A transom mount trolling motor is a popular choice among anglers and boaters these days with affordable price, easy maneuver and silent boating experiences.
However, choosing the best transom mount trolling motor is not an easy task as there seems to be indefinite options to fit your various needs including saltwater or freshwater application, the stern mount trolling motor with foot pedal, remote or wireless control.
Therefore, to help you make the right choice and save your time gathering information, this post picked out the top two transom mount trolling motor for saltwater and freshwater and covered the most critical things you need to know before making the final decision.
Table of content:
- What Is Transom Mount Trolling Motor
- Best Transom Mount Trolling Motors in 2021
- Transom Mount Electric Motor Buying Guide
- Stern Mount Trolling Motor FAQs
What Is a Transom Mount Trolling Motor
A transom mount trolling motor is a little electric motor attached to the transom of a boat. Unlike the bow mount trolling motors, these electric motors propel the boat from the behind.
This is the kind of trolling motor preferred by amateur and professional fishing enthusiasts, mainly because they are durable, easy to use and can work long hours without sudden breakdown.
Bonus Tips: Bow vs Transom Mount Trolling Motor
Have no idea which to choose between the front or rear mount trolling motors? Check out the following pros and cons of the transom mount electric motors before moving to the next step:
Pros
- It is affordable compare to bow mount engines
- It does not require as much space as other engine types
- It is easy to install
Cons
- Fewer technology choices are available like spot lock
- Transom mount motor steering is less precise
Best Transom Mount Trolling Motors in 2021
If you want a quick answer to the best transom mount trolling motor that is worth your investment, check out the two below that are proven to be a reliable choice by thousands of users worldwide with outstanding performances on freshwater or saltwater:
Best Freshwater Transom Mount Trolling Motor: Minn Kota Endura
This Minn Kota transom mount trolling motor is the best trolling motor for freshwater fishing. This stealth motor is the best if you are in need of a high voltage trolling system as well as silent boating experiences with only vibrations.
Besides that, the Endura transom mount trolling motor is energy efficient and can last more than 7 hours before the battery runs down. It features a 12-volt power system, which means that a 12-volt battery will be needed to power this engine.
Although available in various thrust levels, we consider the 55-thrust level of the stern mount trolling motor to be an excellent choice for a large number of freshwater anglers.
Another good thing about this transom mount motor is its composite shaft, which is built ruggedly to withstand years of abuse. The size is perfect for kayak or small fishing boat.
In terms of the installation, the depth of the adjustment ring and the transom mount fasteners make the process easy. In addition, the lever lock transom mount motor bracket guarantees a firm installation and will not come off suddenly.
Minn Kota Endura transom mount rolling motor comes with great features that other products cannot be compared with, and that’s why it is rated very high as you can see from the many positive reviews across the website and forums.
Features
- It has a six-inch telescopic handle
- It composed of a maximum length of eighteen feet
- Equipped with a digital maximize
- It has a variable speed control feature
- It comes with a lever lock transom mount trolling motor bracket
- It is made of durable materials
- It has a 30-inch shaft length
Pros:
- It is made of durable material, which means it can last longer
- It is cool and quiet, which means it doesn’t spook the fish
- It comes with a tough composite shaft that will not corrode or rust
- It is energy efficient
- It is intended for very long distances.
- It has a two-year warranty
Specification
| 40lb Endura C2 | 45lb Endura C2 | 55lb Endura C2 | |
| Max speed | 3.5 MPH | 4MPH | 4.5 MPH |
| Speeds | 5 Fwd/3 Rev | 5 Fwd/3 Rev | 5 Fwd/3 Rev |
| Handle | Telescoping | Telescoping | Telescoping |
| Price | Check Amazon | Check Amazon | Check Amazon |
2. Best Saltwater Transom Mount Trolling Motor: Minn Kota Riptide SC
If you are looking for the best transom mount trolling motor for saltwater fishing, do not look further than the Minn Kota Riptide SC transom trolling motor.
Its superior rust-resistant material always protects your engine. The lower unit housing of this transom mount trolling motor is grit-blasted, coated in aluminum and then given a final layer of powder coat paint to help prevent oxidization and rust.
Additionally, all electrical connections are sealed with liquid-sealed heat shrink tubing to form a secure barrier against saltwater.
All these features make this transom mount trolling motor a perfect option for saltwater with easy handling, durability and low maintenance cost.
Besides that, the following are the key features that make this product the best among saltwater anglers.
Key Features
- Digital Maximizer extends time in the water
- The push to test meter informs of battery status
- The big motor windings and commutator dispel heat for cool, quiet operation
- Composite shaft guaranteed for life
- Comfortable telescoping tiller handle
- Marinized for long life in saltwater environments
Pros
- Good performance
- It is reliable
- It is quiet
- It is weatherproof
- Easy to handle
Specification
| Riptide 40/SC | Riptide 45/SC/T | Riptide 55/SC/T | |
| Max speed | 5 MPH | 5MPH | 5 MPH |
| Speeds | 5 Fwd/3 Rev | 5 Fwd/3 Rev | 5 Fwd/3 Rev |
| Shaft length | 30 inches | 36 inches | 42 inches |
| Handle | Telescoping | Telescoping | Telescoping |
| Price | Check Amazon | Check Amazon | Check Amazon |
Transom Mount Trolling Motor Buying Guide
There are different types of transom mount trolling motors on the market designed for different purposes and different vessel types. It requires a lot of research before hitting the buy button.
So, to help you make the right decision, the following are the most important things to consider when buying a new transom mount trolling motor.
Motor Size
Knowing the right size of transom mount trolling motor could be one of the most confusing things when it comes to buying a trolling motor.
Generally speaking, the three important things to consider in your search:
- The number of volts you will need. For example, the 12v, 24v and 36-volt transom mount trolling motors.
- The next is the amount of thrust your boat requires.
- And lastly, the length of the shaft needed to provide adequate thrust through the water.
I will break it down to details in later parts.
Transom Mount Motor Volts
Generally there are three types of transom mount trolling motor available: 12, 24, or 36 volts.
A 12 volt transom mount trolling motor is most popular option for smaller boats as it is the most inexpensive and easiest to run. And a 24 or 36 volt transom mount trolling motor will require two or three separate batteries although it allows for longer fishing time and higher thrust.
Thrust Level
So about to get a 14′ Jon boat and plan to get a transom mount trolling motor. Curious if anyone has experience with how much thrust is necessary.
Always remember that for every 200 pound’s weight you need 5 pounds of thrust.
So, for example, a boat that weighed 600 pounds would require 15 pounds of thrust.
When you add the max capacity of the boat with its original weight, then you will know how much thrust is required for your transom mount trolling motor to make the boat run on water.
Shaft Length
Another important feature to look out for is the shaft length.
If the shaft of your electric transom mount trolling motor is short, it won’t submerge enough to provide thrust. And if the shaft is too long, it could hit the bottom and damage the propeller.
Different transom mount trolling motor demand different shaft lengths, it is recommended that the authentic motor section sits at least12 inches below the waterline.
Also read this post to learn how to measure outboard shaft length.
Freshwater or Saltwater
The freshwater trolling motor is used mainly on lakes and small ponds. Using it on the sea can void the manufacturer’s warranty and cause some serious damage to the motor.
Unlike freshwater motors, saltwater transom mount trolling motors can work with both freshwater and saltwater thanks to its corrosion resistant components.
For more information about the corrosion resistant technology adopted by saltwater transom mount trolling motor, check out our previous post.
Built-in Battery Gauge
Some transom mount trolling motor models have a built-in battery gauge in the head of the unit.
The gauge will allow the fisherman to easily and quickly check how much power is left in the battery, so it is easy to estimate the remaining fishing time or when to fix the charger.
Transom Mount Trolling Motor FAQs
We also collected some frequently asked questions about transom mount trolling motors with quick answers here in case you share the same confusion.
Question 1. Is it possible to put a bow mount trolling motor on a transom bracket?
Answer 1: It can be done, but not easy because you want it temporarily without drilling into the boat. The good thing about having the trolling motor installed on the gunnel is that you have the gunnel to place the trolling motor when not in use.
Question 2. Is it possible to attach a transom mounts trolling motor on the bow?
Answer 2: You definitely can. I recently did this on my boat. There should be a screw holding the head to the shaft, remove it, turn the head, and put the screw back.
Question 3. Is there transom mount trolling motor with a foot pedal?
Answer 3: I had never seen one or heard of a manufacturer building a foot-controlled transom mount trolling motor.
However, the Minn Kota Power Drive can certainly be adapted for use on the stern with a quick-release plate. You can just lift the motor rather than stowing it horizontally when going from hole to hole.