8 Best Kayak Trolling Motors Tested

Best kayak trolling motors

When it comes to propelling your kayak, you need the help of the best kayak trolling motors. These motors come with amazing features that will impress every user.

Since paddles and kayaks go hand in hand like peanut butter and jelly, the best kayak trolling motors take kayaking to the next level.

 

 Best kayak trolling motors

 

How do you pick the best kayak trolling motors for your kayak?

With the number of trolling motors on the market, we have made it easier for you.

The aim of this post is to help pick the right motor for your kayak. We have created a comparison table and a review of some of the best motors you need.

My Top Pick

Newport Kayak Series 36lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor w/LED Battery…
  • Kayak Shaft: 24-Inch Fiberglass Shaft Allows For Variable Depth Placement, While Offering A Lifetime Of Dependable Performance
  • Variable Speed: 8 Speeds (5 Forward & 3 Reverse) With 6-Inch Telescoping Handle Puts You In Total Control Of Your Ride
  • Saltwater Rated: Durable All Aluminum Motor Head W/ Corrosion Resistant Magnesium, Zinc, And Stainless-Steel Hardware For Saltwater Use (Lead-Acid Dc 12V)
  • Extra Long Cables: 5’6″ Battery Cables Allow For Versatile Battery Placement For Optimal Weight Distribution (Battery Not Included)

Comparison table: top kayak trolling motors 

Kayak Trolling Motor Models Pros
Minn Kota Endura C2

 

It offers an ergonomic telescoping tiller for intuitive operation.

It has a handy 10-position bracket with a quick-release lever lock.

It has five forward and three reverse speed settings.

This model has a bearing system that reduces friction and minimizes noise.

It offers great performance at a low price.

 

Watersnake ASP Saltwater Trolling Motor

No products found.

 

This model is among the best kayak trolling motors that are most portable and lightweight.

It has an extendable handle

The model features a separate Forward/Reverse switch.

The model is relatively quiet.

It works perfectly in saltwater environments.

 

Newport Vessels Kayak Series 55lb

 

It features all-aluminum motor head and corrosion-resistant hardware rated for saltwater use.

The model is equipped with a three-blade propeller.

It generates up to 55 pounds of thrust.

The shaft allows for variable depth placement.

It has eight different speed settings.

It has extra-long wiring for versatile battery placement and a five-point LED battery indicator.

 

GoPlus Electric Trolling Motor

 

The model has a telescoping handle with an eight-speed dial built-in.

It has a tilting mounting bracket and depth-adjustable shaft.

The model offers a 10-point LED battery indicator.

It comes with a three-blade propeller.

It can move in saltwater.

 

AQUOS Haswing 12V

 

The kayak trolling motor has a lightweight design with a collapsible handle for portability.

It is great for smaller inflatable kayaks.

The bracket features a quick-release lever lock.

It features ergonomic Tilt Twist Tiller for responsiveness and comfort.

The motor is very affordable.

 

Watersnake Venom Swet 12V

 

It makes use of a multi-tilt positioning bracket for versatile transom mounting.

It features eight settings for speed adjustable through the tiller handle throttle.

The tiller handle has a telescopic design

It has a 30-inch extra-tough shaft for saltwater use.

It offers a digital voltage meter display on the motor’s head.

 

Cloud Mountain 50LBS Thrust 8 Speed

No products found.

 

The model can generate up to 50 pounds of thrust.

It offers a 10-point LED battery status indicator.

It has a 6-inch telescoping handle with built-in speed control.

The model offers eight different speed settings.

The model is great for saltwater use.

 

Newport Vessels Mossy Oak Camouflage

 

The model has an extendable handle with 30-degree tilting control head.

It offers a 10-point LED battery indicator.

It has eight different speed settings.

It generates a lot of power but remains quiet.

The Mossy Oak camouflage pattern for duck hunting.

The hardware’s rated for saltwater use.

 

 

Types of Top Kayak Trolling Motors

Here is a list of some of the best kayak trolling motors:

 Minn Kota Endura C2

This model is great for a freshwater user.  A budget-friendly kayak motor offers longer motor life and intuitive operation.

It generates up to 30 pounds of thrust and has a 30-inch shaft. The motor features an ergonomic telescoping tiller, and a 10-position bracket, alongside a quick-release lever lock bracket.

This means you can dial in your speed, forward or reverse with its eight available speed settings. However, it lacks the flexibility most people expect.

Pros

It offers an ergonomic telescoping tiller for intuitive operation.

