Newport Vessels Kayak Series 55lb Thrust Trolling Motor: The Ultimate Bass Fishing Companion
As a die-hard bass fisherman who’s spent more hours on the water than I care to admit, finding the right trolling motor for my kayak has been something of a holy grail. After burning through a couple of underpowered motors that couldn’t handle the spots where the big ones hide, I decided to give the Newport Vessels Kayak Series a shot. Man, what a difference a proper motor makes! This 55lb thrust beast has completely changed my kayak fishing game, letting me sneak into those tight, weedy pockets where the trophy bass love to lurk.
I’ve put this motor through its paces over the past several months in everything from calm lakes to brackish inlets, and I think I’ve got a pretty good handle on what makes it tick. If you’re looking to upgrade your kayak fishing setup, you might want to stick around for this one.
Power House Design
The first thing that struck me about this Newport trolling motor was how it manages to pack serious punch into a kayak-friendly package. The 24-inch shaft is absolutely perfect for my low-riding fishing kayak – tall enough to keep the prop submerged where it needs to be, but not so long that it becomes unwieldy or throws off my balance when I’m standing to cast.
The aluminum construction gives me peace of mind when I’m hitting those saltwater flats (something my previous motor definitely couldn’t handle). I’ve accidentally banged this thing against submerged logs more times than I’d like to admit, and it still looks and performs like new. The transom mount system is straightforward and rock-solid – no annoying vibrations or movement even when I’m pushing the motor hard to get to my favorite spot before sunrise.
- Kayak Shaft: 24-Inch Fiberglass Shaft Allows For Variable Depth Placement, While Offering A Lifetime Of Dependable Performance
- Variable Speed: 8 Speeds (5 Forward & 3 Reverse) With 6-Inch Telescoping Handle Puts You In Total Control Of Your Ride
- Saltwater Rated: Durable All Aluminum Motor Head W/ Corrosion Resistant Magnesium, Zinc, And Stainless-Steel Hardware For Saltwater Use (Lead-Acid Dc 12V)
- Extra Long Cables: 5'6" Battery Cables Allow For Versatile Battery Placement For Optimal Weight Distribution
Silent Hunting Power
Let’s talk performance, because that’s where this motor really shines. The 55 pounds of thrust might seem like overkill for a kayak, but trust me, when you’re loaded down with tackle boxes, live wells, fish finders, and other gear, you’ll appreciate that extra oomph. I’ve taken this motor out on some pretty windy days where other kayakers were struggling, and I could still maintain control and keep on my fishing line without breaking a sweat.
What really impresses me, though, is how quiet this thing runs. I can literally glide right up to my target areas without spooking the fish. The difference between this and my old gas-powered setup is night and day – I’m convinced I’m landing more bass simply because they don’t hear me coming. The variable speed control is super responsive, giving me precise maneuvering when I need to hold position near structure or slowly work a bank.
Battery life has been pretty solid too. I typically run this with a 50Ah deep cycle marine battery, and I can get a full day of fishing in without any issues. Of course, if you’re running at full throttle all day, your mileage may vary, but for typical bass fishing patterns with stops and starts, it’s more than adequate.
Tech Specs Breakdown
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Newport |
| Thrust Capacity | 55 pounds |
| Shaft Length | 24 inches |
| Construction Material | Corrosion-resistant Aluminum |
| Motor Type | Electric |
| Water Type | Saltwater & Freshwater compatible |
| Mounting System | Transom mount (rear of kayak) |
| Battery Requirement | 12V Deep Cycle (not included) |
| Control System | Telescoping handle with variable speed |
Pros
- Incredibly quiet operation – perfect for sneaking up on skittish bass
- Powerful 55lb thrust easily handles wind, current, and heavy loads
- The 24″ shaft is ideally sized for most fishing kayaks
- Saltwater-ready construction means you can fish anywhere without worry
- Straightforward installation – I had mine up and running in about 20 minutes
- Controls are intuitive and easy to operate while fishing
- Durable build quality that can take a beating
Cons
- A bit on the heavy side at around 23 pounds – you’ll notice the added weight when loading/unloading your kayak
- Battery not included (though this is standard for trolling motors)
- The 24″ shaft might be too short for some higher-sitting kayaks or small boats
- Price point is higher than some basic trolling motors (but you get what you pay for)
- Speed control can be a little sensitive at first until you get used to it
What Other Anglers Are Saying
I’m not the only one who’s fallen for this motor. The overall sentiment from fellow anglers has been overwhelmingly positive. Most users rave about the adjustability and how easy it is to install on different kayak models. One reviewer mentioned, “Installation was a breeze and the motor provides plenty of power, even when I’m loaded down with gear for a full day of fishing.”
The corrosion resistance gets high marks from saltwater anglers, with many confirming it holds up well over time without the excessive maintenance some other motors require. As one user put it, “After a full season in brackish water, there’s virtually no sign of corrosion. Just a quick rinse after use and it’s good to go.”
The few complaints I’ve seen typically center around the weight of the unit or wishing for longer battery life, which is pretty standard for any electric trolling motor. Some users also mentioned the importance of matching the shaft length to their specific kayak setup – something to keep in mind if your kayak sits higher on the water.
Who Should Buy This Motor?
For beginners, this Newport Vessels trolling motor offers an excellent entry point into powered kayak fishing. The intuitive controls and straightforward mounting system make it approachable even if you’re new to using trolling motors. Just be aware that you’ll need to invest in a good marine battery to go with it.
For intermediate anglers looking to upgrade from a less powerful motor, this is probably the sweet spot. You’ll immediately appreciate the increased thrust and reliability, especially if you fish in diverse conditions or carry a lot of gear.
Even advanced users will find a lot to love here. While it may not have some of the GPS-enabled bells and whistles of the highest-end models, the combination of power, durability, and saltwater capability makes it a solid workhorse for serious kayak anglers. I’ve spoken with tournament anglers who swear by this motor for its reliability when the stakes are high.
You Might Also Like
If you’re upgrading your kayak fishing setup, you might want to check out these other popular trolling motor options:
Grab Yours and Hit the Water!
Look, I could go on about specs and features all day, but at the end of the day, this motor has helped me catch more fish, period. If you’re serious about kayak fishing and want a reliable motor that’ll get you where the big ones are hiding without scaring them off, it’s time to pull the trigger on the Newport Vessels Kayak Series. Your trophy bass photos will thank you.
- Kayak Shaft: 24-Inch Fiberglass Shaft Allows For Variable Depth Placement, While Offering A Lifetime Of Dependable Performance
- Variable Speed: 8 Speeds (5 Forward & 3 Reverse) With 6-Inch Telescoping Handle Puts You In Total Control Of Your Ride
- Saltwater Rated: Durable All Aluminum Motor Head W/ Corrosion Resistant Magnesium, Zinc, And Stainless-Steel Hardware For Saltwater Use (Lead-Acid Dc 12V)
- Extra Long Cables: 5'6" Battery Cables Allow For Versatile Battery Placement For Optimal Weight Distribution