You may be wondering if it’s worth it to invest in a new, top-of-the-line 24V trolling motor. Or if having a top 24V trolling motor makes a difference in your fishing experience? Finding the right piece of equipment can make your boat trips easier and more relaxing.
In this article, we’re going to examine five of the top 24V trolling motors on the market today. This review will help you decide which one is the best investment for your boating and fishing adventures.
Note: most links in this article are Amazon.com Affiliate links, see Affiliate Disclosure, thank you.
Things to Consider
When thinking about the trolling motor that best suits your needs, a few things need to be considered.
- What size is your boat, and how much thrust will you need?
- What size shaft do you need for your trolling motor?
- Will you be fishing in mostly freshwater, saltwater, or both?
- Where will you be mounting your motor, bow, or transom/stern?
- Do you prefer foot or hand-controlled trolling?
- Do you have a space for the batteries?
- What type of batteries will you use?
Knowing exactly how your trolling motor fits into your fishing style removes some of the shopping frustration. Trolling motors have two basic functions. First, to provide accurate momentum over short distances, and second, to keep you stationary. With this in mind, it’s important to get the right gear so you can relax and enjoy your time on the water.
The Products Round-Up
In this review of the top 24V trolling motors, there is something for everyone. We’ll cover everything from top of the line, high technology products from Minn Kota, and Garmin to versatile and economical offerings like the one from GoPlus.
Minn Kota Riptide Terrova, 24V 80 lbs Thrust Trolling Motor with i-Pilot & Bluetooth
This is one of the top 24V trolling motors out there for saltwater enthusiasts. This trolling motor has everything you need for a full day of saltwater fishing, where you are in complete control no matter what the conditions toss at you.
The Minn Kota Riptide Terrova 24V 80 lbs thrust with i-Pilot & Bluetooth is a premium set-up. If you own a boat 16 feet or larger, then you will want a 24V motor with 80 lbs of thrust. The 24V trolling motor will keep you fishing longer with increased efficiency. The larger your boat is, the more volts you need to maintain that power and thrust.
This motor not only brings the muscle, but it brings the technology, too. The Minn Kota Riptide Terrova features i-Pilot and Bluetooth, allowing for wireless connectivity to the many GPS Trolling systems. An outstanding feature is Spot-Lock, the GPS anchor. Set the anchor using the button, and GPS will keep you stationary. You’ll also enjoy the advanced autopilot – it’s as easy as setting your course and tapping a button to set the direction.
Pros:
- Handy lift-assist design – raise the motor by pushing a button
- The I-Pilot system controls your motor from a touchscreen remote
- Use GPS to lock onto fishing spots with Spot-Lock, record paths, and command speed
- Convenient push-to-test battery meter
- The Weedless Wedge 2 propeller
- Saltwater use
- Bow-mount
- Riptide motors feature advanced corrosion protection ensuring the ultimate saltwater defense
Cons:
- On the pricey side
- No universal sonar
Click here to read reviews on Amazon
Minn Kota Riptide Ulterra Saltwater Bow-Mount Trolling Motor 24V with 80lbs Thrust
Another amazing top 24V trolling motor out there for saltwater is the Minn Kota Riptide Ulterra. If you’re a saltwater angler who wants effortless control, then the Riptide Ulterra trolling motor is the right choice for you. Minn Kota’s handy auto stow/deploy and power trim features make it easy to adjust to the ever-changing conditions with just the tap of a button.
The Riptide Ulterra is the only trolling motor that can automatically stow, deploy, and trim itself with the push of a button. You’re conveniently in complete control with i-Pilot, and you never need to stop what you’re doing to fiddle with the trolling motor.
Our article Self Deploy Trolling Motors: What You Need To Know
The digital maximizer allows you to run five times longer on a single charge. By setting the specific speed, the motor delivers only what you need. This will enable you to fish longer and go farther. Plus, with the integrated battery meter display, you always know how much power is remaining.
One final note: you want to take great care to do the extra maintenance that is required with the stow and deploy mechanism. We have conducted many interviews and the key to being happy with this motor came down to cleaning and lubricating the motor on a regular schedule.
Pros:
- 60-inch shaft length, 80 pounds of thrust (24 volts),
- Heading sensor
- Bow-mount
- Stowing and deploying can be done with the touch of a button
- You can trim the Riptide Ulterra up or down at the push of a button, to adjust to changing fishing conditions without reaching down to your trolling motor.
