There are a lot of fun activities to do with a kayak, rather than just paddling it around, such as fishing, exploring, bird watching, and more.
People who choose to enjoy their kayaking trip like that usually don’t prefer to paddle it on their own but rely on a trolling motor for more effort- and time-saving.
Here are the fastest trolling motors for kayak (Nov 2024 Update):
- Best Overall: Newport Vessels NV-Series 55lb
- Powerful: Newport Vessels L-Series 62lb/86lb
- Lightweight: Watersnake - ASP 18
- Best for Freshwater Fishing Kayaks: Minn Kota Endura Transom Mount Trolling Motor
- Best for Saltwater: Newport Vessels Kayak Series 36lb/55lb Trolling Motor
- Best for Duck Hunting: Newport Vessels 55lb Electric Trolling Motor
| 6 Fastest Trolling Motors For Kayak | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Newport Vessels NV-Series 55lb | |
Powerful | Newport Vessels L-Series 62lb/86lb | |
Lightweight | Watersnake - ASP 18 | |
Best for Freshwater Fishing Kayaks | Minn Kota Endura Transom Mount Trolling Motor | |
Best for Saltwater | Newport Vessels Kayak Series 36lb/55lb Trolling Motor | |
Best for Duck Hunting | Newport Vessels 55lb Electric Trolling Motor | |
Best Overall: Newport Vessels NV-Series 55lb
- Powerful - 86lb Thrust
- Smooth and easy to control - 8 Speeds, including 3 reverse and 5 forward
- Long runtime - 5-Point LED Battery Meter
- Ideal for kayaking - 6-inch Telescoping Handle
- Mount only so-so
We decided to take a chance on this trolling motor after searching and comparing the major brands. Turn out this is the most flawless decision we’ve made.
It is powerful enough to move a kayak with two big guys and fishing gear fine for a full day on the water. At full speed, it pushed our boat a smooth 7 to 8 MPH on a slightly windy day. Its 3 blade prop really makes a big difference!
When we were done, the batteries still had about 25% charge left.
Our testers are also very impressed with the quality of this motor. Work greatly on both saltwater and freshwater. The telescopic handle is an absolute must for a kayak.
| Newport Vessels NV-Series 55lb Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 25 lbs. |
Shaft Length | 36-inch |
Pound Thrust | 86lb |
Highlight Features | 86lb Thrust; 8 Speeds, including 3 reverse and 5 forward; 5-Point LED Battery Meter; 6-inch Telescoping Handle |
The Newport Vessels NV-Series 55lb is the best overall performer out of numerous candidates we’ve tested for kayaks.
Powerful: Newport Vessels L-Series 62lb/86lb
- Ultra-powerful, quiet, and smooth - 62lb Thrust
- Versatile - Saltwater Compatible Hardware
- Full adjustment for good depth placement - 40-inch Composite Fiberglass Shaft
- The battery level meter on top of the motor isn’t trustful
- The battery doesn’t last long
If a powerful trolling motor is what you really need, look no further than the Newport Vessels L-Series 62lb/86lb.
It is nice and smooth in the ocean with 3 adults on board. So smooth that you hardly hear it running and speed 5 gets us around fairly quick. We’re also satisfied with how light and easy to adjust it is, along with the quality wires and connections.
The motor handles really well on all types of water and its height is great for our needs.
It also comes with a 50-amp circuit breaker to use between the motor and the battery to safely operate.
| Newport Vessels L-Series 62lb/86lb Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 23 lbs. |
Shaft Length | 40-inch |
Pound Thrust | 62 lbs. |
Highlight Features | Saltwater Compatible Hardware; 62lb Thrust; 40-inch Composite Fiberglass Shaft |
Newport Vessels L-Series 62lb/86lb is a perfect trolling motor for those in need of an ultra-powerful performance for heavier loading weight at higher speeds.
