Electric Trolling Motors

Electric trolling motors are quiet and lightweight motors commonly used not only during trolling (fishing), but also as means of main propulsion for smaller boats, kayaks, rafts, pontoon and similar vessels.

The main source of energy for electric trolling motors are high-capacity batteries and such batteries, especially lead-acid batteries may be rather heavy.

That is why it is of the utmost importance to choose the best electric trolling motor and its battery according to individual needs and requirements - large batteries may have large enough capacities, but the weight penalty for smaller vessels may be unacceptable.

The following chart lists general recommendations regarding the boat size and weight and recommended trolling motor size:

Note: these are just general recommendations - when picking 'the best' trolling motor consider not only boat dimensions, but also fishing conditions like currents, winds, if there is canopy/shade, solar panel, wind turbine, etc.

The following comparison chart lists some of the most popular electric trolling motors on the market, with their most important features and specifications:

Model	Maximum Thrust	Voltage	Maximum Current	Recommended Circuit Breaker
Minn Kota Endura C2 30	30 pounds	12 V	30 A	50 A
Newport Vessels NV-Series 36 lb	36 pounds	12 V	30 A	40 A
Outsunny Transom 36 lb	36 pounds	12 V	30 A	40 A
Intex Trolling Motor 36" Shaft	40 pounds	12 V	35 A	40 A
Minn Kota Endura C2 40	40 pounds	12 V	42 A	50 A
Minn Kota Endura C2 45	45 pounds	12 V	42 A	50 A
Minn Kota Riptide SC 45 lbs	45 pounds	12 V	42 A	50 A
Newport Vessels NV-Series 46 lb	46 pounds	12 V	40 A	50 A
Minn Kota Endura C2 50	50 pounds	12 V	50 A	60 A
Outsunny Transom 50 lbs	50 pounds	12 V	47 A	50 A
Minn Kota Endura C2 55	55 pounds	12 V	50 A	60 A
Minn Kota Riptide 55 SP	55 pounds	12 V	50 A	60 A
Newport Vessels Kayak Series 55lb	55 pounds	12 V	52 A	60 A
Newport Vessels NV-Series 55 lbs	55 pounds	12 V	52 A	60 A
SATURN 55 Lbs Short-Shaft	55 pounds	12 V	50 A	60 A
Newport Vessels NV-Series 62 lbs	62 pounds	12 V	58 A	60 A
Minn Kota Riptide 80 ST	80 pounds	24 V	56 A	60 A
MotorGuide 941700110 Xi5 Wireless	80 pounds	24 V	56 A	60 A
Newport Vessels NV-Series 86 lbs	86 pounds	24 V	48 A	50 A
Minn Kota EM 101	101 pounds	36 V	50 A	60 A
Minn Kota Riptide ST 112	112 pounds	36 V	52 A	60 A
MinnKota Riptide EM 160	160 pounds	24 V	116 A	2x60 A

Note: Affiliate links ('Model' Column) open in the new windows, feel free to check them for the most up-to-date offers and prices.

In order to avoid excess currents (60+ Amps), electric trolling motors are powered with different voltages:

- 12 V electric trolling motors feature thrust levels of up to a 60-65 pounds,

- 24 V electric trolling motors feature thrust levels of up to a 100 pounds,

- 36 V electric trolling motors feature thrust levels of 100 pounds or more.

By connecting 2 or more batteries in series, one creates a battery pack of 24V, 36V, 48V, etc.

Note: It is recommended to connect in parallel or series lead-acid batteries not only of the same model/brand, but of the same batch. Also, lithium batteries may be connected in series and/or parallel only if explicitly allowed by their manufacturer.

For short - unless you are absolutely sure that you know what are you doing, don't do it. Stay safe and ask for help by certified professional.

Here is the list of our electric trolling motors reviews and recommendations.