Style | Electric-steer |
| Max Thrust | 112 lbs. |
| Voltage | 36 |
| Shaft Length | 72″ |
| Foot Pedal Style | Not Included |
| Auto/Stow Deploy | Yes |
| Power Trim | Yes |
| Power Steering | Yes |
| Lift-Assist | No |
| Bowguard | No |
| Wireless Remote | Yes |
| Built-In Sonar | None |
| i-Pilot Link GPS | Yes |
| i-Pilot GPS | No |
| AutoPilot | Yes |
| CoPilot | No |
| Universal Sonar 2 | No |
| Speeds | Variable |
| Digital Maximizer | Yes |
| Battery Meter | Yes |
2. Lowrance Ghost Electric Trolling Motor
The Ghost’s brushless technology means it weighs about six pounds less than similar trolling motors. Yet it’s rugged.
It’s equipped with a 360-degree breakaway mount, which is designed to take the impact, then automatic realign once it’s cleared of the water. An integrated stabilizer bar reduces pitching in rough water.
Lowrance built the Ghost to last. The trolling motor has a three-year warranty, and the composite shaft comes with a lifetime warranty.
Lowrance Ghost Trolling Motor Specs
The Lowrance Ghost may be the best trolling motor on the market today.
Lowrance Ghost Specifications
| Shaft Length | 47″, 52″, or 60″ |
| Usage | Freshwater Only |
| Mounting | Scissor style bow mount |
| Voltage | 24v or 36v |
| Lift-Assist | Dual-action gas spring |
| Compass | External, included |
| GPS | Internal |
| Sonar included | HDI Sonar Nosecone |
| Frequencies Supported | Medium/High Chirp Sonar, 455/800 kHz |
| User Upgradable Sonar | Active Imaging 3-In-1 |
| Number Of Pins | Mini 9-Pin To 9-Pin Lowrance adaptor (included) |
| Foot pedal dimensions | 11 ¾” x 7 ¼” x 4 ½” |
| Foot pedal waterproof Rating | Ipx7 |
3. Garmin Force™ Electric Trolling Motor
Fish with force and get on fish faster, and stay on the water with the most powerful, most efficient trolling motor available — and it’s quiet, too.
- Force is more efficient at 24 V than the competition’s 36 V system. No lie.
- Wirelessly connect to your Garmin chartplotter, and open up a world of possibilities.
- It comes with sonar built in, too? That’s just too good to be true.
- All the control of a cable-steered pedal without the cable.
- Just point the handheld remote where you want to go, and Force will take you there.
High-powered
Force trolling motor has the power to move you from spot to spot more quickly and stand up better to winds and currents — and it’s still whisper quiet.
Quiet Above And Below The Water
The ultraquiet motor doesn’t scare fish and is nearly undetectable to sonar, so it won’t fuzz up your sonar screens with static.
Remarkable Efficiency
The high-efficiency brushless motor operates at either 36 V or 24 V. When running at 24 V, it delivers comparable thrust to our competitors’ 36-V motors.
Wireless Foot Pedal
You can still hardwire the pedal if you would prefer. It operates wirelessly using AA batteries, but it feels and steers just like a cable-steered pedal.
Water-resistant, Floating Remote
Using the included handheld remote control with a sunlight-readable display, you can steer your trolling motor and control the plotter using point-and-go gestures.
Built-in Autopilot
Integrated with GPS and a heading sensor, the autopilot provides anchor hold, heading hold, and cruise control. Simply set your course and it will take care of the rest.
