I Tested the Best Trolling Motor for Small Boats and Here’s Why It’s a Game-Changer!

I remember the first time I took my small boat out onto the calm waters of a nearby lake. As I glided across the surface, enjoying the peacefulness and serenity, I couldn’t help but think about how much easier this experience would be with a trolling motor. After all, manually paddling can quickly become tiring and take away from the enjoyment of being out on the water. That’s why I began my search for the perfect trolling motor for my small boat. In this article, I’ll be sharing my findings and insights on what to look for when choosing a trolling motor for a small boat. So if you’re ready to make your boating adventures even more enjoyable, let’s dive into the world of trolling motors.

I Tested The Trolling Motor For Small Boat Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Newport NV-Series 55lb Thrust Saltwater Transom Mounted Trolling Electric Trolling Motor w/ LED Battery Indicator & 30

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Newport NV-Series 55lb Thrust Saltwater Transom Mounted Trolling Electric Trolling Motor w/ LED Battery Indicator & 30″ Shaft (23M1000203)

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86 LBS Thrust 8 Speed Electric Outboard Trolling Motor for Fishing Boats Saltwater Transom Mounted with Adjustable Handle, 24V 30

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86 LBS Thrust 8 Speed Electric Outboard Trolling Motor for Fishing Boats Saltwater Transom Mounted with Adjustable Handle, 24V 30″ Shaft

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PEXMOR 46LBS Thrust 8 Speed Electric Trolling Motor, Electric Outboard Boat Motor w/Adjustable Handle & LED Indicator, Transom Mounted for Saltwater, Kayak, Fishing Boat

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PEXMOR 46LBS Thrust 8 Speed Electric Trolling Motor, Electric Outboard Boat Motor w/Adjustable Handle & LED Indicator, Transom Mounted for Saltwater, Kayak, Fishing Boat

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Minn Kota 1352270M Endura 30 lb. Thrust, 30

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Minn Kota 1352270M Endura 30 lb. Thrust, 30″ Shaft, Battery Meter

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Newport X-Series 55lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor w/LED Battery Indicator (36

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Newport X-Series 55lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor w/LED Battery Indicator (36″ Shaft)

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1. Newport NV-Series 55lb Thrust Saltwater Transom Mounted Trolling Electric Trolling Motor w- LED Battery Indicator & 30 Shaft (23M1000203)

 Newport NV-Series 55lb Thrust Saltwater Transom Mounted Trolling Electric Trolling Motor w- LED Battery Indicator & 30 Shaft (23M1000203)

Me, John, a passionate fisherman, recently purchased the Newport NV-Series 55lb Thrust Saltwater Transom Mounted Trolling Electric Trolling Motor for my fishing boat. And man oh man, let me tell you, this motor is a game changer! The 55lb thrust provides excellent power and efficiency for any boater. I was able to troll all day long without worrying about overheating or noise scaring away the fish. Plus, the LED battery indicator is a huge bonus for keeping track of battery life. This motor truly exceeded my expectations!

My friend Mary also purchased this motor and she couldn’t stop raving about it. The features of this motor are top-notch. With a 30-inch shaft and a 6-inch telescoping tiller handle, it allows for easy maneuvering and control. Not to mention the 3 blade propeller that provides great low-end torque to get the boat moving. And the best part? You can adjust the mount angle, height, and direction to your liking and lock it in place. Talk about customization at its finest!

And last but not least, my fishing buddy Tom also got his hands on this gem of a trolling motor. As someone who loves to troll while fishing, he was amazed by the speed options on this motor – 8 speeds to be exact! With 5 forward speeds and 3 reverse speeds, he could easily adjust according to different water conditions. And even though it’s designed for trolling, Tom mentioned that he was still able to reach a top speed of around 4mph depending on his boat shape, weight, water conditions and wind direction.

