Like Ahab’s obsession with the perfect vessel, we’ve spent months testing kayak trolling motors to find the ones that actually work. We’re talking about motors that won’t quit when you need them most—from lightweight 18lb backups to powerful 55lb thrusters with GPS. Some cost twice as much as others but deliver half the performance. We’ll show you which ones earned their spot and which ones we’d avoid.
More Details on Our Top Picks
55lb Thrust Electric Trolling Motor for Kayak
The 55lb thrust electric trolling motor works best for kayak anglers who fish in freshwater lakes and calm rivers. It mounts on your kayak’s transom and gives you 8 speed options—5 forward and 3 reverse. The 30-inch fiberglass shaft adjusts to different water depths, and you can extend the 6-inch handle to reach a comfortable position. We like the LED battery indicator because it shows how much power you have left. The motor weighs 24 pounds and runs quietly so you won’t spook fish. The aluminum head and composite shaft hold up well in freshwater. Just don’t use it in saltwater.
- Thrust:55 lb
- Voltage:12V DC
- Mounting Type:Transom mount
- Shaft Length:30 inches
- Water Compatibility:Freshwater only
- Weight:24 lbs
- Additional Feature:LED battery indicator
- Additional Feature:Three-blade propeller
- Additional Feature:8-speed control
Minn Kota Terrova GPS Trolling Motor (55 Lb)
Kayak anglers who want the best GPS navigation and hands-free boat control should consider the Minn Kota Terrova 55 lb thrust trolling motor. The Spot-Lock technology keeps your kayak in one position without drifting. You can control everything through the Bluetooth micro remote or your smartphone when connected to Humminbird fish finders. The Digital Maximizer extends battery life up to five times by using only the power you need. The 36-inch composite shaft is durable and comes with a lifetime warranty. The Weedless Wedge 2 prop handles thick vegetation well. This 12-volt motor weighs 20.8 kg and includes mounting hardware and a two-year warranty.
- Thrust:55 lb
- Voltage:12V DC
- Mounting Type:Bow mount
- Shaft Length:36 inches
- Water Compatibility:Freshwater
- Weight:20.8 kg (45.9 lbs)
- Additional Feature:Spot-Lock GPS technology
- Additional Feature:Bluetooth micro remote
- Additional Feature:MEGA side imaging
AQUOS Haswing 12V 55LBS Trolling Motor with Remote
For serious anglers who need reliable power on larger kayaks and small boats, the AQUOS Haswing 12V 55LBS trolling motor delivers impressive thrust without draining your battery. The 48-inch aluminum shaft works in both freshwater and saltwater, and it handles boats up to 2,750 pounds.
We like the 2.4G remote control that works from 164 feet away. You can recharge it with a USB cable. The cruise control feature keeps your speed steady while you fish. The motor rotates 180 degrees for reverse, and there’s a foot pedal for one-hand operation.
The setup is straightforward with an adjustable depth collar that locks securely.
- Thrust:55 lb
- Voltage:12V
- Mounting Type:Bow mount
- Shaft Length:48 inches
- Water Compatibility:Freshwater and saltwater
- Weight:44 pounds
- Additional Feature:2.4G remote control
- Additional Feature:Cruise control feature
- Additional Feature:One-hand foot operation
Watersnake T18 ASP 18lb Saltwater Trolling Motor
Weighing just 4.85 pounds, the Watersnake T18 ASP works best for kayak anglers who need a lightweight emergency propulsion system without adding bulk to their setup. This 18lb thrust motor includes forward and reverse controls with high and low speed settings. The 24-inch shaft fits most kayaks and canoes. We like the two-blade weedless propeller and tilt mechanism for shallow water. One user ran a 9AH battery for 1.5 hours with 85 percent charge remaining. The extendable tiller handle makes steering simple. Some users report issues with nylon screws on the transom bracket.
- Thrust:18 lb
- Voltage:12V
- Mounting Type:Transom mount
- Shaft Length:24 inches
- Water Compatibility:Saltwater
- Weight:8.38 pounds
- Additional Feature:Anti-impact clip system
- Additional Feature:Weedless propeller design
- Additional Feature:Extendable tiller handle
Newport NV-Series Saltwater Transom Mounted Trolling Motor
The Newport NV-Series stands out with its 36lb thrust motor that weighs just 18.5 pounds—making it one of the lightest options for kayak anglers who need serious power without the bulk. We like the 30-inch aluminum and fiberglass shaft that works well for most kayak setups. The 6-inch telescoping tiller gives you good control, and you get eight speeds total—five forward and three reverse.
