Newport Vessels relies on a fiberglass shaft, and the head and prop are designed for saltwater. All rights reserved.YourBassGuy.com, Recommended GearFishing LuresFish FindersFishing AccessoriesFishing RodsFishing ReelsTerminal TackleTrolling Motors, Fishing TipsBass FishingKayak FishingTrout FishingSurvival FishingIce FishingFishing RigsFishing Locations, AboutContactPrivacy PolicyDisclaimerMedia Inquiries, Comparison Table Best Kayak Trolling Motors, Reviews Of Our Favorite Trolling Motors for Kayaks, Buying Guide: Factors to Consider Before Purchasing A Kayak Trolling Motor. The type of battery power you will need will usually depend on personal preference, as well as budget and how much space you have on your fishing kayak. Guide To Camera And GoPro Mounts For Kayaks, Best Stand Up Fishing Kayak A Standing Anglers Dream, Best Kayak Fishing Rod Yak Anglers Top Picks. You also need to make sure that whatever motor you buy will be suitable for your kayak. First of all, there are motors specifically designed for use in the sea and ones designed for freshwater. What do you recommend? A trolling motor is a small, quiet electric engine thats used to maneuver without scaring fish. Thats why I stick with 12-volt trolling motors for my kayak. TheNewport Vessels NV-Seriesoffers great value and theHaswing Cayman is a great bow motor. Featuring eight speeds (five forward speeds and three reverse speeds) this high quality 12 volt Minn Kota trolling motor for kayak boats is designed to be transom mounted. The thrust powers the vessel rather than determines its speed. I recommend the NK180 kayak electric trolling motor to anyone considering spending twice as much on a Torqeedo only to get one more mile per hour. However, as a trade off, it might not be as quiet at high speeds. Like its competitors, that tiller handle also extends, keeping you comfortably in control. But some customers complain about the construction quality, a trade-off for the incredibly light weight of this model. The xi3 is what I want on the front of my fishing kayak because of the anchor mode, short shaft, and wireless remote. This is ideal for using only in freshwater and it runs quietly for smooth movement across the water without disturbing fish. It does what it promises, but its a little more expensive than other electric trolling motors on the list, so I rated it a 7/10. For this reason, lighter motors are generally a better choice. It has forward and reverse with a step-less speed selector. The transom mounted motor also benefits from having bright blue LED lights that let you know how much battery you have left, which is handy when youre out on the water all day. This front-mounted 12 volt trolling motor with stainless steel hardware is designed for use in freshwater and features a 48 inch composite shaft. These types of motors can often be more expensive than ones with a fixed speed and generally come with all the bells and whistles. Trolling motors are designed primarily for bow mounting on a bass boats, and many designs use a sliding hinge to allow them to be quickly raised and lowered into the water. Check out this video on how a trolling motor is used. Its usually mounted on the bow of bass boats, where it can be operated by foot while fishing. He has followed in his fathers footsteps, introducing his wife and daughter to the incredible adventures the great outdoors offers! With multiple steering setup options, you can pick the one that works best for you. The higher the pounds of thrust, the more suitable it will be for a heavier boat. This motor offers an impressive 55 pounds of thrust; thats enough motor for a 2,700-pound boat and more than enough for any yak! The xi3 was introduced well before brushless motors were used for trolling motors, so its about time for Motorguide to update the xi3 with a brushless motor for better performance and further reduce the noise. Even though the shaft is short, theres still a chance of running into submerged objects, and thats where the quality of materials and impact protection keeps the angler from destroying the trolling motor at full throttle. But they can be well worth it in the end. The higher the pounds of thrust, the more suitable it will be for a heavier boat. The larger or extra battery needed for the 24-volts adds a lot of weight to your kayak and takes up more space, which is already limited in a kayak. I would recommend the Watersnake Tracer to a kayak angler who doesnt get to get on the water as much as theyd like and doesnt want to spend the extra money that a Minn Kota will cost. It features 55 pounds of thrust, so is powerful enough for most kayaks and will be sufficient for a tandem kayak or small to medium sized boat. These can be a good option if youre looking for versatility and want to keep costs low with just one package. Im so glad you are here :-) Im Pete. There are some trolling motors that are designed to be used both in the sea and in freshwater fishing conditions. The Motorguide xi3 is the top-of-the-line standard for bow mount kayak trolling motors. I recommend the Torqeedo Ultralight 1103 AC for the speed demon kayak anglers. That adjustability will come in handy, too, and its an important feature to consider. The more thrust you have, the faster the trolling motor will propel your kayak. We can also help you discover what they are and whether youll actually need one (or not.). Head's up - the best all-round choice for most users is the Minn Kota Endure C2. Last but not least, the Saturn Short Shaft offers 55 pounds of thrust and is designed with kayaks, canoes, and inflatables dinghies in mind. Yes, Im limited to about 55lbs of thrust, but thats plenty to push a large fishing kayak across the lake, even in windy conditions. The same battery with 50 amps drawn will last only 2 hours. I hope to see all the features offered by the high-end trolling motors like the Lowrance Ghost or the Garmin Force in a kayak trolling motor soon! The shorter 36 shaft is helpful to keep the motor out of the way, and the bracket makes removing the motor quick and easy for transportation. I recommend the Watersnake T18 ASP to any beginner kayak angler not interested in spending a large sum of money on a small kayak trolling motor. Some also have better thrust than others, meaning youll travel faster through the water, with more power. Moreover, at just 17 pounds, this trolling motor is light, an important consideration on a kayak. If youre an angler looking for a saltwater kayak trolling motor check out the Newport Vessels Kayak Series. With this powerful motor, you control it with your feet, allowing you to keep your hands free for catching fish. Lastly, if speed is your primary concern, spend the money on the Torqeedo 1103 AC. It comes with everything you need to get on the water. I recommend the Newport Kayak Series trolling motor to anyone looking for an inexpensive saltwater electric trolling motor for their kayak. The weight and length of your boat will play an important role in the amount of thrust youll need from your motor. Newport Vessels Kayak Series 55lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor w/LED Battery Indicator (24" Shaft), Minn Kota Endura C2 30 Freshwater Transom Mounted Trolling Motor (30" Shaft), Minn Kota 1368715 Traxxis Freshwater Hand-Steer Transom-Mount Trolling Motor with Digital Maximizer & Power Prop, 55 lbs Thrust, 36" Shaft, Haswing and Aquos 12v 20lbs Transom Mounted Electric Trolling Motor Salt-water Use, Newport Vessels Kayak Series 55 Lb. This is because the motor will often have to work harder to push your vessel in rough conditions, which can affect speed. The best size trolling motor for a kayak is going to have a 24-36 inch shaft with 55lbs of thrust on a 12v battery. The Endura delivers power to its prop through a 30-inch fiberglass shaft, and its transmission features the usual eight speeds: five forward and three reverse. There are variable speeds and cruise control. Any suggestions would be most appreciated. The kit comes with everything you need to get moving other than the 24-volt battery. You can find a list of kayak fishing essentials in our kayak fishing tips article. When I am not out on the water, you can find me skiing in the mountains, reading my favorite books, and spending time with my family. Hows It Done? The more power required, the less run time. The fact that you can use the trolling motor in saltwater or freshwater and mount it in different locations on your kayak means this saltwater trolling motor is exceptionally versatile. Even though it only runs off of a 12-volt battery, its still powerful enough to propel a kayak faster than anyone can paddle for an extended time. It still has a few minor bugs that need to be worked out before I consider it a replacement for the xi3, but it does offer similar benefits at a lower cost, so I rated it at a 7/10. Offering 30 pounds of thrust, its got plenty of power for a kayak. I recommend the Haswing Osapian to anyone on a tight budget who wants the features of a mid-range electric kayak motor. This is one of the top trolling motors for kayaks with good performance on oceans and freshwater lakes. Thrust Trolling Motors Editors Choice, Saturn 55 Lb. I rated it a 7/10 because it lacks helpful features, but its very inexpensive. It has a 36 inch composite shaft as well as a durable metal motor head. As useful as that is on a bass boat, its pretty much useless for a kayak. After kayak fishing with a trolling motor for several years, these are the elements that I look for when I go to purchase a new kayak trolling motor: Watching the weight is extremely important in a kayak since each kayak has a different weight capacity. I recommend the Motorguide xi3 to any serious kayak angler. Its a powerful trolling