Top Best Electric Trolling Motor For Kayak: With Buying Guide in 2024
Kayak fishing needs talent and great gear. You may have a kayak, rod, reel, PFD, and fishfinder. You just need the best electric trolling motor for kayak to improve your fishing.
Top 5 Best Electric Trolling Motor For Kayak.
Anglers must sometimes go far. For these situations, an electric trolling motor on the back, front, or side is excellent. It will make you cover more water and be less tired at night.
Top Best Electric Trolling Motor For Kayak: With Buying Guide in 2024
Choosing the proper electric trolling motor for kayak requires knowledge of many parameters and characteristics. So, I created this guide with my top picks for kayak electric trolling motors.
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Haswing has been making high-quality electric outboard motors since 1995. Though expensive, it’s a good value considering its perks and features, and my top pick.
Haswing Cayman 12V Bow Mount Trolling Motor, like Minn Kota’s Digital Maximizer, helps you adjust speed with decreased power usage. Thus, the battery life of this electric trolling motor for a kayak is considerably increased.
Long-range remote control (164 ft) makes this electric outboard motor operation easier. Offshore control is possible. The cable-wired foot pedal lets you fish hands-free.
Installation and removal of this electric trolling motor for kayaks are made easier by the quick-release bracket, another popular feature. The 5-level battery status indicator lets you know when to charge.
Its cruise control feature distinguishes the Haswing from a spot lock. It lets you maintain the right pace so you can concentrate on fishing. Another benefit of this electric trolling motor is that it works in freshwater and saltwater.
Pros
- Quality build from a trusted manufacturer
- Efficient power use and longer battery life with variable speed.
- Easy control via long-range remote and cable-wired foot pedal.
- Easy setup and removal using a quick-release bracket.
- Suitable for freshwater and saltwater usage.
Cons
- Relatively expensive
Electric trolling motor pioneer Minn Kota is the most reputable brand. Classic electric trolling motor Endura C2 is noted for its performance. Minn Kota says the Endura C2 electric trolling motor is trusted by many fishermen than any other motor and is designed to serve and last. Minn Kota guarantees its claims for 2 years.
The Minn Kota Endura C2 telescopic handle extends 6 inches for relaxed kayak movement. The C2’s 10-position lever-lock bracket has a quick-release lever lock and strengthened composite material to prevent bending, warping, and UV damage.
With its 5 forward speeds, 3 reverse speeds, and 30 lbs of power, you can easily pick the right speed for kayak control.
The Endura C2’s power prop helps drive your kayak through thick undergrowth. Endura C2 composite shafts are stronger than steel. The shaft bends without breaking, kinking, or corroding on contact. Minn Kota guarantees this shaft’s strength forever.
Minn Kota electric trolling motors are the quietest due to their innovative bearing arrangement that lowers friction and fish-spooking noise. And less friction allows your trolling motor battery to survive longer.
Pros
- Telescopic handle
- Indestructible material
- 5 forward and 3 reverse speeds
- 12V 30A draw
- 30 lbs for proper propulsion
Cons
- May not work with bigger kayaks or strong currents.
Many professional anglers recommend the Minn Kota Ultrex. It has a foot pedal and the latest trolling motor controls.
Its key features are lift assist, a huge, easy-to-read LCD display, remote control, spot-lock, steering lock, and possibly the most delicate trolling motor footpad ever. It takes time to get comfortable with how smooth and simple it is to operate. Therefore, some people complain about its sensitivity!
The co-pilot and spot-lock capabilities of I-Pilot use GPS. This electric trolling motor for kayak automatically positions your boat within 3 feet and records your journeys. Spot-Lock may be changed by 5′ in either direction for convenient gradual changes.
Based on real-time use, circumstances, etc., I-Pilot will provide battery life and projected time left. Naturally, the Ultrex features the Minn Kota Digital Maximizer, which has been shown to increase battery life by 5 times.
Smartphone connectivity gives you complete control over the I-Pilot. Some use this to remove the kayak from the trailer. Finally, Universal Sonar 2 lets you hide the wiring of almost any transducer you attach.
Pros
- Enhanced control for accurate movement
- Easy setup and storage with lift assist.
- I-Pilot GPS capability for co-pilot and spot-lock.
- Remote control via smartphone integration
- Its Universal Sonar 2 allows for covert transducer wiring.
Cons
- Some users may need time to get used to the sensitive foot-pad.
This Pexmor electric trolling motor for kayak is affordable. It offers the features and build quality of more expensive motors and delivers 36lb of thrust, adequate for most kayak fisherman.