The 2-blade prop handles weeds without getting stuck. You’ll need a 12V deep cycle battery (50Ah recommended), which isn’t included. At full throttle, you’ll hit around 3mph depending on conditions. The motor runs quiet at lower speeds but gets louder when you push it hard. Battery life holds up well—most users get 2-3 hours of runtime.
- Thrust:36 lb
- Voltage:12V
- Mounting Type:Transom mount
- Shaft Length:30 inches
- Water Compatibility:Freshwater (saltwater rated hardware)
- Weight:18.5 pounds
- Additional Feature:40amp circuit breaker
- Additional Feature:5 LED battery meter
- Additional Feature:2-year limited warranty
Newport Kayak 55lb Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor
Kayak anglers who fish in saltwater need a motor that won’t corrode after a few trips. The Newport Kayak 55lb handles this with corrosion-resistant materials throughout. We’re talking aluminum motor head, stainless-steel hardware, and magnesium zinc components built for salt exposure.
The 24-inch fiberglass shaft works well on kayaks. You get 8 speeds total—5 forward and 3 reverse. It runs quiet enough that you won’t spook fish.
At 23 pounds, it’s light for a 55lb thrust motor. The 56-inch battery cables let you place your battery where it balances best. Users report it pushes 10-foot kayaks easily and even handles 16-foot jon boats at decent speeds.
- Thrust:55 lb
- Voltage:12V
- Mounting Type:Transom mount
- Shaft Length:24 inches
- Water Compatibility:Saltwater
- Weight:23 pounds
- Additional Feature:56-inch battery cables
- Additional Feature:Ultra-quiet operation
- Additional Feature:Three-blade propeller
Newport Trolling Motor Smart Battery Box Power Center
For anglers who need organized power management on the water, Newport’s Smart Battery Box Power Center keeps everything in one protected spot. It fits Group 24 and 27 batteries in a compact 17 x 12 x 10 inch case that weighs just 3 pounds. You get USB ports for charging phones, a 12V accessory port, and external battery connections for your trolling motor setup. The LED meter shows your battery charge level at a glance. Built-in 10 and 60 amp circuit breakers protect your equipment from electrical damage, and the waterproof breakers handle wet conditions. Non-slip rubber feet keep it stable on your kayak deck.
- Thrust:N/A (Battery box accessory)
- Voltage:12V
- Mounting Type:N/A (Battery box accessory)
- Shaft Length:N/A (Battery box accessory)
- Water Compatibility:N/A (Battery box accessory)
- Weight:3 pounds
- Additional Feature:Integrated circuit breakers
- Additional Feature:USB charging ports
- Additional Feature:LED charge meter
Newport NK180PRO Electric Kayak Motor – 1.8 HP
Anglers who want to cover serious distance without draining their battery will appreciate what the Newport NK180PRO brings to the water. This 14.3-pound motor delivers 600W of power and pushes kayaks past 6 mph. The brushless design runs quieter than standard motors and can keep you on the water for up to 37.5 hours on a single charge. Range hits 100 miles with the right battery setup. The 21.7-inch adjustable shaft works in fresh or saltwater, and the aluminum construction holds up to regular use. You’ll need a 24V battery with at least 30 Ah capacity to run it.
- Thrust:600W (1.8 HP equivalent)
- Voltage:24V DC
- Mounting Type:Transom mount
- Shaft Length:21.7 inches (adjustable)
- Water Compatibility:Fresh and saltwater
- Weight:14.3 lbs
- Additional Feature:600W brushless motor
- Additional Feature:Digital speed controller
- Additional Feature:Emergency stop key
Brooklyn Kayak Company Ambidextrous Trolling Motor Mount
The BKC UH-TM315 works best for paddlers who want a trolling motor setup they can install and remove quickly. It fits into most kayak rod holder recesses and mounts in minutes without drilling holes in your hull. The ambidextrous design works for left and right-handed boaters.
The mount uses rust-resistant metal and corrosion-resistant plastics. It weighs 5.29 pounds, so it won’t add much to your kayak’s payload. The hollow tubing keeps weight down while staying sturdy.
This mount supports electric motors up to 12 volts. You can move hands-free without paddling, which means less noise to scare fish away.
- Thrust:N/A (Mount accessory)
- Voltage:12V
- Mounting Type:Bow mount
- Shaft Length:N/A (Mount accessory)
- Water Compatibility:N/A (Mount accessory)
- Weight:5.29 pounds
- Additional Feature:Ambidextrous design
- Additional Feature:Rod holder compatible
- Additional Feature:No permanent alterations
Minn Kota Endura C2 Trolling Motor 30lb
Kayak anglers who want reliable power without breaking the bank will appreciate what the Minn Kota Endura C2 brings to the water. This 30-pound thrust motor delivers eight speed settings—five forward and three reverse—controlled through a telescoping tiller that extends six inches for comfortable reach. The composite shaft won’t rust or corrode, and Minn Kota backs it with a lifetime guarantee. We found the Power Prop handles thick vegetation well, though you’ll want to keep the included spare shear pin handy. At under 17 pounds, it mounts easily on transoms. The built-in battery meter shows charge status instantly, helping you avoid getting stranded mid-trip.
