Newport Vessels 55lb Thrust Electric Trolling Motor: A Weekend Warrior’s Honest Take
After years of paddling my small fishing boat around my local lake, I finally decided it was time for an upgrade. Manual paddling is fine, but sometimes you just want to focus on fishing instead of constantly maneuvering. That’s when I took the plunge on the Newport Vessels NV-Series 55lb Thrust Electric Trolling Motor, and honestly, I wish I’d done it sooner.
I’ve been using this motor for about three months now, taking it out most weekends on my 14-foot jon boat. It’s been through calm waters and some choppier conditions, and I think I’ve got a pretty good handle on what makes this motor tick. Let me break down my experience with it so far.
Solid Build
The first thing that struck me about this motor was its surprisingly robust construction. It’s not exactly lightweight at around 23 pounds, but that heft translates to durability. The 36-inch fiberglass composite shaft feels sturdy, and I appreciate that all the hardware is stainless steel and zinc-coated – a must-have feature since I occasionally venture into brackish waters. The motor head itself has a clean, no-nonsense design that doesn’t scream “look at me” but instead says “I’m here to work.” The adjustable depth collar is a nice touch, letting me position the propeller at just the right depth depending on conditions.
- 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 Or Lithium 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
Power When You Need It
For a motor in this price range, I’ve been pretty impressed with its performance. The 55 pounds of thrust is more than enough for my needs – it easily pushes my boat through the water, even when I’ve loaded it up with gear (and maybe one too many fishing tackle boxes). The 8-speed system (5 forward, 3 reverse) gives good control, though I find myself mostly using speeds 3-5 for cruising and the lower speeds when I’m trying to maneuver precisely around structures.
Battery life has been better than expected. On a single deep cycle marine battery, I can get a full day of intermittent use without issues. The 5-point LED battery meter on the top of the motor head is actually useful – it’s saved me from the dreaded “stranded on the water” situation a couple of times when I noticed the charge getting low.
The 6-inch telescoping handle took some getting used to, as it’s a bit stiffer than I expected, but after breaking it in over a few trips, the adjustment has become smoother. One slight annoyance is that the handle occasionally sticks a bit when extending, especially after the motor’s been sitting unused for a week or two.
Tech Specs That Matter
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Thrust Rating | 55 pounds |
| Voltage | 12V DC |
| Speeds | 8 (5 forward, 3 reverse) |
| Shaft Length | 36 inches |
| Propeller | 3-blade, 10″ diameter |
| Weight | 23 pounds |
| Control | Hand tiller with 6″ telescoping handle |
| Battery Meter | 5-point LED display |
| Transom Mount | Adjustable for height/angle |
| Saltwater Ready | Yes, with zinc, magnesium, and stainless steel hardware |
| Warranty | 2-year manufacturer warranty |
Pros
- Excellent value for the price point
- Surprisingly powerful for smaller boats (up to about 16 feet)
- Saltwater-compatible components
- Easy to install with minimal tools
- Adjustable shaft depth and angle
- Useful battery indicator
- Quiet operation doesn’t scare away fish
- Robust circuit protection with 30A breaker
Cons
- Telescoping handle can be stiff initially
- Mounting bracket plastic feels less durable than the rest of the unit
- Speed control has a slight delay when changing settings
- Battery cables could be longer for some boat configurations
- No built-in transom protection pad
- Can be heavy to lift in and out of the boat for one person
What Other Boaters Say
I’m not alone in my generally positive experience with this motor. Looking at the Amazon reviews (over 1,800 ratings with a 4.3-star average), most users seem genuinely pleased with their purchase.
One reviewer, a weekend fisherman from Florida, noted: “For the price point, you can’t beat this motor. I’ve had mine for over a year using it in saltwater with no issues. Just make sure to rinse it after each use.” This matches my experience with maintenance – a quick freshwater rinse keeps everything running smoothly.
Another reviewer commented: “Great power for my 14′ aluminum boat. Runs all day on a single battery and has enough thrust to handle some wind and current.” I’ve found this to be true as well.
Not all feedback is glowing, though. Some users reported issues with longevity, with one stating: “Worked great for the first six months, then started having intermittent power issues.” While I haven’t experienced this myself, it’s something to be aware of.
Who Should Buy This Motor?
Beginners: Highly recommended. The straightforward controls, easy installation, and good power-to-price ratio make this an excellent entry-level trolling motor. The battery indicator is particularly helpful for newcomers who might not know how to judge remaining power.
Intermediate Users: Recommended. If you’ve used trolling motors before and are looking for a reliable upgrade without breaking the bank, this hits the sweet spot of features and performance.
Advanced Users: Potentially suitable, with caveats. If you’re using a larger boat (over 16 feet) or need advanced features like GPS anchoring or remote control, you might want to look at higher-end models. However, for advanced users with appropriate sized craft looking for a solid backup motor or one for a smaller second boat, this still offers good value.
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Ready to Elevate Your Boating Experience?
After months of use, I can confidently say the Newport Vessels 55lb Thrust Trolling Motor offers remarkable value and performance for most small boat owners. If you’re tired of paddling or looking to replace an aging motor, this could be the upgrade that transforms your time on the water.
- 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 Or Lithium 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