Did you know that choosing the wrong trolling motor for your 12ft jon boat can drain your battery in half the time? We’ve tested dozens of motors to identify the five that deliver the perfect balance of power, efficiency, and control for smaller vessels. Our top picks range from the Newport NV-Series with its impressive 55 pounds of thrust to the budget-friendly PEXMOR that still offers remarkable maneuverability. Let’s explore which option might be your perfect match.
Newport NV-Series Thrust Saltwater Trolling Electric Motor with LED Battery Indicator
- Efficient Power: 55Lb Thrust - This 12V Electric Trolling Motor Provides Excellent Power And Efficiency For Any Boater. The High Quality Build Allows The Motor To Run All Day Long Without Overheating, Or Making Noise To Spook Fish
- Features: This Motor Features A 30 Inch Shaft, A 5 Led Battery Meter, A 6 Inch Telescoping Tiller Handle, And 3 Blade Propeller. The Mount Angle, Height, And Direction Can All Be Adjusted And Locked Into Place When Needed
- Speed: This Motor Has 8 Speeds, 5 Forward And 3 Reverse. The Motor Is Designed For Trolling, So The Top Speed Of This Motor Is About 4Mph, But Depends On Your Boat Shape, Weight, Water, Wind, And Other Factors. Our 3 Blade Propeller Gives The Motor Great Low End Torque To Get The Boat Moving
- Battery: The Nv 55Lb Motor Requires One (1) 12V Lead-Acid Deep Cycle Battery (Battery Not Included), 50Ah Recommended. The Motor Also Includes A 50Amp Circuit Breaker Which Is Recommended At All Times To Protect From Battery Voltage Surges. Max Amp Draw: 52A
For anglers looking to power their small jon boats without breaking the bank, the Newport NV-Series Trolling Motor offers impressive performance in a compact package. With 55 pounds of thrust and a 12V system, it’s perfectly sized for a 12ft jon boat.
We love the 8-speed system (5 forward, 3 reverse) that gives you plenty of control on the water. You’ll get about 4mph at top speed, which is plenty for fishing small lakes. The 30-inch shaft and 3-blade propeller provide excellent maneuverability, while the built-in LED battery meter helps you monitor power levels during your trip.
Best For: Budget-conscious anglers with small to medium-sized boats (jon boats, dinghies, inflatable boats) looking for a reliable saltwater trolling motor with decent power and speed for fishing on lakes, ponds, and calm coastal waters.
Pros:
- Provides excellent value with 55 pounds of thrust and 8-speed control system (5 forward, 3 reverse) at a competitive price point
- Built-in 5-LED battery meter helps monitor power levels during trips, while the included 50Amp circuit breaker offers protection against electrical issues
- Saltwater-rated components and quiet operation make it suitable for both freshwater and marine environments
Cons:
- Battery indicator readings can be inaccurate according to user reviews, potentially misleading boaters about remaining power
- Experiences noticeable vibration and increased noise at higher speeds, which may affect fishing experience
- Requires separate purchase of a 12V deep cycle battery (50Ah recommended) which adds to the overall cost
Minn Kota Endura C2 Transom-Mount Electric Trolling Motor (30 Lb. Thrust)
- Telescoping Tiller: This 6-inch telescoping tiller provides easy, comfortable, and intuitive control of your trolling motor for all-day fishing trips; Push-to-test battery meter integrated with motor head
- 10-Position Lever Lock Bracket: Easy-release lever lock system lets you quickly adjust and secure your trolling motor angle; Reinforced composite construction resists flexing, warping, and UV damage for long-lasting durability in marine environments
- Power Prop for Heavy Vegetation: Designed for 3-1/4" motor diameters, this high-performance propeller delivers extra thrust to power through thick cover; Includes prop pin, nut, and washer for complete installation
- Forward & Reverse Speed Settings: Dial in precise speed control with five forward speeds and three reverse speeds; Versatile settings let you adapt to any fishing condition, from slow trolling presentations to quick repositioning on the water
- Built to Last: Designed with an indestructible composite shaft at the motor's core to ensure reliable performance season after season
The Minn Kota Endura C2 Transom-Mount Electric Trolling Motor stands out as an ideal choice for Jon boat owners who need reliable power without excess weight. At just 17 pounds with 30 pounds of thrust, it’s perfectly sized for smaller vessels while offering impressive performance.
