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10 Best Trolling Motors 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Minn Kota Riptide PowerDrive Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with Micro Remote – 70 Lb. Thrust, 54 in. Shaft, Saltwater

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,139
Thrust
Control Type
Battery Life

Most important from
61 reviews

Thrust
The 70 lb thrust effortlessly holds an 18ft boat steady in wind and current.
Control Type
The remote control feature is a game-changer, making navigation and control seamless.
Battery Life
After 6 hours of fishing, the battery meter still shows full, thanks to efficient power management.

The Minn Kota 1363585 Riptide PowerDrive is a robust trolling motor designed for saltwater fishing, offering a significant 70 lb. thrust and a 54-inch shaft, making it suitable for larger boats. One of its standout features is the Advanced GPS Trolling System, allowing for precise navigation, speed, and steering control via a simple micro remote. This is particularly beneficial for anglers who require consistent boat positioning.

The Deploy-Assist Lever simplifies getting in and out of the water, while the Advanced Corrosion Protection ensures the motor's durability in harsh saltwater conditions. Additionally, the Digital Maximizer technology helps extend battery life by providing only the necessary amount of power, making it possible to fish for extended periods without frequent battery changes. The Push-to-Test Battery Meter is a handy feature for quickly checking the battery's charge status.

On the downside, this motor requires a 24-volt battery system, which means additional investment if you don't already have one. Weighing around 20.87 kilograms, it might be on the heavier side for some users, making installation and handling a bit cumbersome. The product is backed by a two-year warranty, providing some peace of mind. It's a solid choice for serious anglers who need a reliable and feature-rich trolling motor for saltwater use.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,139
Thrust
Control Type
Battery Life

Most important from
61 reviews

Thrust
The 70 lb thrust effortlessly holds an 18ft boat steady in wind and current.
Control Type
The remote control feature is a game-changer, making navigation and control seamless.
Battery Life
After 6 hours of fishing, the battery meter still shows full, thanks to efficient power management.
#2

Minn Kota Terrova Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with GPS, Spot-Lock – 80 Lb. Thrust, 60 in. Shaft, Freshwater

Rating
9.7
Control Type
Mounting Location

Most important from
101 reviews

Control Type
The autopilot and cruise control features make fishing much easier.
Mounting Location
Highly recommend getting a lock for the floor mount before installing the floor plate.

The Minn Kota 1358380 Terrova is an electric trolling motor designed with serious anglers in mind. With 80 lb. of thrust and a 60" shaft, it provides ample power for various fishing conditions, making it suitable for both freshwater and saltwater use. One of its standout features is the advanced GPS Trolling System, which includes Spot-Lock, allowing you to stay on your fishing spot with excellent accuracy without needing to constantly adjust the motor. The wireless remote control is user-friendly, letting you navigate and control the motor effortlessly from a distance.

Another major advantage is the Digital Maximizer technology, which helps extend battery life significantly, offering up to five times longer run time on a single charge. This means you can fish longer without worrying about draining your battery. The Weedless Wedge 2 prop is also effective, designed to cut through weeds without using too much power, which enhances efficiency.

On the downside, the motor's weight at 63 pounds can be cumbersome for some users, especially during manual transportation. Additionally, while the advanced features are great for experienced users, they may overwhelm beginners who are not familiar with high-tech equipment. The initial price point might also be a consideration, as it is on the higher end of the market, which may not be suitable for casual anglers. The product includes a three-year warranty upon registration, addressing some concerns about the durability of electronic components in harsh marine environments. The Minn Kota Terrova is a robust and feature-rich trolling motor ideal for passionate anglers who value functionality and efficiency, but it might be more than what a novice fisherman needs.

Rating
9.7
Control Type
Mounting Location

Most important from
101 reviews

Control Type
The autopilot and cruise control features make fishing much easier.
Mounting Location
Highly recommend getting a lock for the floor mount before installing the floor plate.
#3

Minn Kota Riptide PowerDrive Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with Mircro Remote – 55 Lb. Thrust, 54 in. Shaft, Saltwater

The Minn Kota 1363575 Riptide PowerDrive is a solid choice for fishermen seeking a reliable trolling motor, particularly for saltwater use. With a thrust of 55 pounds and a 54-inch shaft, it offers adequate power and reach for medium-sized boats. The 12-volt system ensures compatibility with common marine batteries, keeping power demands reasonable.

Its standout feature is the Advanced GPS Trolling System, which simplifies navigation and boat positioning, making it ideal for those who appreciate high-tech solutions in fishing. The motor is bow-mounted, enhancing control and precision, especially in open waters. The Digital Maximizer is a notable benefit, providing up to five times longer run time on a single battery charge, which is vital for long fishing trips.

Durability is a key highlight, with the indestructible composite shaft guaranteed for life and advanced corrosion protection, ensuring longevity in harsh saltwater environments. The motor's quiet operation and cool running further enhance the fishing experience by minimizing disturbances.

Weighing 24 pounds and coming with essential components like the MKP-37 Prop and mounting hardware, it’s a user-friendly package. Though relatively new to the market since June 2023, its positive customer ratings (4.7 out of 5 stars) suggest satisfaction among early adopters. This trolling motor is well-suited to unisex adult users looking for a dependable, feature-rich option for saltwater fishing.

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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