Did you know that many fishing boats capsize each year because of underpowered trolling motors in rough waters? We’ve tested dozens of motors in challenging conditions to find the three best options for big water. Whether you’re battling strong currents, high winds, or choppy surfaces, having the right motor makes all the difference between a frustrating outing and landing your biggest catch yet. Let’s explore what makes these top performers worth your investment.
Newport NV-Series Thrust Saltwater Electric Trolling 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 those battling the choppy challenges of big water, the Newport NV-Series Thrust Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor stands out as a powerhouse option. With 55 pounds of thrust and 8 speeds (5 forward, 3 reverse), it’s designed to handle tough conditions while maintaining efficiency.
We love how this motor performs against winds and currents, reaching speeds up to 4mph depending on your boat. The 5-LED battery indicator helps monitor power levels, though some users note it’s not always accurate. The motor’s quiet operation and saltwater compatibility make it versatile for various fishing environments, and it compares favorably to premium brands like Minn Kota.
Best For: Anglers who need a powerful, reliable trolling motor for saltwater fishing on medium-sized boats in challenging conditions like winds and currents.
Pros:
- Impressive 55lb thrust with 8-speed options (5 forward, 3 reverse) provides excellent maneuverability and power for fighting winds and currents
- Durable saltwater-compatible design with features like the 5-LED battery meter and telescoping handle enhance the fishing experience
- Quiet operation prevents spooking fish while maintaining efficiency with minimal battery drain
Cons:
- LED battery indicator is reported to be inaccurate by many users
- Experiences noticeable vibration and increased noise at higher speeds
- First gear is surprisingly aggressive (2-2.5mph), which may make slow trolling difficult for some fishing techniques
Newport NV-Series Saltwater Trolling Electric Motor with LED Battery Indicator
- EFFICIENT POWER: 62lb 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 36 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 4.25mph, 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 62lb motor requires one (1) 12V Lead-Acid Deep Cycle battery (battery not included), 50ah recommended. The motor also includes a 60amp circuit breaker which is recommended at all times to protect from battery voltage surges. Max Amp Draw: 58A
The Newport NV-Series stands as a powerful ally for anglers tackling big, challenging waters with its impressive 62-pound thrust capacity. We’ve found its 8-speed system (5 forward, 3 reverse) delivers remarkable control, with top speeds reaching 4.25mph—perfect for covering large areas efficiently.
What we love about this motor is its thoughtful design: the 36-inch shaft, telescoping handle, and adjustable mount make it versatile for different boats. While the 5-LED battery meter isn’t always accurate, the motor’s performance speaks for itself, earning 4.5 stars from nearly 7,000 users.
It’s priced between Motorguide and Minn Kota quality-wise, but with a solid 2-year warranty, it’s a dependable choice for big water adventures.
Best For: Serious anglers looking for a powerful, reliable saltwater trolling motor for medium to large boats who want quality performance between Motorguide and Minn Kota at a competitive price point.
Pros:
- Powerful 62lb thrust with 8-speed system (5 forward, 3 reverse) provides excellent maneuverability and a top speed of 4.25mph
- Versatile design with 36-inch shaft, telescoping handle, and adjustable mount accommodates different boat types and water conditions
- Durable construction with 2-year warranty and impressive user ratings (4.5 stars from 6,698 ratings) demonstrates reliability
Cons:
- LED battery indicator is reportedly inaccurate, making it difficult to gauge remaining power during use
- At 23 pounds, it’s relatively heavy compared to some competing models
- Maximum amp draw of 58A means battery life may be limited during extended use at high speeds
Minn Kota PowerDrive Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with GPS (55 Lb. Thrust)
- Advanced GPS Trolling System: Set Spot-Lock to maintain your precise position and control speed and steering using the most trusted GPS navigation system in fishing; Equipped with drift mode, follow mode, and dodge mode to navigate any environment
- Deploy-Assist Lever: Simply push the lever to deploy your trolling motor into the water and when it's time to move, it stows easily and securely
- Durable and Reliable: This trolling motor is designed with an indestructible composite shaft and a Power Prop that delivers extra power in any fishing scenario and excels in open water
- Efficient Power Management: Digital Maximizer technology extends run time up to 5x longer on a single charge; These variable speed motors only use the power you need to conserve your battery for all day fishing trips; Features push-to-test battery meter
- Package Includes: PowerDrive 55-pound thrust 54-inch trolling motor, micro remote, MKP-37 propeller, and mounting hardware
Serious anglers tackling choppy waters will find a reliable ally in the Minn Kota PowerDrive Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor. With 55 pounds of thrust and a 54-inch shaft, it’s engineered specifically for challenging freshwater conditions.
We love the advanced GPS system that offers spot-lock technology, keeping your boat positioned precisely where the fish are biting. The Deploy-Assist Lever makes launching and stowing a breeze, while the Digital Maximizer extends battery life up to five times longer than standard motors.
The indestructible composite shaft comes with a lifetime guarantee, and the Cool Quiet Power technology reduces noise that might scare away fish. At 4.6 stars from 58 ratings, it’s proven reliable for most users.