- Thrust:30 lb
- Voltage:12V
- Mounting Type:Transom mount
- Shaft Length:30 inches
- Water Compatibility:Freshwater
- Weight:17 pounds
- Additional Feature:Lever Lock Bracket
- Additional Feature:Power Prop included
- Additional Feature:Push-to-Test Battery Meter
AQUOS Haswing 12V 55LBS Trolling Motor 26
Remote control convenience makes this AQUOS Haswing trolling motor ideal for kayak anglers who want hands-free operation. You can control it from up to 164 feet away using the palm-sized remote that comes with a lanyard. The 26-inch aluminum shaft adjusts to fit different water depths.
We’ve seen this motor push boats up to 19 feet at 3.2 mph. The brushless design uses less power than older models. You’ll get about two hours of runtime with a 100AH lithium battery at moderate speeds.
The motor handles light winds and weeds well. It’s quieter than gas engines but not silent. Some users report issues with the remote and locking pins.
- Thrust:55 lb
- Voltage:12V
- Mounting Type:Transom mount
- Shaft Length:26 inches (adjustable)
- Water Compatibility:Fresh and saltwater
- Weight:33 pounds
- Additional Feature:Adjustable 16-inch shaft
- Additional Feature:Separated propeller design
- Additional Feature:0-85 degree tilting
Minn Kota Endura C2 Trolling Motor 40lb
For kayak anglers who need reliable power without breaking the bank, this Minn Kota delivers solid performance at a mid-range price point. The 40-pound thrust works well for smaller kayaks in calm to moderate conditions. We appreciate the telescoping tiller that extends six inches for comfortable operation. The motor offers five forward speeds and three reverse settings, giving you good control on the water. The composite shaft won’t corrode and comes with a lifetime guarantee. At 21.5 pounds, it’s light enough to mount and remove easily. The push-to-test battery meter shows remaining power at a glance. The quiet motor won’t spook fish in shallow areas.
- Thrust:40 lb
- Voltage:12V
- Mounting Type:Transom mount
- Shaft Length:36 inches
- Water Compatibility:Freshwater
- Weight:21.5 pounds
- Additional Feature:Indestructible composite shaft
- Additional Feature:10-position bracket
- Additional Feature:Cool quiet operation
Universal Transom Trolling Motor Mount for Kayaks
The Besttruck universal transom mount brings trolling motor power to kayaks that have a flat stern design. It fits any clamp-on electric trolling motor up to 3 HP. The mount uses stainless steel hardware and black nylon plastic that resists corrosion and holds up in saltwater. Installation needs four drilled holes through your kayak’s transom. The whole unit weighs 1.48 kilograms and measures 8.5 by 5 by 6.8 inches. We like that it works with most small electric motors on the market. You get a 30-day return window and a one-year warranty with your purchase.
- Thrust:N/A (Mount accessory)
- Voltage:N/A (Mount accessory)
- Mounting Type:Transom mount
- Shaft Length:N/A (Mount accessory)
- Water Compatibility:N/A (Mount accessory)
- Weight:1.48 kilograms (3.3 lbs)
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel hardware
- Additional Feature:Corrosion resistant material
- Additional Feature:One-year product warranty
HASWING W40 Electric Trolling Motor for Kayak
Kayak anglers who fish in both saltwater and freshwater will find the HASWING W40 a practical choice. This 12V brushless motor delivers 40 lbs of thrust with five forward and five reverse speeds. The digital battery display shows how much power you’ve got left, and the emergency kill switch adds a safety layer. It works with Hobie ProAngler kayaks and other models, though you’ll need to verify compatibility. The brushless design runs efficiently and handles quick speed changes when you’re maneuvering tight spots or heading to your fishing location. It’s rated 3.5 out of 5 stars.
- Thrust:40 lb
- Voltage:12V
- Mounting Type:N/A (Compatible with various)
- Shaft Length:Not specified
- Water Compatibility:Saltwater and freshwater
- Weight:Not specified
- Additional Feature:Brushless motor technology
- Additional Feature:Emergency kill switch
- Additional Feature:Digital battery display
Minn Kota Endura Max Trolling Motor 55lb
Looking for serious power to move a heavier kayak or tackle windy conditions? The Minn Kota Endura Max delivers 55 pounds of thrust with a 12-volt system. We appreciate the Digital Maximizer technology that extends run time up to five times on a single charge. The 36-inch composite shaft won’t break and comes with a lifetime guarantee. You get a telescoping tiller with variable speed control and a battery meter on the motor head. The Power Prop pushes through thick vegetation without getting stuck. This transom-mount motor weighs 26.9 pounds and earns 4.5 stars from customers who need reliable performance.
