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10 Best Electric Trolling Motors 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Lowrance Recon Freshwater 72” Trolling Motor with FreeSteer Joystick Remote, Wireless Foot Pedal, HDI Nosecone

The Lowrance Recon Freshwater 72” Trolling Motor is designed with strong power and precision control in mind, making it a solid choice for freshwater anglers. It offers a near-silent brushless motor available in 24V or 36V setups, which helps preserve the quiet environment needed for fishing without disturbing the water. The 72-inch shaft length suits most freshwater boats, providing good depth control in various water conditions. This motor’s standout feature is its FreeSteer joystick remote with a color LCD, delivering precise GPS positioning and easy maneuvering. Additionally, the wireless foot pedal adds flexibility and convenience, allowing users to switch between hands-free and manual control smoothly.

Its lightweight carbon-fiber composite build suggests good efficiency and durability. The multiple speed settings and advanced control options cater well to users who want fine control over their boat’s movement. The motor weighs around 74 pounds, which may be on the heavier side for some small boat owners to install or move.

This trolling motor is best for anglers who value quiet operation, precise GPS steering, and versatile control methods, though those needing lighter setups or more detailed battery information might want to consider other options.

#2

Minn Kota Terrova Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with GPS, Spot-Lock – 55 Lb. Thrust, 54 In. Shaft, Freshwater

Rating
9.7
Thrust
Control Type

Most important from
109 reviews

Thrust
The motor's power is more than sufficient to steer even a pontoon boat to prime fishing spots, locking securely in place.
Control Type
The wireless remote is a game changer, particularly for those who find traditional paddles challenging, offering ease of control.

The Minn Kota 1358350 Terrova electric trolling motor is designed for anglers looking for reliable performance. It boasts a 55 lb thrust, which is suitable for a variety of boat sizes, and operates at 24 volts, offering robust power. The 54-inch shaft length provides flexibility for different water depths and boat setups, and its bow mount design ensures stable and secure mounting on the front of the boat.

The wireless remote control with an easy-to-read LCD screen simplifies operation, allowing you to manage speed and navigation effortlessly. The advanced GPS system enhances navigation accuracy with features like Spot-Lock, Jog, and Drift Mode, positioning you precisely on your fishing spots and maintaining course even in challenging conditions. The inclusion in the One-Boat Network allows integration with Humminbird fish finders, adding to its versatility.

Battery life is impressively extended thanks to the Digital Maximizer, which adjusts power usage to match your selected speed, reducing battery drain. Additionally, the Weedless Wedge 2 Prop ensures efficient movement through vegetation, minimizing energy consumption. The indestructible composite shaft is guaranteed for life, ensuring durability. However, the product's weight of 46 pounds may be cumbersome for some users, and the reliance on a 24-volt system means it may require more power than lower voltage options. The advanced features can be overwhelming for users not familiar with high-tech equipment, but they provide significant advantages for experienced anglers seeking precision and control.

Rating
9.7
Thrust
Control Type

Most important from
109 reviews

Thrust
The motor's power is more than sufficient to steer even a pontoon boat to prime fishing spots, locking securely in place.
Control Type
The wireless remote is a game changer, particularly for those who find traditional paddles challenging, offering ease of control.
#3

Minn Kota Riptide Terrova Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with GPS, Spot-Lock – 80 Lb. Thrust, 60 in. Shaft, Saltwater

Rating
9.1
Thrust
Control Type

Most important from
61 reviews

Thrust
The combination of high thrust and advanced features like Drift Mode provides excellent maneuverability and control.
Control Type
The wireless remote control adds convenience, allowing effortless speed and steering changes from anywhere on the boat.

The Minn Kota Riptide Terrova is a powerful electric trolling motor designed for saltwater fishing, with 80 pounds of thrust and a 24-volt system, making it strong enough for medium to larger boats. Its 60-inch composite shaft is durable and guaranteed for life, ideal for handling varying water depths and saltwater conditions thanks to advanced corrosion protection. This motor is bow-mounted, which helps with boat control and maneuverability while fishing.

