When your boat keeps sliding off a point, or your bow won't stay pinned in a crosswind, the problem is rarely “skill.” It's usually the setup.
The biggest trolling motor is the one that matches your hull and conditions closely enough that you can hold on structure, make clean corrections, and stop riding the edge of your battery system all day.
No matter your goal, our top picks below are guaranteed to give you powerful options for all your boating needs.
The 4 Biggest Trolling Motors
1. Minn Kota Ultrex QUEST 90/115 52" Shaft 24/36V
The Ultrex QUEST is for the guy who wants the motor to feel like part of the boat, not bolted onto it. You're running a 24/36V platform, so you can scale battery power without rebuilding your rig from scratch, and that matters if you fish big water where the wind doesn't quit.
That 52-inch shaft hits a sweet spot for a lot of bass boats with taller bows. When the nose starts hopping, it keeps the prop planted so you're not fighting that annoying surge where the motor grabs, slips, then grabs again.
Where this motor really pays off is in tight boat positioning. You can bump along a breakline, make clean corrections, and keep your angle consistent without feeling like the motor is overreacting.
Just make sure you mount it to a solid bow plate and don't skimp on hardware. Flex in the mount turns into sloppy tracking.
Key Benefits:
- 24/36V platform gives you upgrade headroom
- 52-inch shaft helps keep thrust consistent in chop
- Strong option when you want precise bow control
- Built for long days of hard use
2. Minn Kota Riptide Terrova QUEST 90/115 (Up To 100" Shaft)
If you're fishing coastal water or you've got a boat with a tall bow, shaft length is very important. The Riptie Terrova QUEST is one of the strongest arguments for a motor that doesn't force compromises, because you can get it in shaft lengths up to 100 inches.
That long shaft keeps the prop biting when the boat's rocking, and it keeps your steering consistent instead of “hunting” every time the bow rises. The motor also runs 24/36V, so it has the legs to hold you where you want without living at max output all day.
Add the right trolling motor accessories, run clean wiring, and don't overlook smart support gear like boat safety equipment if you're regularly fishing big water.
Key Benefits:
- Up to 100-inch shaft options for tall bows and rougher water
- 24/36V power fits serious fishing rigs
- Better hold in the wind when the shaft length is correctly matched
- Great saltwater direction for coastal setups
- Pairs well with higher-end helm electronics systems
3. Lowrance Ghost Trolling Motor w/TMR-1 Remote
The Lowrance Ghost is a strong choice when you want heavy-duty control, but you also care about smooth, quiet performance. On a 60-inch shaft, the prop stays down where it belongs, especially on higher-bow bass rigs where shorter motors start pulling air in chop.
One of the biggest practical upsides is efficiency. When your motor isn't fighting itself, you get more usable time on the water before voltage sag starts showing up. That makes this a smart pick if your style includes long days, frequent holding, and repositioning.
It's also a natural fit if your boat is already built around Lowrance electronics. Clean integration keeps your setup simple, and it reduces the amount of extra gear you need to mount on the bow.
Key Benefits:
- 60-inch shaft fits bigger bass boats well
- Smooth control that doesn't feel jumpy
- Great pairing for Lowrance electronics rigs
- Strong option for long, high-demand fishing days
4. Garmin Force Kraken Trolling Motor 63" Shaft
If you want a motor that can muscle a bigger boat around without acting stressed, Force Kraken belongs in the conversation. The 63-inch shaft is a major advantage on deep-V boats, bay boats, and any hull where bow rise is the reason your current motor loses bite.
It's rated up to 100 lb thrust, and you feel that power most when you're correcting sideways in wind or holding on structure while the boat wants to slide off.
This is also a strong candidate if you're trying to build out the best GPS trolling motor style setup with modern helm electronics. Pairing it with the right Garmin marine electronics can turn your entire front end into a clean, fishable system rather than a mess of brackets and cables.
Don't ignore the power side on this one. Bigger systems punish bad wiring fast. Use the proper gauge, protect your connections, and route cables so they last multiple seasons.
Key Benefits:
- 63-inch shaft keeps the prop buried in rough water
- Up to 100 lb thrust for heavy boats and strong holding
- Great match for Garmin helm builds
- Strong choice when you need control, not just movement
- A legitimate “big water” upgrade
Conclusion
If you want the most powerful trolling motor, you want one that matches your boat's weight and your bow height, so it holds up in wind without burning your batteries down early. The above options are all great contenders.
BLD Marine is built around one idea: make it easier to get your boat dialed and get back to the water. We carry hard-use marine gear at competitive prices and respond fast with real support when fitment questions hit.
Start with our trolling motors, then finish your setup with trolling motor accessories, fish finders, and dependable boat safety equipment.
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