Best Trolling Motor for Kayaks
Best Trolling Motor for Kayaks Comparison Chart
Table of Contents
When you put a trolling motor on kayak, you can do more, go farther, and fish for a longer period. Since it will move the craft for you, you won’t also have to think about paddling and just focus on catching some fish. But that said, not all trolling motors are made the same. Depending on your needs and kayak, some models are just better than others.
However, with so many trolling motors on the market with different features, designs, and price ranges, it can be difficult to choose which one you should go with. So to help you make the right decision, we’ve created a comprehensive guide that focuses on the most important factors you have to consider when buying a trolling motor for a kayak. To also make your search easier, we have put together a list of the best kayak motor you can buy today.
How We Chose the Best Kayak Trolling Motor?
We have searched all over for the top kayak trolling motors in the market. Once we’d seen what was available, we were able to shortlist all the models we liked and those with the highest ratings. We also included those that were highly recommended by paddlers and kayak enthusiasts.
From there, we had to cut down our list by putting the trolling motors against each other. We looked at their features, value for money, design, and overall quality. We then discussed among ourselves which ones to drop and what to include. After that, we were finally able to narrow down our list to only the 5 best motor for kayak models.
That said, all the trolling motors on this list are carefully selected and are guaranteed to be of the highest quality possible, so you can focus on fishing and forget about paddling.
Top 5 The Best Electric Trolling Motor for Kayak
- Best Overall and Best Kayak Trolling Motor (Saltwater): Newport NV-Series
- Best Bang for the Buck: Watersnake T18 ASP
- Best Freshwater Kayak Trolling Motor: Minn Kota Endura C2
- Newport Kayak Series
- Newport Vessels NK180 Kayak Trolling Motor
Why we love it:
- Telescopic handle
- LED battery meter
- Adjustable shaft
What it is best for:
- Saltwater
- Freshwater
Our number 1 pick for the best kayak motor is the Newport NV-Series. It has the perfect size, power, and efficiency to push your vessel to wherever you want it to go. It is designed for small to medium-sized watercraft and has a 30-inch shaft that you can easily adjust to fit your kayak.
This motor is steered by hand. The handle can be extended up to 6 inches, making it easier to reach when you’re seated. It has a 55-pound thrust and requires only 1 12V lead-acid deep cycle or lithium deep cycle battery. There’s also a bright LED battery meter, so you know exactly how much battery you have left. As for its speed, you can choose from 5 forward and 3 reverse settings.
The Newport NV-Series features corrosion-resistant hardware that allows it to be used in any environment. You can take it from calm and freshwater to saltwater with no problem. It even runs quietly, so you won’t scare the fish away. Sure, its plastic transom mount may seem a little flimsy for some. But overall, for its quality, convenience, ease of operation and set-up, and surprisingly affordable price, this is certainly an excellent choice for a trolling motor for kayaks.
Pros:
- ZPerfect size for a kayak
- ZAffordable
- ZQuiet operation
- ZConvenient and easy to operate
Cons:
- QPlastic transom mount
Why we love it:
- Extendable handle
- Easy to install
- Uses very little battery
What it is best for:
- Freshwater
- Saltwater
If you’re looking for a light trolling motor that you can easily take with you and store, the Watersnake T18 ASP is a good choice. It even comes with a kayak bracket mount, so you can quickly and easily install it on your vessel.
Now, make no mistake. While this motor might seem small, it offers more than enough thrust to propel your kayak quickly through still and freshwater. While it may struggle a bit against the current and on salt water, it can still get you to your destination faster than paddling.
The Watersnake T18 ASP is a basic small trolling motor for kayak. It has high and low-speed control, and reverse and forwards switch. It doesn’t have any advanced and special features, and it has the lowest thrust on our list. But considering its price, ease of operation, and reliability, this is certainly worth considering.
Pros:
- ZLightweight and portable
- ZCheap
- ZCan be used for fresh and saltwater
- ZComes with a kayak bracket mount
Cons:
- QStruggles against current
Why we love it:
- Lightweight
- Telescopic tiller handle
- Lever lock bracket
What it is best for:
- Freshwater
The Minn Kota Endura C2 is from one of the most well-known makers of trolling motors and battery chargers in the U.S. It’s also one of the most popular trolling motors around – and it’s no wonder why. With its incredibly sturdy composite shaft that doesn’t break, corrode, or kink. It’s so strong that the company is even offering a lifetime guarantee on it.
This trolling motor is also very easy to operate. Its 6-inch telescopic handle and tilt twist tiller is comfortable to hold and easy to steer. You can also choose from 5 forward and 3 reverse speeds while exploring the water. Furthermore, it features a unique bearing system that reduces friction. Thus, it won’t create noise and spook any fish away.
