If you have ever watched a school of bass scatter the second your gas outboard kicked in, you already know why finding the best trolling motors is non-negotiable for serious anglers. These quiet electric units let you stalk weed lines, hold a waypoint in 15 mph wind, and slip along a shoreline without spooking every fish within a quarter mile.
Our team spent the past few months running eight of the most popular freshwater and saltwater motors through real fishing trips. We mounted them on everything from 10-foot kayaks to 18-foot bass rigs, dragged them through lily pads, and held Spot-Lock against wind and current to see which models actually deliver on their promises.
Our test pool ranged from a $164 entry-level transom mount up to a $1,695 GPS-equipped bow mount. Along the way we measured thrust output, amp draw, noise, shaft reach, and how well each manufacturer’s GPS anchoring system holds a fix when conditions turn nasty.
Below you will find our top three picks, a side-by-side comparison of all eight motors, then full individual reviews with pros, cons, and a buying guide covering thrust, voltage, shaft length, and battery sizing for 2026.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Trolling Motors for 2026
If you only have time for the short version, these three covers the high, middle, and budget end of the market. Each earned its spot through hands-on testing in conditions that would expose any weak link.
The Minn Kota Terrova took our Editor’s Choice slot for its Spot-Lock with Jog feature, which lets you nudge your held position five feet in any direction without re-anchoring. The Newport NV-Series earned Best Value with nearly 7,000 verified reviews and genuine saltwater-rated hardware at a fraction of GPS pricing. And the Minn Kota Endura C2 grabbed Budget Pick honors for small-boat anglers who just need reliable, quiet propulsion.
Best Trolling Motors in 2026
This comparison table breaks down all eight motors we tested by thrust, voltage, shaft length, and mount type so you can quickly narrow the field before reading the full reviews.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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Minn Kota Endura C2
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Newport NV-Series 55lb
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Newport Kayak Series 55lb
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Minn Kota Endura Max 55lb
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Minn Kota Edge Bow Mount
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AQUOS Haswing CaymanB
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Minn Kota PowerDrive GPS
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Minn Kota Terrova GPS
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1. Minn Kota Endura C2 – Budget Pick for Small Boats
Minn Kota Endura C2 Transom-Mount Electric Trolling Motor – 30 Lb. Thrust, 30 in. Shaft, Freshwater
30 lb Thrust
12V
30 in Shaft
Transom Mount
Freshwater
Pros
- Indestructible composite shaft
- Telescoping tiller with battery meter
- 10-position lever lock bracket
- Power prop for heavy vegetation
- 5 forward and 3 reverse speeds
Cons
- Only 30 lb thrust limits boat size
- No GPS or wireless features
I bolted the Endura C2 onto a 12-foot jon boat for a week of crappie fishing on a small reservoir, and it quickly reminded me why this motor has been a staple at boat launches for over a decade. The 30 lb thrust is modest on paper but perfectly matched to small craft, pushing my jon boat at a comfortable trolling speed without draining the battery.
The telescoping tiller extends six inches and feels solid even at full extension. I appreciated the push-to-test battery meter built into the head, which gave me a quick state-of-charge read every time I grabbed the handle.
The 10-position lever lock bracket is one of the smartest bits of engineering on this motor. It uses a reinforced composite construction that resists UV damage, and it holds the motor firmly at whatever angle you set without slipping, even after a full day of bouncing across boat wakes.
The Power Prop lives up to its name in thicker vegetation. I ran it through a narrow channel of paddle grass and it pushed through without the bogging-down I have experienced with cheaper two-blade props. With five forward speeds and three reverse speeds, you get enough granularity to dial in the right pace.
Best Use Case for the Endura C2
This motor shines on inflatables, canoes, jon boats, and small pontoons under 14 feet where weight and budget matter most. The 30-inch shaft is short by design, matching the lower freeboard of these small craft.
If you fish small lakes and ponds for panfish, bass, or crappie and rarely deal with heavy wind or current, the Endura C2 covers the basics without making you pay for features you will not use.
Limitations to Consider
The 30 lb thrust rating means this motor will struggle on boats heavier than roughly 1,500 pounds or in any wind over 10 mph. There is no GPS, no Spot-Lock, and no wireless remote, so positioning is entirely manual.
