There are a few things to consider when choosing the best boat motors. The first is the type of motor you need. There are outboard, inboard and jet boat motors. The second is the size of the motor. The third is the power output of the motor.
We created this list of the best boat motors with ratings and reviews to help you make an informed decision when choosing a motor for your boat. We hope this list will help you find the perfect motor for your needs.
10 Best Boat Motors | June 2023 (Reviewed & Ranked)
Last updated on June 12, 2023
11 minutes
OUR TOP PICKS
Top #1
Newport Vessels Kayak Series 55lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor w/LED Bat...
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Top #2
Newport Vessels X-Series 55lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor w/LED Battery...
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Top #3
Battery Tender DC to DC Power Connector: Trolling Motor Plug for Onboard Marine 12V to 48V DC to DC ...
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A Few Of Our Ranking Metrics:
Check below for our tips on purchasing the best Boat Motors:
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The 10 best Boat Motors
Top #1
Newport Vessels Kayak Series 55lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor w/LED Battery Indicator (24" Shaft)
97%
Customer
Satisfaction
100%
Overall
Score
95%
Product
Quality
View on Amazon
WHAT WE LIKE:
The best features of this product are the 24-inch fiberglass shaft, the variable speed (8 speeds), and the 5'6" battery cables.
Pros & Cons From Reviewers:
The motor is much faster than the 36lb motor.
It is well- cared for.
The customer is able to go all day with the combo.
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Top #2
Newport Vessels X-Series 55lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor w/LED Battery Indicator (36" Shaft)
99%
Customer
Satisfaction
94%
Overall
Score
92%
Product
Quality
View on Amazon
WHAT WE LIKE:
This trolling motor has a high quality build and provides excellent power and efficiency. It also has 8 speeds, 5 forward and 3 reverse, making it perfect for trolling. The battery is not included, but is recommended to use a 50ah lead-acid or lithium deep cycle battery.
Pros & Cons From Reviewers:
The motor is durable.
The Tri-blade prop and 55 lb thrust get the job done.
The battery drain isn't too bad.
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Top #3
Battery Tender DC to DC Power Connector: Trolling Motor Plug for Onboard Marine 12V to 48V DC to DC Power Connection - Weather Resistant DC Plug with ...
94%
Customer
Satisfaction
91%
Overall
Score
90%
Product
Quality
View on Amazon
WHAT WE LIKE:
This product is a high-quality, durable power connector for trolling motors, navigational electronics, and other DC accessories. It is made from corrosion-resistant stainless steel and rated at 80 amps continuous service. The small two-pin battery connector is also compact and non-bulky, making it ideal for use on smaller boats.
Pros & Cons From Reviewers:
It is easy to use and has a positive connection.
It is maintenance friendly.
The motor is reliable.
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Top #4
Newport Vessels L-Series 86lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor w/ LED Battery Indicator (40" Shaft)
91%
Customer
Satisfaction
90%
Overall
Score
88%
Product
Quality
View on Amazon
WHAT WE LIKE:
This trolling motor is very efficient and powerful, with a range of speeds to suit different needs. It also comes with a battery meter and tiller handle that can be adjusted to your desired angle, height, and direction.
Pros & Cons From Reviewers:
The motor is too strong.
It is light.
The mount and fittings are built very light.
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Top #5
MotorGuide 940200060 X3 Freshwater Bow Mount Trolling Motor Cable Steer, Foot-Control 45-Inch Shaft, 45-Pound Peak Thrust
97%
Customer
Satisfaction
89%
Overall
Score
87%
Product
Quality
View on Amazon
WHAT WE LIKE:
This boat motor has a peak thrust rating of 45 pounds and is designed for use with 12-volt power. It also features 5 speed operation with pull/pull smooth responsive steering control, corrosion resistant shaft, and aircraft-grade extruded aluminum mounting bracket.
Pros & Cons From Reviewers:
It is quality made.
The trolling motor is a good one.
The price is equal to what can be found with other suppliers.
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Top #6
Lurwind Recessed Boat Trolling Motor Pan - Recessed Trolling Motor Tray, Aluminum Pans for Fishing Boats, Small Tray for Trolling Motors for Boats - B...
88%
Customer
Satisfaction
89%
Overall
Score
85%
Product
Quality
View on Amazon
WHAT WE LIKE:
The trolling motor pedal can be stored securely in the foot pan. The foot pan is also a great way to prevent clutter and damage to your equipment. With a recessed foot pedal, you are able to easily apply pressure to the pedal, preventing pain in your ankles, knees, calves or back.
Pros & Cons From Reviewers:
N/A.
It is not flat on the deck.
The installation process is easy once you make a template.
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Top #7
Minn Kota 1358814 Terrova Freshwater Electric-Steer Bow-Mount Trolling Motor with i-Pilot GPS, 80 lbs Thrust, 60-Inch Shaft
88%
Customer
Satisfaction
88%
Overall
Score
88%
Product
Quality
View on Amazon
WHAT WE LIKE:
The Terrova trolling motor has an easy-to-deploy system of fallaway ramps that effortlessly slide the trolling motor into the water, plus a spring-loaded Lift-Assist design for easy stowing. The i-Pilot system allows you to control your motor from the color touchscreen remote or from a virtual remote on your Humminbird fish finder (sold separately). This product also has swept-back flared blades to power through anything without battery-draining chopping and hacking.
