Unmatched power (55-105lbs thrust), precision steering, and GPS spot-lock – the ultimate kayak fishing experience.
This transom is affordable, reliable, and saltwater-ready—perfect for most kayak anglers at under $200.
1.8HP gas equivalent power, brushless motor, adjustable shaft – high-tech at around $1000.
Are you tired of paddling all day and missing out on prime fishing spots?
Are exhausted arms and sore muscles ruining your kayak fishing trips?
Ready to go further and catch more fish?
It seems like everyone else is effortlessly zooming around in their kayaks while you’re struggling to cover any distance.
You want the freedom and convenience to focus on fishing, not on tired arms.
A kayak trolling motor is the answer!
Effortlessly cover more water, explore new spots, and keep your hands on your fishing rod – not the paddle.
Say goodbye to exhaustion and hello to fishing success!
What’s the best kayak trolling motor for my needs?
Finding the perfect kayak trolling motor depends on your budget, kayak size, and the kind of water you fish.
To help you make the right decision, we’ve put together a list of the top-rated options out there.
Let’s dive in!
1. MotorGuide Xi3 Wireless
This motor is a beast! It’s designed for serious kayak anglers who want precision control and plenty of power. Think of it like the luxury SUV of kayak trolling motors.
Our Take
It loses points for the price tag and freshwater limitation, but if you're serious about kayak fishing, it's worth considering.
Key Benefits
- Thrust: Options ranging from 55lbs to 105lbs – tackle any water!
- Shaft Length: Multiple lengths to fit your kayak perfectly.
- Mount Type: Bow mount for super-accurate steering.
- Freshwater Only: Built for lakes, rivers, and calm waters.
- Battery Life: It depends on the battery you choose.
- Features: Wireless remote, GPS spot-lock (keeps you in one spot!), and it's super quiet so that you won't spook the fish.
- Warranty: Solid 2-year coverage gives you peace of mind.
Pricing
- Price: These start at $939.99, so it's an investment.
- Upgrades: You can get models with even more thrust and advanced features, but expect to pay more.
Pros
Cons
2. Minn Kota 1363740 Riptide Terrova
This motor is a workhorse! It's built to handle the harsh saltwater environment and can power even bigger kayaks. Think of it as the pickup truck of kayak motors—reliable and ready for anything.
Our Take
It's a fantastic choice if you fish saltwater and need serious power. The only drawback is the price.
Key Benefits
- Thrust: Usually 80lbs or 112lbs options – perfect for heavier kayaks or strong currents.
- Shaft Length: Options up to 72 inches for big boats.
- Mount Type: Bow mount for precise control.
- Saltwater: Designed to resist corrosion.
- Battery Life: Depends on your battery and speed settings.
- Features: i-Pilot GPS with spot lock, autopilot, and more. Lift-assist makes it smooth to deploy and stow.
- Warranty: Solid 2-year warranty.
Pricing
- Price: These usually start at $1,999.99.
- Upgrades: Models with additional features or power will cost more.
Pros
Cons
3. Newport Vessels 55lb Thrust Electric Motor
This is a great all-around option for kayak anglers on a budget. It's simple, reliable, and won't break the bank. Think of it like the trusty sedan of kayak trolling motors!
Our Take
It's incredible value for money and a great option for most kayak anglers, especially beginners.
Key Benefits
- Thrust: 55 lbs of power – great for most kayaks and calmer waters.
- Shaft Length: Usually comes with a 24-inch shaft, with longer options available.
- Mount Type: Transom mount (goes on the back of your kayak).
- Saltwater: Corrosion-resistant so that you can fish the coast.
- Battery Life: Depends on the battery you use and how fast you go.
- Features: 5 forward speeds, three reverse speeds, and an LED battery meter.
- Warranty: 1-year warranty.
Pricing
- Price: These are super affordable, starting at $176.28.
- Upgrades: You can buy models with longer shafts or different thrust levels.
Pros
Cons
4. Newport Vessels NK180 Kayak Trolling Motor
This motor is a technology powerhouse! It packs in premium features usually reserved for way more expensive options. It's like the fancy sports car of kayak trolling motors!
Our Take
It's a fantastic value if you want next-level tech and performance for your kayak fishing adventures.
Key Benefits
- Thrust: Equivalent to a 1.8HP gas motor! Perfect for bigger kayaks or fighting currents.
- Shaft Length: Adjustable shaft works with various kayaks.
- Mount Type: Transom mount, but designed to be super easy to install
- Saltwater & Freshwater: Works in both!
- Battery Life: Excellent with its brushless motor design.
- Features: Variable speed control, battery meter, and even rudder compatibility.
- Warranty: Solid 2-year warranty.
Pricing
- Price: Priced at $999.
- Upgrades: Not really any; it's basically fully loaded!
Pros
Cons
5. Newport Vessels Kayak Series 55lb (Travel Version)
This motor is perfect for the adventurous kayak angler! It's lightweight, breaks down easily, and is made to handle travel and storage. Think of it as the convertible of kayak motors—fun and easy for road trips.
Our Take
It's fantastic if you travel with your kayak or have limited storage space, and it's still a solid all-around performer.
Key Benefits
- Thrust: 55 lbs of power – plenty for most kayaks.
- Shaft Length: 24-inch shaft, with longer options available.
- Mount Type: Transom mount, but designed for quick setup and takedown.
- Saltwater: Yep, you can fish the coast without worry.
- Battery Life: Depends on what battery you pair it with.
- Features: 5 forward speeds, three reverse, and an LED battery meter.