We love its user-friendly features, including the telescoping 6-inch tiller with 5 forward and 3 reverse speeds, allowing precise control on the water. The lever lock bracket with 10 quick-release positions makes adjustments simple, while the indestructible composite shaft comes with a lifetime guarantee.
Battery life is impressive too – expect about 2 hours at medium setting with a 50Ah battery, longer with larger capacity options.
Best For: Small vessel owners seeking a lightweight, reliable trolling motor with good battery life for freshwater fishing on Jon boats, inflatable boats, kayaks, or canoes.
Pros:
- Versatile 5 forward/3 reverse speed settings with telescoping tiller for precise control in various water conditions
- Durable construction with indestructible composite shaft backed by lifetime guarantee
- Energy efficient with 2+ hours runtime at medium settings using a standard 50Ah battery
Cons:
- Limited to 30 lb thrust which may be insufficient for larger boats or strong currents
- At 17 pounds, may be heavier than ultra-lightweight options for very small vessels
- Requires separate battery purchase and 12-volt adapter for portable power setups
Newport NV-Series Thrust Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor
- EFFICIENT POWER: 36lb Thrust - this 12v electric trolling motor provides excellent power and efficiency for any boater. The high quality build allows the motor to run all day long without overheating, or making noise to spook fish.
- FEATURES: This motor features a 30 inch shaft, a 5 LED battery meter, a 6 inch telescoping tiller handle, and 2 blade propeller. The mount angle, height, and direction can all be adjusted and locked into place when needed.
- SPEED: This motor has 8 speeds, 5 forward and 3 reverse. The motor is designed for trolling, so the top speed of this motor is about 3mph, but depends on your boat shape, weight, water, wind, and other factors. Our 2 Blade Propeller performs well in weeds and grassy conditions.
- BATTERY: The NV 36lb motor requires one (1) 12V Lead-Acid Deep Cycle battery (battery not included), 50ah recommended. The motor includes a 40amp circuit breaker which is recommended at all times to protect from battery voltage surges. Max Amp Draw: 29A
- QUALITY & RELIABILITY: All Newport motors are made to high quality stainless steel, magnesium, and zinc hardware to withstand fresh water and salt water environments. We stand behind every product we make with industry leading customer service and a 2 year warranty.
Serious fishermen seeking reliable power without breaking the bank will find the Newport NV-Series Trolling Motor an impressive option for their 12-foot jon boat. With 36 pounds of thrust and 8 speeds (5 forward, 3 reverse), it’s got plenty of power to move your vessel efficiently.
We’ve found this motor particularly user-friendly with its 6-inch telescoping tiller and convenient battery indicator. At just 18.5 pounds, it’s lightweight yet durable with saltwater-ready components. The 30-inch shaft works perfectly for jon boat transom heights.
The motor draws power from a standard 12V battery (not included) and can run all day without overheating—perfect for those long fishing trips.
Best For: Recreational fishermen with 12-foot jon boats or similar small vessels seeking an affordable, reliable electric trolling motor with enough power for freshwater fishing trips.
Pros:
- Lightweight design (18.5 pounds) makes it easy to install and transport while still providing substantial 36lb thrust
- Versatile 8-speed system with 5 forward and 3 reverse speeds allows for precise control during trolling and cruising
- Durable construction with saltwater-ready components and 2-year warranty ensures reliable performance across multiple fishing seasons
Cons:
- Battery indicator lights are reported to be inaccurate, potentially misleading users about remaining power
- First gear is relatively aggressive at approximately 2.5mph, which may be too fast for slow trolling techniques
- Noticeable vibration and noise at higher speeds could potentially spook fish in quiet waters
Newport Kayak Series 55lb Thrust Electric Trolling Motor with LED Battery Indicator
- 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
Kayak anglers seeking impressive power for their 12-foot Jon boat will find the Newport Kayak Series 55lb Thrust Electric Trolling Motor an exceptional choice. We love its height-adjustable fiberglass shaft and 8-speed control system that offers 5 forward and 3 reverse settings.
The LED battery indicator is a game-changer, letting you monitor runtime while on the water. At just 23 pounds, it won’t weigh down your boat, yet it delivers enough power to push a 16-foot jon boat at over 4 mph. We’ve found the ultra-quiet operation perfect for approaching fish without scaring them away. It’s saltwater rated too, making it versatile for various fishing environments.
