Best Outboard Motor For Saltwater to Buy in 2023

Sometimes it might be quite difficult to find the best outboard motor for saltwater. With every niche market offering so many different products, it makes sense that this is the case.

Unfortunately, this very fact can make it incredibly difficult to find the item that best suits your needs, which is why we’ve put together this outboard motor for saltwater buying guide.

Our 10 Recommendations:

The 10 Top Outboard Motor For Saltwater Reviews:

Bestseller No. 1
Newport NV-Series 46lb Thrust Saltwater Transom Mounted Trolling Electric Trolling Motor w/ LED Battery Indicator & 30" Shaft
  • Efficient power: 46lb Thrust - this 12v electric trolling motor provides excellent power and efficiency for any boater. The high quality build allows the motor to run all day long without overheating, or making noise to spook fish.
  • Features: This motor features a 30 inch shaft, a 5 LED battery meter, a 6 inch telescoping tiller handle, and 3 blade propeller. The mount angle, height, and direction can all be adjusted and locked into place when needed.
  • Speed: 8 speed motor, 5 forward & 3 reverse. Motor is designed for trolling, with a top speed of 3.5mph, exact top speed depends on boat shape, weight, water, wind, & other factors. 3 blade prop provides great low end torque to get the boat moving.
  • Battery: 46lb motor requires one (1) 12V Lead-Acid Deep Cycle or Lithium Deep Cycle battery (not included), 50ah recommended. Motor also includes a 40amp circuit breaker, recommended at all times to protect from battery voltage surges. Max Amp Draw: 40A
Bestseller No. 2
Newport X-Series 55lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor w/LED Battery Indicator (36" Shaft)
  • EFFICIENT POWER: 55lb Thrust - this 12v electric trolling motor provides excellent power and efficiency for any boater. High quality components allow the motor to run all day long without overheating, or making noise to spook fish.
  • FEATURES: This motor features a 36 inch fiberglass shaft, a 10 LED battery meter, a 6 inch telescoping tiller handle, 30 degree adjustable head, and 3 blade propeller. The tiller angle, as well as mount, height, angle, and direction can all be adjusted and locked into place when needed.
  • SPEED: This motor has 8 speeds, 5 forward and 3 reverse. The motor is designed for trolling, so the top speed of this motor is about 4mph, but depends on your boat shape, weight, water, wind, and other factors. Our 3 Blade Propeller gives the motor great low end torque to get the boat moving.
  • BATTERY: The 55lb X Series motor requires one (1) 12V Lead-Acid Deep Cycle or Lithium Deep Cycle battery (battery not included), 50ah recommended. The motor also includes a 50amp circuit breaker which is recommended at all times to protect from battery voltage surges. Max Amp Draw: 52A
  • USA SERVICE: Newport is based in California with a full in-house customer service team (M-F 9am-5pm PST). BUY IN CONFIDENCE
Bestseller No. 3
Newport L-Series 86lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor w/ LED Battery Indicator (40" Shaft)
  • EFFICIENT POWER: 86lb Thrust - this 24v electric trolling motor provides excellent power and efficiency for any boater. The high quality build allows the motor to run all day long without overheating, or making noise to spook fish
  • FEATURES: This motor features a 40 inch shaft, a 5 LED battery meter, a 6 inch telescoping tiller handle, and 3 blade propeller. The mount angle, height, and direction can all be adjusted and locked into place when needed.
  • SPEED: This motor has 8 speeds, 5 forward and 3 reverse. The motor is designed for trolling, so the top speed of this motor is about 4.5mph, but depends on your boat shape, weight, water, wind, and other factors. Our 3 Blade Propeller gives the motor great low end torque to get the boat moving.
  • BATTERY: The L Series 86lb motor requires two (2) 12V Lead-Acid Deep Cycle or Lithium Deep Cycle battery (battery not included), 50ah recommended. The motor also includes a 50amp circuit breaker which is recommended at all times to protect from battery voltage surges. Max Amp Draw: 48A
  • QUALITY & RELIABILITY: All Newport motors are made to high quality stainless steel, magnesium, and zinc hardware to withstand fresh water and salt water environments. We stand behind every product we make with industry leading customer service and a 2 year warranty.
Bestseller No. 4
Watersnake T18 ASP - 18 Pound Thrust 12v Electric Saltwater Trolling Motor with Transom Mount
  • PORTABLE - Watersnake Saltwater Electric Outboard Motor is the ultimate in lightweight portability, weighing only 4.85lbs (2.2kg). Watersnake’s simple design keeps the weight down while delivering quality and performance.
  • COMPATIBLE - It is the ideal trolling motor to use on kayaks, canoes, small dinghies, and inflatable boats. Please note: Battery not included.
  • DESIGN – 24” shaft, adjustable mount fitting that makes for easy attachment, and anti-impact clip system. This easy to steer motor uses a hand tiller with an extendable handle, high and low speed control, forward and reverse switch and two blade weedless propeller design.
  • STYLE - Electric motor with 18lbs thrust, Transom Mount included.
  • SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: Necessity is the mother of invention. Created by anglers to be used by anglers. If you’re not satisfied with your Watersnake Electric Motor, contact your distributor to be taken care of.
Bestseller No. 5
Newport Kayak Series 36lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor w/ LED Battery Indicator (24" Shaft)
  • Kayak Shaft: 24-Inch Fiberglass Shaft Allows For Variable Depth Placement, While Offering A Lifetime Of Dependable Performance
  • Variable Speed: 8 Speeds (5 Forward & 3 Reverse) With 6-Inch Telescoping Handle Puts You In Total Control Of Your Ride
