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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 by1,396
Thrust
Control Type
Battery Life

Most important from
62 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 by1,396
Thrust
Control Type
Battery Life

Most important from
62 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 Ulterra Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with Dual Spectrum Chirp Sonar – 80 Lb. Thrust, 45 in. Shaft, Freshwater

Rating
9.1
Thrust
Control Type

Most important from
16 reviews

Thrust
This is a high-quality, powerful unit that justifies its premium price with lasting performance.
Control Type
Users appreciate the combination of strong thrust and smart controls for precise maneuvering.

The Minn Kota Ulterra Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor is a strong choice for serious freshwater anglers looking for power and advanced controls. Its 80-pound thrust and 24-volt system provide solid propulsion for maneuvering a range of boats efficiently. The 45-inch composite shaft is durable and suitable for various water depths, giving good flexibility for different fishing environments. This motor stands out with its smart features like Auto Stow & Deploy and Power Trim, which let you control the motor easily using a wireless remote, foot pedal, or smartphone app—convenient for staying focused on fishing without constant manual adjustments.

One of the biggest advantages is the built-in Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar, which offers clear fish and bottom structure readings without extra equipment clutter. The advanced GPS trolling system with Spot-Lock and Drift Mode helps maintain your position precisely, even in windy or current-heavy waters, which is a big help for staying on productive spots. The digital maximizer extends battery life by adjusting power use efficiently, making it possible to fish longer on a single charge. The bow-mount setup is ideal for anglers who want better boat control and visibility while fishing.

The motor is on the heavier side (over 67 pounds), so installation or removal might require some effort. It’s designed primarily for freshwater, so saltwater users might need to confirm compatibility or take extra care. While the tech features are excellent, they can have a learning curve for beginners unfamiliar with GPS and app integration. Also, at this price point, it’s a significant investment more suited to dedicated anglers who want advanced control and durability. The Minn Kota Ulterra delivers powerful thrust, smart GPS features, and excellent battery management, making it a great option for anglers who value precision and convenience on freshwater fishing trips.

Rating
9.1
Thrust
Control Type

Most important from
16 reviews

Thrust
This is a high-quality, powerful unit that justifies its premium price with lasting performance.
Control Type
Users appreciate the combination of strong thrust and smart controls for precise maneuvering.
#3

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

Rating
9.1
Thrust
Shaft Length
Control Type

Most important from
27 reviews

Thrust
The motor provides powerful thrust and keeps boats stable even in challenging conditions like 20-knot winds.
Shaft Length
Durability is assured with a composite shaft backed by a lifetime guarantee, promising long-term reliability.
Control Type
The wireless remote and foot pedal controls offer versatile and intuitive operation tailored to user preferences.
Mounting Location
Installation and removal can be challenging due to the motor's weight, requiring some physical effort.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, allowing for extended use over hours without frequent recharging.

The Minn Kota Terrova is a powerful and feature-rich bow-mount trolling motor designed for freshwater fishing. With 80 pounds of thrust and a 24-volt power system, it offers strong and consistent performance suitable for medium to larger boats. Its 60-inch shaft length provides good flexibility for various water depths, making it versatile for different fishing environments.

One of Terrova's standout features is its advanced GPS trolling system, which includes Spot-Lock technology. This lets you automatically hold your boat in place over a fishing spot without manual steering, a huge convenience for anglers. The inclusion of a wireless remote and a foot pedal with intuitive controls offers multiple ways to steer and adjust speed, catering to different preferences.

Battery life is optimized thanks to the Digital Maximizer, which can extend run time up to five times longer than standard motors by using only the power needed at any moment. The Weedless Wedge 2 propeller helps the motor move efficiently through weeds and debris without draining the battery quickly. The shaft is made of an indestructible composite material, backed by a lifetime guarantee, ensuring durability. However, the motor’s weight at over 28 kilograms (about 62 pounds) might make installation and removal a bit challenging for some users. The Minn Kota Terrova is well-suited for anglers seeking advanced electronic control and precise boat positioning. Its combination of strong thrust, long shaft, GPS capabilities, and battery efficiency makes it a solid choice for serious freshwater fishing, especially if you value convenience and technology on the water.

Rating
9.1
Thrust
Shaft Length
Control Type

Most important from
27 reviews

Thrust
The motor provides powerful thrust and keeps boats stable even in challenging conditions like 20-knot winds.
Shaft Length
Durability is assured with a composite shaft backed by a lifetime guarantee, promising long-term reliability.
Control Type
The wireless remote and foot pedal controls offer versatile and intuitive operation tailored to user preferences.
Mounting Location
Installation and removal can be challenging due to the motor's weight, requiring some physical effort.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, allowing for extended use over hours without frequent recharging.

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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