Like Lewis and Clark exploring uncharted territories, we’ve navigated the vast waters of trolling motor options to find the perfect match for your paddleboard adventures. We’ve tested dozens of models through calm lakes and choppy seas to identify the five standouts that combine power, weight, and durability. These motors will transform your paddleboarding experience from leisurely drifting to controlled exploration, opening up waterways you never thought possible with just a paddle in hand.
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
For paddleboarders who want to save their energy for the fun parts of their journey, the Minn Kota Endura C2 is a game-changer. This 30 lb. thrust motor offers impressive power in a compact 17-pound package, perfect for mounting on your paddleboard.
We love the user-friendly features, including the telescoping tiller with 5 forward and 3 reverse speeds, plus the lever lock bracket with 10 positions. Battery life is quite practical – with a 50 Ah lithium battery, you’ll get about 2 hours at medium settings or 70 minutes at full power.
The quiet operation won’t disturb your peaceful day on the water, and the indestructible composite shaft comes with a lifetime guarantee.
Best For: Paddlers and small boat owners looking for a reliable, lightweight electric trolling motor to extend their range on freshwater without breaking the bank.
Pros:
- Versatile mounting and 10-position bracket system makes it adaptable for various watercraft including kayaks, canoes, and small boats
- Long battery life with approximately 2 hours at medium settings on a 50Ah battery provides extended trips without recharging
- Durable construction with lifetime-guaranteed composite shaft and quiet operation enhances the overall experience on the water
Cons:
- At 17 pounds, it might be considered heavy for solo paddleboarders to mount and transport
- Limited to freshwater use only, not suitable for saltwater environments
- 30 lb. thrust may be insufficient for larger boats or in strong currents/windy conditions
Universal Transom Trolling Motor Mount for Kayaks
- Great Compatibility - Universal trolling motor mount for clamp-on electric trolling motors, fits electric trolling motors only. Not suitable for outboard engines of any size. Universal fit for any boat with a flat spot on the stern big enough for a power pole.
- Powerful Function - Universal trolling motor mount allows you to easily install a clamp-on style trolling motor with up to 3 HP to your Kayak. This mount has a maximum capacity of 3 HP.
- Superior Material - It is made of high quality stainless steel hardware with black Nylon plastic, making it durable and long-lasting. It has excellent corrosion resistant and waterproof performance, is not afraid of moisture and rain, and is not easy to rust or corrosion in harsh environments.
- Easy Installation - Installation is a breeze, with only four holes needing to be drilled into the kayak to secure it in place.
- Satisfaction Guarantee - Besttruck values customers shopping experience and provides customers with a good shopping environment. If you are not satisfied with the product when you receive, you can choose to return it within 30 days, we provide a one-year warranty, or you can feel free to contact us.
When you’re looking to add power to your paddleboard or kayak without the hassle of complex installations, the Universal Transom Trolling Motor Mount offers an excellent solution. We’ve found this mount to be incredibly versatile, accommodating clamp-on electric trolling motors up to 3 HP.
Made from durable stainless steel hardware and black Nylon plastic, it’s built to withstand harsh marine environments. At just 1.48 kilograms, it won’t weigh down your vessel. Installation does require drilling four holes, but the process is straightforward.
While designed primarily for kayaks, we’ve seen it work well on paddleboards with flat sterns too. It’s backed by a 30-day return policy and one-year warranty for peace of mind.
Best For: Kayak and paddleboard enthusiasts who want to add motorized propulsion to their vessels without investing in specialized equipment.
Pros:
- Versatile design compatible with most flat-stern kayaks and paddleboards
- Durable construction with stainless steel hardware and Nylon plastic for corrosion resistance
- Lightweight at 1.48kg with capacity to support motors up to 3 HP
Cons:
- Requires drilling holes in your watercraft for installation
- Not compatible with outboard engines or vessels without flat sterns
- Limited to electric trolling motors only, with a 3 HP maximum capacity
Newport NV-Series 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
The Newport NV-Series Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor stands out as a powerhouse option for paddleboarders who need serious propulsion in saltwater environments. With 55 pounds of thrust and eight speeds (five forward, three reverse), it’ll move your board efficiently even against currents.
We love that it weighs just 23.2 pounds with its 30-inch shaft, making it manageable for most paddleboarders. The 5-LED battery meter helps you monitor power levels, though some users note it’s not perfectly accurate. You’ll need a 12V deep cycle battery (50Ah recommended), which powers this motor for about two hours at medium-to-high speeds.
