Professional fishers and practically everyone involved in water activities need a spot-lock. The spot-lock acts as a game-changing GPS anchor that locks the user in a specific spot while on the water.
A spot-lock makes it easy to anchor your boat in a fixed position using a remote button or a foot pedal. After anchoring, the trolling motor automatically engages, allowing you to hold on to your chosen position. But the question is, where can you get the best spot-lock trolling motor to carry out its required functions properly?
Admittedly, finding the right spot-lock trolling motor for your boat or fishing needs can be challenging, especially if you’re a newbie. But don’t worry because you’re in the right place. This article is a comprehensive guide to help you find the right spot-lock trolling motor. We have listed some of the best spot-lock choices you can find from physical and online stores.
Best Spot-Lock Trolling Motor (Full Overview)
We spent several hours finding the best spot-lock trolling motors. In our research, we looked at various factors such as customer experience, cost, and power of the machines, among other things. As a result, only nine trolling motors won our trust. Among those nine, these are the top three choices:
| Best Overall | Minn Kota 1368820 Ultrex | Check Prices |
| Best for Saltwater | Minn Kota 1363748 Riptide Terrova | Check Prices |
| Easy to Use | Lowrance Ghost | Check Prices |
But don’t stop there! Read further to get the details of the nine best spot-lock trolling motors and how they compare.
1. Minn Kota 1368820 Ultrex – Best Overall
Check Minn Kota 1368820 Ultrex Prices
Our number one spot-lock trolling motor is the Minn Kota Ultrex, introduced in 2017. This machine has an i-Pilot GPS trolling system that helps control your trolling motor. Further, the i-Pilot allows your boat to reposition and control itself automatically.
The Minn Kota Ultrex has an AutoPilot that automatically navigates your boat in your chosen direction. With autopilot, you can point your trolling motor head in any direction you want to travel while simultaneously correcting waves and currents automatically.
Also, this machine comes with a cable foot pedal with power steering to give you maximum comfort all day and responsiveness while on your boat. Moreover, the device has a button that activates the spot-lock electronic anchor.
On the other hand, Minn Kota Ultrex has a digital maximizer that provides up to five times the run time on every single battery charge. The feature delivers the power you need, helping you conserve battery charge for a whole day of fishing.
The steering lock is another excellent feature in the Minn Kota Ultrex. When you take off your foot from the Ultrex foot pedal, the head of the motor remains pointed toward the direction you left it in. Furthermore, there are no readjustments or flinches.
Additionally, the Minn Kota Ultrex has powerful power steering, the most comfortable steering available on the market. The foot pedal is comfortable, with accurate control features and instant responsiveness.
This machine also has a spot-lock jog that holds the user in place. This spot-lock gives the user the power to stay on top of a productive fishing spot without touching the trolling motor. The included heading sensor on the jog can be used to jog to the spot-lock location in any direction you want.
Lastly, Minn Kota Ultrex has a universal sonar that keeps your transducer protected and concealed with shielded connectors that run through your trolling motor shaft.
Pros
- Integrated battery meter
- Digital maximizer
- I-Pilot
- Bow mount
- Steering lock
- Auto-pilot
- Power steering
- Stainless steel material
Cons
- It doesn’t come with some parts as mentioned on the products label
- A bit expensive, unlike other related machines
Check Minn Kota 1368820 Ultrex Prices
2. Minn Kota 1363748 Riptide Terrova – Best for Saltwater
Check Minn Kota 1363748 Riptide Terrova Prices
Are you looking for a saltwater trolling motor? If so, Minn Kota 1363748 Riptide Terrova is the best choice. This fantastic machine weighs 112 lb. thrust and a maximum 87-inch shaft length. These features help this ocean-going vessel withstand both wind and current. Therefore, you can position your boat over a reef since the machine can hold the position even in very strong winds.
