U-BCOO Electric Trolling Motor Review: Powerful Performance for Weekend Anglers
Last month, I finally decided to upgrade the ancient trolling motor on my 14-foot fishing boat. After weeks of research (and maybe a bit too much YouTube), I settled on the U-BCOO 46-Pound Electric Trolling Motor. I’ve always been somewhat skeptical of lesser-known brands, but the specs looked promising, and honestly, the price point was too good to ignore. Four fishing trips later, I think I’ve got a pretty good handle on what this motor offers – the good, the frustrating, and everything in between.
Rugged Yet Refined
The first thing that struck me about this trolling motor was how substantial it felt right out of the box. The composite shaft feels incredibly durable – I may have accidentally banged it against my dock during installation (oops), and it didn’t even show a mark. The 6-inch telescoping handle is comfortable to grip, even with wet hands, which I appreciated during a sudden downpour on my second outing.
The height adjustment mechanism is intuitive, though sometimes it takes a bit of muscle to get it exactly where you want it. I particularly like how the depth collar allows you to position the motor precisely for different water conditions. I think the 10-point LED battery indicator is especially useful – no more guessing about how much power you’ve got left, which was a constant worry with my old motor.
- 28.5 inch composite glass fiber high strength shaft, high strength nylon bracket
- 46lb thrust Saltwater Transom Mounted
- 8 speeds (5 forward & 3 reverse) - DC 12V
- Stainless steel hardware for saltwater use
- Durable die-cast aluminum head / 5-inch telescopic handle
Power That Delivers
With 46 pounds of thrust, this motor has absolutely no trouble pushing my aluminum fishing boat, even when loaded with gear and a fishing buddy. The 8-speed system (5 forward/3 reverse) gives more control than I initially thought I’d need. On my local lake, I found that speed 3 was perfect for trolling along weed beds, while speed 5 quickly got me back to the launch when storm clouds started rolling in.
Battery life has been surprisingly good. During a full 6-hour fishing day, mostly using lower speeds, I still had about 30% battery left according to the LED indicator. The motor runs fairly quietly too – not silent, but quiet enough that I haven’t noticed fish getting spooked.
One thing that took some getting used to was the reverse function. It works well enough, but there’s a slight delay when switching directions that caught me off guard the first few times. Perhaps this is normal for motors in this class, but it’s something to be aware of when maneuvering in tight spots.
Numbers That Matter
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Thrust Power | 46 pounds |
| Speeds | 8 speeds (5 forward, 3 reverse) |
| Shaft | Composite construction, 5/8″ diameter |
| Handle | 6″ telescoping tiller |
| Battery Indicator | 10-point LED display |
| Compatible Battery | 12V marine or deep cycle (not included) |
| Mount Type | Transom mount |
| Adjustability | Adjustable depth and 7-position bracket |
Pros
- Excellent thrust-to-price ratio
- Durable composite shaft withstands impacts
- Precise 8-speed control system
- Easy-to-read battery indicator
- Runs quietly compared to similarly priced models
- Simple installation process
- Adjustable height and depth for various boats
Cons
- Slight delay when changing directions
- Height adjustment can be stiff initially
- Instruction manual could be more detailed
- Propeller guard feels somewhat flimsy
- Battery cables could be longer for some boat configurations
What Customers Are Saying
After combing through dozens of reviews on Amazon, the overall sentiment is decidedly positive. Most users praise the motor’s power and reliability for its price point. One customer noted, “This motor has been exactly what I needed for my 14′ jon boat. Plenty of power and battery lasts all day at lower speeds.”
Another verified buyer commented, “Surprised by how quiet it runs. Fish don’t seem to notice it at all, which has definitely improved my catch rate.”
The most common complaints center around longevity concerns and customer service. Some users mentioned issues with the motor after 6-12 months of use, though these appear to be in the minority.
Who Should Buy This Motor?
For Beginners: This is actually an excellent choice if you’re just getting into boating or fishing. The straightforward controls and reliable performance make it forgiving for newcomers, while the battery indicator helps prevent the rookie mistake of getting stranded with a dead battery. The price point also means you’re not overcommitting financially as you explore the hobby.
For Intermediate Users: Weekend warriors and regular fishermen will find the U-BCOO offers enough power and control for most common fishing scenarios. If you own a small to medium-sized boat and fish on calm lakes or slow-moving rivers, this provides good value for money.
For Advanced Users: Serious anglers who spend many days on the water or fish in challenging conditions might want to consider higher-end options. While this motor is capable, those looking for integration with fish finders, GPS-enabled features, or the absolute highest thrust ratings might want to invest in premium brands.
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Upgrade Your Fishing Game Today!
After spending ample time with this motor, I can confidently say it offers remarkable value for recreational anglers. If you’re looking to enhance your time on the water without breaking the bank, the U-BCOO trolling motor delivers reliable performance worth considering.
- 28.5 inch composite glass fiber high strength shaft, high strength nylon bracket
- 46lb thrust Saltwater Transom Mounted
- 8 speeds (5 forward & 3 reverse) - DC 12V
- Stainless steel hardware for saltwater use
- Durable die-cast aluminum head / 5-inch telescopic handle