If you’re a serious angler then you’re probably aware of the significance of a bow mount trolling motor. These types of motors enable you to have a lot better control compared to other types of motors. They are more powerful and more convenient than traditional gas engines.
A bow mount trolling motor will make your boat super maneuverable that will come in very handy while fishing. They also work extremely well if you’re riding on a foredeck of a bass boat or an open bowrider. Trolling motors are quite expensive, hence, it’s important that you invest in the right one.
The market is filled with a wide array of different brands of bow mount trolling motors. However, we want to make sure that you get your hands on the bow mount trolling motor so that you can have the ultimate experience on the water. To help you out with this daunting task, we have picked out five awesome best bow mount trolling motors that will give you the best fishing experience.
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Best Bow Mount Trolling Motor We Wil Cover Today
- Minn Kota Riptide 55 SP Saltwater Bow-Mount Trolling Motor with CoPilot.
- MotorGuide Wireless Saltwater Bow Mount Trolling Motor.
- Minn Kota Powerdrive 45_BT Bowmount Trolling Motor with Bluetooth.
- AQUOS Haswing CaymanB 55 lbs bow mount trolling motor.
- Minn Kota Ultrex Freshwater Bow-Mount Motor.
Bow Mount Trolling Motor Reviews!
Our Top Pick
1. Minn Kota Riptide 55 SP Saltwater Bow-Mount Trolling Motor with CoPilot
Minn Kota bow mount trolling motor is known for making reliable fishing gears and this trolling motor will last you a long time even in the harshest condition. It’s built to last and it can operate well in the toughest marine condition.
The Minn Kota Riptide saltwater trolling motor has a rugged construction with a sleek body that not only makes it easy to operate but enhances its looks as well. What makes this trolling motor stand out in the crowd is its unique co-pilot feature.
The I-Pilot is a Bluetooth-operated feature that enables you to have control over the speed and direction of the motor through a smartphone app. With this app, you have access to wireless GPS control, can track previous paths, can record current paths, etc.
One of the best features of the app is that it has a GPS anchor feature that locks the boat on a specific location which gives you the flexibility to focus more on fishing instead of worrying about controlling the boat. This motor comes with 55lbs of thrust level and 48″ shaft lengths.
Along with the app, there’s another great feature known as deploy-assist. This feature allows you to simply press a lever to deploy the trolling motor. The motor has a push to test a deep cycle battery meter that’s highly accurate. It comes with a weedless wedge 2 prop and composite shaft that enables it to handle underwater impact extremely well.
The Riptide bow mount trolling motors comes with multiple different accessories. It includes fully sealed electronics with marine-grade urethane, powder primer, anodized plating, and zinc anode to reduce corrosion.
Features & More
- Works exceptionally well on saltwater.
- Digital Maximizer.
- Deploy-Assist Lever.
- Easy to handle.
- Energy-efficient.
- Comes with I-Pilot.
- Sturdy construction.
- Bluetooth-controlled app.
2. MotorGuide Wireless Saltwater Bow Mount Trolling Motor.
If you’re looking for versatile bow mount trolling motors so that you can fish with tranquility then the MotoGuide Xi5 is your guy. It features a wireless handheld control that enables you to control the device from anywhere around the boat. This bad boy is specifically designed for saltwater. So, your saltwater fishing experience will be taken to a new height with the MotoGuide Xi5.
The innovative mount of the motor features an easy-to-read LED dashboard that enables you to have a quick look at the four key functions regardless of the lighting condition. So, if you’re out there fishing on a cloudy day then no worries, the MotoGuide Xi5 got you covered.
Pinpoint offers GPS, precise Anchoring, Jog, Heading Lock, and Cruise Control. It enables the boat to 3x more precise holding on your anchor point. This version has a thrust option of 55-lb and suitable for powerboats sized between 16-25 feet. Its shaft lengths available 48, 54, 60, 72 in.
The digital variable speed control feature comes in handy for preserving battery life and gives you greater control over your preferred speed limit. MotoGuide bow mount has a dual cable system that runs between the foot pedal and the control head.
It also has a unique technology known as variable-ratio steering that enables you to have more control over the boat. You’ll face no torque or pause when handling the motor, so, if you’re looking for a motor with an outstanding level of control then the MotoGuide Xi5 54″ Bow Mount 55 lb trolling motor is a superb choice for you.
Features & More
- Pinpoint GPS.
- Versatile 12-volt motor.
- Comes with integrated sonar.
- Tough mounting bracket.
- Digital Power Management.
- 3-blade Machete III Glass-Filled propeller.
- Sealed corrosion protection.
- Excellent for the saltwater condition.