What’s great about the Minn Kota Endura C2 is that not only is it rugged and very durable, but it also packs a lot of power. At 30 lbs of thrust, you’ll have no problem going around freshwater even with a lot of load.
Pros:
- ZAffordable
- ZWell-made and very durable
- ZEasy to operate
- ZQuiet operation
Cons:
- QCan only be used on freshwater
Why we love it:
- Telescopic handle
- Extra long cables
- Has a battery indicator
What it is best for:
- Freshwater
- Saltwater
Are you looking for a powerful trolling motor that you can use for lakes and calm water to large open bodies of water? Then check out the Newport Kayak Series. Offering 55 lbs of thrust, it can take you to your favorite fishing spots faster. It’s also rated for saltwater, is rugged, and is very durable with its all-aluminum motor head. The whole hardware is also made with magnesium, zinc, and stainless steel, making it resistant to corrosion.
What’s great about this trolling motor is that it’s designed specifically for kayak fishing. It has a 24-inch shaft that you can quickly adjust to fit your kayak. Its cables for connecting to the battery are also longer. So you’ll have no problem finding the right place for your battery. Furthermore, its handle can be extended, and it has an LED battery indicator, so you’ll know how much run time you have left.
Other things we like about the Newport Kayak Series (55lbs Thrust) is its 5 forward and 3 reverse speeds, which puts you in complete control of your vessel. Its 3-blade propeller also reduces drag and operates quietly. So you can get close to the action without scaring the fish away.
Pros:
- ZPowerful
- ZDurable
- ZEasy to install
- ZAdjustable shaft
Cons:
- QQuite heavy
Why we love it:
- Comes with 4-bolt motor mount
- Adjustable steering configurations
- Has an LED battery meter
What it is best for:
- Freshwater
- Saltwater
The Newport Vessels NK180 is a trolling motor developed specifically for kayak anglers. It offers excellent performance in the most convenient package. With its intuitive remote controller with step-less digital throttle, you can easily go forward and reverse and speed up in no time. It also has an LED battery meter, allowing you to quickly see how much battery you have left.
Speaking of battery, this trolling motor doesn’t require a proprietary battery. You have flexible power options as it works with either lithium or AMG batteries with a nominal output voltage between 24V and 29V. Take note, however, that some lithium batteries’ output can be higher than the rated voltage. So choose carefully.
What we like most about the Newport Vessels NK180 is that it’s user-friendly. Regardless of your level of experience, this is a trolling motor that you’ll have no problem using. It even comes with a 4-bolt mounting system, making installation easier on any type and brand of kayak. Overall, this is a silent, powerful, and efficient kayak motor that can greatly increase your range and game in any type of water.
Pros:
- ZMultiple battery options
- ZQuiet operation
- ZEasy to install
Cons:
- QPricey
What to Look For When Choosing the Best Trolling Motor for Kayak?
When it comes to k’yak trolling motor, electric types are your best choice. Compared to their gas-powered counterparts, electric trolling motors for kayaks are lighter and quieter. Thus, making them perfect for fishing applications.
Aside from the power system, there are also different factors you have to consider before deciding on which trolling motor to get. This is to make sure you’ll get the right one according to your needs and kayak. So to help you with that, here’s everything you need to look out for in a kayak trolling motor.
Mounting Position
The first thing you have to consider is where you are mounting the motor. See, there are two types of trolling motors, depending on their mounting location.
The first and most popular ones are transom-mounted trolling motors. They go at the stern or back and are designed for smaller vessels, including kayaks and canoes. Many anglers prefer them as they are easier to fit in, install, and operate when you’re seated.
On the other hand, bow-mounted trolling motors are those that go in front of a vessel. They are usually built for medium to large-sized boats. They also have more advanced features, such as foot controls, auto-pilot, and wireless control – which also makes them more expensive.
Some people also prefer to mount their motors on the side of their kayaks. This is so they can reach the motor’s handle easier and have better control in terms of direction. As a trade-off, however, a side-mounted motor can affect a kayak’s tracking and cause dragging since it will work against the hull’s design.
With that said, all the trolling motors for kayak we have included in this list are transom-mounted. This is because they’re better for smaller vessels and have more positive reviews from kayak users. But if you’re interested in a bow-mounted type, you can check out the Minn Kota Edge or MotorGuide Xi3.
Size
For trolling motors, size matters. You have to get the right size of motor for your kayak, so it can move smoothly on the water. Also, when you get the size right, the motor won’t have to work as much. Thus, your batteries won’t drain more quickly.
