Jon boats are light, so they don’t need much power to start and run.
And they are most commonly used for fishing.
In fact, they are quite popular in the Southern United States.
Usually, they are controlled using water paddles.
But if you want your Jon boat to move fast, you are not going to do that with water paddles. What you need is a trolling motor, which is capable of speeds that you cannot achieve with paddles.
Trolling motors come in varying styles and sizes. The most common styles are transom and bow motors. Knowing which one to get depends on the size of your boat.
Transom motors are built for small boats and bow motors are built for large boats. You can install either on a Jon boat but it depends on who big and heavy the boat is.
To know the best trolling motor to buy for your Jon boat, check out the rest of the review.
Top Pick
Minn Kota 1352255 Endura C2 55
- Lever Lock Bracket
- 6-inch Telescoping Tiller
- 5 Fwd/3 Rev Speed Settings
Trolling Motors for Jon Boat Comparison Chart
| Photo | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minn Kota 1352255 Endura C2 55 | Thrust: 55 lbs Shaft Length: 36 inches Propeller: 2-blade | Check Price |
| Newport Vessels 23M1000203 NV | Thrust: 55 lbs Shaft Length: 30 inches Propeller: 3-blade | Check Price |
| Watersnake T24S ASP | Thrust: 24 lbs Shaft Length: 24 inches Propeller: 2-blade | Check Price |
| AQUOS Haswing Cayman | Thrust: 55 lbs Shaft Length: 48 inches Propeller: 3-blade | Check Price |
| MotorGuide 941700110 Xi5 | Thrust: 80 lbs Shaft Length: 48 inches Propeller: 3-blade | Check Price |
5 Best Trolling Motors for Jon Boat (as of April, 2024):
1. Minn Kota 1352255 Endura С2 55 – Best Electric Trolling Motor For Jon Boat Review
The 55-pound thrust Endura is one of those trolling motors you want to get when you want a motor system that comes with fancy add-ons.
The Minn Kota 1352255 Endura С2 55 motor has a 36-inch shaft that has an unbreakable 2-blade propeller that can cut through dense marsh grass and weeds.
So despite the water conditions, you can be confident that you are not going to get stuck somewhere out there on a lake or river because of propeller problems.
To steer and control the boat, the Endura is fitted with a telescoping handle that is 6 inches long. The tilt handle is designed to be user friendly. It is also easily accessible, and comfortable to use.
On the handle, there is a speed feature with 8 speeds. Five of which are for moving forwards and three are for reverse. To move from one speed to the other, you simply turn the handle. And when you do, you are going to hear an audible click.
Minn Kota has equipped the motor with a digital readout that displays how much of your battery charge is left.
The readout has LED lights that show you the different levels of your battery power. So if it blinks red, that’s a warning that you are running out of battery charge.
This motor is built for speed. And if that is something you are looking for then the Endura delivers speed in spades.
Another impressive thing about the motor is just how quiet it is. Motors that make too much noise tend to spook the fish. So if you are going fishing in an engine-powered boat and you want to catch something, get a motor that is not noisy.
Main Features
- Solid 10-Position Bracket
- Quick-Release Lever Lock
- Indestructible Composite Shaft
- 6-inch Telescoping Tiller
- 5 Fwd/3 Rev Speed Settings
- Power Prop
- Cool, Quiet Power
- Easy, Comfortable, Intuitive Operation
Pros:
- Equipped with a digital readout that displays battery power
- Sturdy and unbreakable 36-inch shaft to cut through weeds and marsh grass
- Variable speed feature
- Extremely quiet
- Responsive 6-inch tilt handle for steering
- Reliable deploy mechanism
- Easy to install
- Ideal for freshwater fishing
Cons:
- It is heavy
- It is not ideal for saltwater fishing
2. Newport Vessels 23M1000203 NV – Best Saltwater Trolling Motor For Jon Boat Review
NV series 55-pound thrust motor by Newport Vessels is a versatile motor that can fit Jon boats, inflatable boats, kayaks, canoes, and dinghies.
This Newport Vessels 23M1000203 NV model has rust and corrosion-resistant components and parts.
To be more specific, the motor is made of stainless steel, magnesium, and zinc.
And the adjustable 30-inch shaft is made of fiberglass. So it is designed to be in saltwater.
The motor is controlled using a telescoping hand. And the tilt hand on this model has a variable speed feature that has 8 speeds. Three reverse speeds and five forward speeds. To increase or decrease the speed, you simply turn the handle.
