Bow mount trolling motors have been a popular choice for anglers and boaters with your choice of hand, foot, or remote control, optional spot lock and GPS function, and a wide range of thrust levels.
All these make the bow mount electric trolling motor appealing compared to the transom mount alternatives. However, the installation could be a lot of hassle.
No worries. This post discusses different types of bow mount trolling motor available for Jon boat, kayak, aluminum boat, canoe, and pontoon boat (including the best picks to date), and detailed steps to help you quickly and easily install it on the bow of your boat.
Whether you have settled your mind on the bow mount trolling motor model, or still confused about how to pick out the best bow mounted trolling motor, you can grasp some useful tips here!
Content:
- Bow Mount Trolling Motor Basics
- Best Bow Mounted Trolling Motor
- Bow Mount Trolling Motor Installation
- Top 6 Things to Consider Before Purchase
- FAQs About Bow Mount Trolling Motor
Tip: If you have limited space on the bow but still favor the technologies available on bow mount trolling motors, you might consider mounting it on the transom, see how to make it work here.
Bow Mount Trolling Motor Basics
As the name implies, a bow mount trolling motor is one that connects to the bow of the boat. This type of trolling motor is super popular amongst fishermen because of how convenient it is to fish in the front of the boat while also controlling where you go.
Compared with transom mount types, the bow mount trolling motors have obvious advantages favored by fisherman and boaters alike:
- More precious steering and control
- Advanced features available
- Various control options including hand, foot and wireless remote control
However, note that by using the bow mounted trolling motor, you will mostly need to drill a hole on the bow of your boat. And make sure there is there is a flat deck and enough space to install the motor.
Best Bow Mount Trolling Motors in 2023
Buying a new bow mounted trolling motor can be fairly overwhelming, especially since there are so many options on the market.
Thankfully, there is a ton of information available to help you make educated decisions. And here are some of the best bow mount trolling motors to buy in 2021.
1. Minn Kota Ultrex Bow Mount Trolling Motor: Best Overall
To kick off our list, there is the Minn Kota Ultrex bow mounted trolling motor. This has been established as our best overall for 2021 for a number of reasons.
This is a 24-volt trolling motor that features spot lock technology. That is to say a GPS system is used to record paths, lock onto a singular spot, and map out your immediate area, and it is a big perk for anglers who want to bookmark their good spots.
Control of this motor is made super easy by the foot pedal as well as the remote. Whether you are looking for a foot control bow mount trolling motor or the one with remote, it could be the best pick. Either way, you can maneuver the boat with ease.
Highlights
- Control with foot pedal or wireless remote
- GPS powered automatic control
- Spot lock feature allows you to stay on a fishing spot
- 24 volts, 80 pounds of thrust
Note: This bow mount electric trolling motor is designed for freshwater use. This is not to say that you can’t use it on a saltwater rig, but future issues can arise because it was made for freshwater. Check out how to protect your outboard from corrosion.
2. Motorguide Xi3 Bow Mount Trolling Motor: Best for Freshwater
If you are shopping for a wireless bow mount trolling motor to be used in freshwater, be sure to take a look at the highly recommended Motorguide Xi3.
One easy way to navigate the waterways is by using a wireless remote control. This is a great perk because you can be in the back of your boat doing something else while still being steered in the right direction.
One bonus point for this bow mount trolling motor is that there is a model for pontoon boats. Many other top options are not outfitted to a boat as large and as high off the water. If you want to bring out the pontoon, you have the option.
The biggest downside of the Xi3 is the lack of GPS technology. You will have to buy an add-on to be able to graph and track your location in real time. This will add to your total cost and cause a bit of complication because you have to ingratiate different technology to all work together.
Highlights
- Wireless remote control available
- Pontoon models available
- Simple installation, operation and removal.
If prefer to control the bow mount trolling motor with a foot pedal, check out this model with easy to use and responsive foot control.
3. Minn Kota Riptide Ultrex: Best for Saltwater
On the flip side, the Minn Kota Riptide Ultrex is our vote for the best saltwater bow mount trolling motor. What differentiates a saltwater motor from a freshwater one is the materials used to make it. Salt is very corrosive, so you need the correct materials to work together in harmony to provide corrosion-resistant features. This is exactly what the Riptide Ultrex brings to the table.
Like the first Minn Kota bow mount trolling motor option, there is a built-in GPS system that helps track your location and map out the area. The GPS system also uses i-Pilot technology to map out a path and can automatically follow it without you having to do anything.
One thing to notice is that the foot pedal used to navigate the motor is sold separately. It is a little bit of a bummer that it is not included, but just be prepared to shell out a few extra dollars.
Highlights
- Stow and deploy itself with the push of a button
- Corrosion resistant with fully-encapsulated electronics
- Comes with built-in GPS (spot lock feature)
4. Haswing Bow Mount Trolling Motor: Best for the Price
Although investing in the best bow mount trolling motor is a good tactic, it is not always feasible. The Haswing bow mount electric trolling motor was voted as our best option for the price.
