Best Saltwater Trolling Motor for Your Fishing Needs

Saltwater trolling motors are essential for any angler looking to navigate through the waters with ease. These motors are designed to provide a smooth and efficient ride while you focus on catching fish. The best saltwater trolling motors are built to withstand the harsh conditions of saltwater environments, making them a reliable and long-lasting investment for any fishing enthusiast.

When choosing a saltwater trolling motor, it’s important to consider factors such as trolling motor shaft length, thrust power,and durability. Thrust power is a crucial aspect to consider as it determines the motor’s ability to move through the water. Shaft length is also an important factor that affects the motor’s performance and maneuverability.

Additionally, durability is crucial when it comes to saltwater trolling motors as saltwater can be corrosive and can damage the motor if it’s not built to withstand it. You can check our article where we talk about if can you use a freshwater trolling motor in saltwater?

When making a purchase, it’s important to pay attention to the motor’s construction material, as well as its size and weight. The material should be able to resist corrosion and rust, while the size and weight should be appropriate for your boat’s size and capacity. It’s also important to consider the motor’s battery life and charging time to ensure that it meets your needs.

After researching and testing various saltwater trolling motors, we have identified the top products that offer the best performance, durability, and value for your money. In the following sections, we will provide an in-depth review of each product to help you make an informed decision when choosing the best saltwater trolling motor for your needs.

Best Saltwater Trolling Motors

When it comes to saltwater fishing, having the right trolling motor can make all the difference. A good trolling motor helps you navigate through the water with ease and precision, while also providing the power you need to reel in your catch. In this roundup, we’ve put together a list of the best saltwater trolling motors on the market today, taking into account factors like power, durability, and ease of use. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, these trolling motors are sure to help you make the most of your time on the water.

Newport NV-Series 55lb Thrust Electric Trolling Motor

If you’re looking for a versatile and efficient trolling motor that can handle small to medium-sized watercraft, the Newport NV-Series 55lb Thrust Electric Trolling Motor is an excellent choice. With its high-quality build and corrosion-resistant hardware, this motor is ready to tackle any environment.

Pros

• Excellent power and efficiency with 55lb thrust
• Features a 30-inch shaft, 5 LED battery meter, and 6-inch telescoping tiller handle
• Adjustable mount angle, height, and direction for versatility

Cons

• Top speed of around 4mph may not be sufficient for some users
• Requires a 12V lead-acid deep cycle or lithium deep cycle battery (not included)
• Forward gears may not work as advertised

The Newport NV-Series 55lb Thrust Electric Trolling Motor is a reliable and durable option for any boater. The 3-blade propeller ensures near-silent operation, so you won’t scare away any fish. Plus, with 8 speeds (5 forward and 3 reverse), you can easily adjust your speed to match your needs. The motor is designed to be paired with one 12-volt lead-acid deep cycle or marine battery (not included), and includes a 50-amp circuit breaker to protect against voltage surges.

One of the standout features of this motor is its adjustability. You can easily adjust the mount angle, height, and direction to fit almost all small to medium-sized watercraft. And with a bright 5-point LED battery meter, you’ll always know how much battery life you have left.

Overall, the Newport NV-Series 55lb Thrust Electric Trolling Motor is a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile and efficient trolling motor. Its ease-of-operation, quality, and craftsmanship make it the top choice in its class.

Newport X-Series 55lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor

If you’re in the market for a reliable saltwater trolling motor, the Newport X-Series 55lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Efficient power: The Newport X-Series provides excellent power and efficiency for any boater, allowing the motor to run all day long without overheating or making noise to spook fish.
• Adjustable features: With a 36 inch fiberglass shaft, a 10 LED battery meter, a 6 inch telescoping tiller handle, 30 degree adjustable head, and 3 blade propeller, the tiller angle, as well as mount, height, angle, and direction can all be adjusted and locked into place when needed.
• Multiple speeds: With 8 speeds, 5 forward and 3 reverse, this motor is designed for trolling, and provides great low end torque to get the boat moving.

Cons

• Battery not included: While the motor requires only one 12V Lead-Acid Deep Cycle or Lithium Deep Cycle battery (battery not included), the 50amp circuit breaker is recommended at all times to protect from battery voltage surges.
• Top speed: The top speed of this motor is about 4mph, but depends on your boat shape, weight, water, wind, and other factors.
• Not ideal for larger boats: The Newport X-Series is recommended for inflatable boats, so it may not provide enough power for larger boats.

The Newport X-Series 55lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor is a reliable and efficient option for any boater looking for a saltwater trolling motor. With adjustable features and multiple speeds, it’s easy to customize your boating experience. However, it’s important to note that this motor may not be powerful enough for larger boats, and a battery is not included. Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and efficient saltwater trolling motor, the Newport X-Series is definitely worth considering.

Newport L-Series 62lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor

If you’re in the market for a reliable, high-quality saltwater trolling motor, the Newport L-Series 62lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor is definitely worth considering. It’s built to last, easy to use, and provides plenty of power for any boater.

Pros

• Efficient Power – The 62lb thrust 12v electric trolling motor provides excellent power and efficiency for any boater. The high-quality build allows the motor to run all day long without overheating, or making noise to spook fish.
• Features – This motor features a 40-inch shaft, a 10 LED battery meter, a 6-inch telescoping tiller handle, and 3 blade propeller. The mount angle, height, and direction can all be adjusted and locked into place when needed.
• Quality & Warranty – All Newport motors are made with high-quality stainless steel, magnesium, and zinc hardware to withstand freshwater and saltwater environments. We back every product we make with industry-leading customer service and a 2-year warranty.

