Every trolling motor gets a score from 0 to 100% built from four factors, which maps onto the 5-point rating shown on the site (a 0% score would be 1.5 stars; a perfect score, 5). Each factor is scored against fixed reference points, not against the other products in the list, so adding a new model never moves another model’s rating. Motors are grouped by mount, transom and bow, and value and thrust have their own scale for each group.
| 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% |
Where the numbers come from
Thrust, voltage, shaft length, features and warranty come from the maker’s product page, spec sheet or manual, or the maker’s own copy on its Amazon listing. Prices are checked at Amazon and the maker’s own store, and the lowest is used.
The factors
Value is the current price divided by the rated thrust, on a log scale, so going from $4 to $2 per pound counts as much as going from $8 to $4. For transom motors, $8 per pound scores zero and $2.50 full marks; for bow mounts, which carry pedals, remotes and GPS, $45 per pound scores zero and $10 full marks.
Thrust is the maker’s rated maximum thrust: for transom motors, 30 lb scores zero and 80 lb full marks; for bow mounts, 55 lb scores zero and 112 lb full marks.
Features counts four things that change how you fish: variable (stepless) speed, a wireless remote or app in the box, GPS anchoring that holds the boat on a spot, and a brushless motor, which runs longer on a charge. Each is a quarter of the factor.
Warranty is the length of the warranty on the motor: 1 year scores zero and 3 years full marks.
What isn’t scored
Voltage, shaft length, saltwater rating, steering type and weight are listed but not scored. The right voltage and shaft length depend on your boat, not on the motor being better.
Missing data
If a figure isn’t published, that factor gets the neutral middle score (50) and the product page marks it as estimated.
Ties and discontinued models
Products are ranked by score within each group. Discontinued models stay listed but rank below every current model and can be hidden with the “Hide discontinued” filter.