Electric motors have become an absolute staple on fishing boats and plenty of other small craft. Whether you're sneaking along a snaggy bank, holding position over a patch of fish or simply manoeuvring quietly through the shallows, a good electric motor can make life on the water a whole lot easier.
But with different thrust ratings, shaft lengths, mounting styles and control options to choose from, picking the right one isn't always as simple as grabbing the biggest motor you can find. To help make things easier, we've broken down the main things to consider when choosing an electric motor for your boat.
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What Is an Electric Motor?
Electric motors, trolling motors or simply 'leccys' are compact motors designed to quietly propel and manoeuvre your boat at low speeds.
For fishos, that means being able to move through an area without firing up the main outboard, make small adjustments while casting and work shallow water that might otherwise be tricky to reach.
They're particularly handy when lure fishing, where boat positioning can make all the difference. Whether you're working a snag-lined riverbank, drifting a weed edge or holding off a drop-off, an electric motor lets you spend more time casting and less time wrestling with the boat. Depending on the motor and setup, they can be fitted to everything from small tinnies through to larger fishing boats.
What Are the Benefits of an Electric Motor?
The biggest advantage of an electric motor is control. They're designed to operate efficiently at slower speeds, giving you another way to manage the boat without constantly firing up the main outboard.
For fishos, that can make it easier to work your way through an area, troll lures at low speeds, make small directional changes and move around without creating a whole heap of noise.
How your electric motor does that will depend on the type of setup you choose. Bow-mount motors are generally focused on precise boat positioning while fishing, while transom-mount motors offer simpler low-speed propulsion and trolling. We'll break down the difference between the two below.
What Size Electric Motor Do You Need?
When choosing an electric motor, one of the first numbers you'll come across is pounds of thrust, usually shown as something like 44lb, 55lb or 80lb. Thrust is essentially a measure of how much pushing or pulling power the motor can produce.
As a general starting point, allow around 2lb of thrust for every 100lb, or approximately 45kg, of fully loaded boat weight — and when we say fully loaded, we mean everything.
Don't just look at the weight of the hull. You'll also need to factor in your outboard, fuel, passengers, batteries and all the gear that somehow finds its way onboard — fishing rods, reels, tackle, safety gear and, of course, the all-important icebox.
Many small to medium fishing boats around the 3.7–4.5m mark can be well suited to motors in the 44–55lb range, while larger and heavier boats may require considerably more thrust. Just remember that boat weight, wind, tide and the conditions you regularly fish can all affect how hard your electric needs to work.
Don't automatically assume bigger is always better. Choosing a motor that's properly matched to your boat will give you better performance without unnecessarily loading up your electrical system.
Don't Forget About Shaft Length
Thrust isn't the only measurement that matters. You'll also need to choose the right shaft length for your boat. You want the motor's propeller to remain comfortably submerged while you're using it. As a rough guide, aim to have the motor's propeller around 30cm below the surface.
Boats with higher bows or more freeboard will generally require a longer shaft than small, low-sided tinnies and kayaks. If you regularly fish choppy or rougher water, a little extra shaft length can also help keep the prop submerged as the boat rises and falls. A prop that continually breaks the surface won't just lose efficiency — it'll also make a fair bit more racket, which isn't ideal when you're trying to sneak up on fish.
Bow Mount or Transom Mount Electric Motors: What's the Difference?
Another important consideration is where you want your electric motor mounted. Most setups fall into two main categories: bow mount or transom mount.
They're designed for different purposes, so it's less about choosing which one is 'better' and more about working out which setup suits your boat and the way you want to use it.
Bow Mount Electric Motors
Bow-mount motors are fitted to the front of the boat and are especially popular with keen lure fishos. Instead of pushing the boat from behind, they pull it from the bow, giving you excellent control when working along banks, structure or other likely-looking country.
Depending on the model, features can include:
Foot pedal or wireless remote control
Easy stow and deploy systems
GPS navigation and positioning features
Quick-release brackets available for easier removal, storage and security
If you're regularly casting lures and want precise control over where your boat sits, a bow mount can be an absolute game-changer.