Lightweight: Watersnake - ASP 18
- Keep the setup lighter and less weight to move – the motor weighs only 4.85 pounds
- Powerful – provide a 24-pound (9-20 amps) and an 18-pound (7-15 amps) thrust
- Less DIY mounts and more mounting options - additional bracket
- Battery not included
Here comes the lightest trolling motor in this list – the Watersnake - ASP 18, weighing only 4.85 pounds. It does a great job on kayaks.
This featherweight trolling motor combined with a less heavy battery (35 ah) keeps the setup lighter and less weight to move.
Regardless, it still has plenty enough thrust to move us on high (10MPH in our case), and on the low speed, we can go for 3-4 hours without running out. If you love trolling fish like us, this will help keep your hands free to work the rods and reels.
A big bonus for the additional bracket for less DIY mounts and more mounting options as well as an anti-impact clip system in the mount.
| Watersnake - ASP 18 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 4.85 lbs. |
Shaft Length | 24" (61cm) |
Pound Thrust | 24 lb (9-20 amps) 18 lb (7-15 amps) |
Highlight Features | Weight of 4.85 pounds; provide a 24-pound (9-20 amps) and an 18-pound (7-15 amps) thrust; an additional bracket |
If little is better for your use, our recommendation is the Watersnake - ASP 18.
Best for Freshwater Fishing Kayaks: Minn Kota Endura Transom Mount Trolling Motor
- Provide extra power to go through heavier vegetation - 3-1/4
- Reverse speeds are not as responsive as forwarding
- No battery or battery charger comes with it
- The shaft is not extended
The Minn Kota Endura Transom Mount Trolling Motor is a great buy for freshwater fishing kayak at the price. It has simple installation, 3-1/4" motor diameters for the extra power to go through heavier vegetation, and can work with all the parts you need.
A very good thing is it’s whisper silent while moving on the water to hence not frighten the fish.
Meanwhile, the speeds go smoothly from high to low and vice versa without drawing a lot of amps from our battery. At the end of the day, battery life was 75 to 80 percent. Very efficient!
We also like the 36” indestructible composite shaft that can be adjusted up and down for fishing in shallow areas.
| Minn Kota Endura Transom Mount Trolling Motor Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 17 pounds |
Shaft Length | 30", 36", 42" |
Pound Thrust | 30, 40, 45, 50, 55 pounds |
Highlight Features | the 36” indestructible composite shaft that can be adjusted up and down; 3-1/4" motor diameters |
If your kayak is small and you want a good trolling motor for freshwater fishing, then pick this.
Best for Saltwater: Newport Vessels Kayak Series 36lb/55lb Trolling Motor
- Ideal for saltwater fishing - corrosion-resistant hardware pieces and motorhead & durable motor
- Optimal weight distribution - full speed adjustment
- Portability and mobility – lightweight
- Unable to resist heavy rains
- The battery detector isn’t trusted
For professional saltwater kayakers, our pick is the Newport Vessels Kayak Series 36lb/55lb Trolling Motor because all of its hardware pieces and motorhead are corrosion resistant.
The motor itself is durable with full speed adjustment to capably push in variable depth placements for optimal weight distribution. It lives up to every expectation we had and more.
We love that it is not too heavy to side mount or in other words, it barely weighs anything.
The purchase of this trolling motor is also reliable as Newport Vessels has a full in-house customer service team based in California while the product is backed by a 2-year warranty.
| Newport Vessels Kayak Series 36lb/55lb Trolling Motor Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 23 lbs. |
Shaft Length | 24-inch |
Pound Thrust | 55 lbs. |
Highlight Features | corrosion-resistant hardware pieces and motorhead & durable motor; full speed adjustment |
The Newport Vessels Kayak Series 36lb/55lb Trolling Motor is a great corrosion-resistant and easy to use a model that provides ample performance at a very affordable price point.
