The kayak is a very versatile boat. Most of the kayaks are used for sports purposes. The athletes are not allowed to use trolling motors and must use only paddles.
But what if you are not a professional athlete but a simple person who likes to calmly swim and enjoy the process? Or are you an angler who needs to move a lot between places? Well, or you just don’t have the desire to paddle and it is not for you.
In this case, paddles are not the best way to swim in your kayak, especially when it comes to long distances.
A better way would be to hang the motor on your kayak. These motors are called trolling motors, and in this article we will write about the best trolling motors for kayaks.
Let ‘s begin!
Comparison Table Of Best Trolling Motors For Kayaks
Minn Kota Endura C2
Specs:
- Volts: 12V
- Thrust (lbs.): 30 – 50
- Shaft Length: 30 – 42″
- Speed: 5/3 hand control
Pros:
- Made from special composite materials
- Telescoping 6″ handle
- Indestructible composite shaft
Cons:
- For freshwater use only
In the first place of out list of best trolling motors for kayaks, we have Minn Kota Endura C2. The reasons why I gave it first place are simple; it’s an excellent choice for beginners thanks to its low price and impressive features. You may have already heard of this brand, and this particular model is very popular and has a lot of positive feedback.
Minn Kota is a starter trolling motor kit with thrust ranging from 30 lbs. to 55 lbs. The Minn Kota Endura C2 has a quick-release lever lock that lets you adjust the tilt angle. You have the option of adjusting to ten different positions. This enables you to set the Minn Kota Endura trolling motor at the most effective angle during activity.
Also, the Minn Kota Endura C2 trolling motor has adjustable forward and reverse speeds. There are five forward and three reverse speeds. It allows you the option of going faster with a lighter load while moving at the maximum speed, or slower with a heavier load while moving at the maximum torque. Also, it permits you to troll slowly for longer run times.
Minn Kota offers an indestructible shaft that can resist corrosion and withstand most hard impacts. Lightweight and stronger than steel, the trolling motor’s composite shaft provides long-lasting reliability.
Minn Kota is powered by electricity. You will never smell it, and there will be no oil stains. This engine works very quietly, which makes it perfect for kayaking adventures and fishing trips because you will never spook the fish.
However, this trolling motor is not compatible with saltwater, making it unsuitable for use in seawater.
Check PriceMotorGuide Xi3
Specs:
- Volts: 12V
- Thrust (lbs.): 55
- Shaft Length: 36″
Pros:
- Quiet
- Pinpoint GPS with GPS anchoring
- Remote-control steering for hassle-free navigation
- SecureStep system stows and deploys with ease
Cons:
- For freshwater use only
- Expensive
This is one of the best trolling motors for kayaks on the market. The Motorguide Xi3 trolling motor is more advanced than the previous model and has some really cool and useful features. Also, if you love fishing, you might really like the Xi3.
The Motorguide Xi3 trolling motor is controlled by a remote control, which makes it much more convenient to operate. What’s more, the Pinpoint® GPS remote control has fishing-specific features like GPS Anchoring, which allows you to stay on structure and catch fish whatever the current or wind intensity.
This kayak trolling motor is 40% quieter than competitors, and its 3-blade machete propeller cuts through weeds that would clog a less powerful motor. In addition, the Xi3 has a strong and durable 36″ shaft and provides 55 lbs of thrust in 12V operation.
However, one of the drawbacks is that this trolling motor is not compatible with saltwater, but there is a special version of the Motorguide Xi3 made for saltwater use. The only thing is that this special version will cost more.
Check PriceMinn Kota Riptide
Specs:
- Volts: 12V
- Thrust (lbs.): 55
- Shaft Length: 42″
- Speed: Variable/Hand
- Type: Transom Mount
Pros:
- Advanced corrosion protection
- Indestructible composite shaft
- Fully encapsulated electronics
- Digital Maximizer Technology, which allows up to five-times-longer run time.
- Still carry all the freshwater features
Cons:
- Poor quality
Here we go with the first saltwater trolling motor for kayaks on our best list. This trolling motor was designed with the idea of creating the best corrosion protection after use in saltwater. The Minn Kota Riptide Transom Mount trolling motor has both internal and external corrosion protection.
Big problems could come with the corrosion of the inner parts of the trolling motor. Even after cleaning the trolling motor with fresh water, saltwater may remain in the nooks and small crannies.
Minn Kota Riptide has a solution for this. All circuit boards are encased in a high-quality coating that resists water absorption and creates a highly hydrophobic barrier. This is known as marine urethane. And in addition, heat shrink tubing seals and protects all of Minn Kota’s electrical connections.
Using corrosion-resistant metals and metal alloys is one way to protect against corrosion. Also, the manufacturers use special chemical treatments and coatings on the alloys to increase their corrosion resistance.
This transom mount has several speed options ranging from 45 to 112 lbs of thrust, making it suitable for a wide range of boat sizes.
Plus, this model has a feature called Digital Maximizer Technology, which provides up to five times the run time on a single charge. This power saving feature permits you to travel around for 6-7 hours without fear of losing battery power.
In addition, the Minn Kota Riptide Transom-Mount has a strong and durable 42″ shaft and provides 55 lbs of thrust in 12V operation.
Check PriceNewport Vessels
Specs:
- Volts: 12V
- Thrust (lbs.): 55
- Shaft Length: 24″
- Speed: 5/3
- Type: Transom Mount
Pros:
- Designed specially for kayaks
- 24” height adjustable shaft allows for proper depth placement
- For saltwater and freshwater use
- Telescoping handle
Cons:
- It may not be compatible with all boats
- Poor quality
The next on our list of the best trolling motors for kayaks is a Newport Vessels trolling motor. This trolling motor is powered by electricity, which makes it perfect for long and quiet trips. It is also specially designed for kayak anglers because it provides durable, reliable, and affordable solutions.
