Minn Kota Terrova QUEST 90/115 (45 in)
#1 in Bow mountFull review
For serious freshwater anglers with 18 ft and larger boats who want strong GPS anchoring and every control in the box.
Amazon $3,399$3,399
A trolling motor moves a fishing boat slowly and quietly, so you can work a shoreline or hold over a spot without the noise of the main engine. On a kayak, canoe or jon boat it is often the only motor. These rankings compare what the makers publish on the same terms: how much thrust you get for the money, how much thrust it has, the features that change how you fish, and how long it’s covered.
Thrust sets the boat it can move. A common rule is at least 2 lb of thrust for every 100 lb of loaded boat, more for wind and current. A 30 to 55 lb motor suits a kayak or small jon boat on 12 V; boats over 16 ft usually want 70 to 80 lb on 24 V, or 100 lb and up on 36 V.
Transom motors clamp to the back of the boat and are steered by a tiller. Bow motors pull from the front, which tracks better in wind, and are steered by foot pedal or remote; the best of them hold the boat on a spot by GPS.
Top Picks
VEVOR 86 lb 24V Trolling Motor
#1 in Transom mountFull review
The cheapest way to a lot of thrust for a jon boat or skiff with a 24 V battery bank. Expect less support than from a name brand.
Amazon $189.93$189.93
Shop by Mount
Transom mount
17 rankedHand steered motors that clamp to the back of a kayak, canoe, jon boat or small fishing boat.
Top rated: VEVOR 86 lb 24V Trolling Motor $189.93
Bow mount
13 rankedMotors that pull the boat from the front, steered by foot pedal or remote, many with GPS anchoring.
Top rated: Minn Kota Terrova QUEST 90/115 (45 in) $3,399
Narrow It Down
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.
Best Transom Mount Trolling Motors
- VEVOR 86 lb 24V Trolling Motor#1 of 17Full review
The cheapest way to a lot of thrust for a jon boat or skiff with a 24 V battery bank. Expect less support than from a name brand.
Amazon $189.93$189.9386 lb24 V36 in - Haswing Protruar 5.0 160 lb#2 of 17Full review
For larger boats that need near outboard levels of push from a 24 V tiller motor. Budget for a big battery bank.
Haswing Outdoor $769.99$769.99160 lb24 V39.4 in - Haswing Protruar 1.0 65 lb#3 of 17Full review
A light brushless 12 V motor for jon boats, inflatables and canoes that want strong thrust at a fair price.
Haswing Outdoor $319.99$319.9965 lb12 V35.4 in - Newport NV-Series 86 lb#4 of 17Full review
The most powerful NV, for larger boats whose owners are happy to run a 24 V battery bank. It is a lot of thrust for the money.
Amazon $359.99$359.9986 lb24 V36 in - Newport L-Series 86 lb#5 of 17Full review
The pick for a small sailboat or heavy pontoon that needs both reach and thrust. Plan for a 24 V battery setup.
Amazon $384.99$384.9986 lb24 V40 in
Best Bow Mount Trolling Motors
- Minn Kota Terrova QUEST 90/115 (45 in)#1 of 13Full review
For serious freshwater anglers with 18 ft and larger boats who want strong GPS anchoring and every control in the box.
Amazon $3,399$3,399115 lb24/36 V45 in - Lowrance Ghost (47 in)#2 of 13Full review
For freshwater anglers with Lowrance electronics who steer from the pedal and want strong thrust and GPS anchoring.
Amazon $3,199.99$3,199.99120 lb24/36 V47 in - Haswing Cayman B 80 lb 24V#3 of 13Full review
A budget remote steered bow mount for 16 to 18 ft boats with room for a 24 V battery bank.
Amazon $789 Haswing Outdoor $749$74980 lb24 V48 in - Minn Kota Riptide Terrova Next Gen 112 Preorder#4 of 13Full review
For saltwater bay boats and center consoles that need strong GPS anchoring in current.
Amazon $3,199.99$3,199.99112 lb-60 in - Garmin Force Kraken (63 in)#5 of 13Full review
For saltwater center consoles and bay boats with Garmin electronics that want a quiet, remote driven motor with GPS anchoring.
Amazon $4,099.99$4,099.99100 lb24/36 V63 in
How We Rank
Each motor is ranked against others with the same mount, and scored on its price per pound of thrust, its thrust, its features and its warranty.
| Factor | Measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Value | price per pound of thrust | 35% |
| Thrust | rated thrust, lb | 25% |
| Features | variable speed, wireless remote, GPS anchor, brushless motor | 25% |
| Warranty | warranty on the motor | 15% |
How we rank explains each factor in full.