Unlike the other options, this trolling motor is rated for both freshwater and saltwater with sacrificial anode. This is a considerably cheaper option that can literally save you thousands of dollars.
It provides 55lbs thrust and is suitable for boats weighing up to 2750 lbs.
It even includes a wireless remote control and foot control to maneuver the motor. This is an elite upgrade that is worth taking into consideration.
Highlights
- Suitable for both freshwater and saltwater
- Comes with foot control and remote
How to Install Bow Mount Trolling Motor
Installing a bow mount trolling motor really relies on the type of boat you have. This can be a very easy or painful process. Here are the general steps for installing a bow mount trolling motor.
Step 1. Set the motor up on the boat. Make sure the shaft lays and props up correctly. This is the first and most important step, because you need to make sure things line up before making any holes or cuts.
Step 2. Drill the correct mounting holes. These holes correspond with the pattern supplied by the trolling motor mount.
Step 3. Clean the metal shavings from the holes. Metal shavings can cause an array of problems down the line. Keep it clean and tidy.
Step 4. Bolt the base down. Make sure to get each connect solid and in correctly. The last thing you need is a loose mount.
Step 5. Plug in the trolling motor to your existing hardware.
Step 6. Test to make sure it works correctly. Be sure to do some tests before hitting a big waterway or fishing tournament to see if things are working well.
Here is also a video tutorial that shows how to install the bow mount trolling motor on an aluminum jon boat in steps:
If you want to save the trouble of drilling holes on your boat, check out Minn Kota Edge that comes with latch and door mount for easy removal.
Bow Mount Trolling Motor Buying Guide
There are a number of aspects that go into bow mount trolling motors that need to be considered. Check out this bow mount electric trolling motor buying guide before making the final decision.
1. Shaft length
First and foremost, there is the length of the shaft. This length needs to be compatible with your boat so it functions correctly. For example, if you have a boat that is 16 inches to the waterline, you should not get a bow mount trolling motor that is over 42 inches. Anything bigger can cause efficiency issues down the line.
Learn more about how to correctly measure your boat shaft length.
2. Technologies available
Technology perks are another important aspect to consider when deciding which bow mount trolling motors to go. These include GPS, spot lock, remote control, and many other features. Although these are simply add-ons compared to other factors, you should keep these in mind because many are worth the purchase.
3. Thrust
Thrust is the amount of power the trolling motor has. This determines how fast and powerful your boat can be. It is important not to get a motor with too much thrust for your boat to handle. And a rule of thumb is to get at least 2 lbs of thrust for every 100lbs.
Further Reading: How Much Horsepower Do I Need for My Boat
4. Voltage
Usually you may find the bow mount trolling motors in 12 volt, 12/24 volt, 24 volt, and 36 volt configurations. That’s all about what your electrical system and batteries can handle, and more voltage means higher thrust of power.
Generally, 55 lb thrust and under is 12v, anything over is 24 or 36.
This can seem confusing, but the trolling motor companies do a good job of making recommendations for voltage powers and how they relate to the size of your boat.
5. Wiring
A majority of bow mounted trolling motors will have a simple wiring kit, but it will require some infrastructure on your end. It needs to be affixed to the battery in a way that works in harmony.
6. Price
Finally, you need to keep the bow mount trolling motor price in mind. How much you pay for the trolling motor is important because you don’t want to go bankrupt for a motor. Price does not always translate to quality, so do some research and find the best option for your budget.
FAQs About Bow Mount Trolling Motor
Here are some frequently asked questions we got from users. Check them out in case you share the same confusion about the bow mount electric trolling motors.
1. Could I convert bow mount trolling motor to transom?
Simply put, yes you can. A bow mount trolling motor can be moved to the transom if you so choose. Although the bow mount options are designed for the bow exclusively, they can be outfitted on the transom. They do sell converting tools that allow you to put that motor on the back. You can also attach the mount to the rear gunnel, and that will accomplish the same thing.
2. Can you put a trolling motor on a bowrider?
Yes, trolling motors can be added to a bowrider. In fact, trolling motors are great for bowriders because it lets you navigate slowly and quietly. Especially when fishing, this is the presentation that you want.
3. What size bow mount trolling motor do I need?
The size you get depends completely on the type of boat you have. You should match up the size of your boat to the size of the trolling motor. For example, a 2012 Key West Skiff that has 16 inches from the waterline to the bow, a trolling motor between 36-42 inches is best. Any smaller or bigger will not work correctly.
4. How fast will a 55-pound thrust bow mount trolling motor go?
The maximum speed of a trolling motor of this size is five miles-per-hour. However, your conditions play a big part in this. If there is a head wind or rolling waves, you will not get this fast. The five mph is for perfect conditions. If you are fishing, you probably won’t want to go faster anyway.