There’s something about the rhythmic strokes that make kayaking not just a sport or recreational activity, but also a deeply rewarding form of exercise. It’s like the act of paddling is ingrained in the very essence of the kayaking experience, and deviating from it almost feels like I’m cheating myself.

Being an avid angler, I’ve had countless adventures on my kayak, chasing after the perfect catch. There was this one time when I was kayaking on a tranquil lake, casting my line with precision. As I reeled in my line, I could feel the excitement building up, wondering what would emerge from the depths below.

And there it was, a magnificent bass that made my heart skip a beat. It was a thrilling moment, made possible by the freedom and maneuverability that kayaking offers.

But I must admit, there are moments when I crave a little respite from physical exertion. As a passionate photographer, I yearn to capture the breathtaking beauty of nature while gliding effortlessly on the water. That’s where the idea of motorizing my kayak comes into play. By adding a trolling motor to my kayak, my arms can take a break, and my hands are free to capture those mesmerizing shots of wildlife in their natural habitat.

The convenience of attaching a trolling motor temporarily to the back of my kayak is truly a game-changer. When I’m not in need of the extra power, I can simply remove it and enjoy the peaceful serenity of paddling once again. It’s all about finding the right balance between the tranquil tranquility of paddling and the exhilarating freedom of motorized exploration.

Top Rated Trolling Motors For Your Kayak

Trolling motors typically run on 12v rechargeable batteries and are very quiet, so you won’t scare off the fish or disturb other water users. They are also quite fast and will power you through the water at a decent speed. Most trolling motors are light and easy to operate, and you won’t need to make many if any modifications to your kayak to use one.

1. Torqeedo Ultralight 403 Trolling Motor – 1 HP

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The Torqeedo Ultralight 403 Trolling Motor is the Rolls Royce of its class. It’s packed with features and is also incredibly light too. Unlike most trolling motors, this model has a built-in battery, so you won’t need to buy anything else to get out on the water. Designed for serious anglers, this is a fantastic motor that comes with a hefty price tag.

Key features:

• Weighs just under 20 pounds, including the rechargeable battery
• 66 pounds of thrust
• Top speed of 6mph
• 24-mile range
• Universal mounting ball for attachment to most kayaks
• Remote-controlled throttle for precise speed control
• Supplied with an onboard computer with GPS, range calculator, and charger

This product really has all the bells and whistles a serious angler could ever want or need. The built-in battery charges quickly and has a large capacity so you’ll be able to spend hours out on the water. It’s also light and compact, so it’s easy to carry from your car to the water’s edge. It’s not a cheap trolling motor, but you do get a lot of features for your money.

 

The Torqeedo Ultralight 403 certainly isn’t cheap. But if you want a durable, reliable, trolling motor that has an impressive 24-mile range, this is the model for you. Easy to fit, low maintenance, and with all the features you could ever ask for in a trolling motor, this really is a top-quality product.

2. Minn Kota Endura Transom Mount Trolling Motor

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One of the biggest worries when buying a trolling motor for a kayak is whether it will fit and how easy it will be to install and remove. This product can be installed and removed in seconds and is suitable for mounting on most kayak transoms.

Key features:

• 12v motor with 30 lbs. of thrust
• 6-inch telescopic handle
• Twist and go speed controls
• Tiller steering
• Five forward speeds, and three reverse speeds
• Weighs 16 lbs.
• Indestructible prop shaft

Recommended 12V Battery:

This motor is so quiet that it won’t spook the fish, and, because of its low power output, it won’t drain your battery too quickly either. Mounting on your kayak is very quick and easy.

It’s lightweight, so you won’t have any issues carrying it from your car to the shoreline. There are bigger, more powerful motors available, but for the price, this one is tough to beat.

 

If you want a trolling motor for kayak fishing, but don’t want to break the bank buying one, this product is an excellent choice. You’ll still have to get a battery but, because of its low power output, a single 12v is all you’ll need.

3. Newport Vessels Kayak Series Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor

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While you don’t need an exceptionally powerful motor to power your kayak through the water, a little extra “giddy-up” is often welcome. A more powerful motor will give you a higher top speed, and also means you’ll be able to make better progress against the tide or wind. With its 55 pounds of thrust, this product is about as powerful as a trolling motor needs to be.