3. Minn Kota Powerdrive 45_BT Bowmount Trolling Motor with Bluetooth.
The Minn Kota Powerdrive bow mount trolling motor is an absolute beast that will give you a fun-filled and hassle-free boating experience. This features the unique PowerDrive’s advanced technology that gives it intensive power and enables it to have a smooth operation process. It has a power of 12V and it’s suitable for small to medium-sized fishing boats.
With the advanced GPS technology of this motor, you can easily control the steering. It comes with a deploy-assist feature that quickly puts you in motion. All you need to do is to press the deploy lever on the motor and voila! You’re ready to go. It has an ultra-powerful propeller that can cut through anything without draining the battery too much.
It has updated GPS-powered I-Pilot features that enable you to have spot locks, record paths, track previous paths, and multiple other features. The automatic boat positioning will come in handy while fishing. At the core of the trolling motor, it comes with an incredibly powerful composite shaft that will not bend or corrode no matter where you fish.
It also features a push-to-test battery meter on the PowerDrive that will give an instant reading of the charge with just a push on the button. In this way, you’ll not be stranded in the water as you’ll always get to have a heads up about the remaining power. It has a whisper-quiet operation and it’s an excellent choice for fishing.
Features & More
- I-Pilot feature.
- Powerful props.
- Comes with auto anchor and path tracking.
- Easy to control and operate.
- Instant reading of the charge.
- Sturdy and durable construction.
4. AQUOS HASWING White 12V55LBS 48inch Bow Mount Trolling Motor with Remote Control.
The White Hawsing 12V Bow Mount Trolling Motor is an excellent motor that will take your fishing experience up a notch. Also, it comes at a very affordable price, so, you don’t need to break the bank for the White Hawsing Bow Mount Motor. You can rest assured that with this bad boy, all your fishing expeditions will be a lot more fun and hassle-free.
The thrust power is quite impressive considering the price of the motor. It has a thrust power of 55lbs with 10 speed settings and it can perfectly propel all kinds of small to mid-sized boats. It comes with a 12-volt that is suitable for both saltwater and freshwater conditions. The power will ensure that you’ll be able to boat for long hours and enjoy your fishing trip to the fullest.
The shaft length of the boat has a significant impact on its overall performance as it determines the depth of water through which you can travel safely. The easy-to-use depth collar helps you to quickly and securely change the depth.
The total length of the trolling motor is basically the shaft length. The White Hawsing has a 54-inch aluminum alloy shaft which enables it to control the boat more effectively. The motor comes with a variable speed feature that you can control the speed of the boat and it can increase battery life. The motor also comes with a foot-control pedal, allowing for efficient hands-free fishing.
This motor is also very easy to handle and operate. It has an ergonomic lifting handle that helps you to take the motor off the boat or the car effortlessly.
Features & More
- Comes at an affordable price.
- The wireless remote control.
- Easy to handle and operate
- Ergonomic lifting handle.
- Thrust power of 55-lbs.
- The stow and deploy pedal.
- 3 Blade Power Prop.
- Lifting Handle.
- Depth Collar.
5. Minn Kota Ultrex Bow Mount Trolling Motor With i-Pilot GPS System
If you’re looking for a versatile bow mount trolling motor with premium features then the Minn Kota Ultrex i-Pilot Link US2 is your guy. The price is on the steeper side, however, with its incredible performance and phenomenal durability, it’s worth every penny you spend on it.
The Minn Kota freshwater trolling motor has a rugged body that can endure through the harshest condition without any wear or tear on it. With the unique i-Pilot feature, your fishing and boating experience will reach a new height with this trolling motor. Its all-new power-steering and GPS will enable you to lock the specific location of your desire and fish with ease.
The newly upgraded i-Pilot helps you to jog within the five-foot radius of the spot lock position and helps you maintain full accuracy within a few meters. The unique Steering lock facility enables you to take your foot off the pedal without losing your exact destination. I-Pilot will also report battery life and estimated time remaining based on real-time.
This bad boy comes with a Power Steering assisted cable foot peal with auto-lock and autopilot buttons to make your boat rides as hassle-free as possible. It comes with wireless remote steering placing a boat control system in the palm of your hands. You can also connect it through the Minn Kota app on your phone to perform the software updates, commands, and basic remote control functions. The digital maximizer technology provides up to five times longer run time on a single battery charge.
The Ultrex freshwater trolling motor has quite an operating system so you’ll be able to reach the fishing spots without scaring the marine creatures. No matter how shallow or deep the water is, you’ll have no trouble if you’re traveling with the Minn Kota. It’s available with three different shaft lengths: 45 inches, 52 inches, and 60 inches, and Thrust Level: 80-112 Pound.
Features & More
- Autopilot.
- Digital maximizer.