motors for kayaks with 50 pounds of thrust that benefits from having an easy to install lever lock bracket. That precise control is a nice feature, and it avoids common problems like leaving the nearly silent motor on low and draining the battery. Ive been in your shoes multiple times before. Thats important: trolling motors are quiet enough that at low speeds, you can accidentally leave them on, draining the battery. Check with your local wildlife and fisheries agency and be sure you comply with the law. The main difference between a saltwater and a freshwater motor is that on a salt water motor there is an anode at the bottom that is better covered than on one made for freshwater. You may think that because a trolling motor has a higher thrust weight it should go faster than one with a lower thrust weight. Newport Vessels designed the kayak series to have a shorter shaft and be used in saltwater or freshwater. Welcome! I am the owner of KayakHelp.com. If capacity is a problem, you might want to consider either the Minn Kota Endura C2 or the Saturn Short Shaft, depending on exactly where you plan to fish, how long a shaft you need, and how much power is enough for you. Rather than fire up a loud outboard to move a few feet or fight the wind, a trolling motor allows anglers to make fine adjustments in virtual silence. Kayaks are much closer to the water than bass boats or other fishing boats. It was designed for kayak anglers looking to keep their setup lightweight and straightforward without breaking the bank. 24" stainless steel shaft that's corrosion-resistant, Wireless remote control steering / Compatible with wireless foot pedal (not recommended for a kayak). If your trolling motor is portable, meaning you have it mounted on a quick release bracket on your kayak and sometimes you may use it and sometimes you may not choose to put it on your kayak and you will be only pedaling your kayak. Its also an excellent trolling motor for an ocean fishing kayak because it can be used in saltwater and freshwater. A 55 pound motor may not be able to move your yak any faster than a 30 pound motor but it could give you the extra power you need if traveling on moving water. The best kayak trolling motor will also have different features tailored to particular uses. Obviously one end of the motor would have to detach. Haswing constructs its shafts from cast aluminum, and according to the company, the head and prop are fine for both fresh and saltwater. I split my 36 Minn Kota and having motor at back I took speed control switch out the top part and fitted it in console between my legs so all you see is a round plastic switch. However, they become less stable as they reach the weight limit. And with the usual eight speeds, five in forward, three in reverse, youll have plenty of control over your speed. Some reviewers complained of poor customer service and receiving a broken product, while others said they loved the Traxxis. The Haswing Osapian is a high-quality trolling motor at a low price. Before you go out and buy the best kayak trolling motor, you need to make sure your kayak is ready to have a motor installed. The Watersnake T18 ASP is a cheap kayak trolling motor, yet its not low quality. For mind-blowing futuristic features, dont miss the Garmin Force review! Either is more than enough for a kayak, and for most people in a yak, the added thrust just means shorter battery life. Dont forget, more features mean a higher price. At a weight of just 8 pounds, if every ounce matters to you, this might be the right choice. Most transom trolling motors with a 12 volt battery will be suitable for use with a kayak. Thats a really nice feature, offering a good length for most kayaks and the versatility youll need to get the depth just right. And be sure to choose one thats going to have enough thrust for the load in your kayak. wow really informative article! Im wanting to buy a trolling motor including mount. Its not the trolling motor I began kayak angling with; however, its the one I now trust on the front of my fishing kayak. Small, powerful, and quiet, these electric motors are beginning to find a place in the kayaking world. While it doesnt have the GPS capabilities like the best kayak trolling motors, it will undoubtedly get you to your spot and add to your fishing experience. It is a little more expensive than some transom mount trolling motors; however, it has a couple of features they do not have, so its an understandable price increase. That said, plenty of people do take this motor where its not intended to go, and if you decide to follow suit, its best to always rinse it after use and anticipate some corrosion. I recommend the Minn Kota Traxxis to anyone skeptical of new kayak trolling motor brands. Theres a safety feature that allows you to shut off the power to the trolling motor thats great for emergencies like the