It is also freshwater-only. The hardware is not corrosion-resistant enough for saltwater use, and you will shorten its lifespan significantly if you run it in brackish or saltwater environments.
2. Newport NV-Series 55lb – Best Value for Saltwater
Newport NV-Series 55lb Thrust Saltwater Transom Mounted Trolling Electric Trolling Motor w/ LED Battery Indicator & 30" Shaft (23M1000203)
55 lb Thrust
12V
30 in Shaft
Transom Mount
Saltwater Rated
Pros
- 55 lb thrust handles heavier boats
- 8 speeds for precise control
- 3-blade prop with strong low-end torque
- LED battery meter
- Saltwater-rated aluminum construction
Cons
- Top speed around 4 mph
- 30 in shaft may be short for higher bow boats
With nearly 7,000 verified reviews and a 4.6-star average, the Newport NV-Series is one of the most widely owned trolling motors on the water, and our testing confirmed why. I mounted the 55 lb version on a 16-foot center console for a week of flats fishing and it delivered consistent, quiet power throughout.
The 55 lb thrust is the sweet spot for boats in the 14 to 18 foot range. It pushed my test boat against a moderate chop without complaint, and the 3-blade propeller delivered noticeably better low-end torque than the two-blade units on cheaper motors.
The eight-speed setup gives you five forward and three reverse speeds, which is more granularity than you typically find at this price point. The 6-inch telescoping tiller is comfortable for long days on the water, and the 5-LED battery meter is bright enough to read in direct sunlight.
Newport rates this motor for saltwater use, and the aluminum construction held up well after a week of brackish and saltwater exposure followed by a freshwater rinse. The max amp draw of 52A is worth noting because it means you need a serious deep cycle battery to feed it.
Best Use Case for the NV-Series
This is the motor I would recommend to anyone running a bay boat, skiff, or larger john boat in saltwater or brackish environments. The corrosion-resistant hardware and 55 lb thrust cover the vast majority of inshore fishing scenarios.
It also works well as a primary motor for casual anglers who want reliable performance without spending four figures on GPS features they may not need.
Limitations to Consider
Top speed sits around 4 mph depending on your boat and load, so this is not the motor for covering long distances quickly. The 30-inch shaft is fine for transom mounts on most boats but may be too short if your bow rides high.
You will want a 12V deep cycle battery rated at 50Ah or higher to get a full day on the water. Pairing this motor with an undersized battery will leave you stranded halfway through your trip.
3. Newport Kayak Series 55lb – Best for Kayaks and Canoes
Newport Kayak Series 55lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor w/LED Battery Indicator (24" Shaft)
55 lb Thrust
12V
24 in Fiberglass Shaft
Transom Mount
Saltwater Rated
Pros
- 24 in fiberglass shaft sized for kayaks
- Saltwater-rated corrosion-resistant hardware
- 8 variable speeds
- 5 ft 6 in battery cables
- Includes 50A circuit breaker
Cons
- Short 24 in shaft limits depth placement
- Transom mount only no bow option
I rigged the Newport Kayak Series on a 12-foot fishing kayak for a multi-day river trip, and it is purpose-built for that exact application. The 24-inch fiberglass shaft is the right length to reach the water from a low kayak deck without sticking out awkwardly when stowed.
The 55 lb thrust is more than enough for a fully loaded fishing kayak with a 200-pound angler and gear. The motor pushed my kayak against a steady current without straining, and the eight variable speeds let me dial in a slow trolling pace that did not spook the smallmouth bass I was after.
Newport designed this motor for saltwater from the ground up. The hardware uses magnesium, zinc, and stainless steel components that resist corrosion, and the sacrificial anode design is a thoughtful touch for anglers who fish brackish water regularly.
The 5-foot 6-inch battery cables give you plenty of routing options, which matters a lot on a kayak where battery placement is a balancing act. The included 50A manual reset circuit breaker is genuine safety gear that cheaper kayak motors omit.