Best For: Boat owners seeking a powerful and versatile saltwater trolling motor with multiple speed options for fishing, cruising, and navigating against currents in saltwater environments.
Pros:
- Powerful 55lb thrust with 8 speeds (5 forward, 3 reverse) delivers excellent performance against winds and currents
- Lightweight design (23.2 pounds) with adjustable mount angles and 6-inch telescoping tiller for comfortable operation
- Durable saltwater-ready construction with 2-year warranty and readily available replacement parts
Cons:
- LED battery indicator is reported to be inaccurate according to user reviews
- Can produce vibration and noise at higher speeds
- Requires a separate 12V deep cycle battery (not included) with recommended 50Ah capacity
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
Paddleboard enthusiasts seeking serious power will find their perfect match in the Newport Kayak Series 55lb Thrust Electric Trolling Motor. We love how this 24-inch fiberglass shaft model delivers impressive performance while keeping noise to a minimum, letting you approach fish without scaring them away.
With eight speeds (five forward, three reverse) and a handy LED battery indicator, you’ll always know how much power you’ve got left. It’s surprisingly lightweight at 23 pounds and made with saltwater-ready materials like aluminum, stainless steel, and corrosion-resistant components. The extended 56-inch battery cables give you flexibility in setup, and customers rave about its reliability and speed.
Best For: Kayak and small boat anglers who want a powerful, quiet trolling motor with multiple speed options for freshwater and saltwater fishing adventures.
Pros:
- Versatile 8-speed system (5 forward, 3 reverse) with ultra-quiet operation for stealthy fishing approaches
- LED battery indicator helps monitor power levels for better trip planning
- Corrosion-resistant materials and saltwater rating ensure durability in various water conditions
Cons:
- At 23 pounds, may be heavy for solo kayakers to install or transport
- Requires a separate 12V deep cycle or marine battery which adds to overall weight
- Some users report needing to add a rudder for better tracking control
Newport NV-Series Electric Trolling Motor with LED Battery Indicator
- 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.
For serious paddleboarders needing reliable power with minimal weight impact, the Newport NV-Series Electric Trolling Motor stands out as an exceptional choice. At just 18.5 pounds, it won’t weigh down your board while delivering a respectable 36 pounds of thrust.
We love that it offers 8 speeds (5 forward, 3 reverse), giving you plenty of control on the water. The 30-inch shaft length works well for most paddleboards, and the LED battery indicator helps you monitor power levels during your adventures. Though it’s designed for freshwater use, its stainless steel components provide good durability.
With a 2-year warranty and excellent customer ratings, this motor delivers reliable performance without breaking the bank.
Best For: Recreational paddleboarders and light watercraft users seeking an efficient, lightweight motor with good speed control for freshwater adventures.
Pros:
- Lightweight at 18.5 pounds with good thrust-to-weight ratio, making it ideal for paddleboards without adding excessive weight
- 8-speed system (5 forward, 3 reverse) provides versatile control for different water conditions
- Includes LED battery indicator and 40amp circuit breaker for monitoring power and protecting against voltage surges
Cons:
- Battery life limited to 2-3 hours depending on speed settings, requiring careful planning for longer trips
- First gear speed (2.5mph) may be too aggressive for precise trolling at very slow speeds
- Battery indicator has been reported as inaccurate by some users, potentially misleading about remaining power
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Trolling Motor for Paddleboard
Now that we’ve looked at specific motor options, let’s talk about what you’ll need to evaluate before making your final choice. We’ll guide you through the key factors including thrust power, shaft length, weight, battery life, and mounting systems that can make or break your paddleboard experience. These considerations will help you match the right trolling motor to your specific paddleboard setup and water activities.
Thrust Power Requirements
Why does thrust power matter so much when choosing a trolling motor for your paddleboard? It’s the determining factor in how well your board will perform on the water. We recommend following the 2 pounds of thrust per 100 pounds of total weight guideline as a starting point.
For calm conditions, 30-55 pounds of thrust will provide basic trolling capability at 2-3 miles per hour. However, if you’ll be facing windy or choppy waters, you’ll need at least 40 pounds of thrust to maintain control.
