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10 Best Trolling Motors 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.8 score

Newport NV-Series 55lb Thrust Saltwater Transom Mounted Trolling Electric Trolling Motor w/ LED Battery Indicator & 30" Shaft (23M1000203)

The Newport NV-Series 55lb Thrust Saltwater Transom Mounted Trolling Electric Trolling Motor is a versatile motor designed for saltwater use. With a 55lb thrust, it provides solid power for most small to medium-sized boats. The 30-inch shaft and transom mount make it easy to attach and adjust, catering to different boat configurations. Its 12V power requirement means it can run on a standard deep cycle battery, although the battery is not included, and a 50Amp circuit breaker is recommended for safety.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,350
Thrust
Voltage
Control Type

Most important from
6672 reviews

Thrust
Moves through the water great. I had a Minn Kota 45 pound thrust & replaced it with this Newport 55 pound thrust.
Voltage
Battery voltage indicator is such a nice feature. I will reply back to tell you how accurate it is.
Control Type
I do have one 'wish' for the motor design; The handle that is the gear selector is numbered 1 through 5 for forward, 0 for stopped, and 1 through 3 for reverse.
Mounting Location
Easy to adjust & mount. Would recommend if you're looking for a good trolling motor.
Battery Life
Love the LED indicator on top. Let's you know where you are with battery power.
#2
9.6 score

Newport NV-Series 36lb Thrust Saltwater Transom Mounted Electric Trolling Motor with LED Battery Indicator & 30" Shaft

The Newport NV-Series 36lb Thrust electric trolling motor is a solid choice for boaters seeking reliable, quiet power for saltwater and freshwater fishing. With 36 pounds of thrust powered by a 12-volt system, it provides enough strength to move small to medium boats efficiently while maintaining low noise that won’t scare fish away. Its 30-inch shaft is ideal for a variety of boat sizes and water depths, and the transom mount makes installation straightforward.

Rating
9.6
Thrust
Shaft Length
Control Type

Most important from
6672 reviews

Thrust
Delivers impressive power and efficiency, easily cruising through weedy areas and maintaining voltage with minimal battery drain even at full speed.
Shaft Length
The adjustable shaft collar enables quick depth adjustments for different water conditions, enhancing versatility.
Control Type
Multiple speed settings provide precise control for slow trolling or modest cruising, though it’s not designed for high-speed travel.
Mounting Location
The transom mount simplifies setup and removal, making it practical for frequent use and transport.
Battery Life
Battery level indicators offer convenient, real-time monitoring of power remaining, helping prevent unexpected shutdowns.
#3
9.4 score

Garmin Force Trolling Motor 57", 57in, 010-02025-00

The Garmin Force Trolling Motor with a 57-inch shaft is designed to offer dependable and smooth performance for freshwater boating and fishing. Its electric motor delivers up to 5 horsepower equivalent, powered by either 24 or 36 volts, providing strong thrust for maneuvering various boat sizes. The long stainless steel shaft length makes it adaptable to different water depths, helping avoid underwater obstacles and ensuring efficient propulsion. This motor mounts on the bow, which is typical for precise steering control.

Rating
9.4
Thrust
Shaft Length
Control Type

Most important from
25 reviews

Thrust
The trolling motor offers powerful thrust that easily moves a 3500-pound boat with quiet, smooth operation even at full speed.
Shaft Length
Garmin's customer support stands out by promptly replacing a defective shaft overnight at no cost, ensuring reliability.
Control Type
Hands-free wireless foot pedal control and autopilot features deliver exceptional steering precision, making navigation effortless.
Battery Life
Battery efficiency is impressive, with long-lasting lithium battery performance even after a full day of fishing.

Top 10 Best Trolling Motors 2025 in the United States

Garmin Force Trolling Motor 57", 57in, 010-02025-00

Thrust: 5 HP
Voltage: 36 V, 24 V
Shaft Length: 57 inch
Control Type: wireless foot pedal
Mounting Location: Bow

Garmin Force Kraken Trolling Motor 90”, White, Without Transducer

Thrust: 100 lbs
Voltage: 36 Volts
Shaft Length: 90 inches
Control Type: Wireless Bluetooth
Mounting Location: Bow Mount
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Buying Guide for the Best Trolling Motors

Choosing the right trolling motor for your boat can significantly enhance your fishing experience. A trolling motor is an electric motor used to maneuver your boat quietly and precisely, which is crucial for fishing. To find the best fit for you, consider the following key specifications and how they align with your needs.
ThrustThrust is the measure of how powerful the trolling motor is, usually measured in pounds (lbs). It is important because it determines how well the motor can move your boat through the water, especially in challenging conditions like strong currents or heavy winds. For small boats or kayaks, 30-40 lbs of thrust may be sufficient. Medium-sized boats may require 40-55 lbs, while larger boats might need 70 lbs or more. To pick the right thrust, consider the size and weight of your boat and the typical water conditions you will encounter.
VoltageVoltage indicates the power system of the trolling motor, commonly available in 12V, 24V, and 36V. This spec is important because it affects the motor's power and battery life. A 12V system is suitable for smaller boats and lighter use, while 24V and 36V systems provide more power and longer run times, ideal for larger boats and more demanding conditions. Choose the voltage based on your boat size and how long you plan to use the motor during your trips.
Shaft LengthShaft length is the distance from the motor head to the propeller, and it is crucial for ensuring the motor stays submerged at the right depth. If the shaft is too short, the propeller may come out of the water, while a too-long shaft can be cumbersome. For bow-mounted motors, measure the distance from the mounting point to the waterline and add 20 inches. For transom-mounted motors, measure from the top of the transom to the waterline and add 16-20 inches. Choose a shaft length that keeps the motor submerged in various water conditions.
Control TypeControl type refers to how you operate the trolling motor, with options including hand control, foot control, and remote control. This spec is important because it affects your convenience and fishing style. Hand control is straightforward and less expensive, foot control allows for hands-free operation, and remote control offers the most flexibility and ease of use. Consider your fishing habits and personal preference when choosing the control type.
Mounting LocationMounting location refers to where the trolling motor is installed on your boat, either at the bow (front) or transom (rear). This is important because it affects the boat's maneuverability and control. Bow-mounted motors provide better control and are preferred for larger boats and serious anglers, while transom-mounted motors are easier to install and suitable for smaller boats. Choose the mounting location based on your boat size and how you plan to use the motor.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long the trolling motor can run on a single charge, which is crucial for planning your fishing trips. It depends on the motor's power consumption and the battery capacity. Higher voltage systems (24V and 36V) generally offer longer battery life. To pick the right battery life, consider how long you typically spend on the water and whether you have access to recharge the battery during your trips.

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