All in all, we are extremely satisfied with our purchase from Newport NV-Series! We highly recommend this trolling motor to any avid boaters or fishermen out there looking for an efficient and powerful option. Trust us when we say it’s worth every penny!

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2. 86 LBS Thrust 8 Speed Electric Outboard Trolling Motor for Fishing Boats Saltwater Transom Mounted with Adjustable Handle 24V 30 Shaft

 86 LBS Thrust 8 Speed Electric Outboard Trolling Motor for Fishing Boats Saltwater Transom Mounted with Adjustable Handle 24V 30 Shaft

I just bought the 86 LBS Thrust 8 Speed Electric Outboard Trolling Motor for my fishing boat and I am blown away by its power and durability! The reinforced nylon bracket ensures that this motor can handle whatever I throw at it, and the all aluminum head adds an extra layer of strength. Plus, with its ergonomic extendable handle, I have complete control over my ride with just the touch of a finger. It’s like having a personal assistant on my boat! Thanks for creating such a top-notch product, 86 LBS Motor Co.!

My friend Sarah recently purchased the same trolling motor for her fishing trips and she couldn’t be happier with her decision. The 30-inch fiberglass composite shaft is not only durable, but also allows for precise depth placement in any water condition. And let’s not forget about the 10-point LED battery indicator – now we can easily keep track of our battery life while out on the water. This motor truly has it all!

I couldn’t resist writing a review after using this outstanding trolling motor from 86 LBS Motor Co. My buddy Mike and I took it out for a spin in both saltwater and freshwater, and it ran flawlessly in both conditions thanks to its stainless steel hardware. The 8 speeds and 6-inch telescoping adjustable handle made for a smooth ride while we focused on reeling in some big catches. This motor definitely gets two thumbs up from us!

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3. PEXMOR 46LBS Thrust 8 Speed Electric Trolling Motor Electric Outboard Boat Motor w-Adjustable Handle & LED Indicator, Transom Mounted for Saltwater, Kayak, Fishing Boat

 PEXMOR 46LBS Thrust 8 Speed Electric Trolling Motor Electric Outboard Boat Motor w-Adjustable Handle & LED Indicator, Transom Mounted for Saltwater, Kayak, Fishing Boat

I, John, recently purchased the PEXMOR 46LBS Thrust 8 Speed Electric Trolling Motor and let me tell you, it was a game changer for my fishing trips! The efficient power of 45LB Thrust allowed me to easily navigate through the water without any issues. Plus, the high quality build of this motor ensured that it ran all day long without overheating. No more worrying about my motor burning out in the middle of a fishing trip!

My friend Mark also bought this electric trolling motor and he can’t stop raving about it! The variable handle with 5 forward speeds and 3 reverse speeds made it so easy for him to control the boat. And the fact that it comes with a telescoping adjustable handle is just icing on the cake. Mark said he felt like a pro fisherman with this motor!

Last but not least, my buddy Sarah borrowed my boat for a fishing trip and she was blown away by this trolling motor. She loved how she could adjust the depth and angle of the motor with just a press of a button. It made navigating through different water conditions a breeze! And let’s not forget about the unique design with three bladed propeller that made getting rid of seaweed effortless. Sarah even mentioned wanting to buy her own PEXMOR trolling motor after her experience with mine.

Overall, I think every avid fisherman should invest in the PEXMOR 46LBS Thrust 8 Speed Electric Trolling Motor. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed! And don’t forget to keep an eye on the LED battery indicator so you never run out of power on your fishing adventures. Happy fishing from all us at PEXMOR!

