{"id":30686,"date":"2022-12-16T16:47:06","date_gmt":"2022-12-16T05:47:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oceanbluefishing.com\/magazine\/?p=30686"},"modified":"2023-05-02T09:08:05","modified_gmt":"2023-05-01T23:08:05","slug":"electric-trolling-motor-our-top-5-market-leaders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.oceanbluefishing.com\/magazine\/electric-trolling-motor-our-top-5-market-leaders\/","title":{"rendered":"Electric Trolling Motor: Our guide to the Top 5 market leaders. Which will you choose?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Electric trolling motor have evolved in the last decade, enough to make them a staple piece of equipment on a lot of angler boats. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

History of Electric Trolling Motors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saltwater Vs Fresh<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thrust Vs Weight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

BOAT WEIGHT (LB)<\/th>MAX BOAT LENGTH (FT)<\/th>MINIMUM THRUST LEVEL (LB OF THRUST)<\/th>BATTERIES NEEDED<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
1,500 or less<\/td>14′<\/td>30<\/td>1 battery (12v)<\/td><\/tr>
2000<\/td>17′-18′<\/td>40-45<\/td>1 battery (12v)<\/td><\/tr>
2,500<\/td>20′-21′<\/td>50-55<\/td>1 battery (12v)<\/td><\/tr>
3,000-3,500<\/td>23′<\/td>70<\/td>2 batteries (24v)<\/td><\/tr>
4,000<\/td>25′<\/td>80<\/td>2 batteries (24v)<\/td><\/tr>
4,500 or more<\/td>25’+<\/td>101-112<\/td>3 batteries (36v)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
Table Courtesy of Minn Kota<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Batteries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to choosing the right battery for your electric trolling motor you have three choices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flooded Lead-Acid<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AGM (Absorbed Glass-Mat)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lithium Iron Phosphate \/ Lithium Ion \/ LiFePO4<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ghost
Lowrance Ghost Trolling Motor <\/em>Photo courtesy of Lowrance<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Length<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bow Mounted Trolling Motor<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
BOW TO WATERLINE (IN)<\/th>RECOMMENDED SHAFT LENGTH (IN)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
0″ to 10″<\/td>36″<\/td><\/tr>
16″ to 22″<\/td>42″ to 45″<\/td><\/tr>
22″ to 28″<\/td>48″ to 52″<\/td><\/tr>
28″ to 44″<\/td>54″ to 72″<\/td><\/tr>
45″+<\/td>87″<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
Bow Mounted Table Courtesy of Minn Kota<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Transom Mounted Trolling Motor<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
TRANSOM TO WATERLINE (IN)<\/th>RECOMMENDED SHAFT LENGTH (IN)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
0″ to 10″<\/td>30″<\/td><\/tr>
10″ to 16″<\/td>36″<\/td><\/tr>
16″ to 22″<\/td>42″<\/td><\/tr>
22″+<\/td>Consult Factory<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
Transom Mounted Table Courtesy of Minn Kota<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Saltwater and Fresh Water Electric Trolling Motors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Minn Kota Riptide Ulterra Electric Trolling Motor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"Riptide<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Ulterra<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Riptide<\/figure>\n
Riptide Ulterra <\/em>Photo courtesy of Minn Kota<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Autopilot & iPilot<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Navigate your boat automatically to any destination with AutoPilot\u2122. Simply point your trolling motor in the direction you wish to travel, activate AutoPilot\u2122, and it will automatically keep you on your intended course, compensating for wind, waves, and current.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u00ae 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Power Trim<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Auto Stow & Deploy<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spot-Lock with Jog<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Built-In MEGA Down Imaging<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

With a transducer built right into the motor, you get crystal clear Humminbird\u00ae MEGA Down Imaging and a clean protected look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heel-Toe Electric Foot Pedal<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Minn Kota Riptide Ulterra Specifications<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Model<\/td>Riptide Ulterra 112 lb. \/ no FP \/ i-Pilot Link \u2013 72\u2033<\/td><\/tr>
Product Code<\/td>601630<\/td><\/tr>
For Use In<\/td>Saltwater<\/td><\/tr>
Mounting Location<\/td>Bow-Mount<\/td><\/tr>
Motor Style<\/td>Electric-steer<\/td><\/tr>
Max Thrust<\/td>112 lbs.<\/td><\/tr>
Voltage<\/td>36<\/td><\/tr>
Shaft Length<\/td>72\u2033<\/td><\/tr>
Foot Pedal Style<\/td>Not Included<\/td><\/tr>
Auto\/Stow Deploy<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Power Trim<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Power Steering<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Lift-Assist<\/td>No<\/td><\/tr>
Bowguard<\/td>No<\/td><\/tr>
Wireless Remote<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Built-In Sonar<\/td>None<\/td><\/tr>
i-Pilot Link GPS<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
i-Pilot GPS<\/td>No<\/td><\/tr>
AutoPilot<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
CoPilot<\/td>No<\/td><\/tr>
Universal Sonar 2<\/td>No<\/td><\/tr>
Speeds<\/td>Variable<\/td><\/tr>
Digital Maximizer<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Battery Meter<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
Specs table by Minn Kota<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

2. Lowrance Ghost Electric Trolling Motor <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Ghost’s brushless technology means it weighs about six pounds less than similar trolling motors. Yet it’s rugged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lowrance built the Ghost to last. The trolling motor has a three-year warranty, and the composite shaft comes with a lifetime warranty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lowrance Ghost Trolling Motor Specs<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Lowrance Ghost may be the best trolling motor on the market today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"Lowrance<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Ghost<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Lowrance<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Lowrance<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Lowrance<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Lowrance<\/figure>\n
Lowrance Ghost Trolling Motor <\/em>Photo courtesy of Lowrance<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Lowrance Ghost Specifications<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Shaft Length<\/td>47″, 52″, or 60″<\/td><\/tr>
Usage<\/td>Freshwater Only<\/td><\/tr>
Mounting<\/td>Scissor style bow mount<\/td><\/tr>
Voltage<\/td>24v or 36v<\/td><\/tr>
Lift-Assist<\/td>Dual-action gas spring<\/td><\/tr>
Compass<\/td>External, included<\/td><\/tr>
GPS<\/td>Internal<\/td><\/tr>
Sonar included<\/td>HDI Sonar Nosecone<\/td><\/tr>
Frequencies Supported<\/td>Medium\/High Chirp Sonar, 455\/800 kHz<\/td><\/tr>
User Upgradable Sonar<\/td>Active Imaging 3-In-1<\/td><\/tr>
Number Of Pins<\/td>Mini 9-Pin To 9-Pin Lowrance adaptor (included)<\/td><\/tr>
Foot pedal dimensions<\/td>11 \u00be” x 7 \u00bc” x 4 \u00bd”<\/td><\/tr>
Foot pedal waterproof Rating<\/td>Ipx7<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
Specifications by Lowrance<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

3. Garmin Force\u2122 Electric Trolling Motor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Fish with force and get on fish faster, and stay on the water with the most powerful, most efficient trolling motor available \u2014 and it\u2019s quiet, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n