How to Choose the Right Trolling Motor | Uncharted USA
How to Choose the Right Trolling Motor for Your Boat
A trolling motor provides quiet, controlled movement for fishing and shallow water navigation. Choosing the right one depends on several factors:
Thrust power: 2 lbs per 100 lbs of boat weight
Battery requirements: 12V, 24V, or 36V based on boat size
Mounting location: Bow-mounted for large boats, transom-mounted for smaller ones
Control type: Foot pedal, wireless, or hand-controlled
Water type: Saltwater motors resist corrosion; freshwater motors don’t need this upgrade
Extra features: GPS, variable speeds, battery indicators
Get the right trolling motor for your boat and enjoy a better fishing experience! Even if you find the world’s most idyllic, untouched fishing hole, a loud boat motor can keep the fish at bay. The last thing you want to do after a long, tiring day on the water is order take-out sushi out of desperation. Successful fishing trips begin when you choose the right trolling motor for your boat. How do you find a model with the power, precision, and stealthy features that ensure a quality catch? Start with these recommendations from our crew of outdoor pros. Keep reading to discover more about how to choose a trolling motor that ensures you’ll put fish on the dinner table.
What’s a Trolling Motor and Why Do I Need One?
Your fishing boat probably has a main outboard motor for speed and power. It’s also probably loud and ensures you move at a steady clip.
Your troll motor is more or less the opposite of that in every way. It’s a quiet motor for slower, more controlled movement in the water. It’s a better choice for fishing or even just navigating in more shallow waters.
Choosing a Trolling Motor
There are a few factors to consider when choosing a trolling motor for your boat. We’ll break them down to make the process a little more straightforward.
Thrust power. Don’t get caught in the weeds! You need 2lbs of thrust for every 100 lbs of fully-loaded boat weight. In other words, the larger and heavier the boat, the more thrust you’ll need to navigate safely and efficiently.
Battery requirements. You’ll see trolling motors that require 12V, 24V, and 36V batteries. The smaller the boat and the lighter the use, the smaller the battery. Choose a heavier battery for large boats and tricky boating conditions.
Mounting Location. Bow-mounted trolling motors and transom-mounted motors are ideal for different types of boats. For kayaks or jon boats, a transom-mounted motor will get the job done. Anything larger or more professional probably needs a bow-mounted motor.
Control type. Do you need hands-free controls? Go for a foot pedal, or look for a wireless motor. If you have more flexibility, a hand-controlled trolling motor is great for smaller vessels.
Water type. Some trolling motors are designed for saltwater. They have corrosion-resistant coatings that help them hold up. If you’re sticking to fresh water, you might not need that upgrade.
Extra features. What’s important to you? Some motors have variable speed settings, battery life indicators, and even GPS integration built in.
Whether you’re fishing, exploring, or just cruising on the water, a great trolling motor makes all the difference. Visit our collection of boating accessories to make finding the best motor a breeze. We’ll see you on the water!