If you’re an angler like me, you know the importance of having the right gear for every fishing trip. One piece of equipment that can make or break your day on the water is a reliable trolling motor.
Saltwater trolling motors are built to handle the corrosive effects of the ocean while providing smooth, quiet propulsion to keep you on top of the fish.
Over the years, I’ve tested several trolling motors to find the ones that truly stand out. In this article, I’ll share my top picks for the best saltwater trolling motors of 2025, along with their pros and cons.
Our Top Picks of The Best Saltwater Trolling Motors for Large and Small Boats
- Most powerful trolling motor on the market with 100 lbs of thrust (in compliance with ISO standard 13342)
- Anchor lock provides our most precise boat positioning, thanks to multi-band GPS and integrated AHRS for heading hold
- Wireless integration with Garmin chartplotters allows you to create routes, patterns and tracks for the trolling motor to follow
- Stow/Deploy Lever: Press this lever on the mount and fall-away ramps will effortlessly slide your trolling motor into the water.
- Advanced Corrosion Protection: Riptide motor lower unit housings are grit-blasted, then coated in aluminum to prevent oxidization and rust. Then, a final layer of powder coat paint provides the ultimate protection.
- Advanced GPS Trolling System: The most-trusted navigation system in fishing. Riptide Terrova uses GPS to control your trolling motor with unrivaled features that keep you on the fish. Set Spot-Locks, record paths, control speed and steering, and more. Minn Kota makes boat positioning and control automatic, and you can take command from the easy-to-read LCD screen of Riptide Terrova’s wireless remote.
- Wireless handheld control lets you precisely operate the motor from anywhere on the boat
- Innovative mount features easy-to-read LED dashboard that lets you quickly check the status of four key functions in any light conditions
- Pinpoint GPS is the industry’s most accurate GPS, provides 3 times precision control and a tighter hold on your anchor point
- Wireless handheld control lets you precisely operate the motor from anywhere on the boat
- Innovative mount features easy-to-read LED dashboard that lets you quickly check the status of four key functions in any light conditions
- Pinpoint GPS is the industry’s most accurate GPS, provides 3 times precision control and a tighter hold on your anchor point
- Deploy-Assist Lever: Get in and out of the water easily. Just depress the lever to deploy your trolling motor and when it’s time to move, it stows easily and securely.
- Advanced GPS Trolling System: The most-trusted navigation system in fishing. Powerdrive uses GPS to control your trolling motor with unrivaled features that keep you on the fish. Set Spot-Locks, control speed and steering, and more. Minn Kota makes boat positioning and control automatic, and you can take command from the easy to read LCD screen of Powerdrive’s wireless remote.
- Push-to-Test Battery Meter: Press a button to get an instant “stage of charge” reading.
- Deploy assist lever Get in and out of the water easily
- iPilot GPS trolling System uses GPS to control your trolling motor with incredible features that keep you on the fish
- Spot lock just press a button, and Spot-Lock will hold you in place with unparalleled GPS accuracy
- Deploy-Assist Lever: Get in and out of the water easily. Just depress the lever to deploy your trolling motor and when it’s time to move, it stows easily and securely.
- Advanced GPS Trolling System: The most-trusted navigation system in fishing. PowerDrive uses GPS to control your trolling motor with unrivaled features that keep you on the fish. Set Spot-Locks, control speed and steering, and more. Minn Kota makes boat positioning and control automatic, and you can take command from PowerDrive’s simple and straight-forward micro remote.
- Push-to-Test Battery Meter: Press a button to get an instant “stage of charge” reading.
- Wireless remote control lets you precisely operate the motor from anywhere on the boat
- Innovative mount features easy-to-read LED dashboard that lets you quickly check the status of four key functions in any light conditions
- Efficient motor provides best-in-class quiet operation that’s up to 40 percent quieter than the leading competitor
- Deploy-Assist Lever: Get in and out of the water easily. Just depress the lever to deploy your trolling motor and when it’s time to move, it stows easily and securely.
- Advanced GPS Trolling System: The most-trusted navigation system in fishing. Powerdrive uses GPS to control your trolling motor with unrivaled features that keep you on the fish. Set Spot-Locks, control speed and steering, and more. Minn Kota makes boat positioning and control automatic, and you can take command from Powerdrive’s simple and straight-forward micro remote.
- Push-to-Test Battery Meter: Press a button to get an instant “stage of charge” reading.