Best For: Kayak and small boat anglers seeking a powerful, quiet trolling motor with versatile speed options for both freshwater and saltwater fishing environments.
Pros:
- Lightweight 23-pound design with 55lb thrust capacity provides excellent power-to-weight ratio for kayaks and jon boats
- 5 forward/3 reverse speeds with LED battery indicator allows precise control and monitoring while on the water
- Saltwater-rated construction with corrosion-resistant materials ensures longevity in various fishing conditions
Cons:
- Some users may need to add a rudder for better tracking and directional control
- Requires a separate 12V deep cycle or marine battery that adds to overall weight and setup
- 24-inch shaft length may not be ideal for all watercraft or in choppy water conditions
PEXMOR 8 Speed Electric Trolling Motor for Boats and Kayaks
- 【EFFICIENT POWER】- 55LB Thrust,This 12V electric trolling motor provides excellent power and efficiency for any boater. The High Quality Build Allows The Motor To Run All Day Long Without Overheating, the trolling motor runs stably with less noise and will not disturb the fish
- 【VARIABLE HANDLE】-Comes with 6" telescoping adjustable handle. You can use it as long or as short as you want. Also,comfortable handle, 5 forward speeds and 3 reverse speeds is for you to take a smooth and easily control
- 【ADJUSTABLE DEPTH AND ANGLE】- Adjusting the shaft angle by press the button can adapt to different sailing conditions according to your surfing demands. Also, you can also adjust the depth of the machine in the water at will with a knob
- 【UNIQUE DESIGN】- PEXMOR Electric Trolling Motor is equiped with three bladed propeller, which can enhance motivation and effiency. Three sharp blades make it easy to get rid of seaweed. In addition, we have an additional two and three bladed propeller in the 26/36/45 and 55/86 thrusters respectively
- 【LED BATTERY INDICATOR】- 1-10 LED light indicator let you keep track of the battery's capacity. The red and green lights will give you a big hint. 1-3 red lights indicate low power to remind you of the left capacity of battery. (Battery not included
For fishing enthusiasts with 12-foot Jon boats, PEXMOR’s 8 Speed Electric Trolling Motor offers impressive versatility and reliable performance. With 26LB of thrust and a 12V power system, it’s perfectly sized for smaller vessels while providing enough power to move through water efficiently.
We love the 8-speed system (5 forward, 3 reverse) that gives you precise control when maneuvering tight spots. The telescoping handle extends 6 inches, and the adjustable shaft angle makes it adaptable to different conditions. The built-in LED battery indicator keeps you informed about power levels, so you won’t get stranded on the water.
Best For: Small boat owners and kayakers looking for an affordable, reliable trolling motor with multiple speed options and good battery efficiency for day-long fishing trips.
Pros:
- Multiple speed options with 5 forward and 3 reverse speeds provide excellent control and maneuverability
- Long-running time without overheating, especially when paired with a 50AH lithium battery
- Adjustable features including telescoping handle, shaft angle, and depth make it versatile for different vessels and conditions
Cons:
- May lack sufficient power for heavier boats despite the 26LB thrust rating
- Lowest speed on the 24V version can be too fast for kayak fishing requiring slow trolling
- Limited warranty of only 1 year compared to some competitors in the trolling motor market
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Trolling Motor for 12FT Jon Boat
When we’re picking a trolling motor for our 12ft Jon boat, we need to evaluate several important factors that’ll make a big difference in performance. We’ll want to match the right thrust power to our boat’s size, choose the correct battery setup, and make sure the shaft length fits our specific boat model. Other key considerations include whether we’ll use the motor in saltwater or freshwater and how the motor’s weight will affect our boat’s balance and handling.
Thrust Requirements
How much power does your 12FT Jon boat actually need? When selecting a trolling motor, thrust is essential for proper performance. We recommend at least 30 pounds of thrust for basic movement, which will get you speeds of 2-4 mph in calm waters. This is the bare minimum to avoid frustration on the water.
If you’re dealing with wind or currents (and who isn’t occasionally?), we’d suggest bumping up to 40-55 pounds of thrust. This extra power helps maintain control and prevents your motor from working too hard. Remember, a flat-bottomed Jon boat might need more thrust than you’d expect due to its unique resistance in water.
Don’t skimp on thrust if you want decent speed – anything under 30 pounds might leave you crawling along at less than 2 mph!
Battery Power Needs
Why do so many anglers overlook battery requirements until they’re stranded on the water? Let’s make sure you’re not one of them!