One of the standout features is its built-in GPS system with Spot-Lock technology. This lets you lock your boat in place precisely over a fishing spot without constant manual adjustments, which is a huge time-saver. The wireless remote and integration with Humminbird fish finders add convenience, allowing easy speed and steering control from different positions on the boat. Drift Mode is another helpful tool for controlling speed and direction automatically in wind or current, reducing the need for extra equipment. Battery life is optimized by the Digital Maximizer feature, which adjusts power use to extend run time up to five times longer than standard motors—great for full-day fishing trips. The motor offers variable speed settings for fine control.

This motor weighs about 23.6 kg (around 52 lbs), which can make handling and installation a bit challenging for some users. Also, while it has advanced features, the price point may be higher than basic motors, reflecting its saltwater readiness and smart capabilities. It is best suited for anglers who want high precision and durability in saltwater environments rather than casual lake fishing. The Minn Kota Riptide Terrova is ideal for saltwater fishing enthusiasts or serious anglers who value GPS control, durability, and longer battery life, but it may be more than needed for simpler freshwater use or smaller boats.

Rating
9.1
Thrust
Control Type

Most important from
61 reviews

Thrust
The combination of high thrust and advanced features like Drift Mode provides excellent maneuverability and control.
Control Type
The wireless remote control adds convenience, allowing effortless speed and steering changes from anywhere on the boat.

Buying Guide for the Best Electric Trolling Motors

Choosing the right electric trolling motor can significantly enhance your fishing or boating experience. The right motor will provide you with the necessary power, control, and efficiency to navigate waters smoothly. To make an informed decision, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your specific needs and preferences.
ThrustThrust is a measure of how powerful the motor is, typically expressed in pounds (lbs). It determines how well the motor can move your boat through the water. For smaller boats or kayaks, a motor with 30-40 lbs of thrust may be sufficient. Medium-sized boats may require 40-55 lbs, while larger boats might need 70 lbs or more. Consider the size and weight of your boat, as well as the typical water conditions you encounter, to choose the right thrust level.
VoltageVoltage indicates the power supply required for the motor, commonly available in 12V, 24V, and 36V systems. A 12V motor is suitable for smaller boats and lighter use, while 24V and 36V systems provide more power and are better for larger boats or more demanding conditions. Higher voltage systems generally offer better efficiency and longer run times. Assess your boat's size and your typical usage to determine the appropriate voltage.
Shaft LengthShaft length is the distance from the motor head to the propeller and is crucial for ensuring the motor stays submerged in the water. If the shaft is too short, the propeller may come out of the water, reducing efficiency. If it's too long, it can create drag and affect maneuverability. Measure the distance from the mounting point to the waterline and add 16-20 inches for bow-mounted motors or 20-24 inches for transom-mounted motors to find the right shaft length.
Control TypeControl type refers to how you operate the motor, with options including hand control, foot control, and remote control. Hand control is straightforward and ideal for smaller boats. Foot control allows for hands-free operation, which is beneficial for fishing. Remote control offers the most flexibility, letting you operate the motor from anywhere on the boat. Consider your preferred style of operation and the type of activities you'll be doing to choose the best control type.
Mounting LocationMounting location can be either bow (front) or transom (rear) of the boat. Bow-mounted motors provide better control and maneuverability, making them ideal for fishing. Transom-mounted motors are easier to install and are suitable for smaller boats or casual use. Think about your boat's design and how you plan to use the motor to decide on the appropriate mounting location.
Battery LifeBattery life determines how long the motor can run on a single charge. It depends on the motor's power consumption and the capacity of the battery used. Higher thrust motors and longer run times require larger or multiple batteries. Consider how long you typically spend on the water and choose a motor and battery setup that can meet your needs without frequent recharging.
Speed SettingsSpeed settings refer to the number of speed options available on the motor. Basic models may have just a few fixed speeds, while more advanced models offer variable speed control for finer adjustments. Variable speed control can help conserve battery life and provide smoother operation. Think about how much control you need over your speed and whether you prefer simple or more precise adjustments.

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