Until a few years ago, the use of bow mount electric trolling motors was limited to relatively small, low-freeboard boats, like bass boats, Jon boats, flats boats and skiffs. This was mainly due to the limitation on shaft length, which generally maxed out at around 60 inches. Because of this, V-hull and other high-freeboard boats were not great candidates for trolling motors. But all that has changed with manufacturers like Power-Pole, Garmin and Minn Kota now offering powerful, high-thrust trolling motors with shaft lengths up to 100 inches or more — which makes them an ideal choice for larger boats that operate on big water. So, if you happen to own a center console, walkaround or other type of offshore fishing boat, one of our top picks might be just what you need. Note: For a general reference on what to consider when selecting a trolling motor, see our West Advisor article Get the Right Size Trolling Motor.
- Power-Pole Move PV Brushless Saltwater Bow-Mount Trolling Motors
- Garmin Force® Kraken Saltwater Bow-Mount Trolling Motors
- Minn Kota Riptide Instinct QUEST Saltwater Bow-Mount Trolling Motors
Power-Pole Move PV Brushless Saltwater Bow-Mount Trolling Motors
Designed for ultimate dependability in saltwater environments, Power Pole's Move PV line of bow-mount trolling motors boast multi-layered corrosion resistance, a virtually indestructible aerospace-grade titanium shaft, and compound fail safes to keep you moving (and fishing) no matter what. They are ideal for many inshore and offshore boats; and owing to Power-Pole's compact pivot mount are a smart choice for boats with limited space at the bow. The Move PV includes all the high-tech features anglers expect, including intuitive wireless control of navigation and easy deployment, thanks to Power-Pole's step-and-stow release system. Designed for extreme stealth, the Move PV boasts a whisper-quiet, variable-speed, brushless motor. Keeping your hands free so you can focus on fishing is made easy by the Move PV's GPS enabled autopilot with four navigation modes, including Anchor Mode, which will quickly and quietly maintain your boat’s position against wind and waves when fishing over a reef, wreck or other structure.
Move PV Key Points:
- Best Use: Saltwater, freshwater
- Controls: Wireless remote (2 included)
- Motor Type: Brushless
- Shaft Length: 45", 52", 60" or 72"
- Shaft Material: Aerospace-grade titanium
- Mount Type: Low-profile, pivot-style, bow mount with step-and-stow release
- Speeds: Variable/reverse
- Voltage: 24 and 36 Volts
- Thrust: 78 lb. @ 24V, 100 lb. @ 36V
- Included Sonar: None
Garmin Force® Kraken Saltwater Bow-Mount Trolling Motors
With up to 100 pounds of thrust, Garmin's Force® Kraken Saltwater Bow-Mount Trolling Motors are among the most powerful trolling motors available today. Advanced features include wireless integration with compatible Garmin chartplotters, which you can use to create routes that the motor will follow while you focus on catching fish. You can also adjust your speed and heading from anywhere on the boat with the included wireless remote which uses AHRS (Attitude and Heading Reference System) for convenient point-and-go gesture steering. Other fish-catching features include the Kraken’s GPS enabled anchor lock feature, which will hold your boat steady against wind and waves at a location you want to fish, like over a reef, wreck or other structure. Other features include the Kraken’s compact pivot mount, which is ideal for deep V-hull and other saltwater boats with limited mounting space at the bow. Features also include an energy efficient, quiet brushless motor to keep you fishing long after less efficient brushed motors have run out of juice.
Force Kraken Key Points:
- Best Use: Larger boats used in salt water
- Controls: Wireless remote
- Motor Type: Brushless
- Shaft Length: 63", 75", 90"
- Shaft Material: Composite
- Mount Type: Pivot
- Speeds: Variable/reverse
- Voltage: 24 or 36 Volts
- Thrust: 80 lb. @ 24V, 100 lb. @ 36V
- Included Sonar: GT56 transducer
Minn Kota Riptide Instinct QUEST Saltwater Bow-Mount Trolling Motors
Designed for big boats that operate on big water, Minn Kota's Riptide Instinct QUEST motors are available with up to 115 pounds of thrust and a 100" shaft. Operation is made easy by the included wireless remote, which you can use to deploy, stow, trim, steer, speed up, slow down or otherwise control this trolling motor from anywhere on your boat. Control is also possible with select Humminbird fishfinders via the One-Boat Network App on Apple® or Android™ devices. Hovering over a fishing hot spot is easy with Spot-Lock, a GPS enabled feature that maintains your boat's position against wind, waves and current. This incredibly useful feature is enhanced by the Jog feature which enables you to move your Spot-Lock position 5’ in any direction. When drift fishing, anglers rely on the Drift Mode feature to slow and control their drift in heavy winds, and current. Battery life is maximized by the variable speed brushless motor and Minn Kota’s Digital Maximizer which conserves battery power without sacrificing power. One of the most impressive features of Riptide Instinct QUEST motors is that using the include wireless remote, you can deploy, trim and stow this motor with the press of a button. Watching this monster of a trolling motor raise itself up from a prone to a vertical position and lower itself into the water is a sight to behold!
Riptide Instinct QUEST Key Points:
- Best Use: Larger boats used in salt water
- Controls: Wireless remote
- Motor Type: Brushless
- Shaft Length: 60", 72", 87”, 100"
- Shaft Material: Composite
- Mount Type: Pivot
- Speeds: Variable/reverse
- Voltage: Dual 24/36 Volts
- Thrust: 90 lb. @ 24V, 115 lb. @ 36V
- Included Sonar: None
Summary
With high-thrust, long-shaft options available from Power-Pole, Garmin and Minn Kota, inshore and offshore anglers are simplifying their fishing experience. Now, just like their freshwater brethren, saltwater anglers can enjoy the stealth, quietude and precise, hands-free navigation that modern gps enabled electric trolling motors offer.
We’re Here to Help!
West Marine is the perfect place to get ready for your next fishing trip. From the latest trolling motors, to free line spooling and locally assorted tackle in most of our stores, we have the expertise you need to get ready. Use our store locator to find a store near you.
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