For your 12-foot Jon boat, you’ll need a 12V deep cycle battery that can handle the long, steady power drain of trolling motors. Unlike starting batteries, deep cycle batteries deliver consistent energy over extended periods. We recommend at least a 50Ah battery to keep you fishing for 2-3 hours at moderate speeds.
Shaft Length Selection
Now that we’ve squared away your battery power needs, let’s talk about shaft length – a feature many boaters get wrong on their first purchase. For your 12-foot Jon boat, you’ll typically need a shaft between 24 and 36 inches long.
The key is measuring your transom height (from mounting point to waterline) and then adding 12-18 inches. This extra length guarantees your propeller stays underwater even when you hit waves or carry heavier loads. If your transom is the standard 15-20 inches, a 36-inch shaft will serve you well in most conditions.
Saltwater vs. Freshwater
When choosing between saltwater and freshwater trolling motors for your 12-foot Jon boat, the distinction matters far more than many boaters realize. The environments demand different engineering approaches that directly impact your motor’s lifespan and performance.
Saltwater motors feature enhanced corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel and specialized coatings that freshwater motors simply don’t need. They’re also built with superior sealing to prevent electrical failures from saltwater’s higher conductivity. While freshwater motors use lighter, less protective materials that keep costs down, they’ll quickly deteriorate in saline conditions.
Even if you primarily fish freshwater but occasionally venture into brackish areas, we’d recommend investing in a saltwater-rated motor. The reinforced hardware and better protection will serve you well in all conditions, preventing premature failure and saving money long-term.
Weight Considerations
Balancing weight properly on your 12-foot Jon boat might seem like a minor detail, but it’s actually crucial for performance and safety on the water. The trolling motor itself adds 15-25 pounds to your vessel, and lighter options are definitely easier to handle, especially if you’re going solo.
When selecting your motor, remember to match the thrust to your boat’s total weight. A typical 12FT Jon boat weighs 100-300 pounds empty, and you’ll need 30-55 pounds of thrust when you add passengers and gear. Don’t forget about battery weight too—a 12V deep-cycle battery can add another 25-50 pounds! We recommend positioning these components strategically to maintain stability.
Lighter motors improve maneuverability and efficiency, but whatever you choose, make sure the combined weight doesn’t strain your transom mount.
Speed Settings
How effectively can you control your Jon boat on the water? The speed settings on your trolling motor play a vital role in this answer. We recommend looking for models with multiple speed options – typically 5 forward and 3 reverse settings give you the versatility needed for a 12-foot Jon boat.
These varied settings allow us to adapt to changing conditions on the water. When we’re fishing in tight spots, the lowest settings provide quiet, precise movements that won’t spook fish. For covering more distance or fighting against currents, higher speeds become essential. The reverse settings are particularly valuable when maneuvering around docks or obstacles.
Mounting Options
Beyond controlling your boat’s speed, you’ll need to determine how your trolling motor physically attaches to your vessel. For most 12ft jon boats, transom mounting is the ideal choice. This option securely fastens the motor to the back of your boat, making installation straightforward and providing reliable operation.
We’ve found that adjustable mounts are worth considering as they let you fine-tune the angle and height for best performance. This can greatly improve steering control and efficiency, especially in varying water conditions.
Don’t overlook quick-release mechanisms either – they’re lifesavers when you need to detach your motor for storage or transportation. While bow mounts offer excellent maneuverability, they typically require more space and stronger installation points than what’s available on smaller jon boats. Remember to choose mounts with corrosion-resistant materials that will stand up to your specific water environment.
Durability and Materials
Durability stands as the backbone of any quality trolling motor for your jon boat. We’ve found that models featuring aluminum or composite construction deliver excellent corrosion resistance, especially critical if you’re operating in saltwater. These materials typically extend your motor’s life while keeping weight manageable—most quality units weigh between 17-23 pounds, balancing durability with ease of handling.
Look for fiberglass shafts, which provide the flexibility needed when encountering underwater obstacles. They’re less likely to bend or break under typical stresses. We also recommend checking for corrosion-resistant hardware like stainless steel components or zinc coatings that prevent rust over time.
Most manufacturers offer 1-2 year warranties, reflecting their confidence in the materials’ ability to withstand hundreds of operational hours. This longevity factor should be a key consideration for your 12ft jon boat investment.