10 Best Cheap Trolling Motors 2025 in the United States

The Minn Kota 1358350 Terrova trolling motor offers a strong 55 lb. thrust and operates at 24 volts, making it suitable for small to medium-sized boats. Its 54-inch shaft length ensures it can be used in deeper waters, making it versatile for various fishing environments. One of its standout features is the advanced GPS trolling system, which provides precise navigation and boat positioning with the wireless remote control, making it user-friendly even for novices.

The Spot-Lock with Jog feature allows you to maintain your position with high accuracy, which is ideal for fishing in specific spots without drifting away. Additionally, the Drift Mode and Digital Maximizer enhance battery efficiency, ensuring longer run times and more control over speed and direction. The inclusion of a Weedless Wedge 2 prop ensures that the motor can handle weedy areas without draining the battery excessively.

The motor is built with an indestructible composite shaft, which Minn Kota guarantees for life, promising durability and reliability. The higher voltage requirement of 24 volts could necessitate purchasing additional batteries if not already equipped. While the wireless remote is convenient, some users might prefer a more traditional foot pedal control for hands-free operation. The mounting type is bow mount, which might not be suitable for all boat types. This model might be on the higher end of the 'cheap' category, but it offers numerous features that justify the investment for serious anglers.

The MotorGuide Xi5 Freshwater Trolling Motor is a solid choice for anglers needing a reliable, high-performance option for boats between 20 and 24 feet long. It offers a strong 105 pounds of peak thrust powered by a 36-volt system, which is enough to handle moderate currents and keep your boat steady. The 60-inch shaft length is suitable for a variety of freshwater boats, providing good clearance and flexibility. One of its standout features is the advanced Pinpoint GPS system, which offers precise control and helps you hold your position exactly where you want it, making it great for fishing spots.

You can control the motor with a wireless remote or foot pedal, giving you freedom to operate it from anywhere on the boat. The bow mount with a corrosion-resistant, easy-to-use stow and deploy mechanism adds convenience and durability. Additionally, the built-in sonar helps you identify fish and underwater structures clearly, which is a bonus for serious anglers. At 57 pounds, the motor is somewhat heavy, which might be a consideration if you need to move or store it frequently.

It requires a 36-volt battery setup, generally meaning you’ll need multiple batteries or a larger battery bank, which could add to the initial setup cost. Also, while the motor excels in freshwater, it's not designed for saltwater use. For those seeking a feature-rich, powerful trolling motor with smart controls and GPS precision for freshwater fishing, the MotorGuide Xi5 presents a strong option, though it comes with a bit more complexity and weight compared to simpler, cheaper models.

The Minn Kota 1358451 PowerDrive offers a strong 55 lb. thrust which is great for moving through various water conditions. It operates on a 12-volt system, making it a good fit for many standard marine batteries. The 54-inch shaft length is suitable for most small to medium-sized boats, providing flexibility in different water depths.

The deploy-assist lever is a thoughtful feature that simplifies getting your trolling motor in and out of the water, which can be especially handy during a busy fishing day. One of its standout features is the advanced GPS trolling system, which allows for precise control and automatic boat positioning, making it easier to stay on the fish. The inclusion of a micro remote adds convenience and enhances control from anywhere on the boat.

Battery life is well-addressed with the Digital Maximizer, extending run time significantly, which means more time fishing and less worrying about recharging. The push-to-test battery meter is another useful feature, giving you a quick read on your battery status at any time. The Power Prop is designed to cut through tough situations, which is a big plus in challenging fishing scenarios. Additionally, the composite shaft is touted as indestructible and guaranteed for life, which speaks to the product's durability.

However, at 24 pounds, it might be a bit heavier than some would prefer, and its inclusion of only a two-year warranty could be seen as a bit short for a high-use product. The transom mount type is straightforward but limits mounting options. Given its price point, the Minn Kota PowerDrive strikes a good balance of performance and features, though potential buyers should consider the weight and warranty period as part of their decision-making process.