Best Electric Trolling Motor: Top Picks for 2024

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As an avid angler, I’ve come to realize just how crucial a good electric trolling motor is for a successful fishing trip. It’s not just about moving smoothly across the water; it’s about doing so with minimal fuss, letting me concentrate fully on the thrill of the catch, whether I’m in a serene lake, a flowing river, or the vast ocean.

Fisherman on the boat equipped with outboard and trolling motors

Best Electric Trolling Motors

Choosing the right trolling motor is more than just picking one off the shelf. It’s about understanding the balance between power, represented by thrust, and how it matches the size and weight of my boat, alongside the conditions I’ll be facing out there. Battery life, how I can control it, and how quietly it operates are also key considerations.

After dedicating countless hours to research and hands-on testing, I’ve narrowed down the field to the top electric trolling motors that stand out for their performance, durability, and overall value.

Fishing is my passion, and having the right gear is paramount. That’s why I’ve sifted through the myriad of options out there to bring you a curated list of the best electric trolling motors. My aim? To ensure you have the information you need to pick the motor that will elevate your fishing game, based on thorough testing and a strict criterion for what makes a motor truly exceptional. Let’s get right to the heart of it and explore these top picks.

Minn Kota Terrova 1358814 Electric Trolling Motor

Minn Kota Terrova Electric Trolling Motor

If you’re looking for a reliable electric trolling motor that offers excellent maneuverability, control, and long-lasting battery life, the Minn Kota Terrova is an excellent choice.

Pros

  • The fallaway ramps and Lift-Assist design make it easy to deploy and stow the motor
  • The i-Pilot GPS system allows you to lock onto fishing spots, record and retrace paths, and control speed and steering
  • The Weedless Wedge 2 Prop powers through anything without draining the battery

Cons

  • The foot control is not included and must be purchased separately
  • The motor is relatively heavy at 55 pounds
  • The price point is higher than some other electric trolling motors on the market

Our experience with the Minn Kota Terrova was excellent. The motor was easy to install, and the fallaway ramps and Lift-Assist design made it effortless to deploy and stow. The i-Pilot GPS was a game-changer, allowing us to lock onto fishing spots and control the motor with ease. The Weedless Wedge 2 Prop was also a standout feature, powering through weeds and vegetation without draining the battery.

However, we did find that the foot control was not included and had to be purchased separately, which added to the overall cost of the motor. Additionally, the motor is relatively heavy at 55 pounds, which may be a consideration for some boaters. Finally, the price point is higher than some other electric trolling motors on the market, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.

In summary, if you’re looking for a high-quality electric trolling motor with excellent features and long-lasting battery life, the Minn Kota Terrova is an excellent choice.

Minn Kota 1358856 Terrova Electric Trolling Motor

Minn Kota Terrova Electric Trolling Motor

If you’re looking for a reliable electric trolling motor that’s easy to use and has all the features you need to make your fishing trips more enjoyable, the Minn Kota Terrova is worth considering.

Pros

  • The fallaway ramps and Lift-Assist design make it easy to deploy and stow the motor.
  • The low-profile electric foot pedal offers two steering options and includes Spot-Lock activation, rotary speed control dial, momentary/constant on toggle, and AutoPilot on/off toggle.
  • The i-Pilot Link system allows you to control your motor from the color touchscreen remote or from a virtual remote on your fish finder (sold separately).

Cons

  • The motor is a bit heavy, which can make it difficult to install and remove from your boat.
  • The price is a bit steep, which may not be suitable for all budgets.
  • Some users have reported issues with the motor’s durability over time.

Our experience with the Minn Kota Terrova has been nothing short of excellent. The fallaway ramps and Lift-Assist design make it easy to deploy and stow the motor, and the low-profile electric foot pedal offers a wide range of options for steering and speed control. The i-Pilot Link system is also a great feature that allows you to control your motor from a distance, making it easier to navigate through different fishing spots without having to constantly adjust the motor’s speed and direction.

One thing to keep in mind is that the motor is a bit heavy, which can make it difficult to install and remove from your boat. Additionally, the price may be a bit steep for some users, especially those who are on a tight budget. However, we believe that the features and performance of the Minn Kota Terrova more than justify the price tag.

In terms of durability, we haven’t had any issues with the motor so far, but some users have reported problems with the motor’s longevity over time. This is something to keep in mind if you plan on using the motor frequently or in harsh conditions.

Minn Kota 1363742 Riptide Terrova

Minn Kota Riptide Terrova Saltwater Electric-Steer Bow-Mount Trolling Motor

We highly recommend the Minn Kota Riptide Terrova Saltwater Electric-Steer Bow-Mount Trolling Motor for those looking for a powerful and reliable trolling motor with advanced GPS features.

Pros

  • The i-Pilot GPS system is incredibly accurate and easy to use, allowing you to control your trolling motor with features like Spot-Lock, record paths, control speed and steering, and more.
  • The Spot-Lock with Jog feature is a game-changer, allowing you to stay right on top of any productive fishing spot without touching your trolling motor. You can even move your Spot-Lock location five feet in any direction with the included heading sensor.
  • The AutoPilot feature is perfect for those who want to automatically navigate their boat in any direction they choose. Just point the head of your trolling motor in the direction you want to travel, activate AutoPilot, and your trolling motor will keep you on that heading automatically, even correcting for wind, waves, and current.