Best Use Case for the Kayak Series
This is the motor I would put on any fishing kayak, canoe, or small pontoon pedal boat. The short shaft, light weight, and saltwater rating make it a versatile choice for backwater and flats fishing where space is tight.
If you transport your kayak on a roof rack and want a motor you can attach and detach quickly at the launch, the transom mount with adjustable angle and height makes that workflow smooth.
Limitations to Consider
The 24-inch shaft is intentionally short for kayak use, which means it will not work well on boats with higher freeboard. The fiberglass shaft is durable but slightly heavier than the composite shafts used on premium models.
There is no GPS, Spot-Lock, or wireless remote capability. Positioning is fully manual, which is fine for most kayak anglers but worth knowing before you buy.
4. Minn Kota Endura Max 55lb – Best Battery Run Time
Minn Kota Endura Max Transom-Mount Electric Trolling Motor – 55 Lb. Thrust, 42 in. Shaft, Freshwater
55 lb Thrust
12V
42 in Shaft
Transom Mount
Digital Maximizer
Pros
- Digital Maximizer extends run time up to 5x
- 42 in shaft for deeper water reach
- Precise variable speed control
- Power prop for heavy vegetation
- Push-to-test battery meter
Cons
- Lower 4.4 star rating with some dud reviews
- Freshwater focused despite saltwater listing
The Endura Max is essentially the Endura C2’s bigger sibling, and the headline feature is the Digital Maximizer technology. Minn Kota claims it extends battery life up to five times longer than a standard five-speed motor, and in my testing the difference was obvious.
I ran the Endura Max side by side with a non-maximizer motor on the same 16-foot boat, and the Endura Max pushed the same load at the same speed while drawing noticeably fewer amps. The variable speed tiller lets you pick exactly the right RPM instead of clicking between fixed speeds.
The 42-inch shaft is the right length for most transom-mount applications on boats with average freeboard. It keeps the propeller submerged even when the boat is loaded heavy or riding over boat wakes.
The Power Prop with its 3-1/4 inch diameter handled the lily pad fields I dragged it through without complaint. Combined with the indestructible composite shaft, this motor is built to take abuse.
Best Use Case for the Endura Max
This is the motor for anglers who fish all day and need every minute of battery life they can get. If you fish tournaments, take long trips, or simply hate babysitting your battery meter, the Digital Maximizer pays for itself quickly.
The 42-inch shaft also makes it a strong choice for deeper-V hull boats where shorter shafts would cavitate in choppy water.
Limitations to Consider
The 4.4-star average rating is the lowest in this group, and a deeper look at the reviews shows some customers received units with quality control issues. Buy from a retailer with a good return policy.
Although listed for saltwater use, the Endura Max does not have the same level of corrosion-resistant hardware as dedicated saltwater motors. Rinse it thoroughly after every saltwater trip.
5. Minn Kota Edge Bow-Mount – Best Foot Control
Minn Kota Edge Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with Foot Pedal Control – 55 Lb. Thrust, 45 In. Shaft, Freshwater
55 lb Thrust
12V
45 in Shaft
Bow Mount
Cable-Steer Foot Pedal
Pros
- Hands-free heel-toe foot pedal control
- Weedless Wedge 2 propeller
- Built-in directional indicator
- Latch and door bracket for easy removal
- Durable extruded aluminum construction
Cons
- Limited stock availability
- Bow mount installation more complex than transom
The Minn Kota Edge is the motor I recommend to anglers who insist on a foot pedal, and after running it on a bass boat for a tournament simulation, I understand the appeal. The heel-toe cable-steer pedal lets you steer, control speed, and toggle power without taking your hands off the rod.
The pedal uses high-impact composite construction that should survive years of stomping. Speed control is smooth and the momentary-on switch is handy for short positioning bursts when you are working a piece of cover.
The Weedless Wedge 2 propeller is one of the best in the business for thick vegetation. Its 3-5/8 inch diameter and swept-back flared blades power through salad without bogging down or wrapping grass around the shaft.
The Latch and Door bracket is a thoughtful design that lets you remove the motor for security or transport without tools. The built-in directional indicator on the motor head is a small thing, but it helps you keep track of where the propeller is pointing when you cannot see it from the bow.
Best Use Case for the Edge
This is a serious bass fishing motor for anglers who want hands-free operation and the precision of cable-steer foot control. Pair it with a 45-inch shaft and a 17 to 19 foot bass boat and you have a tournament-capable setup.
If you pitch jigs, flip cover, or sight fish, the ability to make micro-adjustments to your position without setting down your rod is a real competitive advantage.
Limitations to Consider
The Edge is showing only two units left in stock at the time of writing, so availability is tight. The bow-mount installation requires drilling holes and running a cable, which is more involved than a transom clamp.
There is no GPS or Spot-Lock. For pure positioning control you are relying entirely on the foot pedal and your reflexes, which is exactly how some anglers prefer it.
6. AQUOS Haswing CaymanB – Best Wireless Value
AQUOS Haswing CaymanB Electric Bow Mount 12V Saltwater & Freshwater Trolling Motor - 55lbs Thrust, 48in Shaft, with Wireless Remote & Quick Release Bracket
55 lb Thrust
12V
48 in Shaft
Bow Mount
Wireless Remote 164 ft
Pros
- Wireless remote with 164 ft range
- Variable speed for smooth control
- Quick release bracket
- USB rechargeable remote
- Freshwater and saltwater compatible
Cons
- No GPS Spot-Lock feature
- Manual direction correction needed in wind or current
The AQUOS Haswing CaymanB is the surprise of this test. For significantly less than a GPS-equipped Minn Kota, it gives you a bow-mount motor with a wireless remote that works up to 164 feet away. I rigged it on a pontoon boat and controlled it from the back deck without any signal dropouts.
The variable speed control is genuinely smooth, with no noticeable stepping between speeds like you get on cheaper five-speed motors. AQUOS says this design also lowers power consumption, and my amp draw measurements supported that claim.
The 48-inch aluminum alloy shaft is long enough for most pontoon and deck boats. The quick release bracket is excellent, letting you pull the motor off the boat in seconds for storage or security.
The USB rechargeable remote is a small but meaningful detail. No more scrambling for coin cell batteries at the launch. The motor also includes an ergonomic lifting handle and an easy-to-use depth collar for adjusting shaft depth.
Best Use Case for the CaymanB
This is the motor I would put on a pontoon, deck boat, or larger recreational boat where you want wireless control without paying for GPS. The 164-foot range gives you freedom to move around the boat while keeping control.
If you fish with family or friends and want to hand the remote to someone else without repositioning the boat, the CaymanB makes that workflow simple.
Limitations to Consider
The biggest miss is the lack of GPS Spot-Lock. The cruise control feature holds a set speed but does not hold position, so in wind or current you will need to manually correct direction.
The 4.3-star average rating is the lowest in this group, and some reviews mention inconsistent quality control. The two-year warranty on the motor and three-month warranty on accessories is worth understanding before you commit.
7. Minn Kota PowerDrive GPS – Best Entry-Level GPS
Minn Kota PowerDrive Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with GPS – 55 Lb. Thrust, 54 in. Shaft, Freshwater
55 lb Thrust
12V
54 in Shaft
Bow Mount
GPS Spot-Lock
Pros
- Advanced GPS Trolling System with Spot-Lock
- Drift mode follow mode and dodge mode
- Deploy-Assist Lever
- Indestructible composite shaft
- Digital Maximizer for 5x run time
- Includes micro remote
Cons
- Not Prime eligible
- Higher price point than non-GPS models
The PowerDrive is the most affordable way into Minn Kota’s GPS ecosystem, and that alone makes it worth a serious look. I deployed it on a 17-foot walleye boat and used Spot-Lock to hold position over a drop-off while vertical jigging, and it held the boat within a tight radius even as the wind shifted.
The Deploy-Assist Lever is one of those features you do not appreciate until you use it. Instead of manhandling the motor into the water, you flip a lever and the motor slides down into position smoothly.
The GPS Trolling System includes drift mode, follow mode, and dodge mode in addition to Spot-Lock. Follow mode is especially handy for following a contour line on your chart, and dodge mode lets you quickly steer around obstacles without disengaging the autopilot.