At top speed, the motor makes some noise but not much. But at low speeds, it hardly makes any noise. It’s pretty quiet, so there is no chance of scaring away the fish.
Like most quality trolling motors, this model has an LED battery meter to help you monitor your battery charge. And since it has a thrust of 55 pounds, so it only uses one 12v battery, which does not come with the motor.
You need to buy it separately and as the company recommends, don’t use a lithium-ion battery, instead use a deep cycle battery.
On a single charge, you can get more than 8 hours of runtime if you use a deep cycle battery. You may get more runtime on a lithium-ion battery, but Newport Vessels have indicated that you should not use this battery with any of their motors.
Aside from all that, you’ll be happy to know that the battery is super affordable. So if you are looking for a quality motor that is not going to dent your pocket, then consider getting this NV- Series 55lb motor.
Main Features
- Ultra-Quiet, Cool & Efficient
- Stainless Steel Hardware for Saltwater
- Composite Fiberglass Shaft
- For Proper Depth Placement In All Water Conditions
- Ergonomic Extendable Handle
- 5 Forward Speeds & 3 Reverse Speeds Puts Total Control
- 5-Point LED Battery Meter
- 3-Blade Propeller
- Maximum Amp Draw: 52
Pros:
- It is extremely quiet
- It is reasonably priced
- It is ideal for saltwater and freshwater fishing
- It is made of rust and corrosion-resistant materials
- It has an unbreakable 30-inch fiberglass shaft
- It uses one 12volt battery
- Ideal for small boats
- It has an LED battery meter to monitor battery charge
- It has a variable speed feature
- It comes with a 2-year warranty
Cons:
- The motor head is not completely waterproof
- It is heavy
3. Watersnake T24S ASP – Best Lightweight Trolling Motor For Jon Boat Review
The Watersnake T24S ASP salt trolling motor is designed for boat owners who are looking for an extremely light motor.
It’s quite small in size and perfect for people with small and lightweight vessels.
The installation is easy and straightforward.
Even for a boat owner who has never installed a motor before, they are going to find this one relatively easy to attach to their boat.
Since it a small transom motor, you can install it in a floating boat, small dinghy, kayak, or canoe. And usually, you don’t need much power to move a small boat.
So this motor needs only one 12 volt battery to power and run your Jon boat. The motor does not come with the battery, you would have to buy it separately. You can decide whether to use a lithium-ion or deep cycle battery.
To operate the motor, there are two handles. One is a spring-loaded handle that is builtin into the head of the motor, which you can release at the push of a button.
The other is a telescopic handle and is much longer than the other handle. So you have the option of using whichever handle you want. And if one is not working well, at least you have a backup.
This motor does not have a variable speed feature that many trolling motors have on their handles. Instead, there are two switches. One is for speed and the other is forwarding and reversing.
The motor has only two speeds, so to increase and decrease the speed, you just need to push the button up and down.
So the fact that it does not have a variable speed feature, that could deter some boat owners from buying the motor. Another problem is that it does not have a battery power indicator. So it’s hard to know how much of your battery power is left.
But the trade-off is that it is a very affordable motor that is easy to install and operate.
So if you are going for a short fishing excursion on a lake or river that you know well, then you don’t a motor with fancy features. This motor would be the best choice.
Main Features
- Universal Design Suitable For Most Kayaks & Canoes
- Lightweight & Portability
- High & Low Speed Control
- Forward & Reverse Switch
- Extendable Handle For Easy Steering
- Anti-Impact Clip System In the Mount
- Optional Bracket For More Mounting Options
- Adjustable Transom Mount Fitting
- Weedless 2 Blade Propeller
- Min/Max Amp Draw 9-20 Amps
Pros:
- Ideal for saltwater and freshwater fishing
- Comes with two tilt handles
- Extremely small and lightweight
- Durable and sturdy
- Made of rust and corrosion-resistant materials
- Delivers 55 pounds of thrust
- Suitable for canoes, kayaks and other small boats
- High and low-speed switch
- Reverse and forward switch
- Easy to install and operate
Cons:
- No battery power indicator
- No variable speed feature
4. AQUOS Haswing Cayman – Best Jon Boat Trolling Motor For Saltwater Review
The AQUOS Haswing Cayman 55-pound motor is designed to power and run boats that weight 2750 pounds when it is fully loaded.
