If you enjoy kayak fishing, you know how sometimes it can be hard to cover a large fishing area. It needs a lot of strength to cover a large area. Paddling alone might not be enough, so you need something to supplement your paddling.
To make moving around the water easier, there is the need to get the best kayak trolling motor. Such a motor will be a perfect choice to propel you around while looking for the best fishing spots.
If it seems like a trolling motor is a nice idea for you, consider looking at this guide to learn more. Let us dive already.
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What is a Kayak trolling motor?
A kayak trolling motor can be described as a small quiet electric motor to maneuver different water spots while kayaking. A motor is commonly used by anglers who do not want to scare the fish while moving around without paddling too much.
The usability of a trolling motor can be plenty depending on the user. Sometimes you can find yourself using it for other applications other than fishing. So long as you are kayaking, the motor can come in handy.
Why You Need Kayak Trolling Motor
Since kayak trolling motors are electric, there is no doubt you will find them quiet. Unlike the gas engines that might make a lot of noise while being used, the trolling motor can be a nice option for those who love fishing without scaring the fish away.
The trolling motors are generally fast. Kayakers enjoy speed. So, making your kayak faster is a common benefit of owning a kayak trolling motor. It will be a nice choice for most speed enthusiasts at this point.
What to Consider When Choosing a Trolling Motor for a Kayak
The Power
The power output is probably the most important consideration a person would make when buying the best kayak trolling motor.
In most cases, you need the motor to have enough power to propel the kayak plus its occupants. The power will be indicated as pounds of thrust.
Ideally, you need two pounds of thrusts for every 100 pounds of weight to move the kayak.
A good trolling motor should have around 30 to 60 pounds of thrust. Such would be able to cope with any power demands you might have to move the kayak in the water.
System Voltage
Trolling motors are electric, so they are powered by a battery. Depending on the trolling motor, it can either be a 24-volt system or a 12-volt system. The 24V system needs two 12V batteries to operate.
A simple 12V trolling motor should be good enough. The last thing you need is to have too much weight in your kayak. A smaller motor will also mean the battery lasts for longer. That is something good for those who have to be in the water for long hours.
Mounting System
Most best kayak trolling motors will have a transom mounting system. This allows for ease of mounting the motor behind the cockpit.
The best part about such a mounting system is that it would be adjustable to fit different kayaks types.
The other option is the bow mounts. Many kayakers do not like them as they often adversely affect kayak handling.
Shaft Length
A shaft length of around 12 inches below the water surface should be ideal for kayak applications. Leave the long shafts for the boats rather than kayaks.
The long shafts often make it harder to get your kayak back to the shore. So, a shorter shaft length will still do the job.
Some models allow for ease of adjusting the height to mount the motor at the right height depending on the depth conditions.
Weight
Of course, the overall motor weight is important for anyone who understands kayaking. Make sure that the motor and battery combined will not exceed the maximum weight capacity of your kayak. No one wants to have the stern sink below the water surface.
It is why you need to opt for the lightweight motors. Luckily, that is what you will get with most trolling motors.
Controls
The controls will determine if it will be easy or hard to handle the trolling motor. Having hand controls will make it easier to control the kayak. You will also have an easy time dialing in precise speed adjustments.
Look for a model with an ergonomic handle too. Such a handle will mean that you can control the motor and steer better.
Speed
Look at how many gears or speed options you get with the trolling motor. This means speeds for going forward and reverse. Having more speeds means that you will customize the kayak’s speed depending on where you are kayaking.
Product Reviews of The Best Kayak Trolling Motor
This trolling motor features a 24-inch fiberglass shaft. Such a shaft length allows the user to vary the depth placement of the trolling motor. The result is that you now have a versatile kayak trolling motor for different conditions.
Another reason this is the best kayak trolling motor as its variable speed control. It features up to 8 speeds, 5 for forward and 3 for reverse. It is easy to find it possible to run the motor at the right speed. Also, the 6-inch telescoping handle makes you have better control of the kayak.
The motor is rated for saltwater use. We all know how saltwater can take a toll on a motor. However, this one can survive such conditions without a problem. This is possible due to the durable all-aluminum motor-head.
The model still has extra-long cables for attaching the battery. These cables allow for setting up the battery where you want in the kayak for the best weight distribution.