Key features:

• Easy-mount transom bracket
• Telescopic handle with a twist and go speed controls
• 12v motor with 55 lbs. of thrust
• Five forward and three reverse speeds
• 5-point LED battery charge indicator
• Directional steering lock
• Weighs 23 lbs.
• 4mph maximum speed
• Reinforced fiberglass propeller
• Powder-coated for corrosion resistance

Despite its competitive price and lightweight design, this trolling motor still has some handy features. Because you can tilt it, you can flip it up and out of the way if you decide you want to paddle and don’t want any extra drag or are operating in shallow water.

It’s easy to mount, operate, and remove and has a decent top speed and range. All in all, this is an excellent value trolling motor.

 

Light and easy to install, this trolling motor is a joy to use. Because it has a tilt function, you can flip it up as you near the beach, so you won’t damage the prop in shallow water. This function is often missing from budget products. 55 lbs. may be a little too powerful for some users but, with five speeds to choose from, you don’t have to use all of it.

4. Newport Vessels Kayak Series 55lb Thrust 

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As an avid kayaker, I’ve found the Newport Vessels Kayak Series 55lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor to be a game-changer. This motor is not only powerful but also impressively quiet, allowing me to approach my favorite fishing spots without disturbing the water.

The 24-inch fiberglass shaft is adjustable, providing variable depth placement and a lifetime of reliable performance. The motor offers 8 speeds (5 forward & 3 reverse), giving me total control over my ride. The extra-long 5’6″ battery cables allow for versatile battery placement, optimizing weight distribution.

I’ve used this motor in saltwater, and the corrosion-resistant hardware has held up well. Overall, this motor has significantly enhanced my kayaking experience.

Features:

• 24-Inch Adjustable Fiberglass Shaft
• 8 Speeds (5 Forward & 3 Reverse)
• Saltwater Rated with Corrosion Resistant Hardware
• Extra Long 5’6″ Battery Cables
• 55lb Thrust Power

 

5. MotorGuide 940700270 Xi3 Kayak Trolling Motor

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I’ve found the MotorGuide Xi3 Kayak Trolling Motor to be a great motor in his category. This motor is not only powerful with its 55lb thrust, but it’s also incredibly easy to control thanks to its intuitive wireless remote.

The ease of stowing and deploying the motor is a significant advantage, especially when moving from spot to spot. The LED dashboard is a great feature that allows me to monitor functions even in bright conditions.

Although it doesn’t come with the Pinpoint GPS feature, it’s compatible with the Pinpoint GPS Gateway, which can be a great addition to precision navigation. Overall, the MotorGuide Xi3 is a reliable, high-value motor that has significantly enhanced my fishing experience.

Features:

• Peak thrust: 55 lb
• Shaft length: 36″
• Max amp draw: 52A
• Voltage: 12V DC
• Digital variable forward speed control
• Wireless Remote steering
• 3-blade Machete propeller
• Compatible with Pinpoint GPS Gateway
• Made in the USA
• Material: Aluminum

 

6. Minn Kota Endura C2 30 Freshwater Transom

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This motor has transformed my kayaking experiences, allowing me to cover more water with less effort. It’s perfect for those long days on the lake when you want to explore further without exhausting yourself.

The Minn Kota Endura C2 30 is a breeze to install and operate. It’s lightweight, making it easy to transport and mount on my kayak. The motor is impressively quiet, ensuring a peaceful journey without disturbing the serenity of the water or scaring off the fish.

The five forward speeds and three reverse speeds offer a good range of control, allowing me to adjust my speed according to the conditions. The 6-inch telescopic handle is a nice touch, providing comfortable and easy steering.

However, it’s not all smooth sailing. The lack of a tiller tilt function can be a bit of a drawback, especially in shallow waters. But overall, the Minn Kota Endura C2 30 is a reliable and efficient motor that has significantly enhanced my kayaking adventures.

Features: 

• 12v motor with 30 lbs. of thrust
• 6-inch telescopic handle
• Five forward speeds, three reverse speeds
• Indestructible composite shaft

 

How To Choose The Best Kayak Trolling Motor – 9 Tips

Trolling motors can be expensive, and even the cheaper models represent a significant investment, so it’s crucial you buy the right one for your needs. Otherwise, you could end up wasting money.

This is what to look for when buying the best trolling motor

1. Power

Outboard engines for boats are rated by horsepower, but trolling motors are rated by pounds of thrust. Ideally, you need a minimum of two pounds of thrust per 100 pounds of weight you want to move.