- 52″ Shaft, 12v, 55 lbs Thrust
- Latch & Door Bracket: This bracket gives you a rock-solid hold while stowing your trolling motor and makes for easy removal at the end of the day
- Tilt/Extend Tiller: Take command of your hand control trolling motor with this versatile tiller, which both tilts (up to 45°) and extends (up to 6″), and features a digital battery indicator on the head
- Latch & Door Bracket: This bracket gives you a rock-solid hold while stowing your trolling motor and makes for easy removal at the end of the day.
- Tilt/Extend Tiller: Take command of your hand control trolling motor with this versatile tiller, which both tilts (up to 45°) and extends (up to 6″), and features a digital battery indicator on the head.
- 5 Fwd/3 Rev Speed Settings: Five speed settings for forward and three speed settings for reverse.
- Haswing Cayman 48 INCH Shaft Bow Mount Trolling Motor is designed and engineered to run quieter than ever before. It’s so quiet that the fish will never hear you coming. With variable speed will let you dial in your desired speed and provide more precise, smoother adjustments plus improved control. Moreover the variable speed is the lower power consumption of the motor, it can increase battery life quite a bit at any speed. Also the trolling motor suitable for boats weighing up to 2750LBS
- The remote control fits into the palm of your hand easily or can be attached around your neck with a lanyard. Conveniently control the motor on the boat or shoreside with the farthest 164 ft distance, meanwhile the remote can be recharged with a USB cable on power bank when necessary. Quick release bracket can help you to install/remove the motor easily. The 14.7 ft cable wired foot control, can not only release your hands when fishing but also provide precise, easy operation.
- Cruise control (NOT Spot lock) keeps your boat at the desired speed by using remote control to press on the speed up or down button then you can focus on fishing all the way, but you might have to manually correct the direction from time to time due to wind or current, meanwhile you can adjust the speed when you need. And if you turn the motor 180 degrees of rotation and it will push the boat in reverse direction.
- Haswing Cayman T 12V 55LBS Trolling Motor aimed at fishermen who require the versatility of guiding their motor via a hand remote. The trolling motor comes standard with a hand control, sacrificial anode and encapsulated electronics. It’s equipped with one-way stepless speed control. The depth height can easily be adjusted, so you can motor in virtually any water. It’s features 3 levels LED battery power reader. Suitable for both salt and fresh water.
- Offer 0 – 85 degree titling position, so it can easily be tilted in and out of the water when the depth or fishing condition change.
- The remote control fits into the palm of your hand easily or can be attached around your neck with a lanyard. Conveniently control the motor on the boat or shore-side with the farthest 164 ft distance, meanwhile the remote can be recharged with a USB cable on power bank when necessary
Best Overall
Minn Kota Riptide Instinct Quest
When it comes to reliability, durability, and cutting-edge features, the Minn Kota Riptide Instinct Quest takes the crown. This motor offers an impressive combination of power and advanced technology, including GPS-guided navigation and spot-lock functionality. It’s perfect for anglers who want precision and control in every aspect of their fishing experience.
Pros
- GPS-guided autopilot for precise navigation
- Durable construction that withstands harsh saltwater environments
- High thrust capacity, making it versatile for various boat sizes
- Intuitive controls and customizable settings
Cons
- Higher price point compared to other models
- Installation can be complex for first-time users
- Slightly heavier than some competitors
Best for Large Boats
Garmin Force Kraken
If you’re working with a large boat, the Garmin Force Kraken is the powerhouse you need. This motor offers unmatched thrust and efficiency, ensuring you can handle even the heaviest vessels. What sets it apart is its seamless integration with Garmin electronics, giving you unparalleled control and navigation.
Pros
- Exceptional thrust for large and heavy boats
- Compatible with Garmin electronics for seamless integration
- Energy-efficient, maximizing battery life
- Built-in sonar capability
Cons
- Expensive, making it less accessible for budget-conscious anglers
- Large size can be cumbersome for smaller setups
- Requires a learning curve for optimal use
Best for Inshore
Power-Pole Move PV
For inshore fishing, the Power-Pole Move PV is a game-changer. This motor combines stealthy operation with top-notch corrosion resistance, making it ideal for shallow, brackish waters. Its lightweight design and precise maneuverability make it a favorite among inshore anglers.