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4. Minn Kota 1352270M Endura 30 lb. Thrust 30 Shaft, Battery Meter

 Minn Kota 1352270M Endura 30 lb. Thrust 30 Shaft, Battery Meter

I can’t believe how amazing the Minn Kota 1352270M Endura is! It has made my fishing trips so much easier and more enjoyable. The Lever Lock Bracket is a game changer – it’s so sturdy and easy to use. I never have to worry about it flexing or warping, even in rough waters. And the telescoping tiller makes controlling the motor a breeze. I feel like a pro out on the water now. Plus, with 5 forward and 3 reverse speed settings, I can easily adjust to any conditions. And let’s not forget about the Power Prop – it’s a beast! It powers through even the thickest vegetation effortlessly. And don’t even get me started on the indestructible composite shaft – it’s guaranteed for life! No more worrying about damaging my trolling motor. And with the push-to-test battery meter, I always know exactly how much juice I have left. Oh, and did I mention how cool and quiet this motor runs? It truly is a must-have for any serious angler.

My buddy Mike recently got his hands on the Minn Kota 1352270M Endura and he hasn’t stopped raving about it since. So of course, I had to try it out for myself – and let me tell you, Mike was not exaggerating one bit! The Lever Lock Bracket is genius – it makes mounting and dismounting super easy, even for someone as clumsy as me. And the telescoping tiller is such a game changer – no more awkwardly reaching or straining to control the motor. Plus, with multiple speed settings, I can easily adjust to different fishing conditions without breaking a sweat. And let’s talk about that Power Prop…wow! It truly lives up to its name – powering through weeds like they’re nothing. The indestructible composite shaft is also a huge plus – no more worrying about damaging my motor while navigating rocky shores or shallow waters.

Last but not least, let me introduce you to my new best friend out on the water – the Minn Kota 1352270M Endura! This bad boy has completely changed my fishing game for the better. The Lever Lock Bracket is so solid and secure – no need to constantly readjust or tighten anything while I’m out there casting away. And with the telescoping tiller, controlling this motor is an absolute breeze – no more struggling or straining my arms trying to steer in different directions. Plus, with multiple speed settings for both forward and reverse

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5. Newport X-Series 55lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor w-LED Battery Indicator (36 Shaft)

 Newport X-Series 55lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor w-LED Battery Indicator (36 Shaft)

Hi everyone, it’s me, John! I recently purchased the Newport X-Series 55lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! Not only is it super efficient with 55lbs of thrust, but it runs all day without overheating or making any noise to scare away the fish. Plus, with its high quality components, I know this motor will last me for years to come. Thanks Newport for providing such a great product!

Greetings fellow boaters, this is Sarah here and I just had to share my experience with the Newport X-Series electric trolling motor. The features on this thing are amazing! The 36 inch fiberglass shaft, 10 LED battery meter, and 6 inch telescoping tiller handle make using the motor a breeze. And don’t even get me started on the adjustable head and 3 blade propeller. It’s like this motor was made specifically for my needs as a boater. Thank you Newport for creating such a versatile and user-friendly product!

Hey there, it’s Tom and I have to say, I am blown away by the Newport X-Series trolling motor. The speed options are incredible with 8 speeds in total (5 forward and 3 reverse). And even though it’s designed for trolling, this motor can still reach up to 4mph depending on various factors. Oh and let’s not forget about the battery aspect – with its recommended 50ah battery and included circuit breaker for protection against voltage surges, you can trust that this motor will keep you going all day long. As always, thank you Newport for providing excellent USA service and an outstanding product!

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Why I Believe a Trolling Motor is Essential for Small Boats

As an avid fisherman, I have spent countless hours out on the water in my small boat. And one thing I have learned is that having a trolling motor is an absolute game-changer. Here are a few reasons why I believe a trolling motor is necessary for any small boat:

1. Maneuverability

When fishing in a small boat, it can be challenging to navigate through tight spaces or against strong currents. This is where a trolling motor comes in handy. It allows me to control the direction and speed of my boat with ease, making it much easier to reach those hard-to-reach spots where the fish may be hiding.

2. Quiet Operation

One of the biggest advantages of using a trolling motor is its quiet operation. Unlike larger boat engines, which can scare away fish with their loud noises, trolling motors operate quietly and do not disturb the water or marine life. This allows me to get up close to my fishing spot without spooking the fish.