  • Saltwater Rated: Durable All Aluminum Motor Head W/ Corrosion Resistant Magnesium, Zinc, And Stainless-Steel Hardware For Saltwater Use (Lead-Acid Dc 12V)
  • Extra Long Cables: 5'6" Battery Cables Allow For Versatile Battery Placement For Optimal Weight Distribution (Battery Not Included)
Bestseller No. 6
U-BCOO 8 Speed Saltwater Transom Mounted Electric Trolling Motor Fishing Boat Outboard Motor Kayak (L-12V-46lbs)
  • 28.5 inch composite glass fiber high strength shaft, high strength nylon bracket
  • 46lb thrust Saltwater Transom Mounted
  • 8 speeds (5 forward & 3 reverse) - DC 12V
  • Stainless steel hardware for saltwater use
  • Durable die-cast aluminum head / 5-inch telescopic handle
SaleBestseller No. 7
80 lbs Thrust Electric Outboard Motor, 12V Trolling Electric Saltwater Trolling Motor for kayak Inflatable Boat, 36" Shaft (Without Battery)
  • ◕‿◕【High-Quality Main Pole】Glass fiber composite main rod, light weight, good rigidity, sufficient toughness, acid resistance, alkali resistance, salt resistance and other characteristics
  • ◕‿◕【Bracket】Reinforced nylon material has the characteristics of light weight, firm structure and resistance to breakage, corrosion resistance and acid and alkali resistance
  • ◕‿◕【Noise】High-performance all-copper motor underwater motor system, with high motor efficiency, less heat loss, more power saving, and longer life
  • ◕‿◕【Telescopic Handle】Equipped with retractable handle, remote control is more convenient
  • ◕‿◕【Power Wiring】All-copper inner core connecting wire is waterproof and anti-corrosion
Bestseller No. 8
65 Lb Heavy Duty Saltwater Beam Mount Trolling Electric Trolling Motor, Outboard Motor Boat Electric Trolling Motor Motor Usa Outboard Motor Boat, Motor Fishing Boat Outboard Motor Wooden Boat
  • High strength,good ablation resistance and good dimension stability reinforced nylon bracket.
  • High tensile strength and corrosion resistance adjustable fiber glass composite shaft.
  • Perfect for most fishing boats, kayaks, inflatable boats, dinghies, tenders, etc.
  • The adjustable shaft allows for proper depth placement in different water conditions. Together with the mounting bracket tilt mechanism, you can set it to desired height and angle to comfortably steer by sitting or standing, so that you don’t have to bend over from your pedestal seat to operate it.
  • Excellent service, feel free to contact us if you have any questions, we will reply you within 24 hours.
Bestseller No. 9
Goplus Electric Trolling Motor 8 Speed, 46 Lbs Thrust Boat Fishing Motor w/ Telescoping Handle, Two-bladed Propeller, LED Battery Indicator and 36" Shaft for Freshwater Saltwater Use (46LBS)
  • 【Powerful & Quiet Trolling Motor】The 46/55/86LBS pound thrust to this electric trolling motor gives you a lot of power to push the boat with strong force to generate a wake off and on for several hours before requiring a charge. And even at the full speed, the motor can run very quietly.
  • 【Forward & Reverse Speed Adjustments】The 8 speed control system (5 forward speeds and 3 reverse speeds) allows you to fully control the motor through the dial on the ergonomic telescopic handle, so as to achieve a smooth, highly adjustable ride. The reverse speed will let you get rid of any jams!
  • 【Sturdy Built for Salty or Fresh Water Use】Made of glass fiber composite rods, durable die-cast aluminum heads and reinforced composite materials, it can resist bending, warping and damage, and is very suitable for use in fresh water and salt water. When trapped in heavy weeds, it will trip the fuse before it blows to prevent burning the motor.
  • 【Adjustable Shaft for Easy Maneuver】The adjustable shaft allows for proper depth placement in different water conditions. Together with the mounting bracket tilt mechanism, you can set it to desired height and angle to comfortably steer by sitting or standing, so that you don’t have to bend over from your pedestal seat to operate it.
  • 【Portable Design with LED Battery Indicator】The transom mount trolling boat motor is powerful and easy to operate. The battery light on this motor is also a big advantage in helping you know when it's either time to go in and recharge, or take out a second battery.
Bestseller No. 10
Watersnake Venom 34lb Thrust Electric Motor (Fresh & Saltwater)
  • STURDY SIMPLE DESIGN: Our Watersnake Venom SXW electric motors provide saltwater anglers with a versatile range of tiller-steer transom-mount motors that are loaded with clever features. The shafts on all Venom SXW motors are an extra-tough composite constructed specifically for use in saltwater marine environments. The tiller handles are telescopic for versatility, comfort and control.
  • CONTROL + FEATURES: The 34lb motors have a two-blade propeller. The 54lb motors each run a three-blade propeller. All propeller shafts are stainless steel and the props have a weedless design, so you can push the boundaries during your next adventure. All the motors run on 12V power and operate with 5 forward and 3 reverse speeds, which are controlled with the tiller handle throttle.
  • ELECTRIC POWER: 54 lbs thrust, 12 Volt motor, 13-54 Amps / 34 lbs thrust, 12 volt motor, 7.5-34 amps. Battery Not Included. Each motor is suited to boats ranging from small tenders and tinnies up to dedicated estuary and inshore sportfishing boats.
  • VERSATILE TRANSOM MOUNT: The compact and stylish new Venom motor head design incorporates a new thicker ergonomic grip for the tiller handle. The new head design also includes a digital voltage meter display, so you can keep track of your battery’s condition. The grips on the alloy transom mount have also been upgraded, making it even easier to attach and secure the motor before you utilize the fast multi-tilt positioning bracket.
  • SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: Necessity is the mother of invention. Created by anglers to be used by anglers. If you’re not satisfied with your Watersnake Electric Motor, contact your distributor to be taken care of.

