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Electric Trolling Motor Buyers Guide

Bow Or Transom Mounted Motor

The first consideration in selecting a trolling a motor is bow mount or transom mount. Think of how you will be using the trolling motor for the type of fishing you do. The trolling motor that is best for one fisherman doesn't mean it's the right decision for you.

For smaller boats 16' and less that are tiller controlled most fisherman will choose a tiller operated transom mount trolling motor. With both motors being tiller controlled the fisherman doesn't have get up and walk to the front of the boat to control a bow mount trolling motor. This is the perfect set up in my opinion for smaller walleye fishing boats.

For heavier boats 16' and longer, or bass fishing in general, I would recommend a bow mount trolling motor. For larger boats the bow mount motors will be capable of higher thrust than most transom mount style motors. In most cases a larger walleye fishing boat will already have a gas kicker for trolling on the transom.

Hand or Foot Control?

If you decide to purchase a bow mount motor, the next decision to make is whether to operate it by hand or foot. Although both have their merits, trying each version and finding which is most comfortable to use is probably your best bet. The following chart outlines some advantages and disadvantages for both.

Foot Control Advantages:
1) Hands free usage with option remote control foot pedals
2) Automatic steering of boat.

Foot Control Disadvantages:
1) More clutter on deck being the foot pedal
2) Electric steering models have slow response time
3) More parts to break or malfunction

Hand Control Advantages:

Thrust

Look to the below chart for recommended trolling motor thrust to boat length. .) Choose wisely and weigh all of the variables. Running a motor that is under rated for your craft can only lead to misery and headaches when venturing out on the water.

Voltage and Batteries

Electric trolling motors are designed for three different power systems: 12 volt, 24 volt, or 36 Volt. To make it easier to understand, a 12-volt trolling motor is run off of one, 12-volt deep cycle marine battery. In order for a 24-volt motor to work, it must be run off of two separate batteries, and a 36-volt version requires three.

A 12-volt trolling motor is the most common and inexpensive. These motors do lack the staying power and thrust when compared to the 24volt and 36volt motors. A 24- or 36-volt system will allow the angler to fish longer periods out on the water, as there is not as much current draw on the individual batteries because of the higher voltage rating. Be sure when selecting batteries for a trolling motor that the battery is rated for deep-cycle use. Also keep in mind that a deep-cycle battery will weigh in at about 50lbs.

If your boat is 16-foot or smaller, a high-thrust 12-volt model will be adequate for the conditions that you will face. If your boat is any longer, moving up to a 24- or 36-volt system is the only way to go for hassle-free boating. For all day fishing even a 16' boat should be equipped with a 24volt trolling motor.

Shaft Length

Shaft length is critical when selecting a bow mount trolling motor. If the shaft is to short the propeller will come out of the water when fishing in rough water. If it is too long, shallow water operation may pose a continuous problem hitting the bottom. The shaft length of most trolling motors is adjustable.

The shaft length is dictated by the height of the bow or stern. Deep V boats will require a longer shaft, whereas the shortest length will adequately serve canoes. Discussing these options with the salesmen would be recommended to get the right type for the job at hand.