It has a handy 10-position bracket with a quick-release lever lock.

It has five forward and three reverse speed settings.

This model has a bearing system that reduces friction and minimizes noise.

It offers great performance at a low price.

Best kayak trolling motors

Cons

The model works only suitable in freshwater environments.

The motor does not have a battery indicator.

Its mounting should be more secure.

Watersnake – ASP Saltwater Trolling Motor

When it comes to kayak trolling motors that are lightweight,  the Watersnake’s ASP Saltwater Trolling Motor is a great choice,

It is portable and has a simple design, and weighs 4.8 pounds. The model has a two-blade propeller, 24-inch shaft, adjustable mount fitting, and an anti-impact clip system.

No products found.

It makes use of a tiller with an extendable handle.  Watersnake’s ASP trolling motor has a very low thrust rating and clocks in at 18 pounds. It lacks control speed and has basic, Hi-Lo speed settings.

Technical Specs

It can be used on both saltwater and freshwater.

It has an 18-pound thrust.

It makes use of a 12V battery.

It offers a 24-inch shaft.

It features Hi-Lo speed settings.

Pros

This model is among the best trolling motors that are most portable and lightweight.

It has an extendable handle

The model features a separate Forward/Reverse switch.

The model is relatively quiet.

It works perfectly in saltwater environments.

Cons

The kayak motor’s speed settings are basic and limited to Hi-Lo.

It has a very low thrust rating of 18 pounds.

It features a built-in battery indicator

Newport Vessels Kayak Series 55lb Thrust Transom Electric Trolling Motor

This model is among the best when it comes to overall features. Newport Vessels’ kayak series 55 lb is created to suit kayaking.

It generates an impressive 55 pounds of thrust, alongside a three-blade propeller.  It has a 24-inch fiberglass shaft. This ensures that it maintains different depth placements.

Users can control the speed with the support of the 6-inch telescoping handle. You can choose from five forward and three reverse speeds.

It has a durable construction, corrosion-resistant hardware, and a sealed drive system. It is rated for saltwater surroundings.

It has a 5-point LED battery meter for readings of the 12V battery life. The mode has 5.5 feet of included wiring for flexibility and use of the battery.

Technical Specs

You can use it in both saltwater and freshwater.

It offers a 55-pound thrust.

It has a 12V battery.

It comes with a 24-inch shaft.

It makes use of 8-speed settings.

Pros

It features all-aluminum motor head and corrosion-resistant hardware rated for saltwater use.

The model is equipped with a three-blade propeller.

It generates up to 55 pounds of thrust.

The shaft allows for variable depth placement.

It has eight different speed settings.

It has extra-long wiring for versatile battery placement and a five-point LED battery indicator.

Cons

The model weighs 23 pounds.

The battery indicator seems unreliable at times.

GoPlus Electric Trolling Motor

GoPlus Electric Trolling Motor is among the best trolling motors that are budget-friendly. It has several configurations and allows you to select 46, 55, or 86 pounds of thrust, depending.

It has a 36-inch shaft and a two-blade propeller, including eight different settings for forward and reverse speed adjustments.

You enjoy its adjustability and have a telescoping handle and a tilting mechanism for the mounting bracket. It has an adjustable shaft for proper depth placement.

The model offers a 10-point LED battery indicator and weighs 18 pounds, including the 12V marine-grade battery.

Technical Specs

You can use it in saltwater and freshwater.

It offers 46/55/86-pound thrust.

It comes with a 12V battery.

It has a 36-inch shaft.

It features 8-speed settings.

Pros

The model has a telescoping handle with an eight-speed dial built-in.

It has a tilting mounting bracket and depth-adjustable shaft.

The model offers a 10-point LED battery indicator.

It comes with a three-blade propeller.

It can move in saltwater.

Cons

The kayak trolling motor is relatively heavy at 18 pounds.

The throttle detents wear down faster.

The handle’s design could be more ergonomic.

 Best kayak trolling motors

AQUOS Haswing 12V 20LBS Bow Mount Trolling Motor

When it comes to bow-mount best kayak trolling motors, you should consider the AQUOS Haswing. It offers a thrust of 20 pounds, makes use of a two-blade propeller, and has four settings.

The speed allows for speed, which involves two forward and two reverse.  This is operated via large buttons. The motor is great for smaller boats and runs on a 12V battery.

However, the wiring is short and requires an extension. This depends on the type of kayak you want to use. It weighs only 7.9 pounds.

