Trolling motors allow you to move your kayak or boat very slowly around a body of open water. This is ideal for trolling, which is a type of fishing.
Trolling occurs when you cast your line behind your kayak and allow it to trail out from the boat–then, by using a trolling motor, you move at a slow, consistent speed.
Fish find this slow consistent speed extremely appealing for larger fish–more so than the speed and consistency of paddling. If you are a fisherman, trolling makes the fishing experience even more exciting.
Table of Contents
5 Top Trolling Motors for Kayaks
| Image | Product Name | Thrust | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Outsunny 12V Transom Mounted Trolling Motor | 50 pounds | 24 pounds | Check Current Price |
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Newport Vessels X-Series Saltwater Trolling Motor | 55 pounds | 23 pounds | Check Current Price |
 |
Minn Kota Endura C2 30 Freshwater Trolling Motor | 30 pounds | 17 pounds | Check Current Price |
 |
Minn Kota Endura C2 Endura C2 55 Trolling Motor | 55 pounds | 22 pounds | Check Current Price |
 |
Newport Vessels NV-Series 46 lb. Thrust | 46 pounds | 20 pounds | Check Current Price |
 |
Coleman Company Sevylor Inflatable Boat | 18 pounds | 7 pounds | Check Current Price |
For a trolling motor, you want to consider several key features. First, you should consider the durability of the motor. If your motor is not durable, it is not a good investment.
Second, you want to consider the speed options on the motor. If you have lots of speed options, you can encourage different types of fish to bite, or use the motor to move more quickly or more slowly.
You also want to make sure that the motor is comfortable to use, especially if you are an older fisherman or have arthritic hands.
5 Best Trolling Motors for Kayaks in 2019
1.Outsunny 12V Transom Mounted Trolling Motor
For durability, this motor outshines them all. The Outsunny is one of the best when it comes to durability, due to its composite shaft. Because the shaft is made from many different materials, it is more likely to hold up over time.
With a 30 inch shaft, you also know that your prop can be lowered as far as is necessary in the water. If your prop is not appropriately lowered, the motor can actually suffer damages. However, by adjusting the 30 inches of shaft, you ensure that your motor will be safe.
Speeds are another key feature of this trolling motor. With 8 speeds in total, 5 going forward and 3 allowing you to reverse, you never have to fear not being able to move the way you need. The reverse speeds are especially beneficial as they allow you to get out of sticky situations more easily.
The handle can adjust to ten different positions and is adjustable out to 6 inches. This means that you can make it fit your body, instead of contorting your body to fit the motor. Additionally, this handle is padded, allowing you maximum comfort.
The thrust on this kayak trolling motor is 55 pounds. This means you can use the motor on boats and gear of up to 2000 pounds without issue. If you have multiple fishing boats, this is a major perk.
Pros
- Comfortable handle
- 12 V
- 8 speeds
- 5 forward speeds
- 3 reverse speeds
- Adjustable handle
- 55 pounds of thrust
Cons
- None! If you find any, let us know!
2. Newport Vessels X-Series Saltwater Trolling Motor
The durability of this trolling motor is remarkable. With a fiberglass composite shaft, it simply will not break easily. This makes a lot of kayakers feel comfortable purchasing this motor.
Another 8 speed motor is the Newport Vessels X-Series Saltwater Trolling motor. This motor is designed for the ocean, which makes it the best trolling motor for our ocean kayakers. Additionally, these 8 speeds are 5 forward and 3 reverse, just like the Outsunny. Again, this can help you back out of unwelcoming situations.
The comfort of this motor is not a lost feature either. With another 6 inch telescoping handle, you will find yourself extremely comfortable. However, what really makes this the most comfortable trolling motor is the 30 degree adjustable control. In other words, instead of different positions to choose from, this handle has 30 degrees of options.
The shaft on this motor is adjustable as well. An adjustable shaft means you can ensure the handle reaches a comfortable height and you can make sure your prop sits in the water appropriately.
This is another boat with a thrust of 50 pounds, which means it can push up to 2000 pounds. Again, if your kayak is not your only trolling boat, this is an excellent motor choice for you.
Pros
- 30 degree adjustable
- 8 speed motor
- 5 forward speed
- 3 reverse speeds
- Fiberglass composite shaft
- 6 inch telescoping handle
- 50 pounds of thrust
Cons
- Thrust is not as strong as suggested
3. Minn Kota Endura C2 30 Freshwater Transom Mounted Trolling Motor (30″ Shaft)
When it comes to durability, a motor called the Endura is assumed to be superior. This assumption is not far off.
With a composite shaft, which is covered by a lifetime warranty and a 2 year warranty on the motor, you know this motor will last you for quite a while.
Additionally, it has speed options just as excellent as the Outsunny and the Newport. The motor provides 5 forward speed options and 3 reverse speed options.
This is a total of 8 speed options. The fastest speed allows you to move approximately 4 miles per hour.
Comfort is probably the Endura’s most outstanding feature. Like the previous motors, it has a 6 inch telescoping handle. In addition, the handle twists and tilts, which provides maximum comfort for your hand.
