L-Series 86lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor Review

Newport Vessels NV-Series 36lb Thrust Trolling Motor Review: A Reliable Companion on the Water

I’ve been using trolling motors for years, but never really invested in a quality one until recently. After my old motor finally gave up during a fishing trip (isn’t that always when they fail?), I decided to try the Newport Vessels NV-Series with its 36lb thrust. After a couple months of regular weekend use, I think I’ve got a pretty good handle on what makes this motor tick – and where it occasionally struggles.

Solid Build

The first thing I noticed when unboxing the Newport Vessels trolling motor was its surprisingly sturdy construction. The 30-inch fiberglass composite shaft feels substantial without being unnecessarily heavy, and I appreciate how the stainless steel, zinc, and magnesium hardware components seem purpose-built for saltwater environments. The black and white color scheme gives it a clean, professional look that won’t clash with most boat designs. I particularly like the ergonomics of the 6-inch telescoping handle, which feels comfortable during extended use and gives precise control over direction. The adjustable depth collar and tension knob are thoughtfully positioned, making it easy to make quick adjustments when you’re already out on the water – something I found really useful when moving between different depth areas during a single trip.

Power When You Need It

After mounting this motor to my 10-foot inflatable (which took about 30 minutes, nothing complicated), I was impressed by how quietly it operates. The 36 pounds of thrust provides enough power for my small boat even against moderate currents and winds, though I wouldn’t push it in really challenging conditions. The 8-speed system (5 forward, 3 reverse) offers good flexibility, and I’ve found that the middle forward speeds provide the best balance between battery conservation and decent movement. I generally get about 5-6 hours of use on medium speed with a fully charged deep cycle battery, which is more than enough for my typical fishing excursions. The built-in LED battery meter is perhaps one of my favorite features – such a simple addition but incredibly useful when you’re out on the water and need to know how much juice you’ve got left. I think this should be standard on all trolling motors, honestly.

The Numbers Game

Specification	Details
Thrust	36 pounds
Shaft Length	30 inches
Speed Settings	8 (5 forward, 3 reverse)
Voltage	12V
Propeller	3-blade
Battery Indicator	5-point LED meter
Handle	6-inch telescoping
Mount Type	Transom
Weight	Approximately 19 pounds
Compatible Boats	Inflatables, dinghies, jon boats, canoes, kayaks

Pros

• Excellent corrosion resistance in saltwater
• Informative battery indicator prevents unexpected power loss
• Very quiet operation won’t scare fish away
• Smooth speed transitions between settings
• Solid construction that feels built to last
• Comfortable telescoping handle reduces fatigue

Cons

• Slightly heavier than some comparable models
• Battery life decreases noticeably at higher speeds
• Mounting hardware could be more robust
• Shaft length adjustment can be stiff at first
• Costs more than some entry-level alternatives

What Other Users Say

After reading through dozens of reviews on Amazon, the general sentiment seems overwhelmingly positive, with this motor earning an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars across hundreds of reviews. One customer named Michael wrote: “Perfect for my 12′ aluminum boat. Strong enough to move against currents and wind, and the battery indicator is a lifesaver. Been using it for 2 years in both fresh and salt water with no issues.” Another reviewer commented: “The transom mount is sturdy and after 6 months of regular use, I haven’t seen any corrosion despite using it exclusively in saltwater. Well worth the money compared to cheaper options that don’t last.” Some critiques mention that the motor is a bit heavy to lift in and out of the water frequently, and a few users experienced issues with the toggle switch after extended use. However, these negative comments are relatively few compared to the positive feedback.

Who Should Buy It?

For beginners: This motor is very user-friendly with intuitive controls and the battery indicator helps prevent the rookie mistake of getting stranded with a dead battery. The price point is moderate – not the cheapest entry-level option, but reasonable for the quality you’re getting. The only challenge might be the weight when handling it initially. For intermediate users: This is perhaps the ideal user for this motor. The Newport Vessels offers enough power and features to satisfy someone who knows what they’re doing and goes out regularly, without overcomplicating things or breaking the bank. For advanced users: If you’re an experienced angler with a larger boat or one who regularly deals with strong currents or winds, you might want something with more thrust. However, for smaller boats and regular fishing trips, many experienced users find this motor has the right balance of power, features, and reliability.

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Ready for Better Boating?

The Newport Vessels 36lb Thrust Trolling Motor offers reliability, performance, and thoughtful features that make it a worthy investment for any small boat owner who wants dependable power without the noise and fumes of gas engines.