Best for Duck Hunting: Newport Vessels 55lb Electric Trolling Motor
- Multifunctional – work both on saltwater and freshwater
- Ideal for goose and duck hunting – feature a 3-blade propeller, various speed control system, a telescoping 6
- Battery not included
Like most others in our list, the Newport Vessels 55lb Electric Trolling Motor provides lots of power and is quiet while operating.
It works decently on all types of water – both saltwater and fresh water – due to its corrosion-resistant hardware and motorhead. But its specialism would be for duck and goose hunting. Why?
Because it emphasizes a 3-blade propeller for optimal performance, various speed control systems for full adjustment, a telescoping 6" handle for comfortable steering. And importantly, the 30-degree tilting heads to fit various applications.
Undoubtedly, it’s a great choice!
| Newport Vessels 55lb Electric Trolling Motor Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 23 lbs. |
Shaft Length | 36 inches |
Pound Thrust | 55 lbs. |
Highlight Features | a 3-blade propeller, various speed control system, a telescoping 6" handle and a 30-degree tilting head |
For duck or goose kayak hunting, our always-go-to selection is the Newport Vessels 55lb Electric Trolling Motor.
How To Choose The Fastest Trolling Motor For Kayak?
Motor’s Power
The Motor size is closely related to its power and you should consider this factor based on the size of your kayak.
While a bigger motor doesn’t always help you move faster, it could maintain the maximum speed in case you’re going against the current or heading into the wind.
You should opt for a motor with a lower pound thrust rate as it won’t add more weight to your kayak.
Speed Settings
Many trolling motors provide different settings for speeds so you can change the speed of your kayak when on the water.
Being able to adjust the speed on the water is useful, you can speed up or slow down if you spot an interesting fishing hole. You can also actively change the speed to save energy from your battery.
However, such motors are likely more expensive.
Batteries
Choosing the battery is among the most important when looking for a perfect trolling motor for your kayak.
You should choose the type of battery based on your preference, budget, and available space on your vessel. It’s also helpful to know how much additional weight you can add to your kayak.
In terms of the voltage, you should choose a battery whose voltage matches your motor. For instance, a 24V motor should not be paired with a 12V battery.
Shaft Length
The shaft length directly affects how quietly your motor runs. If it is too short, the motor can make a lot of noise due to hitting the water surface.
The too-short one may also reduce the performance of the motor and level of thrust because the propellers won’t be submerged completely in the water and won’t move as much water. This, in turn, will limit your speed.
When looking at the shaft, make sure the motor’s top part will be 12 inches under the surface. This is also affected by the depth of your kayak.
If the distance between the waterline and the transom mount is 10 inches, opt for a 30-inch shaft. If it’s 16-20 inches, choose a 42-inch shaft. For anything between such distances, pick a 36-inch shaft.
Which Brands Make The Fastest Trolling Motor For Kayak?
Minn
This brand has 85 years of experience, offering a wide range of products to help you obtain the best experience on the water. Its trolling motors are categorized into freshwater motors and saltwater motors.
Newport Vessels
This brand is customer-centered. It makes products with the aim of 100% satisfying its customer through high quality and performance set for manufacturing processes. It offers boats, trolling motors, sups, and accessories.
FAQs
How fast will a kayak go with a trolling motor?
10 MPH is maximum
How fast will a 55-lb thrust trolling motor go?
5 miles per hour
How fast will a 112 lb thrust trolling motor go?
5MPH
How deep should a trolling motor be in the water?
The top part of the motor should be 12 inches under the water surface. This will determine the shaft length you need.
How many pounds of thrust does a 2.5 hp outboard motor have?
74.5 pounds of thrust.
A person has come up with a simple equation that can help you calculate pounds of thrust in relation to horsepower: y=15.7x + 35.3, with y as the gross thrust and x as the horsepower.
Conclusion
To pick the fastest trolling motor for kayak, you need great power, a strong battery, a proper shaft length. And speed settings would make the motor perfect because you can travel as fast and slowly as you want, maximizing efficiency. All in all, make sure you have considered every key factor when choosing a motor for your kayak.