Most trolling motors are made for small boats, which means they have more than enough power to drive your kayak through the water. That said, power is still an important consideration because you don’t want too much. Look for motors with about 30-60 pounds of thrust. More than that is unusable overkill. 1HP = 66.6 pounds of thrust.

2. Batteries

Trolling motors are powered by batteries. Like gas-driven engines, you need more power to drive a bigger trolling motor, and a 24v system requires two 12v batteries. Given the thrust-to-weight ratio on a kayak, you can stick with a simple single-battery 12v system. A smaller motor will also mean your battery lasts longer.

Some motors have built-in battery indicators. This is a useful function if you anticipate testing the range limits of your trolling setup. A battery indicator takes the guesswork out of calculating how far you can go on a single charge and is a useful feature to have.

3. Mounting system

Trolling motors for kayaks use a transom mounting system so that they fit behind your cockpit. These are adjustable to fit most kayaks, and they provide a solid bar on which to mount your new motor. Avoid bow mounts as that configuration doesn’t add any functionality and will adversely affect the handling of your kayak.

4. Shaft Length

The best trolling motors for kayaks have relatively short shafts as they won’t be mounted very high above the water. Long shafts, which are more commonly used on boats, will keep you out of the shallows and will make taking your ‘yak back to shore harder than it needs to be. Choose a shaft length that will keep your prop about 12 inches below the surface of the water.

5. Weight

Make sure your trolling motor and battery will not exceed your kayak’s maximum weight capacity. The last thing you want is for your stern to sink below the waterline! For this reason, lighter motors are generally a better choice. You’ll also appreciate that lightness when you have to carry your motor and battery from the water to your car.

6. Control type

The best trolling motors for kayaks use hand controls. This allows for much more precise speed adjustments. Where some kayak motors use a simple tiller for steering, which can be operated with one hand, others are steered with your feet, but this usually involves some modifications to your kayak.

7. Gears/speeds

Most trolling motors have preset speeds, both forward and reverse. The more gears you have, the easier it will be to achieve the best speed for the water and weather conditions. Cheaper trolling motors usually have fewer gears, which may mean you end up going too fast or too slow. Look for products with at least five forward and three reversing speeds.

8. Tilting vs non-tilting driveshaft

A non-tilting driveshaft remains vertical all the time, which is fine out on the water but can be a problem when you approach the beach or are kayaking in very shallow water. In contrast, a tilting drive shaft can be lifted and locked out of the water, so the propeller won’t hit the ground or rocks. Budget trolling motors tend not to tilt, so consider this when you make your purchase.

9. Budget

Arguably, the most important thing to consider when buying a trolling motor is your budget. The price of a decent trolling motor can vary from a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars, so decide on what you are comfortable spending and then look for the model that most closely matches your criteria. Remember that more expensive is not always better, and a high-spec motor may have features that you don’t need and will never use.

Armed with all that information, you should now be able to choose the best kayak trolling motor for your needs. Still not sure where to start? Here are three of our favorite trolling motors.

Conclusion

Adding a trolling motor to my kayak has truly enhanced my angling and photography adventures, opening up a whole new world of possibilities. The increased range and hands-free operation have allowed me to explore further and conserve my energy for when it truly matters.

One of the things I love most about trolling motors is their near-silent operation. It’s incredibly useful when I don’t want to startle the fish or disturb the local wildlife. I must say, it’s quite amusing how I can barely hear the motor working while enjoying the peacefulness of the water.

Of course, it’s important to ensure that the motor I choose fits my kayak perfectly and leaves enough room for the battery. I found that having long cables is also crucial as they allow me to position the battery for optimal stability and balance. However, it’s worth noting that adding a trolling motor can affect the kayak’s handling, especially if I want to switch between paddling and using the motor.

While the reliability of even the best motors is unquestionable, I’ve had my fair share of unexpected adventures. On one occasion, my motor unexpectedly broke down in the middle of a serene lake. Thankfully, I always carry a paddle with me as a backup, and it saved the day. It’s a lesson learned that I should never solely rely on the motor, no matter how reliable it may seem.

Lastly, it’s important to remember that although the shaft and propeller are designed to be waterproof, the motor housing often isn’t. I once accidentally submerged the motor housing, causing it to short out. Fortunately, I quickly resolved the issue, but it was a gentle reminder to exercise caution.