For decades it was almost insane to see a freshwater boat not sporting a trolling motor on its bow.
The devices were used after an angler reached a good spot and turned off his outboard motor – resulting in a quieter, more sneaky approach to the bass, crappie or bluegill.
Rare, if ever, did you see one on a larger saltwater boat like a skiff of center console.
All that has changed the last couple of years and saltwater vessels are quickly catching up.
The use of trolling motors on the bow has become extremely popular and for most of the same reasons.
And saltwater trollers users have taken a liking to the recently-designed remote controlled motors.
The remote aspect enables the driver to keep the boat stationary in winds and currents – helping it stay around a shoreline hotspot or a near-shore wreck or reef.
Basically, trolling motors have made the experience easier and more proficient.
We’re selling electric trolling motors for many boats and if sales are any indication, they were just as popular on saltwater as they are fresh.
Lynnhaven Marine has joined the party.
Top-of-the-line Motor Guide and Mini Kota aren’t cheap. But the benefits are well worth the cost,
Case in point – a Minn Kota Riptide with a 100-inch shaft runs a little more than $6,000. Add to that the cost of electrical wiring, another battery and things like an “anchor button” GPS system and you could find a price around $15,000 knocking at your door.
The anchor button allows the GPS to control the electric motor to keep the boat in position like an anchor would – making staying in place while fishing a whole lot easier.
These motors give anglers better control over the boat and allows more silents without ever using a weight and chain.
According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, the most expensive aspect of the upgrade is the battery system.
But it’s all part of the progression of power boats using technology – more money equals more benefits.
Nation wide – according to the Discover Boating Industrial Resource Center – sales of trolling motors for saltwater boats is skyrocketing.
And more and more dealers are selling new boats already equipped with the devices.
You can expect more technical and better motors in the near future.
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