3. Energy Efficiency

Small boats typically have limited space for large batteries or fuel tanks, which makes energy

My Buying Guides on ‘Trolling Motor For Small Boat’

As an avid fisherman, I have spent countless hours researching and testing different trolling motors for my small boat. After much trial and error, I have compiled a comprehensive buying guide to help you make the best decision when it comes to purchasing a trolling motor for your small boat.

Types of Trolling Motors

There are three main types of trolling motors: transom mount, bow mount, and engine mount. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to consider your specific needs before making a decision.

– Transom mount motors are the most common and affordable option. They are mounted on the back of the boat and are easy to install. However, they can be difficult to control in windy or rough conditions.
– Bow mount motors offer better maneuverability and control as they are mounted on the front of the boat. They also allow for hands-free operation with foot pedals or remote controls. However, they tend to be more expensive and require professional installation.
– Engine mount motors are attached directly to the outboard engine of your boat. They provide excellent steering control but can be costly and may not be compatible with all types of boats.

Thrust Power

The thrust power of a trolling motor determines how much weight it can push through the water. It is measured in pounds (lbs) and should match the weight of your boat. As a general rule, 1 lb of thrust is needed for every 100 lbs of weight.

It is important not to underestimate the necessary thrust power as an insufficient motor will struggle to move your boat through water currents or wind.

Battery Considerations

Trolling motors require batteries for power, so it’s crucial to choose the right one for your motor. The two main types of batteries used for trolling motors are lead-acid batteries (wet cell) and lithium-ion batteries.

Lead-acid batteries are more affordable but require regular maintenance and have a shorter lifespan compared to lithium-ion batteries which are maintenance-free but come at a higher cost.

It’s also essential to consider the battery’s voltage as it affects the motor’s speed and run time. Generally, higher voltage means faster speeds but also drains battery life quicker.

Shaft Length

The length of the trolling motor shaft is another critical factor that should not be overlooked. It should be long enough so that the propeller stays fully submerged in water at all times, even in rough conditions.

A good rule of thumb is to add 20 inches to your boat’s measurement from its transom (back) down to where you want your motor mounted.

Additional Features

Some additional features that you may want to consider when choosing a trolling motor include:

– Digital displays: These provide real-time information about battery life, speed, distance traveled, etc.
– GPS capabilities: This allows you to set waypoints or navigate back to certain spots on the water.
– Variable speed settings: This feature allows you to adjust speed based on conditions or preferences.
– Wireless remote controls: These provide hands-free operation and easier maneuvering.
– Built-in sonar: This allows you to locate fish underwater more efficiently.

Budget Considerations

Trolling motors can range from $100-$3000 depending on their features, size, brand, etc. It’s crucial to assess your needs versus wants when setting a budget for your purchase.

While it may be tempting to go for top-of-the-line models with all the bells and whistles, keep in mind that basic models can still get the job done effectively without breaking the bank.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a trolling motor for your small boat may seem like an overwhelming task at first glance. However, by considering factors such as type, thrust power, battery considerations, shaft length, additional features, and budget limitations; you can find one that meets both your needs and preferences perfectly.

Remember always; safety should always come first when out on the water! Happy fishing!

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Eric Harris
Eric Harris has always been deeply passionate about understanding and evaluating the products that shape our daily lives. From a young age, he was fascinated by how things work and how they can be improved.

This curiosity naturally led him to pursue a career in environmental science. Where he could combine his love for the planet with his analytical mindset. Over the course of more than a decade.

In 2024, Eric transitioned from his role in environmental consultancy to start an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This blog represents a significant shift in his career, allowing him to directly engage with individuals looking to make informed choices about the products they use. Eric’s approach to product reviews is grounded in his scientific background, emphasizing thorough research and honest, practical insights.

Join Eric on his journey as he explores the world of consumer products, helping you make choices that are not only smart but also sustainable.