Cons

  • The Minn Kota Riptide Terrova Saltwater Electric-Steer Bow-Mount Trolling Motor is on the expensive side, making it less accessible for those on a tight budget.
  • The remote issue that some users have reported can be frustrating, although it is not a universal problem.
  • The installation process can be a bit tricky, especially for those who are not familiar with boat electronics.

In our experience, the Minn Kota 1363742 Riptide Terrova is a top-of-the-line product that delivers on its promises. The advanced GPS features are incredibly helpful, and the motor itself is powerful and reliable. While it is on the expensive side and the remote issue can be frustrating, we believe that the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. If you’re serious about fishing and want a trolling motor that can keep up with you, the Minn Kota Riptide Terrova Saltwater Electric-Steer Bow-Mount Trolling Motor is worth considering.

Minn Kota 1363747 Riptide Terrova

Minn Kota Riptide Terrova Saltwater Electric-steer Bow-Mount Trolling Motor with Digital Maximizer & i-Pilot Link GPS, 80 lbs Thrust, 72

If you’re looking for a reliable and high-performing electric trolling motor for saltwater fishing, the Minn Kota Riptide Terrova is definitely worth considering.

Pros

  • The i-Pilot Link GPS Trolling System is a game-changer, giving you unprecedented control over your boat and allowing you to set Spot-Locks, record paths, follow depth contours, and more.
  • The Spot-Lock with Jog feature is incredibly useful, allowing you to stay right on top of productive fishing spots without touching your trolling motor.
  • The Digital Maximizer provides up to five times longer run time on a single battery charge, making this motor incredibly efficient and cost-effective.

Cons

  • The installation process can be a bit challenging, particularly when it comes to running wires.
  • There is a bit of a learning curve when it comes to using the i-Pilot Link system, so it may take some time to get used to all of the features and functions.
  • At 80 lbs thrust, this trolling motor may be a bit too powerful for some anglers or boats.

The Minn Kota 1363747 Riptide Terrova is an excellent choice for serious saltwater anglers who want the best possible control and efficiency from their trolling motor. With its advanced GPS system, efficient Digital Maximizer, and powerful thrust, this motor is sure to help you catch more fish and enjoy your time on the water.

Minn Kota 1363706 Riptide Terrova

Minn Kota Riptide Terrova Saltwater Electric-Steer Bow-Mount Trolling Motor

We highly recommend the Minn Kota Riptide Terrova Saltwater Electric-Steer Bow-Mount Trolling Motor for those looking for a reliable and powerful trolling motor that can handle saltwater fishing with ease.

Pros

  • The i-Pilot GPS Trolling System is incredibly helpful and easy to use. We were able to set Spot-Locks, record paths, control speed and steering, and more with ease from the easy-to-read large LCD screen.
  • The Spot-Lock with Jog feature is unparalleled in GPS accuracy, and we were able to stay right on top of productive fishing spots without touching the trolling motor. The included heading sensor allowed us to use Jog to move our Spot-Lock location five feet in any direction.
  • The AutoPilot feature is incredibly convenient and allows us to navigate our boat in any direction we choose with ease. The trolling motor kept us on our heading automatically, even correcting for wind, waves, and current.

Cons

  • The digital programming and calibrating can be a bit of a pain, but it’s worth it for the features provided.
  • The price tag is a bit steep, but the quality and performance of the trolling motor make it a worthwhile investment.
  • The setup and installation can be a bit time-consuming, but the included instructions are clear and easy to follow.

We were thoroughly impressed with the performance and features of the Minn Kota 1363706 Riptide Terrova Trolling Motor. The Digital Maximizer provided up to 5 times longer run time on a single battery charge, and we were able to dial in our exact speed with ease. The motor is made of durable aluminum and the white color looks great on our boat. Overall, we highly recommend this trolling motor for any serious saltwater angler.

Buying Guide

When looking for the best electric trolling motor, there are several features to consider. We have compiled a list of important factors to help you make an informed decision.

Thrust

Thrust refers to the amount of power the motor can generate to move the boat through the water. It is measured in pounds and should be chosen based on the size and weight of your boat. A general rule of thumb is to have at least 2 pounds of thrust for every 100 pounds of boat weight.

Battery Life

Electric trolling motors are powered by batteries, so battery life is an important consideration. Look for a motor with a battery that can last for the duration of your fishing trip. Consider purchasing a motor with a battery meter to monitor power levels throughout the day.

Shaft Length

Shaft length is another key factor to consider. The length of the shaft should be based on the height of your boat’s transom. A shaft that is too short will not provide enough depth for the propeller to function properly, while a shaft that is too long will create unnecessary drag and reduce speed.

Control Type

Electric trolling motors can be controlled in different ways, such as hand or foot pedals, wireless remote, or through a mobile app. Consider which control type is most comfortable and convenient for your fishing style.

Saltwater or Freshwater

Make sure to choose a motor that is appropriate for the type of water you will be fishing in. Saltwater motors are designed to withstand the corrosive effects of saltwater, while freshwater motors are not.

Warranty

Finally, consider the warranty offered by the manufacturer. A good warranty will give you peace of mind and protect your investment. Look for a warranty that covers both the motor and battery.

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