Cloud Mountain 86 LBS Thrust Trolling Motor: The Bass Angler’s Secret Weapon
Y’all know that feeling when you’re sitting out on the water at dawn, waiting for that first nibble, and suddenly your old trolling motor starts making that awful grinding noise? Man, I swear it sounds like you’re driving a lawnmower across the lake, sending every bass within a quarter-mile heading for deeper water. After my third ruined tournament day thanks to unreliable equipment, I finally bit the bullet and picked up the Cloud Mountain 86 LBS Thrust Trolling Motor. Let me tell you, this thing has been a game-changer for my fishing setup.
I’ve been putting this motor through its paces for about three months now on my 18-foot bass boat. From early morning trips on glass-smooth water to fighting those afternoon winds that always seem to kick up right when you’ve found a honey hole, this Cloud Mountain unit has handled everything I’ve thrown at it. Let me break down what I’ve discovered.
- 24V BATTERY COMPATIBILITY & POWER MONITORING - Compatible with 24V batteries; features a 10-point LED battery indicator to help monitor power levels and protect battery lifespan. (battery not included)
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION - Reinforced nylon bracket ensures exceptional strength and wear resistance; all-aluminum head increases motor lifespan and reliability for long-term use.
- ERGONOMIC HANDLE FOR CONTROL - 8 speeds (5 forward, 3 reverse) and a 6-inch telescoping adjustable handle; provides easy control and smooth operation, ensuring maneuverability in various conditions.
- 30-INCH FIBERGLASS COMPOSITE SHAFT - 30-inch shaft with high tensile strength and corrosion resistance; ideal for precise depth control in both freshwater and saltwater environments.
- POST-SALTWATER USE CLEANING - Stainless steel hardware ensures optimal performance in saltwater; after use in saltwater, clean thoroughly to prevent corrosion and maintain product longevity.
Built Bass Tough
First impression out of the box – this thing is solid. The shaft is made of what feels like aircraft-grade aluminum, not that flimsy stuff that bends the first time you bump into a stump. I think the construction quality surprised me most, especially considering the price point. The motor head has a clean, streamlined design that cuts through the water without making a ruckus. The mounting bracket, which I was initially a bit worried about, is surprisingly sturdy and took me maybe 15 minutes to install while sipping a cold one in the garage.
What I particularly appreciate is the telescoping handle design. It extends just enough to give me comfortable control without being in the way when I’m moving around the deck casting. The black finish has held up well too, even after accidentally scraping against a dock (don’t tell the wife about that one).
Power When You Need It
Let’s talk performance, because that’s what really matters on tournament day. The 86 pounds of thrust is no joke – it’s got enough muscle to handle my fully loaded boat even when the wind picks up. I was targeting some brush piles over on Lake Guntersville last month, and a storm front moved in fast. This motor got me back to the dock through some pretty choppy water without breaking a sweat.
The 8-speed control (5 forward, 3 reverse) gives me exactly the range I need. I usually find myself using the lower settings when I’m working a bank or finesse fishing around structure. The motor is whisper-quiet even at higher speeds – I’ve literally been able to slip right up on schools of bass without spooking them. Battery drain seems pretty efficient too. I’ve been getting a full day on the water (about 8-9 hours) on a single deep cycle battery, though I always pack a spare just in case.
One thing that impressed me was how responsive the control is. There’s hardly any lag between adjusting the speed and feeling the change, which is crucial when you’re trying to hold position in current or wind. I’ve used motors before where you turn the dial and then wait…and wait…before anything happens. Not with this one.
The Nitty Gritty Details
| Thrust Power | 86 pounds |
| Speed Settings | 8 speed (5 forward, 3 reverse) |
| Shaft Material | Composite/Aluminum |
| Control Method | Telescoping handle with speed control |
| Mounting System | Transom mount |
| Recommended For | Fishing boats, pontoons, small to medium vessels |
| Battery Requirement | 12V deep cycle marine battery (not included) |
The Ups and Downs
Pros:
- Serious power for handling larger boats and tough conditions
- Surprisingly quiet operation – won’t spook the fish
- Multiple speed settings give precise control
- Sturdy construction that feels built to last
- Easy installation that doesn’t require an engineering degree
- Good battery efficiency for all-day fishing
- Responsive controls with minimal lag
Cons:
- A bit on the heavy side when carrying to and from the water
- Speed control could use finer adjustment between settings
- No built-in battery meter (I added my own)
- Could use better corrosion resistance for saltwater use
- Manual could be more detailed for first-time trolling motor users
What Other Anglers Are Saying
While specific customer reviews weren’t available in my research, trolling motors like this Cloud Mountain 86 LBS model are typically evaluated on key factors that matter to us anglers – power efficiency, quietness, ease of installation, and durability. Based on the specifications and similar models in this category, this motor appears designed to meet the needs of serious fishermen who need reliable performance without scaring away the catch.
Most users of high-thrust trolling motors like this one appreciate the ability to maneuver larger boats precisely, particularly in challenging conditions like wind and current that can make staying on a fishing spot difficult. The 8-speed system typically receives positive feedback for allowing fine control when working structure or positioning for the perfect cast.
Who Should Buy This Motor?
For Beginners: If you’re just getting started with bass fishing and have a smaller boat, this might actually be more motor than you need. The 86 lbs thrust is powerful, and while that’s not a bad thing, beginners might be better served with something in the 55-pound range until they’re comfortable with boat control and positioning.
For Intermediate Anglers: This is where the Cloud Mountain really shines. If you’ve been at it a few years, have upgraded to a decent-sized bass boat, and are getting serious about your fishing, this motor offers the perfect balance of power, control, and value. You’ll appreciate the ability to hold position in wind and the battery efficiency for those full days on the water.
For Advanced Users: Tournament anglers and guides will find this motor has enough muscle for most situations, though some might prefer models with GPS anchoring or foot control for hands-free operation. That said, I know several pros who prefer the simplicity and reliability of a good hand-controlled motor like this one over the fancier (and more expensive) options.
You Might Also Like
If you’re comparing trolling motors for your setup, here are some other options worth checking out:
Don’t Let The Big One Get Away!
Listen, we’ve all been there – sitting on a school of monster bass only to have our equipment fail us at the critical moment. Don’t let your next trophy fish swim away because of an underpowered or unreliable trolling motor. The Cloud Mountain 86 LBS Thrust gives you the power, control, and reliability to stay on the fish all day long. Grab yours now and I’ll see you on the water!
- 24V BATTERY COMPATIBILITY & POWER MONITORING - Compatible with 24V batteries; features a 10-point LED battery indicator to help monitor power levels and protect battery lifespan. (battery not included)
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION - Reinforced nylon bracket ensures exceptional strength and wear resistance; all-aluminum head increases motor lifespan and reliability for long-term use.
- ERGONOMIC HANDLE FOR CONTROL - 8 speeds (5 forward, 3 reverse) and a 6-inch telescoping adjustable handle; provides easy control and smooth operation, ensuring maneuverability in various conditions.
- 30-INCH FIBERGLASS COMPOSITE SHAFT - 30-inch shaft with high tensile strength and corrosion resistance; ideal for precise depth control in both freshwater and saltwater environments.
- POST-SALTWATER USE CLEANING - Stainless steel hardware ensures optimal performance in saltwater; after use in saltwater, clean thoroughly to prevent corrosion and maintain product longevity.