Best For: Dedicated freshwater anglers who need reliable positioning control in challenging conditions and value battery efficiency during extended fishing trips.
Pros:
- Advanced GPS system with spot-lock technology keeps your boat in the perfect fishing position
- Digital Maximizer technology extends battery life up to 5 times longer than standard motors
- Deploy-Assist Lever makes deployment and stowing quick and effortless
Cons:
- Not compatible with foot pedal control, limiting control options for some users
- Battery gauge reportedly has issues with lithium-ion batteries
- Some customers received units with broken parts, suggesting potential shipping or quality control issues
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Trolling Motor for Big Water
When choosing a trolling motor for big water, we need to carefully weigh several key factors that’ll make or break your fishing experience. We’ll walk through everything from thrust requirements to battery management so you can make the right choice for those challenging conditions. Let’s start by looking at what makes a trolling motor truly capable of handling larger bodies of water where waves, wind, and currents demand more from your equipment.
Thrust and Power Requirements
Selecting appropriate thrust and power requirements stands at the core of finding your ideal big water trolling motor. We recommend at least 55 pounds of thrust for boats up to 2,000 pounds when traversing choppy conditions. Remember, higher thrust levels give you better control when fighting strong winds and currents.
Most trolling motors operate on 12-volt systems, and you’ll need a quality deep-cycle battery with minimum 50 ampere-hours capacity. Keep in mind that maximum amp draw (typically 50-60 amps) directly impacts your runtime on the water. The heavier your boat, the more thrust you’ll need, or you’ll sacrifice speed and maneuverability when it matters most.
For all-day fishing trips, efficient power systems that minimize voltage drops are essential. This guarantees your motor maintains consistent performance even after hours of use.
Mounting Options Matter
The mounting configuration of your trolling motor can make or break your big water fishing experience. When facing waves and strong currents, the right mount provides vital stability and control. We’ve found that bow mounts typically offer superior directional control in open waters compared to transom (rear) mounts, helping you navigate challenging conditions more effectively.
Consider how easily you can deploy and stow your motor too—this becomes essential when weather changes suddenly on large lakes or coastal waters. Your boat’s size and weight should also influence your choice, as heavier vessels require mounts that can handle the additional strain in windy conditions.
Look for adjustable mounting options that let you modify height and angle based on water depth and your hull design. These adaptable features greatly improve performance when the water gets rough.
Salt Vs Fresh Water
Beyond your mounting decisions, the environment where you’ll use your trolling motor plays a major role in which model will serve you best.
We can’t stress enough how different saltwater and freshwater conditions are for your equipment. Saltwater is highly corrosive and will quickly damage standard motors that aren’t specifically designed to handle it. You’ll need a motor with specialized coatings and materials that resist rust and deterioration in those harsh conditions.
Freshwater motors face fewer challenges but still need protection against algae buildup. The electrical components in saltwater motors also require better sealing due to water’s higher conductivity. Don’t forget about the physical demands either – saltwater environments typically have stronger currents and waves that your motor must withstand.
When shopping, always check if the motor is rated for your water type!
Battery Life Management
How effectively your trolling motor performs on big water depends greatly on your battery management strategy. We recommend selecting a deep cycle battery with at least 50Ah capacity to guarantee you don’t get stranded during long outings in challenging conditions.
When choosing a motor, be mindful of models with high amp draws (up to 58A), as they’ll drain your 12V battery quickly. Instead, look for motors featuring variable speed control, which can extend your battery run time by up to 5 times compared to fixed-speed options.
At moderate speeds, expect about 2 hours of operation, but you’ll get several more hours at lower speeds. Don’t rely solely on your motor’s voltage indicators—they’re often inaccurate. We suggest performing regular manual checks of your battery levels to avoid unexpected shutdowns when you’re far from shore.
Shaft Length Selection
Selecting an appropriate shaft length stands as perhaps the most critical decision you’ll make when choosing a trolling motor for big water conditions. In choppy waters with high waves, a longer shaft guarantees your propeller stays submerged, maintaining thrust and control when you need it most.
We recommend measuring from your mounting location to the waterline, then adding 12-24 inches for rough water conditions. For truly big water environments, shafts of 48 inches or more will serve you better than shorter 30-inch options. This extra length prevents ventilation issues when waves lift your bow.
Control System Types
With your shaft length properly measured, your next big water consideration involves how you’ll control your trolling motor. Let’s explore the options.
Tiller controls offer the most direct steering experience. You’ll feel every adjustment through the handle, giving you immediate feedback that’s invaluable when battling waves. For those who prefer keeping their hands free for fishing, foot pedal systems let you steer while working your rod.
Remote controls are game-changers on big water, letting us operate from anywhere on the boat. This means no more running to the bow when conditions change suddenly.
For serious anglers, GPS-integrated systems are worth considering. They’ll hold your position in wind and current, which is incredibly helpful when you’ve found that perfect spot. Many digital controls also offer variable speed settings that help conserve battery life during long days.