motor getting bound up or needing to reset it quickly. And it allows you to free up your hands to do other things, such ascatch fish, while still moving along the water. You can also separately purchase a solar panel charger for the 1103 AC. Are there any electric trolling motors that will mount through the skupper holes? The motor you choose depends on what youll be using your kayak for and what type of water youll be in. Whether it be freshwater or saltwater kayak fishing. It features an extendable handle, too, so theres no worry about reaching for the throttle while its mounted on the transom behind you. This is an excellent trolling motor with great value and excellent customer service based in California. Weight is an issue in a kayak, and youll need to keep that in mind. I recommend the Minn Kota Endura C2 to the dedicated kayak angler looking to upgrade from a Watersnake or Haswing but not quite willing to spend big money on a GPS trolling motor. The Torqeedo Ultralight 1103 AC is fast. The mixed reviews are why I only rated the Traxxis a 7/10. These are usually bow mounted trolling motors, and sometimes they can take a bit of getting used to, particularly where balance is concerned. The xi3 has a saltwater option; however, it does not have the short 36 shaft designed for kayaks. While a trolling motor capable of handling 24-volts will have more thrust, it will also add more weight. A handy feature of this powerful motor is the wireless remote or wired foot pedal that allows you to control the speed and movement without manually steering, so you can fish at the same time. However, having a motor that allows you to control the speed of your vessel can be useful, particularly if you want to slow your speed down on approach to your favorite fishing hole. Best GPS For Kayaking Never Get Lost Again! However, he discovered how much he simply loved being on the water. The 30 inch shaft is also tough and hard-wearing. The shaft between the engine and propeller on trolling motors tends to be long so it can stretch from the gunnel of a bass boat to the water below, keeping the propeller constantly submerged. While the 1103 AC has GPS tracking, it does not offer GPS anchoring. So look at your available storage space, remembering to measure it, and you can then find a battery to meet those dimensions, which can be easier than finding a space to meet the dimensions of your newly purchased battery.When it comes to choosing the voltage of your battery, it can be best to match it with the voltage of your motor. These trolling motors can be expensive but they offer more convenience. I was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, I grew up kayaking, fishing, sailing, and partaking in outdoor adventures around the Great Lakes. Confused by all the kayak trolling motor options and not knowing which to get. Not only do you need to buy a trolling motor, but some accessories are necessary or significantly increase your comfort level. Is Your Kayak "Trolling Motor Compatible"? The extendable handle and multiple mounting options mean you can find the location of operation thats most comfortable for you. This 12 volt motor has a larger 48 inch shaft and can be used for sea kayaking as well as freshwater. Similarly, it is not recommended to use a 24v battery with a 12v motor but it can be done in some cases, as long as you have a controller that can limit the current. If youre in a hurry on your lunch break, then trust me when I say the overall best kayak trolling motor is the Motorguide xi3. The higher speeds will definitely get your kayak going as fast as physics will allow! The shortest shaft available for the Motorguide xi3 saltwater trolling motor is 48. The MSRP is only $249, and the quality of the Kayak Series is why I rated this trolling motor 8/10. If you want to dive deeper, check out my Newport Vessels Trolling Motor Review. I have a Malibu stealth kayak As with all Minn Kota trolling motors, build quality is top-notch, and customers brag about long battery life. I highly recommend the Motorguide xi3 for any serious kayak angler and the Watersnake T18 ASP for any kayak angler on a budget. The more weight you add to the kayak, the harder it is to paddle (yes, you still need to paddle at times), and the harder the trolling motor has to work, which drains your batteries quicker. Powerful enough to push even the heaviest of yaks, its equipped with a 24-inch adjustable shaft. The bracket securely mounts to the transom of most fishing kayaks. With a 30 pound thrust level, the Minn Kota has the power for propelling almost any kayak and it benefits from having a 6 inch ergonomically designed handle that can tilt and twist, to give you more control over the speed and steering. As 100 pounds of boat needs around 2 pounds of thrust, then even a motor with 20 pounds of thrust should be able to move 1,000 pounds of boat and gear.