Pros & Cons From Reviewers:
It is easy to use.
It holds its weight well in windy conditions.
High quality batteries are needed for this model.
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Top #8
Minn Kota 1358790 PowerDrive Freshwater Electric-steer Bow-Mount Trolling Motor with Digital Maximizer, 45 lbs Thrust, 48" Shaft
87%
Customer
Satisfaction
88%
Overall
Score
87%
Product
Quality
View on Amazon
WHAT WE LIKE:
The best features of this product are the deploy-assist lever, side-to-side/electric foot pedal, and digital maximizer.
Pros & Cons From Reviewers:
It is mounted on the front of a boat, which makes it easy to see.
It is good for bass fishing.
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Top #9
Minn Kota Terrova Freshwater Bow-Mount Trolling Motor with 54-Inch Shaft, and i-Pilot GPS (12-Volt, 55-Pound)
94%
Customer
Satisfaction
88%
Overall
Score
85%
Product
Quality
View on Amazon
WHAT WE LIKE:
The Terrova trolling motor has an easy-to-deploy system of fallaway ramps that effortlessly slide the trolling motor into the water, plus a spring-loaded Lift-Assist design for easy stowing. The i-Pilot Link system allows you to control your motor from the color touchscreen remote or from a virtual remote on your Humminbird fish finder (sold separately). This product also has swept-back flared blades to power through anything without battery-draining chopping and hacking.
Pros & Cons From Reviewers:
The Terrova is much easier on the battery, super easy to deploy and stow, has no trouble in the wind, and autopilot and spot lock are absolute game changers.
It arrived quickly and without any problems.
The head sensor is a great addition, making the bike more stable.
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Top #10
Minn Kota 1363741 Riptide Terrova Saltwater Electric-Steer Bow-Mount Trolling Motor with Digital Maximizer & i-Pilot GPS, 80 lbs Thrust, 60" Shaft
92%
Customer
Satisfaction
87%
Overall
Score
87%
Product
Quality
View on Amazon
WHAT WE LIKE:
The best features of this product are the 60" shaft, 24v, 80 lbs thrust and i-Pilot GPS system.
Pros & Cons From Reviewers:
It is quite smooth and strong.
The IPILOT is awesome!
The trolling motor is good.
Read More Reviews
Boat Motors Buying Guide : What You Need To Know
*Our top pick for the best Boat Motors
Attributes Of High Quality Boat Motors
- The engine should be powerful and efficient.
- It should have a durable design.
- The motor should be easy to operate.
How To Choose The Best Boat Motors
When it comes to choosing the best boat motors, there are a few things you need to take into account. The first is the type of boat you have. There are different types of boats that require different types of motors. For example, if you have a pontoon boat, you will need a different type of motor than if you have a fishing boat. The second thing you need to consider is the size of your boat. The size of your boat will determine the size of the motor you need. The third thing to consider is how much power you need. This will depend on how fast you want to go and what type of activities you plan on doing with your boat.
There are two main types of boat motors: inboard and outboard. Inboard motors are attached to the inside of the hull and are not visible from the outside. Outboard motors are attached to the back of the hull and are visible from the outside. Inboard motors are more expensive than outboard motors, but they offer more power and better fuel economy. Outboard motors are less expensive and offer less power, but they are easier to install and maintain.
The size of your boat will determine the size of the motor you need. You will also need to take into account how much weight your boat can carry. If you have a large boat, you will need a more powerful motor. If you have a small boat, you can get away with a smaller motor.
How much power you need depends on how fast you want to go and what kind of activities you plan on doing with your boat. If you just want to cruise around at slow speeds, then you won't need as much power as someone who wants to race or do watersports.
There are a few other things to keep in mind when choosing a boat motor. Make sure to get one that is durable and can withstand saltwater conditions if you plan on using it in saltwater. Also, make sure to get one that is covered by a warranty in case anything goes wrong with it.
What To Avoid When Looking For The Best Boat Motors
There are many different types and models of boat motors available on the market, so it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. Here are some things to avoid when choosing the best boat motor for your needs:
1. Don't buy the most expensive option. Just because a motor is more expensive doesn't mean it's necessarily the best option for you. There are plenty of high-quality, affordable options available.
2. Avoid boat motors that are too small or too large for your boat. Choosing a motor that's too small will make it difficult to move your boat, while a motor that's too large will be more difficult to control. Choose a size that's appropriate for your vessel.
3. Stay away from used or refurbished boat motors. These may not be as reliable as new motors and could end up costing you more in repairs down the road.
4. Do your research before making a purchase. Read online reviews, talk to other boaters, and get advice from experts to help you choose the best motor for your needs.
5. Make sure you understand all the features and specs of the motor before you buy it. Don't be afraid to ask questions if you're unsure about something.
6. Be sure to get a warranty with your purchase. This will protect you in case anything goes wrong with the motor down the road.
7. Avoid buying boat motors from un reputable dealers or sellers. Stick with well-known brands and retailers to ensure you're getting a quality product.
8. Be cautious of any deals that seem too good to be true. If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
9. Avoid cheap knock-offs or imitations of name brand products. These are often lower quality and won't perform as well as the real thing.
10. Take your time when choosing a boat motor. rushing into a purchase could lead you to choose an inferior product that doesn't meet your needs or expectations