Not only that, but the handle is another ergonomic handle, which means you have no extra stress on your joints. This also means that the Endura is easily the best kayak trolling motor for arthritis.
Another comfort feature here is the shaft. With 30 inches at your disposal, the shaft is also able to be adjusted. This means you can ensure the motor sits at a comfortable height for you. Additionally, the prop can be lowered into the water, no matter how high your boat is. The ensures your motor will be safe.
The Endura also has thrust of 30 pounds. With 30 pounds of thrust, you can push up to 1200 pounds of boat, gear, and kayaker. This is by far enough for most kayaks, allowing you the comfort of knowing your gear is safe to transport.
Pros
- Lifetime Warranty on shaft
- 2 year warranty on motor
- Composite shaft
- 8 speed options
- 30 pounds of thrust
- 5 forward options
- 3 reverse options
- Fastest speed is 4 miles
- 6 inch telescoping handle
- Handle twists and tilts
- Ergonomic handle
Cons
- Some seem to be delivered faulty
4. Minn Kota Endura C2 Endura C2 55 Trolling Motor
Another Endura C2 by Minn Kota, but this trolling motor provides a hefty 55 pounds of thrust.
Typically, this also means the motor is more durable, as it is able to withstand more pressure while boating.
The 55 thrust motor also has a 2 year warranty and a lifetime warranty on the flexible composite shaft.
For speeds, the motor can provide you with the standard 8 speeds. 5 forward speeds and 3 reverse speeds.
The 8 speed options allow you to fish for many different species of fish, by testing your various bait at the varying speeds. This is a major perk for many fishermen!
Additionally, the motor comes with a prop which is weedless–this should make trolling even easier for you! A weedless prop means that the prop has an extra feature on it which prevents weeds from wrapping around the blades. This means you do not have to stop and reverse to get weeds off. It also means you do not have to stop and pull the prop up to remove weeds.
This handle is also ergonomic and also a 6 inch telescopic handle. However, it does not have the twist ability of the 30 pound thrust motor, so keep that in mind when you are considering the 55 pound motor for purchase!
Let’s chat about the thrust for a moment–55 pounds of thrust is just like the Newport X-series and means your motor can push approximately 2000 pounds of boat, gear, and people. This is an amazing amount and can actually allow you to use this motor for many different boats or water vehicles.
Pros
- 55 pounds of thrust
- 2 year warranty on the motor
- Lifetime warranty on the shaft
- 8 speed
- 5 forward speeds
- 3 reverse speeds
- Ergonomic handle
- 6 inch telescopic handle
Cons
- No twist ability
5. Newport Vessels NV-Series 46 lb. Thrust Saltwater Transom Mounted Electric Trolling Motor with 30″ Shaft
This is another 30 inch shaft trolling motor, and this one is not a composite–it is entirely made of fiberglass.
Though composite shafts are an excellent choice, fiberglass is by far the best choice. This means that the shaft will last a long time, however the price is a little higher on this motor.
The hardware on this is also heavy duty, and allows you to kayak on freshwater and saltwater.
For speeds, we have another standard 8 speed motor here. 5 forward speeds allow you quite a few options to attract fish. The 3 reverse speeds also afford you excellent opportunities to evade sticky situations.
Finally, comfort on this trolling motor is decent. The shaft is adjustable, but that is just about it in terms of comfort. Keep in mind, however, an adjustable shaft means no awkward twisting about or back straining. The handle is padded, but there are no additional features.
The Newport Vessel has a thrust of 46 pounds. Typically, for every 5 pounds of thrust your motor can push 200 pounds of boat. This means this particular motor can push approximately 1800 pounds of kayak, kayaker, and gear. This is a major benefit for you, as you are ensured that your boat can be appropriately pushed.
Pros
- 46 pounds of thrust
- 30 inch shaft
- 8 speeds
- 5 forward speeds
- 3 reverse speeds
- Adjustable shaft
- Padded handle
- Fiberglass shaft
- Saltwater approved hardware
Cons
- Little in the way of comfort
6. Coleman Company Sevylor Inflatable Boat 12V Electric Motor, Black
This kayak trolling motor only has 18 pounds of thrust. For those of you who are wondering, that is a very small amount of thrust. So, why include it on the list?
The Coleman Company Electric Motor is designed for inflatable kayaks, and it may very well be the best trolling motor for inflatable kayaks!
The motor is primarily made of stainless steel and plastic fittings. This absorbs the vibrations better than many motors.
The shaft on this motor is made of aluminum, which means it is not quite as durable as other motors on the list. You may want to be cautious when it comes to this motor.
A difference with this motor is the speeds. It has two forward speeds and two reverse speeds. While this is not as useful as the other motors on the list, it still provides you many options for maneuvering your kayak.
Comfort is tricky here. The motor is only 18 ½ inches tall, compared to other motor’s 30 inches. This is a large difference, so it is important to take note. If you sit high in your kayak, this may not be the best option for you.
