10 Best Cheap Trolling Motors 2026 in the United States

The Minn Kota 1358350 Terrova trolling motor offers a strong 55 lb. thrust and operates at 24 volts, making it suitable for small to medium-sized boats. Its 54-inch shaft length ensures it can be used in deeper waters, making it versatile for various fishing environments. One of its standout features is the advanced GPS trolling system, which provides precise navigation and boat positioning with the wireless remote control, making it user-friendly even for novices.

The Spot-Lock with Jog feature allows you to maintain your position with high accuracy, which is ideal for fishing in specific spots without drifting away. Additionally, the Drift Mode and Digital Maximizer enhance battery efficiency, ensuring longer run times and more control over speed and direction. The inclusion of a Weedless Wedge 2 prop ensures that the motor can handle weedy areas without draining the battery excessively.

The motor is built with an indestructible composite shaft, which Minn Kota guarantees for life, promising durability and reliability. The higher voltage requirement of 24 volts could necessitate purchasing additional batteries if not already equipped. While the wireless remote is convenient, some users might prefer a more traditional foot pedal control for hands-free operation. The mounting type is bow mount, which might not be suitable for all boat types. This model might be on the higher end of the 'cheap' category, but it offers numerous features that justify the investment for serious anglers.

The Minn Kota Edge Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor offers solid performance for freshwater fishing with 45 pounds of thrust powered by a 12-volt electric system. Its 36-inch shaft length is a good middle ground, suitable for a variety of small to medium boats and adaptable to different water depths. One of the standout features is the heel-toe foot pedal control, which is very responsive and allows for easy speed adjustments across five settings, making it simple to find the right pace while trolling.

The bow-mount setup provides stable and secure placement, and the included latch and door bracket help keep the motor safely stowed when not in use. The motor’s aluminum build makes it fairly lightweight at 18 pounds, aiding in handling and installation. Additionally, the Power Prop is designed to help push through heavy vegetation, which is great if you fish in areas with lots of weeds.

This motor is a manual operation model without remote control, meaning you must be at the foot pedal to steer and adjust speeds. It is designed specifically for freshwater use and is not suitable for saltwater without additional care. Since it does not include a battery, pairing it with a reliable deep-cycle 12-volt battery is necessary for longer outings. For those seeking a straightforward, durable, and budget-friendly trolling motor with basic but effective controls for freshwater fishing, the Minn Kota Edge is a dependable choice.

The Newport NV-Series 55lb thrust trolling motor is a solid choice for boaters looking for an affordable and reliable electric motor primarily designed for saltwater use. Its 55 pounds of thrust and 12-volt system provide enough power to move small to medium-sized boats quietly without spooking fish. With a 30-inch shaft, it fits well on most boats, especially those with transom mounting. The motor features 8 speeds (5 forward and 3 reverse), allowing for good control over your boat’s speed up to about 4 mph, which is typical for trolling motors.

The telescoping tiller handle makes steering easier, and the adjustable mount lets you lock the motor in the best position for your boat. A handy LED battery meter helps monitor power levels, but the motor requires a separate 12V deep-cycle battery (not included), ideally 50Ah, and a circuit breaker for protection. While it’s lightweight at just over 23 pounds, which makes installation and handling simpler, it lacks more advanced features like remote or foot pedal control that some pricier models offer.

This motor is a good pick for anglers or casual boaters who want dependable, quiet performance on a budget and don’t need extra bells and whistles.