Last update on 2023-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to find the best outboard motor for saltwater?

Here, we’ll be going over a number of factors that you can use to ensure that you’re purchasing the best outboard motor for saltwater for you.

Regardless of which type of item you’re looking to buy, chances are that there are existing buying guides on the internet, all of which aim to give you good outboard motor for saltwater recommendations.

Despite these recommendations, however, it’s always a good idea to do your own research. In addition to this research, asking yourself the following questions is also super helpful:

  • What features does the outboard motor for saltwater need to have to be perfect for my needs?
  • What is my budget?
  • Do I need to purchase a certain brand?

Once you’ve answered these questions and have a good idea of what you’re looking for and the buying process becomes much easier. Keep in mind that when looking for the best product, there’s no need to rush. In fact, very rarely are the ideal products found by choosing the first one you see or by basing your decisions on only one factor. Take your time and enjoy the process!

Now, with the answers to the previous questions in mind, we urge you to use our upcoming buying guide for outboard motor for saltwater to find what you’re looking for:

Brand

In some cases, the brand of outboard motor for saltwater is very important. For example, if you’re looking for an item that works in tandem with another, you might very well need both products to be the same brand. If this is the case, it’s vital to pay attention to this factor, as choosing the wrong product can mean the difference between wasting your money and buying a great product that functions as it should.

Features

The features in any given outboard motor for saltwater are important because they can dictate which version of an item you need and how much money you need to spend. Consider all the key features that you want your item to have and don’t settle for anything that doesn’t check at least ¾ of your boxes.

Reviews

Customer reviews about outboard motor for saltwater are crucial – especially when you’re buying a product that costs a lot of money or serves a big importance. Luckily, most products can be found online, which means that it’s common for there to be scores of customer reviews from those who have already purchased any given product.

Pay attention to these reviews. Take note of the pros and cons that they mention, and factor these into your big decision. In some cases, you’ll be forced to sacrifice one con in order to gain a particular pro, but being aware of the potential con is going to be beneficial in either case.

Quality

Of course, quality is key. You don’t want to purchase a low-quality product. If you do, you run the risk of your item breaking, not working properly, or otherwise proving to be very disappointing, as well as a waste of money.

You can compare outboard motor for saltwater quality by researching what your potential purchases are made from, contrasting the individual items against each other to discern which one is made of the best materials.

Warranty

Warranty isn’t always going to be important, but it definitely can be. This is especially true if the item in question is tech-related or expensive. A good warranty will be valid for an extended time after purchase and cover a variety of problems ranging from item defects to random accidents, water damage, and other miscellaneous events that could ruin your product.

Conclusion

The quest to find the best outboard motor for saltwater can be daunting – but it doesn’t have to be. It can be made much easier by asking yourself a few simple questions and then thinking critically about the items you want to buy. Consider their features, quality, brand, warranty, and customer reviews and you’re more likely to make a great purchase.