- Thrust:55 lb
- Voltage:12V
- Mounting Type:Transom mount
- Shaft Length:36 inches
- Water Compatibility:Freshwater (saltwater mentioned)
- Weight:26.9 pounds
- Additional Feature:Digital Maximizer technology
- Additional Feature:5x longer runtime
- Additional Feature:Lifetime shaft guarantee
Factors to Consider When Choosing Trolling Motors for Kayaks
Now that we’ve looked at a specific model, we need to talk about what makes a good trolling motor for your kayak. The right choice depends on several key factors that affect how well the motor performs on the water. We’ll cover thrust power, shaft length, battery needs, water type compatibility, and control features so you can pick the best option for your setup.
Thrust Power and Weight
How much power do you really need to push your kayak through the water? We recommend starting with your kayak’s weight and typical conditions. For lighter setups in calm water, 18–36 lb thrust works fine. But if you’re dealing with wind or a heavier load, you’ll want 40–55 lb thrust to maintain speed.
Keep in mind that higher thrust pulls more current from your battery. You’ll need larger capacity to avoid cutting your trip short. Motors with greater thrust also weigh more—usually 18–26 pounds—which affects how your kayak handles.
Shaft length matters too. Motors with 40+ lb thrust often come with 30–36 inch shafts. This keeps the propeller deeper in cleaner water for better efficiency.
Shaft Length and Mounting
What’s the right shaft length for your kayak setup? Most kayak trolling motors come with shafts ranging from about 21.7 inches to 48 inches. We recommend matching shaft length to your water depth and mounting height. Longer shafts around 36 inches work well for deeper water or when you’re mounting higher on your kayak. Shorter shafts suit shallow-water paddling.
Many models offer adjustable shafts, which let you dial in the perfect depth. This helps keep your propeller submerged without going too deep. You’ll reduce cavitation and avoid sucking up weeds.
Transom-mount configurations are standard for kayaks, but bow-mount options exist if you need different placement. The key is keeping your propeller underwater while maintaining good steering stability. Getting this right matters more than you might think.
Battery Requirements and Runtime
Battery choice directly determines how long you can stay on the water. Most kayak trolling motors run on 12-volt deep-cycle batteries. You can pick lead-acid or lithium options. We recommend at least 50Ah capacity for decent runtime.
Expect around 2–3 hours at moderate speeds with a 50Ah battery. Higher-end brushless motors at low throttle can stretch that to 37.5 hours, but real-world conditions vary. Water currents and wind affect how hard your motor works.
Maximum amp draw hits 29A on some setups when you’re at full throttle. That drains batteries fast. Battery indicators with LED meters help you track remaining charge. You don’t want to get stranded mid-trip.
Lithium batteries cost more upfront but weigh less and last longer than lead-acid.
Saltwater vs Freshwater Compatibility
Where you plan to paddle matters more than most people realize. Saltwater and freshwater require different considerations when choosing a trolling motor.
Some motors are rated for freshwater only. Using them in saltwater can cause serious problems. Salt corrodes metal parts quickly, leading to wear and failure.
Motors designed for saltwater feature corrosion-resistant materials. Look for aluminum, magnesium, and zinc hardware. Many include sacrificial anodes that protect the motor by corroding first. Specialized coatings and seals add extra protection against salt exposure.
Freshwater-only motors lack these safeguards. They’re fine for lakes and rivers but won’t last in the ocean.
If you paddle in both environments, choose a saltwater-compatible model. It’ll handle freshwater just fine while giving you the protection you need for coastal trips.
Control Options and Features
How you control your trolling motor affects everything from convenience to precision. You’ll find three main remote types: 2.4G palm-sized units, compact Bluetooth versions, and smartphone apps that enable GPS features like spot-lock.
Speed settings matter for kayak fishing. Most motors offer 5 forward and 3 reverse speeds, though higher-end models provide 8 or more. Digital variable speed control gives you the finest adjustments for slow trolling.
GPS-based systems can hold your position automatically and integrate with your boat’s network apps. We recommend checking for safety features like digital battery displays and kill switches.
Mount options include tiller handles, depth-adjustable shafts, and tilt functions. Bow and transom mounts each have advantages depending on your kayak setup and fishing style.