- Warranty: 1-year warranty.
Pricing
- Price: These usually hover at $199.
- Upgrades: You can buy models with longer shafts or different thrust levels.
Pros
Cons
6. Minn Kota Endura C2
This is the classic kayak motor! Tried and tested, you'll see these on lakes and rivers everywhere. Think of it like the reliable old pickup truck of trolling motors – it just gets the job done.
Our Take
It's an incredible value and a fantastic choice for beginner kayak anglers or anyone who wants a simple, reliable motor.
Key Benefits
- Thrust: Options from 30lbs to 55lbs, so it works for most kayaks.
- Shaft Length: Several options to match your boat's depth.
- Mount Type: Transom mount (attaches to the back of your kayak)
- Freshwater: This one is for lakes, ponds, and rivers.
- Battery Life: Depends on your speed and battery choice.
- Features: Simple controls, tilt twist tiller, and a super durable composite shaft.
- Warranty: Minn Kota's awesome 2-year warranty.
Pricing
- Price: These are super budget-friendly, starting at $159.99.
- Upgrades: You can buy models with more thrust.
Pros
Cons
7. Bixpy Outboard Motor Kit
This motor is a game-changer! Think of it like the Tesla of kayak motors – super sleek, high-tech, and different from anything else out there.
Our Take
It's pricey, but if you want cutting-edge tech and the flexibility to power multiple types of watercraft, this is really cool.
Key Benefits
- Thrust: Equivalent power ranges from a small gas outboard!
- Shaft Length: Adjustable, so it fits almost any kayak.
- Mount Type: The unique design mounts to the back like an outboard, and there's even an optional jet adapter!
- Freshwater & Saltwater: Works in both!
- Battery Life: Depends on the battery pack you choose, but they're known for efficiency.
- Features: Wireless remote, GPS, phone integration – this thing is loaded.
- Warranty: A solid 2-year warranty.
Pricing
- Price: These start at $1,299 and go up depending on battery options.
- Upgrades: Bigger battery packs, jet adapter kit, and more.
Pros
Cons
What to look for in a kayak trolling motor?
Here's a quick checklist of the key factors to consider when choosing the right kayak trolling motor:
- Thrust: Measured in pounds (lbs), this determines the power of the motor. More thrust is needed for heavier kayaks, windy conditions, or strong currents.
- Shaft Length: Choosing the right length is essential. If it is too short, the motor will cause bubbles and noise. Too long, and it could be cumbersome.
- Mount Type: Transom mounts go on the kayak's back, and bow mounts on the front. Bow mounts usually offer more precise control.
- Saltwater vs. Freshwater: If you fish in saltwater, you'll need a motor with corrosion-resistant components.
- Battery Life: Battery size and motor efficiency impact how long you can stay out fishing. Lithium batteries are lightweight but expensive.
- Features: Consider things like GPS spot-lock, wireless remotes, and variable speed settings for the ultimate kayak fishing experience.
Key insight: Don't just go for the cheapest kayak motor on the market. It might end up costing you frustration and limited performance!
How can a kayak trolling motor benefit you?
Forget about sore arms and missed fishing spots!
Kayak trolling motors let you relax and focus on what matters – actually catching fish.
They help you cover more water, explore new areas, and save energy compared to paddling all day.
Plus, with a kayak trolling motor, you can keep your hands on your fishing rod instead of struggling with a paddle!
Think about how much longer your run time will be with a motor vs. trying to pedal your kayak.
Plus, they run off a battery box, meaning you won't have to worry about getting stuck out on the water when you run out of gas for a traditional boat motor.
Trolling motors are also way quieter than outboard motors, and their propeller won't scare the fish away.
Buyer's Guide
Choosing the right kayak trolling motor involves several factors. Here's the process we followed to find the best products:
- Pricing: We considered each motor's MSRP, as well as any commonly offered discounts or bundledeals, to gauge true value for money.
- Features: We analyzed each motor's key features, including thrust, shaft type, battery options, and any special technologies like GPS spot-lock.
- Negatives: To understand potential downsides, we looked closely for any common complaints or missing features mentioned in user reviews and forums.
- Support or Refund: We investigated whether strong customer support, clear documentation, and reliable warranty/refund policies were offered by the brand or retailer.
By carefully examining these aspects, we were able to make informed recommendations to match a variety of budgets and needs.
Wrapping Up
Picking the right kayak trolling motor can be tough, but now you know what to look for!
Remember, the best motor for you is all about matching your needs and budget.
Whether you want high-tech features or a reliable workhorse, there's something for everyone.
I've spent hours researching these motors, so you don't have to.
And remember, a good kayak trolling motor will completely change how you fish!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much thrust Is needed for my kayak trolling motor?
This depends on the size of your kayak, how much gear you carry, and the water conditions (wind and currents). As a general rule, aim for at least 30 lbs of thrust for every 1000 lbs of weight.
What's the difference between transom and bow mount kayak trolling motors?
Transom mounts are easier to install and go on the back of your kayak. Bow mounts offer more precise steering and features like GPS spot lock.
Do I need a saltwater or freshwater kayak trolling motor?
A freshwater motor is fine if you only fish in lakes and rivers. However, for coastal fishing, you absolutely need a saltwater-resistant model.
How long will a battery last with a kayak trolling motor?
This depends on the battery size, your speed settings, and the motor's efficiency. A deep-cycle marine battery is essential for longer runtimes.
Can I install a kayak trolling motor myself?
Yes! Most motors come with clear instructions. If you're not handy, kayak shops or marine dealers can often help with installation.