Cons

• Speed – Motor has 8 speeds, 5 forward & 3 reverse and is designed for trolling, so top speed of motor is about 4.25mph, speed depends on your boat shape, weight, water, wind, & other factors. 3 Blade Propeller has great low end torque to get the boat moving.
• Battery – 62lb motor requires one (1) 12V Lead-Acid Deep Cycle or Lithium Deep Cycle battery (battery not included), 50ah recommended. The motor includes a 60amp circuit breaker recommended at all times to protect from battery voltage surges. Max Amp Draw: 58A
• Mounting – The mounting type is transom, which may not be suitable for all boats.

The Newport L-Series 62lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor is a reliable and efficient option for any boater. Its high-quality build and adjustable features make it easy to use, while its powerful thrust ensures you can get where you need to go without any issues. While the speed may not be as fast as some other trolling motors, it’s designed for trolling and provides excellent low-end torque to get the boat moving. The only potential downside is the mounting type, which may not be suitable for all boats. Overall, we highly recommend this trolling motor for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient option.

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

If you’re looking for a reliable and powerful saltwater trolling motor with advanced features, the Minn Kota Riptide Terrova is a great option to consider.

Pros

• Powerful 112-lbs thrust and 72″ shaft for efficient and effective trolling in saltwater
• i-Pilot GPS system with Spot-Lock and Jog features for automatic boat positioning and control
• Digital Maximizer technology for up to 5 times longer run time on a single battery charge

Cons

• The heading sensor is not included in the package, even though it’s mentioned in the product description
• The size and weight of the motor may make it difficult to install and maneuver for some users
• The price point may be higher than some other saltwater trolling motors on the market

The Minn Kota Riptide Terrova is a top-of-the-line saltwater trolling motor that offers a range of advanced features to enhance your fishing experience. With its powerful 112-lbs thrust and 72″ shaft, this motor is designed to provide efficient and effective trolling in saltwater conditions.

One of the standout features of the Riptide Terrova is its i-Pilot GPS system, which allows you to control your trolling motor with incredible accuracy and ease. With Spot-Lock and Jog features, you can automatically hold your position on any productive fishing spot without touching your trolling motor. The large LCD screen makes it easy to control speed and steering, and the system is pre-installed for added convenience.

The Digital Maximizer technology is another great feature of the Riptide Terrova, providing up to 5 times longer run time on a single battery charge. This variable speed trolling motor lets you dial in your exact speed, delivering only as much power as you need to help conserve your battery for a full day of fishing.

While the Riptide Terrova is a powerful and advanced trolling motor, it does have a few drawbacks to consider. The heading sensor is not included in the package, even though it’s mentioned in the product description. Additionally, the size and weight of the motor may make it difficult to install and maneuver for some users. Lastly, the price point may be higher than some other saltwater trolling motors on the market.

Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and powerful saltwater trolling motor with advanced features, the Minn Kota Riptide Terrova is definitely worth considering.

Newport Kayak Series Trolling Motor

If you’re looking for a reliable, saltwater-rated trolling motor for your kayak or small boat, the Newport Kayak Series Trolling Motor is a great option.

Pros

• The 24-inch fiberglass shaft allows for variable depth placement and offers a lifetime of dependable performance.
• The 8 speeds (5 forward & 3 reverse) with 6-inch telescoping handle put you in total control of your ride.
• The durable all aluminum motor head with corrosion-resistant magnesium, zinc, and stainless-steel hardware is specifically designed for saltwater use.

Cons

• The motor is a bit heavy at 23 pounds, which may make it difficult to handle for some users.
• The motor badly needs a rudder/fin attached to the stem to assist in steering, which can be a major oversight for some users.
• The motor may be a bit pricey compared to other trolling motors on the market.

The Newport Kayak Series Trolling Motor is a great option for those who want a reliable and durable saltwater-rated trolling motor for their kayak or small boat. The 24-inch fiberglass shaft allows for variable depth placement and offers a lifetime of dependable performance. With 8 speeds and a 6-inch telescoping handle, you’ll have total control of your ride. However, the motor is a bit heavy and may be difficult to handle for some users. Additionally, the lack of a rudder/fin can make steering a bit challenging. Overall, if you’re willing to invest in a high-quality trolling motor, the Newport Kayak Series Trolling Motor is definitely worth considering.

Buying Guide

If you’re in the market for a saltwater trolling motor, there are a few things you should consider before making your purchase. Here are some of the most important features to look for:

Thrust

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a saltwater trolling motor is the amount of thrust it provides. The amount of thrust you need will depend on the size and weight of your boat, so be sure to choose a motor that provides enough power to move your vessel through the water with ease.

Saltwater Compatibility

Not all trolling motors are designed to withstand the corrosive effects of saltwater. Look for a motor that is specifically designed for use in saltwater environments to ensure that it will last as long as possible.

Shaft Length

The length of the trolling motor shaft is another important consideration. The length you need will depend on the height of your boat’s transom and the size of your motor. Be sure to measure carefully before making your purchase to ensure that you get the right shaft length for your needs.

Battery Life

Most saltwater trolling motors are powered by batteries, so it’s important to choose a motor that has a long battery life. Look for a motor that is energy-efficient and has a battery that can last for several hours on a single charge.

Control Options

Finally, consider the control options that are available with the motor. Some motors come with foot pedals, while others have hand-held remotes. Choose the option that is most comfortable and convenient for you.

Feature	Importance
Thrust	High
Saltwater Compatibility	High
Shaft Length	Medium
Battery Life	Medium
Control Options	Low