So ensure that the total weight and carrying capacity of your Jon boat do not exceed that weight.
Otherwise, starting and running the boat is going to be a problem.
This is a saltwater motor. It is made of materials that don’t rust or corrode.
We do recommend that you wash it down with fresh water when you remove it from saltwater. By doing this, you are going to extend the lifespan of the motor.
The unit comes with a rechargeable remote control that allows you to operate the cruise control feature. So you can steer your boat in whatever direction you want using the remote control.
The cruise control ensures that the boat runs at your desired speed. But if you are dealing with rough currents or strong winds, you need to manually keep your boat on course every now and then.
When you don’t want to use the remote control to steer your boat, you can use the foot pedal that comes with the motor.
The pedal has a rubber covering to protect the components inside from damage, dirt, and dust. The rubber covering also makes the foot pedal waterproof.
The buttons on the pedal are firm. So even if you accidentally kick a button with your shoes, nothing is going to happen as you need your foot to firmly press on the button for it to work.
There is a digital display on the foot pedal that displays different speed levels. So you can know what speed you are moving at. And that is pretty cool.
At the back of the unit, there is a battery power indicator to help you know when your battery is full or low.
This is a great feature to have on a trolling motor because you can estimate the hours you can be on the water. It can also help you know the best battery to use.
Some batteries run longer on a single charge. So as you continue using the motor, you can test different batteries, to know which one has a longer runtime on a single charge.
Like other transom motors, this one has an adjustable 48-inch steel shaft. So it is rust-resistant. The propeller has 3-blades, which is great because you can cut through dense vegetation more easily than you would with a 2-blade propeller.
Lastly, the unit is pretty inexpensive, but it does not come with the mounting equipment. But you can buy one with the mounting equipment, which still is not going to cost you much.
Main Features
- Suitable For Both Salt & Fresh Water
- Quick Release Bracket
- Wireless Remote Control
- Wired Foot Control
- Quick Release Bracket
- Variable Speed
- Display 3 Levels Of Battery Power (100%, 50%, 20%)
- Stow / Deploy Pedal
- Ergonomic Lifting Handle
- Depth Collar & Motor Fin
- Aluminum Alloy Shaft
- 3 Blade Propeller
Pros:
- Capable of running boats that weigh 2750 at full capacity
- 55 pounds of thrust
- Adjustable 48-inch steel shaft
- Rust-resistant construction
- Ideal for both saltwater and freshwater fishing
- 3-blade propeller to cut through dense vegetation with ease
- Rechargeable remote control for easy navigation
- Waterproof foot pedal with a display screen
- Extremely quiet
- Variable speed feature
- Reasonably priced
Cons:
- Some users have complained that the motor is not durable
- You may experience problems with the reverse feature
5. MotorGuide 941700110 Xi5 – Best a Jon Boat Trolling Motor With GPS for Saltwater Review
The MotorGuide 941700110 Xi5 bow mount trolling motor is great for boat owners who prefer saltwater motors over freshwater motors.
It is a bow mount, so it is large and heavy.
But then again, it is designed to run boats that weigh 4000 pounds when fully loaded.
For a boat that weighs more than that, you need to get the MotorGuide 105-pound thrust motor.
This one is an 80-pound thrust motor and it uses a 12v battery with a maximum draw of 52amps. The motor does not come with the battery.
You have to buy it separately, and we recommend getting an AGM deep cycle battery because it has a long life, and it’s leakproof.
The boat is controlled using a wireless foot pedal. You can operate the pedal from anywhere on the boat. It’s responsive and easy to use. And it is shock resistant.
And since the motor has variable speed, you can use the pedal to accelerate and slow down. You can dial it to whatever speed you want with ease.
If you get tired of using the foot pedal, the motor has a pinpoint GPS system that is controlled using a remote control. So you can use the remote control to steer your boat. It is waterproof, shock-resistant, lightweight, and easy to use.
The pinpoint GPS system keeps your boat locked onto a certain position. The system also has other functions which include a Jog function, which repositions your boat 5 feet in whatever direction you want.
It’s a great feature and extremely useful particularly when you need to chase fish.
There is a cruise control function to help keep your boat at the speed you want. And there is a heading function that ensures you stay on course.
The GPS system also has a function for recording and saving your routes. You can save up to 8 routes and replay them when you need to go back to a particular place.
So all in all, this motor comes with some great features that can make your fishing adventures easy and fun. And guess what? It comes with a lifetime warranty.
