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 fore deck of a bass boat or an open bow-rider. 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 trolling motors. However, we want to make sure that you get your hands on the best 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 bow mount trolling motors that will give you the best fishing experience.
Best Bow Mount Trolling Motor We Will Cover Today
- Best Copilot-Minn Kota riptide 55
- Best Saltwater-MotoGuide Xi5 54″
- Best Price-White Haswing 12V 55LBS 54″Shaft
- Best Foot Pedal-Minn Kota 1358790 Powerdrive
- Best Freshwater-Minn Kota Ultrex
5 Bow Mount Trolling Motor Reviews!
1. Minn Kota Riptide 55 copilot
Specifications:
- Thrust: 55 lbs
- Voltage: 12V
- Shaft Length: 54 inches
- Steering Type: Electric-Steer
- Mount Location: Bow-Mount
- Control: PowerDrive Foot Pedal
- Saltwater Engineered: Yes
- Digital Maximizer: Yes
- Weedless Wedge 2 Prop: Yes
- Composite Shaft: Yes
- Cool, Quiet Power: Yes
- i-Pilot Compatible: Yes
- Warranty: 2-Year
If you’re looking for trolling motor that works effortlessly and provides a beastly performance then the Minn Kota Riptide 55 copilot is the one for you. Minn Kota is known for making reliable fishing gear 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 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.
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 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 comes with multiple different accessories. It includes fully sealed electronics with marine-grade urethane, powder primer, anodized plating, and zinc anode to reduce corrosion.
Pros
- Works exceptionally well on saltwater
- Comes with several accessories
- Includes deploy-assist feature
- Easy to handle
- Comes with I-Pilot, a Bluetooth-controlled app
- Sturdy construction
Cons
- Expensive
2. MotoGuide Xi5 54″ Bow Mount 55 lb Saltwater 12V Trolling Motor with GPS
Specifications:
- Thrust: 55 lbs, 80 lbs, or 105 lbs
- Voltage: 12V or 24V
- Shaft Length: 54 inches or 60 inches
- Steering Type: Wireless Pinpoint GPS or Foot Pedal
- Mount Location: Bow-Mount or Transom-Mount
- Control: Wireless Remote or Foot Pedal
- Saltwater Engineered: Yes
- Composite Shaft: Yes
- Digital Power Management: Yes
- Variable Speed Control: Yes
If you’re looking for a versatile trolling motor so that you can fish with tranquility then the MotoGuide Xi5 Bow Mount Trolling Motor 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.
It comes with a super-accurate GPS that’s one of the finest in the industry. It enables the boat to be 3x more precise holding on your anchor point. This version has a thrust option of 55 lb and is suitable to powerboats sized between 16-25 feet.
The digital variable speed control feature comes in handy for preserving battery life and gives you greater control over your preferred speed limit. MotoGuide 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 is a superb choice for you.
Pros
- Outstanding motor speed and directional control
- The motor operates quietly
- Comes with integrated sonar
- Tough mounting bracket
- Rugged build-quality
- Excellent for salt water condition
Cons
- The foot paddle is a bit light
3. White Haswing 12V 55LBS 54″Shaft Bow Mount Electric Trolling Motor
Specifications:
- Thrust: 55 lbs
- Voltage: 12V
- Shaft Length: 54 inches
- Steering Type: Foot Pedal
- Mount Location: Bow-Mount
- Control: Variable Speed and Direction Control
- Saltwater Engineered: Yes
- Composite Shaft: Yes
- Digital Power Management: Yes
- Weedless Prop: Yes
If you’re looking for a versatile trolling motor that can perform several tasks and is suitable for multiple different fishing styles then you’re in a luck. The Black 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 Black 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 motor 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 Black Hawsing has a shaft length of 54-inches which enables it to control the boat more effectively.
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.
Pros
- Comes at an affordable price
- Easy to handle and operate
- Features 10 different speed settings
- Thrust power of 55 lbs
- Suitable for both saltwater and freshwater conditions
- Powerful motor
Cons
- Not suitable for large boats
4. Minn Kota 1358790 Powerdrive 45_BT Bowmount Trolling Motor
Specifications:
- Thrust: 45 lbs, 55 lbs, or 70 lbs
- Voltage: 12V or 24V
- Shaft Length: 48 inches, 54 inches, or 60 inches
- Steering Type: Electric-Steer
- Mount Location: Bow-Mount
- Control: PowerDrive Foot Pedal or i-Pilot/i-Pilot Link Remote
- Composite Shaft: Yes
- Weedless Wedge 2 Prop: Yes
- Digital Maximizer: Yes
- Cool, Quiet Power: Yes
- Warranty: 2-Year
The Minn Kota Powerdrive is an absolute beast that will give you a fun-filled and hassle-free boating experience. This motor 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 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 of 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.
Pros
- I-Pilot feature
- Comes with auto anchor, path tracking, and many other features
- Easy to control and operate
- Powerful props
- Instant reading of the charge
- Sturdy and durable construction that will last for ages
- Quiet and cool operation system
Cons
- Not suitable for large boats
5. Minn Kota Ultrex Trolling Motor i-Pilot Link US2
Specifications:
- Thrust: 80 lbs or 112 lbs
- Voltage: 24V or 36V
- Shaft Length: 45 inches, 52 inches, or 60 inches
- Steering Type: Power Steering with Foot Pedal
- Mount Location: Bow-Mount
- Control: i-Pilot or i-Pilot Link Remote or Power Steering Foot Pedal
- Composite Shaft: Yes
- Universal Sonar 2: Yes
- Digital Maximizer: Yes
- Weedless Wedge 2 Prop: Yes
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes
- Warranty: 3-Year
If you’re looking for a versatile trolling motor with premium features then the Minn Kota Ultrex Trolling Motor 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 Ultrex has a rugged body that can endure 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.
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. 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 Ultrex 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 Ultrex.
Pros
- Comes with a number of incredible features
- Rugged construction
- Durable build quality
- Comes with a foot pedal
- Comes with an upgraded i-Pilot feature
- Suitable for both saltwater and freshwater
- A quiet and cool operation that doesn’t scare away the fishes
Cons
- Very expensive
Factors that Should be Considered Before the Purchase
Getting a 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 bow mount trolling motor.
Voltage
The voltage varies with the different models of 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.
Operation Process
Hands-free operation is always preferred by boatmen as it gives them more flexibility and enables them to have better control. Trolling motors are usually hand controlled. However, modern motors come with both hand and foot pedals which gives the user more flexibility to choose their preferred method to operate the boat.
Thrust
The thrust of the trolling motor is measured in pounds and the amount of thrust required is depended on the size of the boat, the 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 an 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 by 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.
Why Should I Use A 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 process 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 that 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 fish. 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 trolling 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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