Let’s take a look at these solutions.
First of all, this trolling motor provides a 24″ adjustable shaft length, which makes it suitable for most kayaks and canoes. There are special clamping bolts on the mounting bracket that you can use to adjust the length of the shaft and set the correct depth for the propeller.
In addition, the Newport Vessels Kayak Series offers you 8 speeds. There are five forward speeds and three reverse speeds. This small trolling motor, combined with the 6-inch telescoping handle, puts control at your fingertips for a smooth and effective ride.
Also, this trolling motor is saltwater compatible. Constructors made it with corrosion-resistant materials such as zinc, aluminum, and stainless steel. It also includes a sacrificial zinc anode for additional corrosion protection.
And finally, you can buy the Newport Vessels Kayak Series for a very affordable price, which makes it perfect for beginners.
Check PriceMinn Kota Traxxis 55
Specs:
- Volts: 12V
- Thrust (lbs.): 55
- Shaft Length: 42″
- Type: Transom Mount
Pros:
- Tilt/Extend Tiller
- Digital Maximizer, provides up to 5 times longer run time
- Quiet
- Indestructible composite shaft
Cons:
- Bad build quality
Here we go with another Minn Kota trolling motor, the Traxxis 55. This motor has some interesting cool features, such as a steering tension control and a Digital Maximizer, which allows you to run for five times longer on a single battery.
The Minn Kota Traxxis 55 is very easy to deploy, only with one hand. To extract the motor from the water, simply grasp the control body and use your thumb to disengage the latch. Pulling up and then out raises the motor to a horizontal position. Because it transitions smoothly on the transom, this will be simple. For travel, you can lift the motor into one of ten different positions.
With a versatile tiller, you can take control of your hand-controlled trolling motor. This feature allows you to control the trolling motor when you are standing. It tilts up to 45 degrees and returns to a horizontal position when you are sitting. Also, the tiller can extend to six inches. This tiller’s features make it very comfortable and versatile.
This Minn Kota offers you an indestructible composite shaft. That means the composite shaft is stronger than steel. It bends on impact, doesn’t break, doesn’t kink, and doesn’t rust.
Also, one of the features that adds comfort to using this trolling motor is steering tension control. If you need to go in a straight line, just tighten the collar up and enjoy hands-free trolling. But if you turn a lot and you do a lot of maneuvering, just keep the collar loose.
Check PricePARKHO HASWING Protruar G
Specs:
- Volts: 24V
- Thrust (lbs.): 110
- Shaft Length: 35.5″
- Type: Transom Mount
Pros:
- Quiet electric motor
- Folding handle
- Brushless motor
- Offer seven levels of tilting motor position
- Compatible with saltwater and freshwater
Cons:
- The 110 lbs thrust rating seems inflated
- Noisier than others
Here we have a transom mount hand control, the Haswing Protruar G Brushless, an electric trolling motor with a very quiet brushless engine. That means you will never spook the fish while you are coming.
As I wrote earlier, there is a quiet electric motor, which has a voltage of 24. According to the manufacturers, they designed and engineered this motor to run more efficiently than ever before. There are variable speed functions that allow you to dial in your desired speed for more precise and smooth adjustments, as well as improved motor control.
This motor system includes digital technology that allows for stepless forward movement and reverse speed control from the handle.
The Protruar features a trolling handle with folding functions that can be folded at angles ranging from 0 to 100 degrees. It also has seven different motor tilting positions. These full motor pilot control features provide a great deal of control over speed, propulsion, and steering. This is particularly useful when dealing with wind, waves, and currents.
Also, the Haswing Protruar offers emergency protection. The trolling motor system includes a Kill Switch. That means you can easily stop a trolling motor instantly in an emergency situation to prevent damage by activating a Kill Switch.
Check PriceSATURN 55
Specs:
- Volts: 12V
- Thrust (lbs.): 55
- Shaft Length: 26″
- Type: Transom Mount
Pros:
- 26″ custom-cut short shaft to better fit transoms of inflatable boats
- Tilting throttle handle with 10 adjustable positions
- Special composite shaft
Cons:
- The switch could start to fail
And our last trolling motor on our best list of the best trolling motors for kayaks is the Saturn 55 Short Shaft Electric Trolling Motor. According to the name, this trolling motor has a unique aspect, the length of the shaft is only 26 inches. This aspect makes this trolling motor lighter than others; the weight is only 17 lbs.
This special short shaft is made with a special composite. It is more resistant, more flexible and stronger than the other usual materials like aluminum.
Because of its compact size and short shift, you should have no difficulty transporting this trolling motor.
The Saturn 55 offers a tilting throttle handle with ten adjustable positions. It can be lifted nearly 45 degrees up or all the way down, parallel to the motor shaft. An adjustable angle throttle handle makes motor operation more comfortable.
Also, this trolling motor can be used in saltwater as well as in freshwater. However, to extend the motor’s life, the manufacturers recommend washing it with fresh water after each use in saltwater.
We placed this trolling motor in the 7th place because some customers are complaining about poor build quality. However, Saturn’s customer service appears to be excellent, which compensates for this. And according to the store, you are going to have one year of warranty.
Check PriceConclusion
In conclusion of our list of the best trolling motors for kayaks, I can say that if you are an experienced paddler and you’re short on time during your lunch break, the Motorguide Xi3 is an awesome choice. You will not be disappointed if you get it.
But if you are not sure, get the Minn Kota Endura C2. It is the best trolling motor overall. How I wrote: Endura C2 is the perfect choice for beginners. It has a lot of impressive features and has an affordable price.
I hope the article was helpful for you and now you have got some ideas about which trolling motor is worth getting.