- Use GPS to lock onto fishing spots with Spot-Lock, record paths, and command speed
- The I-Pilot system controls your motor from a touchscreen remote
- Riptide motors are designed with advanced corrosion protection, ensuring the ultimate saltwater defense
Cons:
- The Riptide Ulterra is very pricey
- Extra maintenance of the stow and deply mechanism
Click here to read reviews on Amazon
Check out our detailed review of the freshwater Ulterra
Minn Kota Ulterra 80 Trolling Motor Review
Self Deploy Trolling Motors: What You Need To Know
Minn Kota Edge Bow-Mount, Foot-Controlled Trolling Motor with Latch and Door Bracket, 24V with 70 lbs Thrust
Of all the 24V trolling motors in this list, the Minn Kota Edge is the most compact and reasonably priced motor. This motor is intended for freshwater fishing on smaller boats. Don’t be fooled by the moderate size, because this is a tough, dependable, and responsive foot-controlled trolling motor.
If you are looking for a trolling motor that still packs a punch without breaking the bank, the Edge is an excellent choice for you. With the responsive heel-toe/cable-steer foot pedal, you’ll enjoy speed control with momentary and constant-on or off. Plus, you can dial in a comfortable speed with the five forward speeds control.
The durable composite shaft has an exclusive lifetime guarantee from Minn Kota. The shaft flexes upon collision so it won’t break, crimp, or corrode. And the Weedless Wedge 2 is a powerful propeller that can cut through anything.
Pros:
- Latch and door bracket for easy removal and storage
- Heel-toe/cable-steer foot pedal with five forward speeds
- Weedless Wedge 2 Propeller
- The durable composite shaft has an exclusive lifetime guarantee from Minn Kota
- Voltage : 24v 70 lbs thrust
- Less expensive than larger trolling motors
Cons:
- The short power cord can be an inconvenience
- Intended for freshwater use only
- No GPS options
Click here to read reviews on Amazon
Garmin Force w/ Wireless Foot Pedal, 24V or 36V, 57”
The Garmin Force is the most expensive offering on the top 24V trolling motors list, but it has some fantastic features. This trolling motor means serious business.
It’s touted as best-in-class for performance, power, and efficiency, yet incredibly quiet. The Garmin Force comes loaded with many innovative features, including integrated CHIRP traditional sonar and ultra-high-definition sonar that provides quality images with nearly undetectable noise interference.
Also, this cutting-edge trolling motor by Garmin includes the proficient brushless motor that operates at either 36V or 24V to use less energy, allowing you to relax and enjoy your fishing day longer. The Garmin Force appeals to anglers who insist on precision, quality, and the best technology.
Pros:
- The most versatile and power-efficient trolling motor on the list
- Operates on 36volts or 24volts
- Wireless foot pedal with instant control and responsiveness that feels like a cable-steered pedal
- Wireless chartplotter integration with built-in autopilot
- Anchor lock that holds your boat in the same location while you fish
- Exceptionally quiet steering and operation
- Integrated high-wide CHIRP traditional and ultra-high-definition ClearVü™ and SideVü™ sonars
- Handheld remote control with full-color, sunlight-readable, transflective display
Cons:
- The most expensive trolling motor on the list
Click here to read reviews on Amazon
We have written a few detailed articles on this Motor linked below.
Garmin Force Trolling Motor Review
Garmin Force Electric Trolling Motor Overview
In Conclusion
This article reviewed five of the top 24V trolling motors available on the market today. Depending on your fishing style, your type of boat, and your budget, any of these 24V trolling motors is a worthy investment. There are indeed many high-tech, high-powered trolling motors available on the market today. Still, the best investment for you is the trolling motor that enhances your boating and fishing experience.
Buying the most expensive trolling motor isn’t always the answer. The Garmin Force is truly astounding, but so is the price. For a more economical trolling motor with plenty of technology to keep your boat smooth sailing, the Minn Kota Riptide Terrova is a balanced investment. Whichever trolling motor you choose, be sure that it meets your needs, with some room to grow.
Editors note: the Terrova riptide is the motor I have on my boat for everyday use.
FAQs:
Q: What is the difference between bow-mount and transom/stern trolling motors?
A: The bow-mounted trolling motor attaches to the bow or front of the boat. This allows the boat to be pulled through the water, offering greater control and precise maneuvering. The transom/stern-mounted trolling motor is attached to the stern or the rear of the boat. This allows the boat to be pushed through the water, ideally, with a hand tiller style control for better positioning. Transom/stern-mounted trolling motors are better suited for smaller boats.
Q: Will getting larger batteries make my 24V trolling motor run faster?
A: Unfortunately, no. Larger batteries will only make your 24V trolling motor run longer. To speed up your boat, you will need to get a trolling motor with a higher voltage and more thrust, such as a Minn Kota Edge 24V with 70 lbs thrust.
Q: Does a 24-volt trolling motor require two batteries?
A: Yes, in most cases, they will need two separate, deep-cycle 12-volt batteries. To get the maximum life span and most reliable power, you should invest in durable, high-quality batteries. You really don’t want your batteries to let you down when you are out on the water.