Garmin Force™ Specifications
| Motor | |
| Shaft length | 57″ |
| For use in | freshwater, brackish water and saltwater |
| Mounting location | bow |
| Mount style | scissor style mount |
| Max thrust | 100 lbs Per ISO 13342 using high efficiency propeller at 36V; 80lbs per ISO 13342 using high efficiency propeller at 24 Vdc |
| Voltage | 24 V or 36 V |
| Electric steering | yes |
| Lift-assist | dual gas springs |
| Built-in heading sensor | yes |
| Built-in GPS | yes (high-sensitivity GPS) |
| Warranty | 3-year, limited lifetime on shaft |
| Water rating (components above water) | IPX7 |
| Wireless remote | yes (included) |
| Foot pedal | yes (included) |
| Battery indicator | yes |
| Variable speed control | yes (20 steps) |
| Sonar | |
| Frequencies supported | CHIRP sonar: High-wide CHIRP (150-240 kHz) ClearVu: Ultra-high definition 800 kHz SideVu: Ultra-high definition 1200 kHz and 455 kHz |
| Partial frequencies supported | CHIRP Sonar: High-wide CHIRP (150-240 kHz) ClearVü: 800 kHz SideVü: 455 kHz |
| Transmit power | 350 W |
| Maximum depth | CHIRP sonar: 800′ ClearVü: 200′ Ultra-high definition SideVü: 125′ to each side; 250 total at a max depth of 30′ 455 kHz SideVü: 500′ to each side; 1000′ total |
| Depth/speed/temperature | depth and temperature |
| Number of pins | 12-pin (orange connector) |
| AutoPilot Features | |
| Route following | yes |
| Anchor lock | yes |
| Heading hold | yes |
| Cruise contorol | yes |
| Gesture features | yes (manual+, heading hold+, jog+) |
| Foot Pedal | |
| Dimensions | 12″ L x 9″ W x 4 1/2″ H |
| Wireless communication | yes |
| Power installation | 12V wired or battery powered (2 AA) |
| AA battery life | 1 full season |
| Waterproof rating | IPX7 |
| Adjustable pedal resistance | yes |
| Remote | |
| Display size | 1.2″ (30.4 mm) diameter |
| Display resolution | 240 x 240 pixels |
| Display type | color, sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) |
| Chartplotter user programmable keys | yes |
| Autopilot feature control | yes |
| Water rating | IPX7 |
| Battery life | typical use with backlight at low, 43.2 weeks |
| Floats | yes |
4. MotorGuide XI3 FreshWater 55LB 36″ with Pinpoint GPS Electric Trolling Motor
There are plenty of reasons to consider the MotorGuide’s Xi3.
Due to its lightweight design and SecureStep system, the motor can be easily stowed and deployed from a seated position. Combined with its virtually silent operation and wireless remote, it’s a perfect addition to any kayak.
Additional Features:
- Digital Power Management for up to 5x longer battery life
- 50% easier to stow and deploy than the competition
- 40% quieter than competitors
- Total control available with major sonar brand display
Compatible with the following kayak models and more:
| Nucanoe | Unlimited |
| Nucanoe | Frontier 12 |
| Nucanoe | Pursuit |
| Nucanoe | F10 |
| Hobie | Pro Angler 17T |
| Bonafide | SS127 |
| Jackson | Big Rig |
| Bluesky Boatworks | 360 Angler |
| Bluesky Boatworks | 360 Pro |
MotorGuide XI3 FreshWater 55LB 36″ with Pinpoint GPS Specifications
| Boat Type | Kayak |
| Control Method | Hand |
| GPS | INCLUDED |
| Max Thrust | 55 LB |
| Product Type | Bow Mount |
| Shaft Length | 36″ |
| Steering | Electric Steer |
| Volts | 12 |
| Water Type | Freshwater |
5. MotorGuide XI3 SaltWater 55LB 36″ with Pinpoint GPS Electric Trolling Motor
There are plenty of reasons to fish with MotorGuide’s Xi3.
In addition to its nearly silent operation and wireless remote, the lightweight design of this motor makes stowing and deploying it simple even while seated.
Wireless Control
Control in the palm of your hand. Intuitive remote-control steering is ready for use right out of the box. Also compatible with optional wireless foot pedal.
Easy Stow and Deploying
Stowing and deploying can be done quickly and easily with SecureStep levers, saving time and energy.
Pinpoint GPS
Focus on fishing while Pinpoint® GPS technology wirelessly Jogs, Anchors, Replays Routes and more.
LED Dashboard
Easily monitor functions – even in bright conditions – with four LED notifications showing Power, Propeller Activity, Pinpoint® GPS status and Battery Life.
It has a battery life of up to 5x more than the competition and it stows and deploys up to 50% easier than its competitors. A total control mode is available with major sonar brand displays.
Compatible with the following kayak models
| Nucanoe | Unlimited |
| Nucanoe | Frontier 12 |
| Nucanoe | Pursuit |
| Nucanoe | F10 |
| Hobie | Pro Angler 17T |
| Bonafide | SS127 |
| Jackson | Big Rig |
| Bluesky Boatworks | 360 Angler |
| Bluesky Boatworks | 360 Pro |
MotorGuide XI3 FreshWater 55LB 36″ with Pinpoint GPS Specifications
| Boat Type | Kayak |
| Control Method | Hand |
| GPS | INCLUDED |
| Max Thrust | 55 LB |
| Product Type | Bow Mount |
| Shaft Length | 36″ |
| Steering | Electric Steer |
| Volts | 12 |
| Water Type | Saltwater |
So there you have it, a guide to our top 5 electric motors
So there you have it, our guide to the top 5 electric motors. Keep up with the latest on water tech? Check out more informative articles here!
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