Minn Kota PowerDrive 45 (48 in)
#11 in Bow mountFull review
For small freshwater bass and panfish boats that want pedal steering without paying for GPS.
Amazon $845$845
The Minn Kota PowerDrive 45 (48 in) rates 2.7 among bow mount trolling motors; the Newport NV-Series 36 lb rates 2.4 among transom mount ones. The Newport NV-Series 36 lb costs $675.01 less ($169.99 vs $845).
Newport NV-Series 36 lb
#14 in Transom mountFull review
A light, inexpensive saltwater rated motor for kayaks, canoes and small inflatables. Pick a bigger NV if you fish in wind or current.
Amazon $169.99$169.99
Prices were last checked October 31, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Scores side by side
These two sit in different mount classes (bow mount and transom mount), and each is scored against the reference points for its own class, so a rating says how well each does among its own mount peers. How we rank explains each factor.
| Factor weight | Minn Kota PowerDrive 45 (48 in) | Newport NV-Series 36 lb |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 2.7/5 | 2.4/5 |
| Value 35% | 58 $18.78 per lb of thrust ($845, 45 lb) | 45 $4.72 per lb of thrust ($169.99, 36 lb) |
| Thrust 25% | 0 45 lb of thrust | 12 36 lb of thrust |
| Features 25% | 25 variable speed | 0 none of the four |
| Warranty 15% | 50 2-year warranty | 50 2-year warranty |
Specifications
| Minn Kota PowerDrive 45 (48 in) | Newport NV-Series 36 lb | |
|---|---|---|
| Motor | ||
| Thrust | 45 lb | 36 lb |
| Voltage | 12 V | 12 V |
| Speed control | Variable | 5/3 forward/reverse |
| Brushless | - | No |
| Battery meter | Yes | Yes |
| Saltwater rated | No | Yes |
| Mount and control | ||
| Mount | Bow | Transom |
| Shaft length | 48 in | 30 in |
| Steering | Foot pedal | Hand |
| Wireless remote | No | No |
| GPS anchor | No | No |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 38 lb | 18 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |