10 Best Trolling Motors 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Force Kraken Black trolling motor is a top-tier choice for anglers who want strong performance and advanced technology. It delivers a powerful 100 pounds of thrust, which is excellent for moving larger boats or handling tough water conditions. The motor runs on 36 volts, providing ample power for longer trips and challenging environments. With a 63-inch shaft made from sturdy composite material, it resists damage well, making it suitable for freshwater, brackish, and saltwater use.

One standout feature is the anchor lock combined with multi-band GPS and integrated heading sensors, allowing you to keep your boat precisely in place without constant steering. The motor also connects wirelessly to Garmin chartplotters, enabling you to set routes and patterns for automatic movement while fishing, which is a big help if you prefer hands-free control. The pivot-style mount is designed for easy installation, especially if your boat's bow space is limited.

This trolling motor is ideal for serious fishing enthusiasts who want advanced GPS positioning, strong thrust, and wireless control. If you have a medium to large boat and value precise, easy handling with tech integration, the Garmin Force Kraken is a smart pick. However, if you need something simpler or more budget-friendly, you might want to explore less complex models.

The Garmin Force Kraken is a strong choice if you want one of the most powerful trolling motors available, delivering 100 lbs of thrust. This makes it great for larger boats or tough water conditions where extra power is needed. It runs on 36 volts, which is typical for high-performance electric motors, ensuring smooth and steady operation. The shaft length is 90 inches, which is quite long and should fit many boat sizes and deck setups, especially if you have a taller bow or need extra clearance.

Control-wise, it stands out by offering wireless Bluetooth connectivity and integrates seamlessly with Garmin chartplotters. This means you can easily create routes and have the motor follow them automatically, a real plus if you want precision and convenience on the water. Its anchor lock feature uses GPS to hold your boat exactly where you want it, which is very useful for fishing or positioning without drifting.

The mounting is designed for the bow of your boat, and the pivot-style mount helps with installation in tighter spaces, which can be a benefit if your boat has limited room at the front. Weighing 55 pounds, it’s on the heavier side, so consider this if you plan to move or store the motor often. Also, it does not come with a transducer, so you might need to purchase one separately if you want fish-finding capabilities. The Garmin Force Kraken is well suited for anglers and boaters who want powerful thrust, advanced GPS positioning, and wireless control, particularly for saltwater use. It may be less ideal if you have a smaller boat or prefer a simpler, lighter motor.

The Minn Kota 1363585 Riptide PowerDrive is a robust trolling motor designed for saltwater fishing, offering a significant 70 lb. thrust and a 54-inch shaft, making it suitable for larger boats. One of its standout features is the Advanced GPS Trolling System, allowing for precise navigation, speed, and steering control via a simple micro remote. This is particularly beneficial for anglers who require consistent boat positioning.

The Deploy-Assist Lever simplifies getting in and out of the water, while the Advanced Corrosion Protection ensures the motor's durability in harsh saltwater conditions. Additionally, the Digital Maximizer technology helps extend battery life by providing only the necessary amount of power, making it possible to fish for extended periods without frequent battery changes. The Push-to-Test Battery Meter is a handy feature for quickly checking the battery's charge status.

On the downside, this motor requires a 24-volt battery system, which means additional investment if you don't already have one. Weighing around 20.87 kilograms, it might be on the heavier side for some users, making installation and handling a bit cumbersome. The product is backed by a two-year warranty, providing some peace of mind. It's a solid choice for serious anglers who need a reliable and feature-rich trolling motor for saltwater use.