When you're tired of bumping the pedal all day just to stay lined up, it's time for a trolling motor that can hold position and steer clean without constant babysitting.
The best GPS trolling motor is the one that locks you in place, makes small corrections without hunting, and doesn't fall apart the second the wind shifts. All you need to do is point the bow where you want it to go.
But if you're unsure about the options, choosing one can be overwhelming. Luckily, we've shortlisted the best GPS trolling motors on the market today to help you choose the best one for your boat.
5 Best GPS Trolling Motor Options That Actually Hold In Real Conditions
1. Garmin Force Kraken Trolling Motor Black 63" Shaft with GT56UHD-TR
Garmin Force Kraken is built for heavy demand. The 63-inch shaft is a real advantage when your bow is bouncing, and you need the prop to stay planted instead of gulping air. It's rated for up to 100 lb thrust. If you've been chasing the most powerful trolling motor for a heavier rig, this is the kind of pull you'll want.
The GPS hold is strong because it's running a multi-band GPS and an internal attitude/heading reference, so it can correct without constantly oversteering. That matters when you're dealing with tight structure, and you want the boat to settle, not wander in circles.
It also runs on 24V or 36V, giving you room to scale your battery system without having to replace the motor later.
Key Benefits:
- 63-inch shaft helps keep thrust consistent in chop
- Up to 100 lb thrust for heavier rigs
- Tight GPS hold with cleaner correction behavior
- 24V/36V flexibility for long-run performance
- Great choice for electronics-heavy boats
2. Lowrance Recon FW 54" Trolling Motor
If you like a motor that reacts in small, controlled moves instead of big swings, the Lowrance Recon FW 54" is the right option. Steering adjustments can be made in 1-degree increments, which helps when you're trying to hold an edge without the bow snapping left and right.
It runs 24V or 36V, and the thrust figures are serious: 97 lb at 24V and 120 lb at 36V. That extra pull shows up when you're running a loaded boat, fighting current, or holding against a consistent push all afternoon.
The joystick and foot control layout gives you options depending on how you like to drive your bow. It's a strong pick when you want GPS positioning plus a more “hands-on” feel for adjustments.
Key Benefits:
- Smooth corrections with 1-degree steering control
- 24V/36V power with heavy-duty thrust capability
- Built for strong GPS positioning and repeatable control
- Great option for anglers who hate oversteering
3. Minn Kota Riptide Terrova QUEST 90/115 100" 24/36V
Many “GPS motor problems” are actually shaft-length issues. If the prop can't stay buried, the motor can't hold with authority, no matter how smart the GPS is. The Minn Kota Riptide Terrova QUEST motor solves that.
Shaft length options up to 100 inches make it a serious contender for tall-bow boats and coastal water, where the front end moves constantly. With 24V/36V power and a heavy-duty platform, it has the muscle to hold without always running maxed out.
If you're trying to rig a clean, dependable setup, this is also the point where the right trolling motor accessories stop being optional. Quick-release brackets and clean cabling make a big difference.
Key Benefits:
- Long shaft options up to 100 inches for real big-water control
- 24V/36V power for serious holding authority
- Strong saltwater direction for coastal use
- Stable GPS behavior when the prop stays planted
- Great for boats that move more at the bow
4. Minn Kota Ulterra QUEST 90/115 45" 24/36V MSI
If you want GPS hold plus the convenience factor, Ulterra QUEST changes the whole feel of using a bow-mount motor day to day. Auto stow and deploy means you're not leaning over the bow to wrestle the motor into position, which is a bigger deal than most people admit once you've done it in wind.
This is a 24V/36V platform with 90/115 lb thrust, so it has real power behind the GPS features. It's the kind of motor that makes quick moves and resets easier. Deploy, lock in, fish. Stow, run. Repeat.
Key Benefits:
- GPS positioning with true auto stow and deploy convenience
- 24V/36V power and 90/115 lb thrust capability
- Great choice for faster transitions and safer handling
- Strong all-around pick for daily usability
5. Lowrance Ghost Trolling Motor 47" Shaft
The Lowrance Ghost is a strong pick if you want GPS anchoring control without a noisy or rough-feeling motor. A 47-inch shaft fits a lot of bass boat layouts, and it's a good match if your bow profile isn't tall enough to require a longer shaft.
Where Ghost earns its spot is in smoothness and efficiency. On long days, that matters more than you'd think. The motor feels predictable, so you don't have to constantly adjust. If your boat already has Lowrance electronics at the helm, Ghost can make that whole setup feel simpler and more integrated.
Key Benefits:
- Smooth, quiet performance that doesn't feel jumpy
- Good match for smaller bow profiles
- Strong option for Lowrance-based electronics rigs
- Great pick for long days and steady holding
Conclusion
If you want a GPS motor that earns its keep, pick the one that fits your bow height first, then match voltage to how hard you actually run it.
Kraken is the heavy-boat hammer. Recon stays sharp when you're making small steering adjustments. Terrova QUEST is the move when the shaft length is the whole problem. Ulterra QUEST adds push-button convenience with your GPS control, and Ghost fits cleaner on lower bows.
At BLD Marine, we keep the focus on dependable gear and straightforward help. We price competitively, move orders fast, and answer quickly when you're trying to confirm fitment or build out the right system.
Want a second set of eyes before you buy? Reach out to BLD Marine.
Start with our trolling motors, tighten the installation with trolling motor accessories, and clean up your full setup with fish finders plus boat safety equipment.
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