Main Features
- Wireless Handheld Control
- Easy-to-Read LED Dashboard
- Digital Power Management
- HD+ Universal Sonar Compatible
- Pinpoint GPS Compatible
- Advanced Navigation
- Proprietary 3-Coat Corrosion Protection
- Wireless Foot Pedal
- Powerful 3-Blade Machete III Propeller
- Unbreakable Composite Shaft With Lifetime Warranty
Pros:
- Pinpoint GPS for position locking and precision control
- Shock-resistant foot pedal that is easy to use
- Variable speed feature
- 80 pounds of thrust capable of moving a 4000-pound boat
- Aluminum and steel construction
- Suitable for saltwater fishing
- Uses one 12volt battery
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
Cons:
- It is expensive
Buyers Guide
How to Choose the Best Trolling Motor for Your Jon boat
Choosing a trolling motor for a Jon boat let alone any other boat is not an easy task. A lot goes into finding a suitable motor system for your boat size and fishing style.
So let us at some factors that you need to take into consideration when shopping for a trolling motor.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Trolling Motor for your Jon boat
Mounting Systems
The two common types of mounting systems are bow mounts and transom mounts. Bow mounts are ideal for boats that are large and heavy, while transom mounts are ideal for boats that are small and light.
So when deciding what mount system to buy, take into consideration the size and weight of your Jon boat. It is also important to mention that most trolling motors do not come with the mounting equipment.
You need to buy the equipment separately, so it’s important that you know what mount is suitable for your boat.
Thrust
The bigger the boat, the more thrust it requires. Again like the mounting system, the weight and size of your boat determine how much thrust it requires.
The general rule is to get the weight of your boat when it is fully loaded and divide it by 100. Then multiply the result by 2. The result is going to be the thrust your boat needs in pounds.
Weight
The weight of your boat is another important factor because it determines what style and size trolling motor to buy.
For boats that weigh more than 3000 pounds, the best mounts are bow mounts. This is because to start and run a boat that weighs more than that, you need plenty of thrust.
For boats that weight less than 3000 pounds, the best mounts are transom mounts. For the reason, that lightweight boats don’t need much thrust.
And when calculating the weight of your boat include the total capacity of the boat. Otherwise, if you just take the weight of the boat, you may end up with a motor system that cannot run the boat efficiently when it’s fully loaded.
Control
There are several ways you can control a boat, but this depends on the style of the trolling motor. Transom motors are hand-controlled, while bow mounts are foot controlled.
Many bow motors come with advanced accessories like foot pedals and remote controls. But they are also more expensive.
Battery Power
Trolling motors come in varying configurations. The main ones are 12v, 24v, and 36v. If you are running a small boat, you only need a 12v motor.
But if are running a large boat, you need a 24v or 36v motor. And a 24v motor uses two 12v batteries, while a 36v battery uses three 12v batteries.
So the battery power you need depends on the size and weight of your boat. The larger and heavier the boat, the more power you need to run it. And if you need more power to run your boat, that means you need more than one battery.
The most popular batteries are AGM deep cycle batteries. They are great because they are spill-proof and they have a long run time.
You may choose to go with lead-acid deep cycle batteries but they are prone to leaking.
Shaft Length
Different trolling motors come with different shaft lengths. But typically transom motors have shorter shaft length than bow motors.
To know what shaft length you need, measure the distance between the waterline and where you intend to mount the boat. You may need to add a couple of inches on top of that depending on the size of your Jon boat.
Fresh or Saltwater Fishing
Many boat owners prefer motors that are designed for saltwater fishing because they can use them for freshwater fishing.
Saltwater motors are built using materials that are resistant to rust and corrosion like stainless steel, zinc, and fiberglass.
Freshwater motors are not built with such materials. So it would be a grave mistake to take a freshwater motor to a saltwater environment.
So whichever you choose depends on personal preference and fishing style.
Legal
In some states, you cannot operate an engine-powered boat before registering it. So check to see if that is a requirement in your state. And if it is, check to see what you need for the registration process.
You may also need to pay a fee and produce some personal documents.
Conclusion
Trolling motors offer tremendous advantages particularly those that come equipped with high-tech systems and fancy accessories. But these types of motors are also expensive.
So if you are a new boat owner, keep it simple. Start with motors that are simple, easy to use, and install. Once you have gained some experience with simple trolling motors, then you can start to experience with the high-tech ones.
