Choosing the right trolling motor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make to improve your boat’s performance, fishing success, and overall experience on the water. At BLDMarine.com, we know how overwhelming it can feel when faced with dozens of options—different thrust levels, shaft lengths, mounting styles, and new smart technologies. Whether you fish inland lakes or tackle open saltwater adventures, here’s a guide to help you pick the perfect trolling motor for your boat.
1. Thrust Power – Match It to Your Boat Size and Conditions
The first and most critical factor is thrust—the measure of how much power the motor provides to move your boat. Larger, heavier boats (especially loaded with gear or in strong currents) require more thrust.
General rule: You need about 2 pounds of thrust for every 100 pounds of boat weight (including fuel, passengers, and gear).
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Small boats (kayaks, canoes, jon boats): 30–45 lbs thrust
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Medium boats (bass boats, flats boats): 45–70 lbs thrust
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Large boats (bay boats, center consoles): 80+ lbs thrust
If you regularly fish in windy areas, heavy current, or open saltwater, it’s always smart to size up on thrust!
2. Shaft Length – Critical for Efficiency and Control
Choosing the correct shaft length ensures your propeller stays submerged during operation. If it’s too short, you'll lose power and steering control.
Quick guide to shaft sizing:
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Bow-mount motors typically need a shaft long enough to stay 12" under water.
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Measure from the bow of your boat to the waterline and add 20"–25" for ideal shaft length.
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For transom-mount motors (stern mount), measure directly from the mounting point to the waterline and add 20".
BLDMarine.com carries trolling motors in a wide range of shaft lengths—let us help you match it perfectly!
3. Mount Type – Bow vs. Transom
Your motor’s mount style affects handling and boat compatibility.
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Bow-Mount Trolling Motors: Mounted at the front of the boat for better control, maneuverability, and precision (ideal for anglers).
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Transom-Mount Trolling Motors: Mounted at the rear; easier to install and better suited for small boats, dinghies, or as a secondary motor.
Fishing-focused boats almost always use bow-mounted motors for better responsiveness.
4. Control Options – Foot Pedal, Hand Control, or Wireless?
Today’s trolling motors offer more control options than ever:
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Foot pedals (wired or wireless) free up your hands for casting.
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Hand controls are simple and great for smaller vessels.
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Wireless remotes and mobile app control (like the Minn Kota i-Pilot or MotorGuide Pinpoint GPS) give total freedom to fish anywhere on deck.
At BLDMarine.com, we stock trolling motors with all these control options so you can fish your way.
5. GPS and Spot-Lock Technology – A Game-Changer
Modern motors equipped with GPS anchoring (Spot-Lock) allow your boat to hold its exact position automatically—no anchoring, no drift, even in wind or current. For serious anglers, Spot-Lock is now a must-have feature.
Popular models like Minn Kota Ultrex and MotorGuide Tour Pro feature powerful GPS-based systems that will change the way you fish.
6. Freshwater vs. Saltwater Models
Always choose the right motor for your environment:
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Freshwater trolling motors are perfect for lakes and rivers.
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Saltwater trolling motors (like Minn Kota Riptide or MotorGuide Xi5 SW) are built with corrosion-resistant materials and extra rugged designs to survive harsh salt environments.
Saltwater use will destroy a freshwater motor over time—choose wisely!
7. Battery Power and Voltage Requirements
Trolling motors run on 12V, 24V, or 36V battery setups:
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12V: Simple, for small boats and casual use
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24V: Mid-sized boats and longer fishing days
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36V: Heavy-duty setups for big boats, big conditions, and all-day fishing trips
Plan your marine battery setup accordingly, and don't forget onboard chargers to keep your power system reliable.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to picking the perfect trolling motor, it’s all about matching your boat, your fishing style, and your environment. At BLDMarine.com, we carry the latest trolling motors from top brands like Minn Kota, MotorGuide, and Garmin Force—all built to give you the edge out on the water.
If you need help finding the perfect fit, contact us—we're happy to help you get rigged up and fishing better than ever!