Pros
- Extremely quiet, perfect for stealthy inshore fishing
- Lightweight and easy to install
- High resistance to corrosion
- Intuitive remote control for effortless operation
Cons
- Limited thrust compared to offshore motors
- Not suitable for large or heavy boats
- Battery consumption could be optimized further
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Fishing enthusiasts, feel free to share your experiences with these motors. Have you used any of these models? What’s your favorite trolling motor for saltwater adventures?
How I Chose the Best Saltwater Trolling Motor
Selecting the best trolling motors required thorough research and hands-on testing. I considered factors like thrust, durability, price, and special features like GPS and anchor modes. Additionally, I looked for motors that could handle the challenges of saltwater environments while delivering consistent performance. Feedback from fellow anglers also played a big role in my evaluations.
The Best Saltwater Trolling Motors: Reviews and Recommendations
Best Overall: Minn Kota Riptide Instinct Quest
Pros
- Advanced GPS features for unparalleled control
- Rugged design built to last
- Versatile for multiple fishing conditions
Cons
- Expensive compared to similar models
- Slightly heavy for small boats
Best for Large Boats: Garmin Force Kraken
Pros
- Superior thrust for heavy-duty performance
- Compatible with Garmin devices
- Quiet operation despite its power
Cons
- Pricey
- Learning curve for some features
Best for Inshore: Power-Pole Move PV
Pros
- Ideal for shallow waters
- Lightweight and portable
- Durable against corrosion
Cons
- Not powerful enough for heavy boats
- Battery life can be an issue
Best Budget: MotorGuide Xi5
The MotorGuide Xi5 offers reliable performance at an affordable price. It’s a great option for those new to trolling motors or working within a tight budget.
Pros
- Affordable without compromising on quality
- GPS functionality included
- Lightweight and easy to install
Cons
- Limited thrust compared to higher-end models
- Durability in saltwater could be better
Best for Kayak: Newport Vessels Kayak Series
For kayak anglers, the Newport Vessels Kayak Series is a compact yet powerful solution. It’s specifically designed to meet the needs of small vessels.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight for kayaks
- Affordable price point
- Highly efficient battery usage
Cons
- Limited to smaller boats
- Lack of advanced features like GPS
How to Choose a Saltwater Trolling Motor
Saltwater Trolling Motor Size
Choosing the right size ensures optimal performance without overburdening your boat.
Thrust
Match the thrust level to your boat’s weight to ensure smooth operation.
Mounts
Consider whether a transom or bow mount is best for your setup.
Price
Balance your budget with the features you need.
Anchor Mode and Controls
Look for features like spot-lock and remote controls for added convenience.
Alternatives to the Garmin Force Kraken
Heavy Duty: Power-Pole Move PV
For anglers looking for heavy-duty performance in shallow or inshore waters, the Power-Pole Move PV offers an excellent alternative. Its stealthy operation and superior corrosion resistance make it ideal for environments where durability and quiet propulsion are key. The compact design also appeals to those who value portability without sacrificing performance.
Budget Friendly: MotorGuide Xi5
If budget constraints are a concern, the MotorGuide Xi5 steps in as a fantastic choice. This model provides dependable performance with essential features like GPS navigation. While it doesn’t have the high-end capabilities of premium motors, it’s a solid pick for those who need reliability without the premium price tag.
Big Boats: Minn Kota Riptide Instinct Quest
For those handling large boats, the Minn Kota Riptide Instinct Quest is a powerful and feature-rich option. Its advanced GPS and high thrust make it ideal for heavy-duty use. While it may come with a steeper price tag, the added value in functionality and durability ensures it’s a worthwhile investment for large-vessel anglers.
Each of these alternatives brings something unique to the table, ensuring that no matter your specific needs, you can find a trolling motor that aligns with your preferences.
Final Thoughts
Saltwater trolling motors are essential tools for serious anglers, and choosing the right one can greatly enhance your fishing experience. Whether you’re fishing inshore or offshore, there’s a motor out there to fit your needs and budget. I hope this guide helps you find the perfect match.
Elevate Your Fishing With Advanced Trolling Motor Features
FAQ
What is the difference between a trolling motor and an outboard motor?
A trolling motor is for precise, quiet propulsion, while an outboard motor provides primary power for navigating.
How do I know what size trolling motor I need?
Calculate based on your boat’s weight and desired speed.
How fast can a troll motor go?
Most trolling motors can reach speeds of 3-5 mph.
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