Both the Lowrance Ghost and the Garmin Force have thrust ratings of 120 lbs on their 36-volt trolling motors. These are currently the most powerful trolling motors available.
The Terrova and the Ultrex series, both from Minn Kota, can be configured to deliver 112 lbs of thrust using a 36-volt architecture.
If you are in the market for your motor, then I’ve broken down how you can maximize output for your type of boat, the factors that come into play that make a motor powerful, and some well-known brands.
These are all important considerations when choosing what size trolling motor you need. Here’s a quick snapshot of the key points:
At a Glance:1️⃣When assessing the power of a trolling motor, it’s essential to consider its thrust power, voltage, and overall efficiency. The most powerful trolling motors typically have a brushless motor connected to a 36V power source.2️⃣Brands such as Minn Kota, MotorGuide, Newport Vessels, Garmin, and Lowrance offer a range of powerful trolling motors with unique features and technology integrations to enhance the fishing experience.3️⃣Selecting the most powerful and suitable trolling motor depends on individual needs and preferences, ensuring an optimal boating and fishing experience.
💪 Factors That Make a Trolling Motor Powerful
The key factors that play a role in determining a trolling motor’s power are thrust, voltage, and efficiency.
Thrust
Firstly, let’s talk about thrust. Choosing a trolling motor with enough thrust to move your boat through the water efficiently is essential.
The general rule of thumb for determining the appropriate amount of thrust is to have at least 2 lbs. of thrust for every 100 lbs. of fully-loaded boat weight, including fuel, gear, and people on board 1. For example:
2,000 lb boat = (2,000 lb / 100) x 2 = 40 lbs of thrust (minimum)
However, if you frequently fish in areas with strong currents or wind, you may want to consider increasing your trolling motor’s thrust power to ensure optimal performance.
Voltage
Another important factor to consider is the voltage of the trolling motor’s electrical system. Generally, trolling motors are available in 12V, 24V, and 36V configurations.
The higher the voltage, the more powerful the motor will be and the longer it will run before requiring a recharge. For instance:
- 12V trolling motor: Suitable for smaller boats and calm waters
- 24V trolling motor: Ideal for medium-sized boats and moderate conditions
- 36V trolling motor: Best for larger boats and challenging conditions
It’s crucial to match the voltage of your trolling motor to your specific needs and expectations, ensuring that you have adequate power for your boating activities.
Efficiency
Lastly, the overall efficiency of the trolling motor can also contribute to its power. Traditional electric motors draw more energy from the battery as the voltage increases, but brushless motors offer a more energy-efficient alternative.
Brushless motors can produce nearly as much power as traditional electric motors while using fewer volts. This means that the most powerful trolling motors will often have a brushless motor connected to a 36V power source.
In summary, when assessing the power of a trolling motor, it’s essential to consider its thrust power, voltage, and efficiency. Taking all these factors into account will help you select the most powerful and suitable trolling motor for your unique needs and preferences.
🏆 Top Trolling Motor Brands
Minn Kota
I find Minn Kota to be one of the most popular and reliable brands for trolling motors. They offer a wide range of products for various applications, including the famous Endura C2 55 Transom Mount Trolling Motor.
The Endura C2 series is perfect for those looking for a stealthy, powerful motor that operates quietly. They are also known for their innovative i-Pilot GPS technology, which allows for effortless navigation and improved fishing experience.
MotorGuide
MotorGuide is another prominent name in the trolling motor industry. They offer a variety of motors to suit different fishing needs, such as the R3-30, which is ideal for small freshwater boats.
In addition to providing quality products, MotorGuide is particularly popular for its hand control systems, offering greater maneuverability and ease when fishing.
Newport Vessels
Newport Vessels is known for providing high-quality and affordable trolling motors for a variety of watercraft.
Their products are versatile and suitable for both saltwater and freshwater environments. One aspect that sets them apart from other brands is their focus on lightweight and easily portable motors, making them ideal for smaller vessels.
Garmin
Although Garmin may be better known for its GPS and navigation systems, they also offer powerful trolling motors, like the Garmin Force.
The Force series combines the best of Garmin’s navigation technology with a powerful and efficient motor design, offering a seamless fishing experience, especially when paired with their fish finders or other Garmin electronics.
Lowrance
Lowrance is another brand that combines its expertise in marine electronics with trolling motor technology.
The Lowrance Ghost trolling motor is one of their flagship products, offering whisper-quiet operation and a powerful, efficient motor that can assist you in navigating through even the most challenging fishing spots.
The integration of their advanced fish-finding sonar capabilities makes Lowrance trolling motors a great choice for anglers who prioritize technological advancements.
In conclusion, there are various trolling motor brands available, each offering unique features.
But before you make a decision check out how the most powerful trolling motor compares to the most powerful electric outboard motor.
🔑 Key Takeaways
1️⃣ The Lowrance Ghost and Garmin Force are among the most powerful electric trolling motors in the market, both offering 120 lbs of thrust with a 36-volt setup.2️⃣ Minn Kota’s Terrova and Ultrex series also deliver impressive performance with 112 lbs of thrust using a 36-volt architecture.3️⃣ To make an informed choice while purchasing a trolling motor, it is essential to understand the factors that impact a trolling motor’s power output, such as thrust, voltage, and efficiency.
To understand the nuanced differences between the trolling motors, read up on how electric trolling motors work.