- Shaft length 45-inch.
- Spot-Lock with Jog.
- Patented Lift-Assist design.
- Multi-function foot pedal.
- Mega Down Imaging or Universal Sonar 2.
- Motor Style: Hybrid cable-steer / electric.
- Compatible with Humminbird fish finder.
Best Bow Mount Trolling Motor Comparison Table
Title | Shaft Length | Thrust | Voltage | Steering |
48" shaft | 55 lbs | 12 volts | Electric Control | |
48" shaft | 55 lbs | 12 volts | Electric Control Electric Control | |
54" shaft | 45-54 lbs | 12 volts | Electric Foot Pedal | |
54" shaft | 55 lbs | 12 volts | 360 degree electric control | |
45",52",60" shaft | 112-pound (36-volt), 80-pound (24-volt) | 112-pound (36-volt), 80-pound (24-volt) | Cable-steer, Electric-steer |
Bow Mount Trolling Motor Buyer’s Guide
Getting a bow mount trolling motor is a major investment and it’s important to ensure that you’re investing in the right one. The performance and your overall satisfaction with the motor depend on various factors and there are multiple aspects you should be aware of before you decide on your ultimate choice. Here are some of the most vital factors that you should consider while shopping for a trolling motor.
Voltage
The voltage varies with the different models of bow mount trolling motors and it’s important to be aware of the voltage required to power your boat. The voltage requirement fluctuates with the size of the boat. Fishing boats are larger and they usually require 24-volt to 36-volt motors. On the other hand, canoes and kayaks are smaller in size so 12-volt is sufficient enough to power a smaller boat. you’ll need to determine how much battery power your trolling motor requires.
- 12 Volts: Up to 55 -lb Thrust (1 battery)
- 24 Volts: Up to 80 -lb Thrust (2 batteries)
- 36 Volts: Up to 112 -lb Thrust (3 batteries)
Thrust
The thrust of the bow mount trolling motor is measured in pounds and the amount of thrust required is depended on the size of the boat, space available on the boat, and the type of water you’re traveling at. With the perfect amount of thrust, your boat will run in a butter-smooth motion. Whereas, having insufficient thrust will make it harder for the boat to move.
The trolling motor usually comes with instruction from the manufacturer on the thrust requirement. The general rule is, for every 200lbs, you’ll require 5lbs of thrust to keep the boat running smoothly.
Shaft Length
The length of the shaft plays a vital role as it is the determinant of whether the motor will be operated through hand or the foot pedal. The length of the shaft is more crucial with the hand tiller as you’ll require to have a balance on the motorhead to use the gear comfortably.
The shafts are generally made with metal or composite material which gives a slight flex. The flex helps to prevent breaks in the shaft when you hit underwater objects. However, shafts with too much flex are harder to control and they’ll have a negative impact on the overall performance of the trolling motor.
Operation Process
Handsfree operation is always more preferred by the boatmen as it gives them more flexibility and enables them to have better control. Trolling motors are usually hand-controlled. However, the modern motors come with both hand and foot pedals which gives the user more flexibility to choose their preferred method to operate the boat.
Why Should I Use A Bow Mount Trolling Motor?
Well, trolling motors are expensive so, this question is quite legitimate considering the investment you’ll be making. We’ll be discussing some fantastic benefits that you’ll get from a trolling motor. There are plenty of features that make them a lot better option than regular motors.
Easy Installation Process
Even if you’re not a tech-savvy person, you’ll face no problem with the installation of a bow trolling motor. You require very little effort and time when it comes to the installation process.
Silence is Blissful
One of the most vital reasons what makes it so popular among anglers is its ability to glide along the water without making any noise. It operates in a butter-smooth motion which doesn’t create unnecessary vibrations in the water that might scare away the fishes. These motors are created with advanced technology that helps to propel the boat efficiently with little to no noise at all.
Easy Steering
The fun of your fishing expedition will rise to a great extent if you can steer around without any trouble. Steering is one of the most important aspects of a bow mount trolling motor and the fisherman should be aware of how the motor operates and how sensitive it is.
Thanks to technology, most modern bass boats can be operated both by hand and foot. Fishermen tend to prefer foot pedaling more as it’s more convenient and easier to control. However, if you’re not comfortable with foot steering, there are plenty of trolling motors that offer both foot and hand pedaling so that you can choose the method that’s more convenient for you.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Among the tons of different models out there, we have made our picks by critically considering all their aspects with new and innovative technologies. With the smooth and noiseless operation of a bow trolling motor, your boating and fishing expeditions will be taken to a new height.
We have accumulated the best bow mount trolling motors out there so that you can have the best boating experience. So, get your hands on one of these bad boys and enjoys your next trip to the fullest.
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