Best Saltwater Trolling Motors for 2023

Why we love it

When looking for maximum corrosion and saltwater protection, the Minn Kota Riptide Ulterra leads the pack. It starts with an indestructible composite shaft that shrugs off salt, UV rays, and underwater scrapes. The multi-piece polymer bracket system eliminates metal mounting hardware prone to corrosion.

The entire head unit and foot pedal system are fully encased in a tough composite shell to block moisture and salt intrusion. Stainless steel internal parts resist rusting and wear in all saltwater conditions. Even the wiring is designed for marine use.

Minn Kota pulls no punches when it comes to their "salt armor" construction that fortifies the Riptide series against corrosion. Rest assured it can withstand years of saltwater usage and maintain flawless performance. If you demand a saltwater trolling motor built to thrive in oceans, the Riptide Ulterra delivers.

Why we love it

When it comes to unmatched ruggedness and durability, the Garmin Force trolling motor ranks at the top. Starting with an indestructible fiberglass composite shaft, this motor can handle constant underwater abuse. The flexible composite helps absorb impacts other shafts would transmit directly to sensitive electronics.

Garmin reinforces the composite head and all connections with metal sleeves and extensive sealants. Marine grade metals, bearings, and composites ensure every component stands up over time. Even the wiring harness uses abrasion resistant trolling motor cable.

Simply put, the Garmin Force saltwater trolling motor is engineered without compromise for extreme durability and resilience in all conditions. It has the brawn and grit to keep running year after year. When durability is priority one, the Force delivers in spades.

Why we love it

Despite its incredibly compact size, the Watersnake ASP saltwater trolling motor packs a surprising punch when it comes to thrust. With 30 and 40 pound thrust options from its small 5 pound composite body, this motor generates impressive pushing power.

The key is a high efficiency prop design that maximizes every ounce of thrust from the motor. Watersnake utilizes a custom composite weedless prop optimized for both power and remaining debris-free. Reinforced composite materials throughout ensure the housing withstands high RPM operation.

Simply put, the Watersnake ASP saltwater motor squeezes every bit of potential from its small motor. The thrust rivals much larger units thanks to thoughtful design and construction. When you need big power in a tiny package, this little motor packs a serious punch.

How to Choose the Best Trolling Motor for Saltwater

Selecting the ideal saltwater trolling motor is a critical decision for ocean anglers. Saltwater motors need to withstand constant exposure to salt, UV rays, underwater obstacles, and other harsh marine conditions. They require specialized construction to avoid corrosion and remain durable long-term.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover the key factors to evaluate when selecting the best saltwater trolling motor for your offshore needs.

Corrosion Resistance - Fortified Against Rust

The number one priority in a saltwater trolling motor is comprehensive corrosion resistance. Salt, humidity, water, UV rays, and underwater debris will quickly corrode lesser motors. That's why robust anti-corrosion measures are essential.

Look for motors featuring an indestructible composite fiberglass or thermoplastic shaft. These shrug off the elements and impacts. Composite housing, mounting, and components also prevent oxidation and rotting from moisture.

Stainless steel metals, marine-grade aluminum alloys, and sealed connections prevent rust and deterioration. The best saltwater motors have comprehensive protections like Minn Kota's "salt armor" coatings inside and out.

Don’t settle for half-measures when it comes to corrosion resistance—the marine environment demands next level fortification. Seek out purpose-built saltwater motors engineered to keep the salt out.

Durability - Built to Withstand Abuse

In addition to corrosion resistance, durability is paramount in the rough marine domain. Trolling motors endure constant scrapes, bumps, UV exposure, and pressure. They must be crafted to handle years of abuse.

A nearly indestructible composite shaft flexes to absorb impacts rather than transmitting them to fragile electronics. Look for reinforced composite housing and head assemblies rather than cheap plastics prone to cracking.

All connections should be over-engineered with robust metals and abundant sealants. Bearings, bushings, and other internal parts must be marine-grade to resist wear.

Simply put, all components need to be over-built for the marine environment. When shopping, inspect the motor for robust parts at every point—offshore demands next level durability.

Thrust - Power for Offshore Conditions

Don't handicap your offshore boat with inadequate thrust. Look for 80, 100, 112 lb or higher max thrust to power through currents, swells, and winds offshore. High torque brushless motors also deliver excellent power efficiently.

Higher thrust matches the larger, heavier boats designed for blue water fishing. It also compensates for increased resistance and draw when running offshore. More thrust equals more speed, control, and versatility offshore.

That said, don't go overboard and choose far more thrust than your boat needs—it wastes battery life and can make steering overly sensitive. Right-size the power, but when in doubt, go a bit higher for offshore applications.

Additional Saltwater Trolling Motor Considerations

• Battery life - Plan ample batteries to avoid being stranded without power offshore
• Wireless remote - Allows controlling the motor from anywhere on deck
• Prop material - Stainless steel or composite props stand up to abuse
• Mounting - Must keep the motor secure in rough seas
• Noise - Look for quiet brushless motors that don't spook fish
• Warranty - At least 3 years of coverage given harsh conditions
• Motors with built-in sonar simplify electronics

The Bottom Line

When venturing offshore, using a purpose-built saltwater trolling motor is imperative. Seek out motors with comprehensive corrosion resistance and extreme-duty construction to withstand years of marine use. Carefully match thrust to your boat's size and target usages.

Choosing the ideal saltwater trolling motor allows you to fish confidently anywhere offshore knowing it will perform reliably for the long haul. Don't compromise when it comes to withstanding the harsh offshore environment.

Saltwater Trolling Motor FAQs