Keep in mind that higher thrust settings increase amp draw—up to 50 amps—so your battery capacity needs to match your power requirements. Insufficient thrust means slower speeds and difficulty maneuvering larger waters or carrying extra weight, limiting your paddleboard adventures.
Shaft Length Considerations
Selecting the right shaft length for your paddleboard trolling motor is just as essential as choosing the proper thrust power. We recommend a minimum of 24 inches from your mounting point to the waterline to keep the propeller fully submerged during operation.
For most paddleboards, a shaft between 24-30 inches works well in calm waters. If you’re planning to venture into choppier conditions, you might want to think about something a bit longer. Be careful not to go too short – anything less than 24 inches can lead to the propeller breaking the surface and reducing efficiency.
On the flip side, excessively long shafts (over 36 inches) create unnecessary drag and can make your setup harder to handle. The perfect length will improve your motor’s angle, enhancing thrust efficiency and saving battery power during your adventures.
Weight and Portability
Carrying a hefty trolling motor while juggling your paddleboard isn’t anyone’s idea of a fun day on the water. We’ve found that motor weight dramatically impacts your overall experience, with most trolling motors weighing between 17 and 23 pounds.
Lighter motors under 20 pounds offer tremendous advantages – they’re easier to transport, quicker to mount, and won’t throw off your board’s balance in the water. Heavier options exceeding 20 pounds might provide more power but can become burdensome during setup and affect your paddleboard’s stability.
When shopping, we recommend prioritizing models with lightweight materials and smart weight distribution. Look for compact designs that won’t add unnecessary bulk to your setup. Remember, the more portable your motor, the more likely you’ll actually use it for those spontaneous paddleboard adventures.
Battery Life Duration
How long your trolling motor lasts on the water can make or break your paddleboarding experience. We recommend looking at the battery’s capacity in ampere-hours (Ah) – the higher this number, the longer you’ll be able to cruise around.
Remember that how you use your motor greatly affects runtime. Running at full speed might feel exciting, but it’ll drain your battery much faster than cruising at lower settings. Wind, currents, and how much weight you’re carrying also impact battery life, as your motor works harder in challenging conditions.
The type of battery matters too. Lithium batteries typically outlast traditional lead-acid ones, though they’re pricier. While paddling, keep an eye on your voltage indicator – it’ll help you avoid the dreaded dead battery far from shore!
Mounting System Options
When choosing a trolling motor for your paddleboard, where and how it attaches can dramatically affect your overall experience. We’ve found that transom mounts offer reliable stability but require drilling holes in your board’s flat stern area—a permanent modification worth considering carefully.
For those who prefer flexibility, we recommend clamp-on systems that attach and detach quickly without permanent alterations. They’re perfect if you like switching between powered and manual paddling.
Don’t overlook adjustable mounting mechanisms that let you fine-tune your motor’s height and angle. These adjustments can make a huge difference in handling across different water conditions.
We always look for mounts made from corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel or high-grade plastics. Also, remember that mount weight (around 1.5 kg) will affect your board’s stability and balance.
Speed Control Features
Beyond where your motor attaches, how you control your speed makes all the difference in your paddleboard adventures. We’ve found that the best trolling motors offer multiple speed settings – typically 5 forward and 3 reverse options – giving you precise control in various water conditions.
Look for motors with smooth variable speed controls that let you fine-tune your thrust without jerky shifts. This not only improves your paddleboarding experience but also helps maximize battery life by using only the power you need.
We recommend motors with easily accessible controls, like telescoping handles, that won’t compromise your stability while making adjustments. The ideal motor will also minimize vibration and noise across all speed settings, ensuring your peaceful day on the water stays that way.
Saltwater Vs Freshwater
Whether you’re paddling through crystal-clear lake waters or exploring coastal shorelines, choosing the right trolling motor for your environment makes all the difference.
For saltwater adventures, we recommend investing in a specially designed saltwater trolling motor. These motors feature corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel and enhanced sealing to protect against the harsh marine environment. They’re also built with better insulation to prevent electrolysis issues that occur in saltwater’s higher conductivity.
Freshwater paddlers can opt for more affordable, lighter options since these motors don’t need the extensive protective features their saltwater counterparts require. The less dense freshwater also means you’ll need less thrust for the same speed compared to saltwater.
Don’t try to save money by using a freshwater motor in saltwater—it’s a costly mistake that will greatly shorten your motor’s lifespan and compromise performance when you need it most.