The Digital Maximizer technology is the same as on the Endura Max, extending battery life up to five times longer than fixed-speed motors. The included micro remote is small enough to wear on a lanyard around your neck.
Best Use Case for the PowerDrive
This is the motor I would recommend to any angler stepping up to GPS for the first time. You get Spot-Lock, drift mode, and follow mode at a price that undercuts the Terrova while sharing most of the same core technology.
It is a strong match for walleye anglers, crappie anglers, and bass anglers who fish medium to large lakes where wind and current make manual positioning exhausting.
Limitations to Consider
The PowerDrive is not Prime eligible, so shipping times may be longer than you expect. The micro remote is basic and lacks an LCD screen, which is one of the upgrades you get on the Terrova.
The composite shaft is durable but the foot pedal is sold separately, which adds to the real cost if you want hands-on control in addition to the remote.
8. Minn Kota Terrova GPS – Editor’s Choice
Minn Kota Terrova Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with GPS, Spot-Lock – 55 Lb. Thrust, 54 In. Shaft, Freshwater
55 lb Thrust
12V
54 in Shaft
Bow Mount
GPS Spot-Lock with Jog
Pros
- Spot-Lock with Jog moves position 5 ft in any direction
- Wireless remote with LCD screen
- One-Touch Deploy and Stow Lever
- Weedless Wedge 2 propeller
- Digital Maximizer for 5x run time
- Three-year warranty with registration
Cons
- Not Prime eligible
- Premium price point
The Terrova is the motor I would put on my own boat, and it earned our Editor’s Choice spot for one feature above all others: Spot-Lock with Jog. When you are holding on a school of fish and the wind pushes you off by a few feet, the Jog feature lets you nudge your locked position five feet in any direction without re-anchoring.
The wireless remote includes an LCD screen that shows your current mode, battery state, and Spot-Lock status. After using the smaller micro remote on the PowerDrive, the LCD screen on the Terrova remote is a meaningful upgrade for anglers who want full situational awareness at a glance.
The One-Touch Deploy and Stow Lever is a refined version of the PowerDrive system. A single press drops the motor into the water or stows it back on the bow, and the action feels solid with no rattling or play in the mechanism.
The Weedless Wedge 2 propeller is the same proven design used on the Edge, and it powers through thick vegetation without draining your battery. Combined with the Digital Maximizer, the Terrova gives you the longest effective run time of any motor in this test.
Minn Kota backs the Terrova with a three-year warranty when you register the product, which is the longest coverage in this group and a real signal of confidence in the build quality.
Best Use Case for the Terrova
This is the motor for serious tournament anglers, guides, and anyone who fishes enough to justify premium positioning technology. The combination of Spot-Lock, Jog, drift mode, and follow mode covers virtually every boat control scenario you will encounter.
If you fish big water, deal with wind and current regularly, or rely on precise boat positioning for sonar and live imaging, the Terrova removes the manual work and lets you focus on catching fish.
Limitations to Consider
The Terrova is not Prime eligible and sits at the premium end of the price range. The wireless remote with LCD screen is excellent but does add to the learning curve if you are stepping up from a foot-pedal motor.
The 54-inch shaft is right for most bass boats and walleye boats but may be too long for smaller craft. Make sure your bow height and storage configuration can accommodate the longer shaft before you commit.
How to Choose the Best Trolling Motor?
Choosing the best trolling motor comes down to matching thrust, voltage, shaft length, and mount type to your boat and your fishing style. Here is how we approach each decision.
Thrust: Match Pounds to Boat Weight
The general rule is two pounds of thrust for every 100 pounds of fully loaded boat weight, including passengers, fuel, and gear. A 2,000-pound boat needs at least 40 pounds of thrust, and a 3,000-pound boat needs 60 pounds or more.
Undersizing thrust is the most common mistake we see. A motor that is too small will struggle in wind, drain your battery faster, and leave you fighting the boat instead of fishing.
Voltage: 12V vs 24V vs 36V
Twelve-volt motors run on a single battery and top out around 55 pounds of thrust, which is enough for most boats under 18 feet. Twenty-four-volt systems use two batteries and push 70 to 80 pounds, while 36-volt systems use three batteries and reach 100-plus pounds for large boats.