Transom Mount Electric Motors
Transom-mount electric motors attach to the transom at the rear of the boat and are generally much simpler. Most use an adjustable clamp system, making them easy to fit and remove without permanently modifying the boat.
They're commonly used for low-speed trolling and propulsion on smaller craft, with compact models also available for suitable kayaks and small tinnies.
A transom mount can be a great option if you want:
A simple and straightforward setup
Easy installation and removal
Tiller-style steering
Low-speed trolling
Electric propulsion for a suitable kayak or small boat
A cost-effective way to add electric power
It's worth remembering that a transom-mount electric motor is generally not a replacement for a petrol outboard. For most boats, it's better suited to low-speed propulsion and trolling rather than covering longer distances or getting you to and from the fishing grounds.
What GPS and Positioning Features Should You Look For?
Modern electric motors can do a whole lot more than simply move the boat around. Many bow-mount models now feature built-in GPS and smart positioning technology designed to make boat control easier.
One of the most useful features is GPS anchoring, which uses the motor to automatically hold your boat around a selected position without having to drop the anchor.
It's a seriously handy feature when you've found fish on the sounder, you're casting at a particular snag or you simply want to stop wind and current pushing you away from the action.
Depending on the model, other GPS-based features can include heading control, route following, speed control, wireless operation and integration with compatible marine electronics like fish finders.
What Battery Do You Need for an Electric Motor?
Your electric motor is only as useful as the battery powering it, so getting the electrical setup right is just as important as choosing the motor itself.
A suitable deep cycle battery is designed to supply power steadily over longer periods, making it better suited to electric motors and other onboard accessories than a standard starting battery.
The battery setup you need will depend on the voltage and power requirements of your motor, so always check the manufacturer's recommendations before getting everything wired up.
Battery capacity is commonly measured in amp hours, or Ah. Generally speaking, greater usable capacity means more potential runtime, but how long your battery actually lasts will depend on factors including:
Motor size
Throttle setting
Boat weight
Wind and current
How often the motor is running
Battery type and condition
If you're spending long days on the water or regularly running your electric at full speed, battery capacity becomes even more important.
Make sure your motor, battery, charger and wiring are all compatible. Getting the complete electrical setup right from the start can save plenty of headaches later.
Find the Right Electric Motor for Your Boat
There's no single electric motor that's perfect for every boat, so start by thinking about what you actually want the motor to do.
Consider the size and loaded weight of your boat, the conditions you regularly fish and whether you need a bow-mount motor for greater fishing control or a simpler transom-mount setup for low-speed propulsion.
From there, you can narrow things down by thrust, shaft length, electrical requirements and any extra technology you want onboard.
BCF stocks a range of electric motors from leading brands including Lowrance, Minn Kota and Watersnake, with options available for a range of fishing boat setups.
Check out the range online or drop into your local BCF and have a yarn with one of our BCFing Experts. They'll help you find a leccy that's right for your boat and the way you like to fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use an electric trolling motor in saltwater?
Yes, but make sure the motor is rated for saltwater use. Saltwater models are built with corrosion-resistant components, and it's still a good idea to rinse the motor with fresh water after every trip.
How fast will an electric motor push a boat?
Electric motors are designed more for control and low-speed manoeuvring than outright speed. Actual speed will depend on your boat's size, weight, hull design, conditions and motor setup.
Can an electric motor replace an outboard motor?
On some small boats and kayaks, an electric motor may be suitable as the main form of propulsion. For larger boats or longer trips, they're generally used alongside an outboard for fishing and precise boat positioning.
How do you maintain an electric trolling motor?
Give the motor and prop a rinse after use, regularly check the prop for fishing line or damage, inspect electrical connections and follow the manufacturer's recommended servicing and maintenance schedule.
Can you install an electric motor yourself?
Some transom-mount motors are relatively simple to fit, while bow-mount models can require mounting hardware, wiring and battery installation. If you're unsure about the electrical side of the setup, it's best to get professional advice.
About the author
BCFing Experts
The BCFing Experts have done more than their fair share of boating, camping, fishing, hiking, four-wheel driving and much much more! Whether you're tackling tough tracks in Tassie or chasing big barra up North, the BCFing Experts have the know-how to make your next outdoor adventure a pearler
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