You have a boat (canoe, semi-rigid, inflatable, boat, kayak, etc.) and you want to make the most of it? Installing an electric motor may be the ideal solution.
Whether for fishing trips or simply for the pleasure of strolling at sea or on a lake, electric boat motors are becoming more and more popular. Thanks to an onboard electric motor, you will be able to navigate more easily at a greater distance and take full advantage of your boat.
This selection, based on the characteristics of the motors (their power and their functionalities) as well as on the opinions of Internet users, will provide you with useful information to help you make your choice.
- Newport Vessels X-Series 55lb
Specs
36″ shaft
40 and 55-pound thrust
12-volt
eight tempos
Pros of transom mount
Ten-point LED battery indication at a reasonable price
offered in camouflage color
The telescoping handle may be tilted 30 degrees up and down.
Cons
Limited features 12v only
Only use lead-acid batteries Why We Selected It
Because it’s a little bit more adaptable than the other trolling motors in Newport Vessels’ inventory, I think the X Series is the company’s best trolling motor. They perform admirably with their inflatable boats.
Despite the fact that none of their trolling motors have the glitzy features of high-end trolling motors, they all perform flawlessly. The X Series is no different from other reliable and affordable vehicles in that they transport you from point A to point B.
- Newport Vessels Kayak Series 55lb
Specs
55lb thrust, 24′′ shaft, 12v, and fiberglass shaft
Transom mount Transom handle Advantages
incredibly reasonable
Built for kayaks
Extension for the tiller handle
Cons: Three backward speeds and five forward speeds; 36 or 55 lb of force at 12 volts.
Kayak-only with constrained features
Why We Selected It
Affordable saltwater trolling motors are made by Newport Vessels. The majority of their trolling motors are transom mount motors with little features, which helps them keep their costs cheap. But don’t be fooled by their low prices; they produce high-quality motors.
The Newport Vessels Kayak Series doesn’t have any glitzy extra features, but it does what it says it will, particularly with the variable speeds in forward and reverse.
- Watersnake – Assault Electric Trolling Motor
Specs
The 54-inch shaft length, 54 pounds of force, 12 volts, and a bow mount Positive
saltwater trolling motor for sale
Simple structure
There are two reverse and five forward speeds.
Cons
The top electrical casing can be easily fixed by adding an O-ring and silicone to make it waterproof.
fewer Characteristics
The only available steering method is the tiller handle.
Although it stretches, the tiller handle doesn’t tilt.
Why We Selected It
Watersnake is renowned for producing low-cost trolling motors for use in both freshwater and saltwater.
Despite having fewer features than many of the other trolling motors on the list, the Assault is significantly less expensive.
How to choose your electric boat motor?
To cruise quietly on lakes and rivers or for your outings at sea near the coast, nothing better than to equip yourself with an electric motor for small boats. There is a wide choice on the market, with different manufacturing qualities, powers and functionalities. To be sure to find the best electric boat motor, be sure to determine your needs and take into account some important criteria that we list below.
The type of motor
We can distinguish 3 main types of electric motors for boats :
- Rear motors: this is the most common type of motor on the market and the most accessible even for non-professional fishermen. They are very well suited for small fishing boats with a maximum weight of one ton.
- Front engines: this type of engine is used more for prospecting for fishing. The front engine allows the boat to be steered without noise pollution.
- Engines placed on the base: also ideal for prospecting for fishing, the outboard engine mounted on the base is used to push the boat.
Power
As with any type of motor, power is an essential criterion to take into account before choosing your electric boat motor. The power of an electric motor is expressed in lbs (or kilos), unlike that of a heat engine measured in horsepower (CV). The power depends on the size of the boat, and it would not be useful to equip a small boat with too powerful an engine, because it will prevent the boat from remaining stable, and the too strong power can also damage the boat. Also, an engine that lacks power on a larger boat would lack efficiency, which could wear it out and affect its durability. As you will have understood, it is essential to adapt the power of the engine to the size of the boat in order to guarantee better stability and reliability.
The boating location
If you want to use your trolling motor in fresh and salt water, it is important that it is made of a material that is resistant to erosion and the effects of the environment. In addition, you should know that for navigation in salt water, the power must be stronger (especially because of currents and other weather risks).
Motor Tilt Motor
tilt is a feature that can be very handy in some situations. This is for example the case in shallow water where the motor blades could be damaged on the bottom, stones, etc.
The associated battery
The advantage of electric boat motors is their battery operation. In addition to being ecological (no fuel required, no contaminants released into the air or into the water…), they also allow silent operation.
However, it is important to choose a reliable, durable battery that offers sufficient autonomy for your boat trips! If you want to sail long enough, make sure that the associated battery has a voltage of 12 or 24 volts and that it is of good quality. Lithium batteries are usually very well-suited.
The price
of an engine varies mainly according to the power. For a power of 12V, you can easily find a motor for less than 200 euros, with a very good quality-price ratio.
MAINTENANCE OF THE ELECTRIC BOAT MOTOR
After use, it is advisable to clean the propeller, remove the motor from the water and store it in a dry place, preferably in a cool away from direct light. of the sun. For prolonged storage, the battery should be charged to at least 50%. If the storage lasts more than six months, it is advisable to recharge the battery to prevent it from completely discharging. Even though marine engines are anti-corrosion treated, it is always best to rinse them with fresh water after use and apply an anti-corrosion spray to the electrical contacts at least once every two months.
Discover our range of electric motors
Where to get an electric boat motor?
If you want to buy an electric boat motor, you can go to a brand specializing in fishing equipment. You can get a lot of advice from professionals and you can also compare several models with each other by evaluating their weight, design, dimensions, etc.
However, if you do not have time to go to the store or if you already have an idea of what you are looking for, buying online is the ideal solution. Merchant sites like Amazon offer a wide range of products in terms of electric motors and very often offer competitive prices!