Pros
- It has variable speed options
- It is rated for saltwater use
- The model has long cables for better battery placement
Cons
- A few complaints about the reverse gears not being consistent
If you read the title right, you get two options in terms of the trolling motor’s power output. You can get the 18-pound or 24-pound of thrust motors depending on your needs. If you think your applications need more power, you know which one to get.
Most people are likely to end up with this model as it is lightweight with a simple design. The motor weighs 2.2kgs only. This will appeal to most people who do not want to make their kayak too heavy for kayaking. It is also a good option for powering dinghies, canoes, and inflatable boats.
As for the control, you will like that the motor is easily controllable for high and low speeds. Having the extendable handle will always make it easier to steer the trolling motor better.
Since the model comes with a universal design, it is suitable for most canoes and kayaks in the market. Most users find it easy to install this trolling motor on their kayaks.
Pros
- It is a lightweight trolling motor
- The motor is easy to control
- It is available in different power options
Cons
- The price does not include the battery
The variable speed feature is one of the reasons this is among the best kayak trolling motors. Such a feature allows the user to dial in the desired speed while kayaking. The speed control can be suitable for getting peak efficiency out of the trolling motor.
The shaft design allows for the changing of the height. Such a feature helps the user to adjust it to suit the current application. Let us say you want to go fishing; you can always get it at the right height. It still has an ergonomic handle for better control.
The trolling motor can easily tilt in and out of the water. When the depth changes sharply, you will have this feature to handle the kayak motor better.
The motor utilizes the brushless feature. Being brushless means the motor is silent and will not need as much maintenance as the brushed motor. It also means you get more durability with this motor type.
Pros
- The height is easily adjustable
- The motor comes with a variable speed option
- It is easy to tilt in and out of the water
Cons
- Some feel it can be heavy for the size
This is another Watersnake trolling motor on the list. It shows the brand is good at its job of making the best trolling motors in the market.
The motor has a simple but sturdy design. It is a motor you will like for those who might be kayaking in saltwater. Nevertheless, it is still a nice option for kayaking in other conditions too.
The manufacturer uses extra-tough composite material for the shaft. This results in having a strong shaft that can handle many conditions without a problem.
Looking at the control and power, the model features two blades for propelling the kayak. That is for the 34-pound thrust model. If you want more power, go for the 54-pound thrust model. It also has three blades for the propeller.
The bow mount is a versatile design feature that appeals to most users. It still comes with a thicker ergonomic grip, making it easier to control the trolling motor better.
Pros
- It has a simple sturdy design
- It comes with multiple power options
- The motor is easy to control
Cons
- Customer service is not the best
It is not the cheapest, but it sure lives up to its price. The first thing you will like is power. This model delivers 65-pounds of thrust. This is good enough to get you around in the water with ease while kayaking. Having the controls on the handle makes adjusting its speed and power easy.
The motor still features up to seven speeds. Five are for forward movement, while two are for reverse. These speed options mean you can always customize the speed to something you enjoy. The model will be easy to control even for those new to using trolling motors.
Having a stainless steel shaft improves its overall durability. Such a shaft can do well even when exposed to saltwater conditions. All the other hardware is corrosion-resistant too. So, the motor will be ready to use in any water condition.
Since it will be running on a battery, having a power saver mode should make you feel comfortable about using it. Even if you run it on maximum power, the battery will still last for three hours.
Pros
- The motor is energy-efficient
- It has up to 7-speed options
- It is a powerful motor
Cons
- The throttle adjuster gets loose easily
FAQs
Is it hard to control a kayak trolling motor?
This will largely depend on the controls a motor has built in it. If the motor has an ergonomic handle together with hand controls, you will find it easier to control the trolling motor better.
Is having more speeds better in a kayak trolling motor?
Seven is often a good number for the number of speeds or gears. Having more gears also means you can have a preset speed at which you can control the motor. So, look for a model with more speed options available.
How long will the best kayak trolling motor run on a battery?
The amount of time the battery lasts mostly varies with the use. If the trolling motor is kept at high speed, then the battery will not last long. Some models can still manage up to three hours on the highest setting. Check with the manufacturer guidelines to learn more about each model.
Conclusion
Getting the best kayak trolling motor will be a good thing for you. This is mainly for those who love fishing. They can now have a motor that can help them sneak up on the fish. Also, you need some breaks occasionally from paddling all the time.
Reading more user reviews about a model you like is a sure way of getting the right model. Take note of the power, weight, speed, installation process, and more when picking the trolling motor.