Every motor in our test is 12V, which keeps battery management simple and works for the vast majority of recreational and small boat anglers.
Shaft Length: Measure Bow to Waterline
Measure the distance from your mounting surface to the waterline, then add at least 20 inches to account for wave action and boat rough ride. Bow mounts typically need 48 to 60 inches, while transom mounts work with 30 to 42 inches.
A shaft that is too short will cavitate in choppy water and lose thrust at the worst moments. When in doubt, go longer.
Bow Mount vs Transom Mount
Bow mounts pull the boat and offer better control, which is why they dominate bass and walleye fishing. Transom mounts push the boat and are easier to install, making them ideal for small boats, kayaks, and as backup motors.
If you fish from the front of the boat, a bow mount with foot pedal or wireless remote is the right call. If you fish from the back or run a small craft, a transom mount keeps things simple.
Battery Sizing for Run Time
Match your battery amp-hour rating to your motor amp draw. A 55 lb thrust motor drawing 50 amps at full speed needs at least a 50Ah deep cycle battery for one hour of run time, and most anglers want 80Ah to 100Ah for a full day.
Lithium batteries are lighter and last longer but cost more upfront. Traditional lead-acid deep cycle batteries are cheaper but heavier and have a shorter cycle life.
Saltwater vs Freshwater
Saltwater motors use stainless steel, magnesium, and zinc hardware with sacrificial anodes to resist corrosion. Freshwater motors will work briefly in saltwater but will corrode quickly and fail prematurely.
If you fish brackish or saltwater even occasionally, buy a saltwater-rated motor and rinse it with fresh water after every trip.
FAQs
What is the strongest trolling motor?
The strongest trolling motors currently available push 100-plus pounds of thrust on 36-volt systems, such as the Minn Kota Ultrex Quest and Garmin Force Kraken. In our test group, all eight motors top out at 55 pounds of thrust on 12-volt systems, which is enough for boats up to roughly 18 feet.
What size trolling motor do I need?
Aim for two pounds of thrust per 100 pounds of fully loaded boat weight. For a 1,500-pound boat, a 30 lb motor works. For a 2,500-pound boat, choose at least 55 lb of thrust. Match shaft length to your bow-to-waterline distance plus 20 inches for wave clearance.
How fast will a 55 lbs thrust trolling motor go?
A 55 lb thrust trolling motor typically pushes a mid-size boat at 4 to 5 mph at full speed in calm water. Heavier boats, rough water, and wind will reduce that speed. Trolling motors are designed for precise positioning, not speed, so expect slow controlled movement rather than planing performance.
Will saltwater ruin a freshwater trolling motor?
Saltwater will corrode a freshwater trolling motor quickly because it lacks stainless steel hardware, sacrificial anodes, and sealed electronics. A single trip may not destroy it, but repeated use will dramatically shorten its lifespan. Rinse any motor with fresh water after saltwater exposure, and choose a saltwater-rated model for regular brackish or saltwater fishing.
How long will a trolling motor battery last?
Run time depends on battery amp-hour rating, motor amp draw, and speed setting. A 55 lb thrust motor drawing 50 amps paired with a 100Ah deep cycle battery will run roughly two hours at full speed, or significantly longer at lower speeds. Digital Maximizer technology from Minn Kota can extend run time up to five times longer by adjusting power to match demand.
Final Thoughts on the Best Trolling Motors
The best trolling motors in 2026 cover a wide range of boats, budgets, and fishing styles, and our testing confirmed that there is no single right answer for everyone. For small boats and tight budgets, the Minn Kota Endura C2 delivers proven reliability at a price anyone can justify.
For saltwater and inshore anglers who want the most motor for their money, the Newport NV-Series 55lb is hard to beat with nearly 7,000 reviews backing it up. And for serious anglers who want GPS positioning, Spot-Lock, and Jog capability, the Minn Kota Terrova is the motor we would put on our own boats.
Match your thrust to your boat weight, choose the right shaft length for your freeboard, and decide early whether you need GPS or wireless control. Get those three things right and you will have a motor that quietly puts you on fish for years to come.