Most bass boats run a bow-mount trolling motor of 70 to 80 lb thrust on 24 volts, on a 45″ to 60″ shaft, with either cable steering for direct pedal feel or GPS for Spot-Lock anchoring. Smaller bass boats and aluminum bass boats can do well with a 55 lb, 12-volt motor. The motors below are the ones whose listings name bass boats among the boats they suit.
Trolling motors for bass boats (our listings)
| Motor | Thrust | Shafts | Steering | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minn Kota PowerDrive 55 | 55 lb | 54″ | Electric, for bass boats up to 18′ | $999.99 |
| Minn Kota PowerDrive 70 | 70 lb | 54″, 60″ | Electric, up to 20′ | $1,169.99 |
| Minn Kota Maxxum 70 | 70 lb | 42″, 52″ | Cable, up to 23′ | $1,049.99 |
| Minn Kota Terrova 55 | 55 lb | 45″, 54″ | GPS with Spot-Lock | $1,649.99 |
| Minn Kota Fortrex 80 | 80 lb | 45″, 52″ | Cable, rough water, up to 25′ | $1,699.99 |
| Minn Kota Ultrex 80 | 80 lb | 45″, 52″ | Cable feel with GPS, up to 20′ | $2,499.99 |
Cable steer or GPS?
Many tournament anglers prefer cable steering, as on the Fortrex and Maxxum, for instant, direct control with the foot. GPS motors with Spot-Lock, such as the Terrova, hold the boat on a waypoint so you can fish instead of steering. The Ultrex combines a cable-style pedal feel with GPS features. See Fortrex vs Terrova, what Spot-Lock is and Terrova vs Ultrex vs Ulterra.
Thrust and voltage for a bass boat
Allow about 2 lb of thrust per 100 lb of fully loaded boat weight, with margin for wind. Most fiberglass bass boats are heavy enough that an 80 lb, 24-volt motor is the common choice; a lighter aluminum boat may only need 55 lb. See the trolling motor size guide and 12V vs 24V.
Shaft length
Bass boats sit fairly low at the bow, so 45″ to 52″ shafts are common. Measure from the mount to the waterline and keep the motor well under the surface in chop; see how deep a trolling motor should be.
Mounting
Bass boats usually have a reinforced bow deck made for a bow mount. A quick-release bracket makes removal easy for storage or service; see trolling motor mounts and how to install a trolling motor.
Batteries
A 24-volt motor needs two deep-cycle batteries in series. Lithium saves weight, which helps a bass boat’s performance; see how many amp hours you need and lithium vs lead-acid.
Browse all trolling motors and foot pedal trolling motors.
More guides: trolling motors for center consoles.
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