The shaft is 34″, which appears lengthy, but the transom mount is adjustable, so you may set the propellers at any depth depending on the circumstances.
To avoid being caught in a lake without power, 1-10 LED light indicators will show the battery’s capacity!
I like its simple tiller handles for power operation when kayak fishing and this one is telescopic and adjustable by 6″, giving you lots of installation alternatives.
A button to modify the shaft angle allows you plenty of flexibility to adapt to diverse water conditions, which I enjoy.
Pros
- Excellent value for features.
- 36lb thrust suiting most kayak anglers
- Versatile depth control with fully adjustable transom mount.
- Easy monitoring of battery capacity with LED indicators.
- Comfortable and convenient telescopic and adjustable tiller handle.
Cons
- Shaft length may seem lengthy.
Newport Vessels made this electric trolling motor for kayak. It contains features to make your experience worry-free.
The Kayak series’ 24-inch fiberglass shaft performs for life. The rest are comprised of corrosion-resistant stainless steel and aluminum.
The Kayak Series has 36-pound and 55-pound thrusters. A 12-volt battery is needed. Its speed is customizable with eight settings—five forward and three backward. Two-blade stock propeller, 6-inch tiller/handle.
Pros
- Two thrust levels available.
- Suitable for both fresh and saltwater
- Includes a circuit breaker.
- Reliable shaft
Con
- Lithium-ion batteries may cause harm.
Buying Guide – Kayak Trolling Motor
Type
Electric trolling motors are offered as saltwater or freshwater. A little protecting “anode” distinguishes it. Saltwater rusts faster, so trolling motors are better protected. You can use a saltwater motor in freshwater, but not in the sea.
Thrust
Knowing how heavy your fishing kayak will be with you and your catch is crucial. Generally, you require 2 pounds of thrust every 100 pounds of weight.
Cover your kayak’s maximum weight. A smaller boat with a maximum weight of 275 lbs. needs a trolling motor with at least 5 lbs. of torque. If your ocean kayak can hold 600 pounds, you need a 12-pound engine.
Mount Position
Bow or Transom mounting your trolling motor is up to you.
Bow-mounted trolling motors are on the front of your kayak. Maneuverability in marshy areas is improved. The rear of your kayak houses transom-mounted trolling motors.
Shaft Length
Know this critical characteristic before purchasing a trolling motor. If your shaft is too short, your engine may not be entirely submerged, making it inefficient and noisy.
For optimal performance, submerge the motor top 12″ below water. However, knowing the height from the bow or stern to the waterline is equally significant. The following chart may help you choose shaft length.
Voltage
You must match your battery to the voltage of the electric trolling motor for kayak you purchase. 12-, 24-, and 36-volt trolling motors are available.
Extra Considerations
Check your state’s motorized vehicle and watercraft rules. Most states require kayaks with motors to be registered with the DMV or another government body and may be taxed. Your state may additionally need a motorized kayak license.
FAQs
1. What is a trolling motor?
Answer: A shaft connects a trolling motor to a propeller. Jon boats, pontoons, dinghies, kayaks, and canoes have it on their bows, sterns, or engines. Trolling motors allow tight handling. To avoid scaring fish, they are usually silent.
2. How large should a trolling motor be?
Answer: This depends on boat weight and drag. Naturally, larger kayaks require bigger motors. A push will be measured. Common measurements include 30, 40, 45, 50, 55, 80, 112, or 150 pounds. One horsepower weighs 75 pounds.
Larger trolling motors for tiny boats do not always speed them up.
3. May I use any trolling motor for a kayak or canoe?
Answer: You cannot use a trolling motor in a kayak or canoe. Select a lightweight one. Choosing a hefty one may weigh down the kayak or canoe and create problems. The stern must always be above water.
4. Is a kayak or canoe trolling motor legal?
Answer: Trolling motors on kayaks and canoes are permitted. Be careful and obey boating regulations.
5. What to do if my trolling motor fails?
Answer: Check your warranty if your trolling motor breaks down. Sometimes the warranty covers the problem. If you intervene with the motor, the warranty may be invalidated.
Final Words
Making the most of your kayak fishing trip is difficult without excellent trolling motors. It won’t work to paddle across the ocean, raking all day with the finest reels and rods, is it?
So, I chose the finest solutions for you. If you’re not feeling adventurous, use the Haswing Cayman 12V Bow Mount Trolling Motor for its great navigation. Its wireless and cruise control features make it worth the increased price!