Newport Vessels 55lb Thrust Electric Trolling Motor Review: Power That Doesn’t Break the Bank
I’ve been through my fair share of trolling motors over the years, and I have to say, the Newport Vessels 55lb Thrust Electric Trolling Motor has been something of a revelation for me. After my last motor gave up mid-fishing trip (isn’t that always when it happens?), I decided to try this one based on some recommendations from fishing buddies. For the past three months, I’ve had it mounted on my 14-foot Jon boat, taking it out almost every weekend on both freshwater lakes and occasionally in saltwater conditions near the coast.
What struck me immediately was the impressive power-to-price ratio. I mean, finding a reliable 55lb thrust motor at this price point isn’t something you come across every day. But beyond the initial appeal, I wanted to see if it could really deliver where it counts – on the water, when you’re fighting currents and wind, and when reliability becomes more than just a selling point.
Built to Last
The first thing I noticed when unboxing this motor was its solid construction. Newport Vessels didn’t cut corners on materials here – the 30-inch shaft is made of composite fiberglass that feels incredibly sturdy. The mounting bracket is constructed from reinforced nylon and aluminum, giving it both strength and corrosion resistance. I particularly appreciate the zinc, magnesium and stainless steel components that make this suitable for both freshwater and saltwater environments. After several trips in brackish waters, I haven’t seen any signs of corrosion beginning to form, which is impressive.
The 6-inch telescoping handle feels comfortable in your hand and gives you precise control over the boat’s movement. It’s quite ergonomic – I spent about 6 hours continuously using it last weekend and didn’t experience any hand fatigue, which has been an issue with other motors I’ve used in the past.
- 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
Let’s talk performance, because that’s really what matters on the water. With 55 pounds of thrust, this motor has enough power to move my fully-loaded Jon boat (with me, my fishing gear, cooler, and occasionally a fishing buddy) at a respectable speed, even against moderate currents. The 8-speed system (5 forward, 3 reverse) gives you good control options – I find myself typically using speed 3 for trolling and 5 when I need to cover distance quickly.
Battery life has been pretty consistent with what I’d expect from a 55lb thrust motor. On a single 12V deep cycle marine battery (I’m using a Group 27 battery), I’ve been getting around 5-6 hours of continuous use at medium speeds. The built-in LED battery meter is actually functional (unlike some other motors I’ve tried where the battery indicators seem more decorative than useful). It gives a reasonably accurate reading so you’re not caught off guard when power starts to wane.
I was particularly impressed with how quietly this motor runs. When trolling at lower speeds, you can barely hear it – something that’s definitely appreciated when approaching fishing spots where noise could spook the fish. There’s minimal vibration too, which makes for a more pleasant experience overall.
The Technical Breakdown
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Thrust | 55 pounds |
| Speeds | 8 speeds (5 forward, 3 reverse) |
| Shaft Length | 30 inches, composite fiberglass |
| Battery Requirement | 12V Deep Cycle Marine Battery (not included) |
| Propeller | 3-blade, 8.9 inches |
| Handle | 6-inch telescoping handle |
| Saltwater Compatibility | Yes (zinc, magnesium, and stainless steel hardware) |
| Motor Protection | Thermal heat dissipation, composite fiberglass construction |
| Weight | Approximately 23 pounds |
| Recommended Boat Size | Boats up to 18 feet, inflatable boats, Jon boats, fishing boats, tenders |
The Good and The Could-Be-Better
Pros:
- Excellent power-to-price ratio
- Saltwater compatible construction
- Surprisingly quiet operation
- Reliable battery indicator
- Sturdy mounting bracket
- Comfortable, ergonomic handle
- Good speed control options
- Relatively lightweight (about 23 pounds)
Cons:
- The shaft locking collar could be more robust
- Battery terminals could use better weather protection
- No built-in circuit breaker (you’ll need to add one)
- Control head can be stiff when new – takes some breaking in
- Depth collar adjustment can be challenging at first
What Other Users Are Saying
After reading through dozens of reviews on Amazon, it’s clear that most users share my positive experience. The motor currently has a 4.5-star rating from over 1,400 reviews, which speaks volumes about customer satisfaction.
One reviewer named Michael mentioned: “This motor has gotten me through two full seasons of fishing on my 14′ aluminum boat. Plenty of power, even when loaded down with gear and a buddy. Battery life is good and the saltwater protection actually works – no corrosion issues even after multiple ocean trips.”
Another reviewer commented: “Great value for the money. I’ve owned much more expensive trolling motors that didn’t perform this well. The 55lb thrust is perfect for my 12-foot Jon boat, and I appreciate the 8 speeds as it gives me options depending on conditions.”
There are a few critical reviews worth noting. Some users reported issues with the control head after extended use, and a couple mentioned that the motor draws more power than expected, resulting in shorter battery life. However, these negative experiences appear to be in the minority.
Who Should Buy This Motor?
For beginners: This is an excellent choice. The straightforward installation, intuitive controls, and reliable performance make it ideal for those new to boating or fishing. The price point is also approachable for someone just getting started.
For intermediate users: You’ll appreciate the balance of features, power, and value. This motor offers enough thrust and control options to handle a variety of conditions without breaking the bank. It’s a solid workhorse for regular weekend anglers.
For advanced users: If you’re not looking for advanced GPS features or wireless control, this might still satisfy your needs. The reliability and saltwater capability make it suitable for serious use, though those wanting integrated technology might need to look at higher-end models. I’d say it’s perfect as a dependable backup motor even for the most seasoned boaters.
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Power Up Your Boating Experience Today!
After three months of regular use in various conditions, I can confidently recommend the Newport Vessels 55lb Thrust Electric Trolling Motor to anyone looking for reliable power without spending a fortune. Whether you’re navigating a peaceful lake or dealing with tidal currents, this motor delivers consistent performance that will enhance your time on the water. Ready to upgrade your boating experience? This might just be the motor you’ve been looking for.
- 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