4 of the Best Saltwater Trolling Motors

If you are looking to upgrade your fishing boat, a good place to start is with our list of saltwater trolling motors.

Trolling motors were originally designed for use in freshwater lakes, ponds and rivers so that anglers could approach their preferred fishing spot as quietly as possible so as not to spook the fish. Now they are becoming popular with sea anglers as well for a variety of locations including the open sea, bays and coastal lagoons. They can be used on most boats, but saltwater trolling motors are especially popular with smaller boats and even kayaks.

There are two types of basic saltwater trolling motors; one designed to attach to the bow of a boat which is controlled by a foot pedal or wireless remote and one mounted on the transom with controls on the steering handle which are generally regarded as being simpler and less expensive.

Bow mounts normally have a mounting mechanism and this can take up a lot of room. They can be controlled by a hand tiller or a foot pedal. Transom mounts use a C clamp and are usually controlled by a hand tiller. However, the latest technology allows saltwater trolling motors to be operated remotely, most commonly with a wireless remote and there are also models with autopilot controls.

The type of motor that you buy will depend on the size and weight of your boat. The bigger the boat, the more thrust is needed and it is worth bearing in mind that the greater the thrust needed, the more power is needed too and that impacts on battery size.

A 12-volt deep cycle marine grade battery is recommended for saltwater trolling motors and solar panels are also available to keep batteries charged up.

The type of water will also have a bearing on how much thrust is needed. For example, heavy currents and constantly choppy water are going to require more thrust than calm water. According to manufacturers, the rule of thumb that is commonly accepted is that you need 5 lbs of thrust for every 200 lbs of boat.

Saltwater trolling motors ought to be durable and those with fewer plastic parts are likely to withstand more use and abuse. They are usually made from a composite fibreglass material and stainless steel, designed to be resistant to the corrosive effects of the sea. All electronics should be housed in marine grade plastic to prevent saltwater fouling.

Minn Kota Riptide Powerdrive 70

Starting at the top end, if you are looking for the very latest technology then the Minn Kota Riptide Powerdrive 70 saltwater trolling motor has a 54-inch shaft, 70 lbs of thrust, a 24-volt deep cycling marine battery and Bluetooth control.

When it comes to battery power, this model has a digital maximizer that provides up to five times longer running time on a single charge.

It has the I-pilot Bluetooth feature that allows you to control the direction and speed of the saltwater trolling motor through a mobile app on your phone. The app gives you wireless GPS control, can record and retrace previous paths and also use a GPS anchor where the trolling motor stays locked into a specific area allowing you to focus on fishing.

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Motorguide R5 105

The Motorguide R5 105 Transom-Mount Digital saltwater trolling motor is described as being well built and rugged, designed for heavy use with 105 lbs of thrust with a digital power management system that provides precise speed settings and thus extends the life of the 36-volt battery.

This model has a secure seven-point taper lock mount, which along with its tilt, stow and deploy mechanism gives it a high degree of control so that you spend less time maneuvering your boat and more time fishing.

It comes with five forward and two reverse speeds and a one-touch slide depth collar adjustment allows hassle free running depth adjustment and this saltwater trolling motor also has a long ergonomic handle for simple control.

According to the manufacturer it is made from a rugged aluminium alloy with stainless steel hinge pins and a powder coated finish for exceptional durability. A rugged composite shaft is designed to cope with underwater hazards, while a three-blade machete propeller slices through vegetation.

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Newport Vessels NV-Series

For power there is the Newport Vessels NV-Series saltwater trolling motor that is transom mounted with a 36-inch shaft, with a high powered engine with 86 lbs of thrust, yet it is described as being ultra-quiet.

The composite fiberglass shaft allows for proper depth placement in any water conditions while the six-inch telescoping handle has eight speeds – five forward and three reverse. There is also a five-point LED battery meter to keep an eye on the immediate charge level.

The power of this motor allows you to fish in most conditions, coping with currents, wind and big water. It should be pointed out that it needs two 12-volt marine batteries which need to be bought separately.

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Minn Kota Endura C2 55

At the lower end of the price bracket is the Minn Kota Endura C2 55 saltwater trolling motor which, while being an affordable price, also claims to deliver the power, reliability and features that you need for seagoing fishing.

This model of saltwater trolling motor has an ergonomic six inch telescoping handle for comfortable and convenient steering. The manufacturer says that pound for pound its composite shaft is stronger than steel. Indeed, it boasts that the shaft flexes on impact and will not break, kink or corrode.

Likewise the lever lock bracket is described as being a rock solid mount that is stronger than conventional brackets. It is made from a special composite material that can resist flexing, warping and UV damage.

The motor runs cooler than many other saltwater trolling motors and it comes with five forward speeds and three reverse speeds. The details can be found here:

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