That said, 3 factors affect a motor’s size, and they are:
- Thrust: This refers to the motor’s power. The larger it is, the more thrust it has. Now, to determine how much thrust you need, you have to consider your yak’s weight. Generally, you’ll need at least 2 lbs of thrust to move 100 lbs of boat weight – your weight and gear included. So if you’re around 200 lbs with 50 lbs of gear and using a 50 lbs kayak, you’ll only need a motor with 6 lbs of thrust.
Take note, however, that if you’re paddling against strong wind or current, then you may want something with a little more thrust.
- Volts: This refers to how much battery power a motor needs. For every 12 volts in the system, you’ll need 1 battery. Usually, a 12-volts motor has about 55 lbs of thrust or less. So if you need more thrust, you’ll have to get more batteries. For instance, for 24 volts, you’ll get 68 to 80 lbs of thrust and have to buy 2 batteries.
Keep in mind that you’re buying a motor for a kayak, which means there isn’t that much available space. So your motor should only require batteries that can fit in your vessel.
- Shaft Length: The kayak trolley motor you need to buy also needs to have the proper shaft length. If it is too short, the prop won’t be submerged correctly. Thus, it won’t work properly. On the other hand, if it’s too long, it will only get in your way. As a guide, the top of the foot of the motor should be covered by at least 12 inches of water.
Generally, choosing the shaft length is more critical with bow-mounted motors. This is because most transom trolling motors have similar shaft lengths. But as a guide, best stick to shafts that are 24-36 inches long.
Type of Water
Another factor that you should consider when buying a k’yak trolling motor is the type of water you are planning to go to. For instance, if you’re fishing in saltwater, you have to get a motor that’s designed for saltwater. It’s made of materials resistant to rusting, which makes it more durable and long-lasting. This is incredibly important as you’ll need the most efficient and durable motor when you’re out in the ocean.
You’ll also find trolling motors for freshwater use. That said, a saltwater trolling motor for kayak will also work on freshwater. So you may want to consider that, too.
Mounting Systems
You should also think about how you’ll mount the trolling motor on your kayak. You wouldn’t want to fill your kayak with holes, do you? So also try to look for those with easy mounting solutions.
In line with this, you should check if a motor is compatible with your kayak. It can get pretty annoying to receive the motor you’ve waiting for so long only to find out that it doesn’t match your craft. So before you decide to buy one, make sure that you check your kayak and figure out if it’s compatible with the mounting hardware of the motor you are interested in.
Weight
Are you planning to carry your kayak along with the motor to the water? If so, then you’ll want a light trolling motor that you will have no problem carrying on your own. Aside from that, you should also consider the weight of the battery that it needs to run on. All these are important if your kayak doesn’t support too much weight.
Steering
Trolling motors for kayaks can be steered in 3 ways. There are hand-controlled motors, which are steered via a tiller handle. There are cable-steer motors that rely on a cable that connects the foot pedal and the motor. Furthermore, newer motors can be controlled through a remote.
If you want a motor that you can install and remove the fastest, then a hand-controlled motor is your best choice. On the other hand, if you want to keep your hands free while fishing or going around in the water, then you may want to consider a cable-steer motor.
Meanwhile, if you wish to focus on your fishing and control your kayak in the easiest way possible, then you can try remote-controlled trolling motors. But keep in mind that these types of motors tend to be more expensive.
Speed
When it comes to trolling motors for kayaks, speed refers to the number of speed or reverse speed options offered by a particular model. Generally, larger ones have higher speeds. Meanwhile, lighter and smaller models with 8-speed settings aren’t unusual.
In connection to speed, the fastest you can get with a trolling motor on kayak is 5 mph in the best conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is it worth putting a trolling motor on a kayak?
A: Yes, it is worth putting a trolling motor on a kayak as it can make your trips more fun and convenient. It will also allow you to explore more, go to your destination faster, and have access to more areas that were otherwise out of reach before.
Q: Can a trolling motor be used on a kayak?
A: Yes, a trolling motor can be used on a kayak. Many trolling motors are designed for small to medium-sized watercraft like kayaks, dinghies, paddle boards, and float tubes. They’re also easy to install on these vessels.
Q: How many pounds of trolling motor do I need for a kayak?
A: The pounds (thrust) you will need from a trolling motor for a kayak depends on your boat’s weight with yourself and gear included. That said, there should be at least 2 lbs of thrust for every 100 lbs of weight in your vessel. However, if there’s significant wind and current in where you’re going, then you’ll need more thrust.
Q: What kind of trolling motor for a kayak?
A: A 12V trolling motor is your best choice for a kayak. Anything larger and more powerful won’t really do you any good as it needs a heavier and bigger battery, which can weigh down and occupy precious space in your vessel.
