Electric Motors on Saltwater Fishing Boats

News flash: electric trolling motors aren’t just for bass fishing anymore. Well, okay, unless you’ve been living in a cave for the past few decades you already knew that. But here’s what you might not be aware of: between some creative rigging and shaft lengths that now reach 87-inches, virtually any saltwater boat up into the mid-30-foot range can now enjoy features like virtual anchoring and stealth maneuvering.

Powercats, tall bows, and cabin boats can all be accommodated. There is, however, one important variable to remember: unlike freshwater rigs, boats used in saltwater may be subject to much larger waves. So rather than sticking with the stand-by rule of having a shaft length that allows the motor to be submerged at least a foot, get a shaft length long enough for it to be submerged by two feet. Then, you’ll even be able to use it in the open ocean for tasks like holding station at a rig or over a wreck or reef.

Another consideration is power. Holding big boats subject to strong currents and large waves naturally means you’ll need a lot of power, so a 36-volt system will usually be in order. Traditional batteries will get the job done, but each bank can add well over 100 pounds to your rig. Lithium-ion batteries are the obvious solution since they cut the weight penalty by about half. Unfortunately, they also cost thousands of dollars rather than hundreds.

If you want to consider adding electric motors to your rig, also remember that when it comes to creative or unusual mounting systems, this job is better left to a pro. Installers who have experience mounting motors on a wide variety of craft will know what pitfalls to look out for, and while it may be a bit painful to pay someone else to do the installation, it can save a lot of future heartaches. But once you do have that motor mounted on the bow it’ll change the way you fish – and all for the better.

Lenny Rudow