The Tilt Twist Tiller is collapsible, making it great for compactness and portability.

Technical Specs

The motor can be used in saltwater and freshwater.

It offers a 20-pound thrust.

It has a 12V battery.

It comes with a 23.6-inch shaft.

It features 4-speed settings.

Pros

The kayak trolling motor has a lightweight design with a collapsible handle for portability.

It is great for smaller inflatable kayaks.

The bracket features a quick-release lever lock.

It features ergonomic Tilt Twist Tiller for responsiveness and comfort.

The motor is very affordable.

Cons

The motor is not powerful enough on larger kayaks.

It only has four-speed settings.

The wiring for the battery is short and may require an extension.

Watersnake Venom Swet 12V Electric Trolling Motor

Wondering which is the most flexible best kayak trolling motors on the market? you should consider making use of the stylish and efficient Watersnake’s Venom electric trolling motor.

It has a durable construction and offers flexibility to users. It is powered by a 12V battery and produces 34 pounds of thrust. It features eight-speed capability – five forward and three reverse speeds.

It has the tiller handle throttle. This model can boast a 30-inch, extra-tough composite propeller shaft rated for use in saltwater marine environments and a two-blade propeller.

It makes use of the digital voltage meter display integrated into the motor’s head, for tracking the battery. It weighs almost 20 pounds.

Technical Specs

You can use the model in both saltwater and freshwater.

It offers a 34-pound thrust.

It makes use of a 12V battery.

It has a 30-inch shaft.

It makes use of 8-speed settings.

Pros

It makes use of a multi-tilt positioning bracket for versatile transom mounting.

It features eight settings for speed adjustable through the tiller handle throttle.

The tiller handle has a telescopic design

It has a 30-inch extra-tough shaft for saltwater use.

It offers a digital voltage meter display on the motor’s head.

Cons

It weighs nearly 20 pounds.

The model is not the most budget-friendly unit.

Cloud Mountain 50 LBS Thrust 8 Speed Electric Trolling Motor

The Cloud Mountain 50LBS Thrust 8 Speed Electric Trolling Motor is among the best kayak trolling motors for smaller fishing kayaks. The mode is a dependable and rugged electric trolling motor.

It has a high-strength ablation-resistant reinforced nylon bracket, an all-aluminum head, and a corrosion-resistant fiberglass composite shaft.

No products found.

Cloud Mountain has stainless steel hardware, and can be used on saltwater use. It can generate 50 pounds of thrust, has eight speeds, and has a 10-point LED indicator for battery status.

This model weighs 19.2 pounds, while its design lack quality.

Technical Specs 

It can move in both saltwater and freshwater.

It offers a 50-pound thrust.

It makes use of a 12V battery.

It features a 28-inch shaft.

It works with 8-speed settings.

Pros

The model can generate up to 50 pounds of thrust.

It offers a 10-point LED battery status indicator.

It has a 6-inch telescoping handle with built-in speed control.

The model offers eight different speed settings.

The model is great for saltwater use.

Cons

It weighs slightly over 19 pounds.

The telescoping handle and mounting bracket are “plasticky” and of lower quality.

Newport Vessels Mossy Oak Camouflage Electric Trolling Motor

The Newport Vessels Mossy Oak Camouflage Electric Trolling Motor makes a difference.

The best kayak trolling motors like this model are the perfect choice for fishing and duck hunting kayaks. It delivers 55 pounds of thrust and a 36-inch shaft.

It features eight different speed settings – five forward and three reverse speeds – a three-blade propeller and relies on a 12V battery for power.

The model offers a smooth, noise-free operation. The hardware is made of stainless steel, zinc, and magnesium, making this a saltwater-friendly unit.

Best kayak trolling motors

Technical Specs

The motor can be used both on saltwater and freshwater.

It features a 55-pound thrust.

It has a 12V battery.

It comes with a 36-inch shaft.

It offers 8-speed settings.

Pros

The model has an extendable handle with a 30-degree tilting control head.

It offers a 10-point LED battery indicator.

It has eight different speed settings.

It generates a lot of power but remains quiet.

The Mossy Oak camouflage pattern for duck hunting.

The hardware’s rated for saltwater use.

Cons

The tilt function is not convenient.

The battery indicator seems to be inaccurate

The model is expensive.

My Conclusion

When picking the best kayak trolling motors,  go for the ones with the best performance.

They should generate enough thrust, has variable speed settings, and can operate in different water condition.

ALSO READ:  Best Bow Mount Trolling Motor for the Money