The Best Electric Boat Motors

The Best Electric Boat Motors:

• Minn Kota Endura C2 30 ($99)
• Minn Kota Endura C2 55 ($257)
• MotorGuide VariMAX V55 – Freshwater, Pontoon Mount ($414)
• Torqeedo Travel 1003 ($1,999)

Unlike gasoline-powered boat motors, electric outboard motors provide quieter operation, no exhaust fumes, and zero emissions. Electrics are great as the primary means of propulsion for small boats, a secondary means of propulsion for large boats, or in places where gasoline motors are prohibited or otherwise undesirable. Because electric boat motors are often used for fishing, they are commonly called “trolling motors”.

When shopping for an electric boat motor, be sure to consider the size of your boat, the conditions you’ll typically encounter, and the amount of additional weight (people and gear) you’ll have on board. Make sure you select a motor powerful enough to meet your needs. We’ve researched dozens of trolling motor reviews on sites such as Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops, Amazon, TrollingMotors.net, Practical Sailor, Panbo, CruisersForum.com, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Walmart, and iboats.com to bring you a list of the best electric boat motors for sale today:

Minn Kota Endura C2 30 ($99)

Pros:

• Reliable
• Performs as advertised

Cons:

• Only for tiny boats

Top Review Sources:

• Cabela’s: 5.0/5.0 (5+ reviews)
• Bass Pro Shops: 4.2/5.0 (15+ reviews)
• Amazon: 4.5/5.0 (15+ reviews)

The transom-mount Minn Kota Endura C2 30 is the smallest in Minn Kota’s line of Endura C2 trolling motors. It delivers a maximum thrust of 30 pounds, sufficient to adequately propel craft of up to 1,500 pounds or 12 feet in length. It has a 12-volt power system and a 30-inch composite shaft. Control is administered via a six-inch telescoping handle. There are five forward speeds and three reverse speeds. Reviewers find the Endura C2 30 to be reliable, quiet, and well-built. There are hardly any complaints of underperformance or premature failure. The Minn Kota Endura C2 30 ships with a two-year warranty.

Purchase the Minn Kota Endura C2 30 on Amazon.

Minn Kota Endura C2 55 ($257)

Pros:

• Well-built
• Two shaft size options

Cons:

• Transom-mount only

Top Review Sources:

• Bass Pro Shops: 4.2/5.0 (15+ reviews)
• TrollingMotors.net: 5.0/5.0 (1 review)
• Dick’s Sporting Goods: 4.5/5.0 (3 reviews)

On the other end of the Endura C2 line is the Endura C2 55. Like the Endura C2 30, the Endura C2 55 is transom-mounted and has a 12-volt power system. The Endura C2 55 can produce 55 pounds of thrust, which is enough to propel an 18-foot craft or a craft weighing up to 2,500 pounds. This motor is available with either a 36- or 42-inch composite shaft. It features a telescoping steering mechanism and five forward speeds (three reverse). Like the Endura C2 30, the Endura C2 55 has a reputation for hassle-free, reliable performance and solid build quality. A two-year warranty backs it.

You’ll find the Minn Kota Endura C2 55 for sale on Amazon.

MotorGuide VariMAX V55 – Freshwater, Pontoon Mount ($414)

Pros:

• Precise, variable speed control
• Digital speed and battery gauges

Cons:

• Non-traditional throttle and direction-change hand controls

Top Review Sources:

• Cabela’s: 4.5/5.0 (5+ reviews) (VariMAX V45)
• Walmart: 5.0/5.0 (2 reviews) (VariMAX V45)
• iboats.com forum user comparison of VariMAX V55 and Endura C2 55: “I tested both for one week and I kept the MotorGuide Varimax”

MotorGuide’s VariMAX V55 is one of many VariMAX models you can choose from. MotorGuide offers freshwater and saltwater editions of the VariMAX. You have three mounting options within the freshwater edition: bow, transom, and pontoon. For each mounting option, you have at least two output choices. Though we are reviewing the VariMAX V55 freshwater pontoon-mount edition here, most of our findings can be extended to other models in the VariMAX series. The VariMAX V55 provides 55 pounds of thrust and 12 volts of power. It has a 50-inch aluminum shaft. A distinguishing feature of the VariMAX series is its variable speed adjustment. Variable speed adjustment allows the boater to incrementally increase speed via a dial, resulting in precise control and up to three times longer battery life than five-speed electric motors. The user interface consists of a digital speed gauge indicating direction and remaining battery life. Reviewers enjoy the variable speed operation and convenient digital interface. The MotorGuide VariMAX V55 has a two-year warranty.

The MotorGuide VariMAX V55 (freshwater, pontoon mount) is on Amazon.

Torqeedo Travel 1003 ($1,999)

Pros:

• Fully submersible
• Accepts solar charging

Cons:

• Long battery charge time

Top Review Sources:

• Practical Sailor: Best Choice (of three electric outboard motors tested)
• Panbo: “A joy to use”
• CruisersForum.com user review: “The torque is surprisingly powerful”

The Torqeedo Travel 1003 is a fully-waterproof, three-horsepower electric outboard. Its integrated 29.6-volt lithium-manganese battery provides an estimated 10.5 hours of runtime at 1.5 to 2.0 knots, 3.5 hours at 2.5 to 3.0 knots (half throttle), and half an hour at 4.5 to 5.0 knots (full throttle). This 30-pound electric is appropriate for inflatables and small boats up to 3,000 pounds and makes a suitable sailboat motor. It is available in long- and short-shaft versions. Full battery recharge takes about 15 hours for the Travel 1003. This motor will also accept power from solar chargers (Torqeedo sells one for $999) and onboard generators. A feature reviewers really like is the onboard GPS chip, which provides a continually updated range estimate based on current usage. The results are reported via a display integrated into the tiller. The display also indicates battery charge and boat speed. Reviewers enjoy the smooth power delivery of the Travel 1003 and praise its build quality. This motor carries a two-year warranty.

You’ll find a list of Torqeedo Travel 1003 dealers on Torqeedo’s website.