The handle is not ergonomic and is not very padded, which means you are not afforded very much comfort. This is a caution for anyone with arthritis or bad hands–this kayak trolling motor is not for you!
18 pounds of thrust can be a drawback. 18 pounds means that the motor can only push around 600 pounds of gear, boat, and kayaker. However, for most kayaks this will be enough and will make sure you are well-taken care of on the water.
Pros
- Stainless steel parts
- 18 ½ inch shaft
- 18 pounds of thrust
- Designed for inflatable kayaks
- 4 speeds
- 2 forward speeds
- 2 reverse speeds
Cons
- Handle not padded well
- Short
- Aluminum Shaft
How to Buy a Trolling Motor for your Kayak
When you begin to shop for a trolling motor, you must take into consideration your needs. Consider how tall you will need the trolling motor to be. If you will be using it on multiple kayaks, you want an adjustable shaft.
Additionally, you want to make sure your kayak trolling motor shaft is composite or fiberglass. Thrust and speed are two more crucial items. If your thrust is not high enough, you will not have enough power and cannot move the boat to catch the appropriate fish. This is where you must do your research to ensure you can catch the right fish!
Durability
For any major purchase relating to your kayak, durability is key. When it comes to your trolling motor, you hope to find durability in your shaft, motor, or through warranties offered by the company.
The shaft of the motor is, perhaps, the most easily broken. This is because it is a separate piece from the rest of the motor. It is easy to hit or harm when transporting between kayak and storage. For this reason, there are two key types of kayak trolling motor shafts which are the best.
First, is fiberglass shafts. Fiberglass shafts are moldable. What does this mean? Exactly what you think! Fiberglass molds to the pressure it endures. In other words, if you drop the motor, the fiberglass will bend to the impact, not just shatter.
Composite shafts or composite stainless steel shafts absorb the vibration of the motor better than fiberglass shafts, however. This can allow them to have a longer lifespan than the standard fiberglass shaft. That being said, composite and stainless steel shafts do not flex as well as fiberglass, so this can cause issues!
Many companies offer warranties on their trolling motors. This being said, take note of what is being covered. Often the motor itself is not covered as long as the other features, so this can be a negative for kayakers.
Speed
The best speed options for trolling motors are 8 speed motors. These motors allow you to move forward and in reverse. There are traditionally 5 forward speeds and 3 reverse speeds.
Typically the fastest speed in these options allows you to move around 4 miles an hour, which is almost too fast to troll. However, this also enables you to get across the body of water you are on in case of storms or other dangerous situations at a fairly high speed.
This being said, you must also consider how fast your trolling motor can move and what that means for your fishing experience. There are not exactly specific speeds to troll at for different types of fish. Instead, you must note at which speeds your bait is functioning properly.
If you choose a bait for a certain type of fish, you should put the bait in the water where you can see it. Then, test the speed–if the bait is functioning properly, bump up your speed. Do this until your bait stops functioning properly. Once it is not working right, lower your speed.
Thrust
Thrust is an interesting concept. Thrust is literally just the power behind your motor. Keep in mind, this does not mean the speed your motor can provide you. Instead, it implies how much weight your motor can push. So how do you know how much power you need?
Essentially, you need 5 pounds of thrust for every 200 pounds of boat/gear/you. If your kayak weighs around 100 pounds and you and your gear add another 300 pounds, you will need a minimum thrust of 20 pounds.
Keep in mind! Just because your trolling motor has a higher thrust does NOT mean it will move your kayak any faster. Instead, it just means that your trolling motor can maintain the same speed for higher weights.
Comfort
Comfort is important for many kayakers. First, you want to consider the height options you have. You will find that many kayak trolling motors have a height of 30 inches, but this is adjustable. This allows you to vary the height of the handle in relationship to the prop of the trolling motor.
By adjusting this, you can control how low your prop sits in the water and where your handle strikes your body. For comfort, the location of the handle is crucial. You want it to be at a height at which your body natural sets, or you will not be comfortable.
Most trolling motors come with a padded handle, but by far the best type of handle is an ergonomic handle. Ergonomic handles prevent any stress from being placed on your joints. This is an excellent feature for those with arthritis or strained hands.
Additionally, you could choose a trolling motor with foot pedal controls instead of with handles. This would allow you maximum comfort in your kayak and would not require twisting or straining on your back. If you cannot purchase a trolling motor with foot pedal controls, you can purchase your own
Our Final Review for the Best Trolling Motor
When you purchase a trolling motor, there are many important features to consider. First, you must consider how long the motor will last you and how long you need it to last.
Motors with warranties are the best bet for many kayakers. You also must consider the thrust of the motor and how fast the motor can allow you to go. Many fishermen prefer to have multiple speed options and more powerful thrust.
However, sometimes the motors with lower thrust are more reasonably priced. Finally, it is important to consider comfort.
If you purchase the wrong motor, you will find yourself hunched over in your kayak and very sore the following day. Be aware of the height of the motor and the feel of the handle.
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