The Minn Kota 1363748 Riptide Terrova also has a great i-Pilot GPS Trolling System. The i-Pilot uses GPS to control the trolling motor using its incredible features. Furthermore, the i-Pilot makes your boat’s positioning and control automatic. This, in turn, helps you to take command of its large LCD screen that is easy to read.
In addition, the ocean-going vessel has corrosion protection. The machine’s lower units are grit-blasted and coated with aluminum. This prevents oxidation and rusting. Moreover, the parts are coated with powder paint for maximum protection.
Like the Ultrex motor, this machine also has an i-Pilot and a heading sensor that helps jog. That way, it enables you to move five feet in any direction you want from a GPS position.
Nevertheless, the Minn Kota 1363748 Riptide Terrova has a motor mount that automatically shuts off your trolling motor when not in use. Moreover, the machine allows you to use the foot pedal and the wireless controller simultaneously. Plus, it has a lever that is easy to use with the lift assist.
Lastly, the fishing vessel can help extend the life of the trolling motor. Furthermore, it has a weedless wedge with flared blades that can power through anything without draining the battery, which is suitable for fishing.
Pros
- Lift assist design
- Directional indicator
- Battery meter
- Good foot pedal
- Rugged motor
- Composite shaft
- Universal sonar 2
- Auto Pilot
- Deploy lever
- Cool running motor
Cons
- Little bulky and heavy
- Saltwater only
Check Minn Kota 1363748 Riptide Terrova Prices
3. Lowrance Ghost – Easy to Use
The Lowrance Ghost is a long-time marine vessel founded by Darrell Lowrance. The machine comes in 52 and 60-inch shaft lengths and volt systems of 24 and 36, providing you with a thrust of up to 120 pounds. Plus, its ultra brushless motor operates silently.
In addition, the brushless motor doesn’t emit electromagnetic interference. Apart from that, the Lowrance Ghost comes with a plug-and-play sonar with an HDI nose cone transducer that gives the chirp sonar. The HDI also features a side scan and a down scan.
Another great feature of the Lowrance Ghost is its configuration pedal, featuring a battery level, heading mode, and quick access keys. The shortcut keys are programmable to form a drop waypoint or raise/lower the power pole water anchor.
Nonetheless, this freshwater vessel is easy to stow. It has a dual-action gas spring which allows for easier stowing and deploying. Plus, you don’t have to align its lower unit before you stow the motor because the Lowrance Ghost auto can align itself and secure on its mount, especially when stowing.
Apart from that, the Lowrance Ghost features a 360-degree breakaway mount designed to allow the shaft to deflect away from any obstructions by absorbing impacts and then repositioning itself after the impact.
Additionally, Lowrance Ghost is flexible to install. The trolling motor can work with either 24 or 36-volt systems, which makes it compatible with any setup. It also implements future batteries and charger upgrades.
Moreover, this machine is reliable and durable as it is made of strong plastic material. In fact, it has undergone various tests for about four years now, proving it to be the most reliable and strong freshwater trolling motor out there.
Pros
- Quiet motor
- Automatic realignment
- Multiple power options
- Prolonged battery life
- Customizable foot pedal
- Breakway mount
- Multiple control options
- Powerful water vessel
Cons
- Only available in the US
- Premium price
4. MotorGuide 941700080 Xi5 – Best for Freshwater
Check MotorGuide 941700080 Xi5 Prices
Another top spot-lock trolling motor on our list is the MotorGuide 941700080 Xi5. This water vessel is crafted to outshine the expectations of discriminative customers. The motor guide is designed with the latest technology in the trolling motor industry, making it stand out in the market.
For instance, the machine has a capable angler that can command the motor anywhere on the boat. In addition, the vessel uses LED lights so the angler can easily check the four key functions’ status in slight chance conditions. The battery indicator uses various colored lights to show the three battery life levels.
Apart from that, this machine is crafted using the latest next-gen technology. For example, it has a wireless pedal that provides outstanding motor control from any part of the boat while on the water. In addition, the new technology also features durable, cool running, and more efficient power electronics. The power electronics capture and store the energy lost as heat, making the battery run for a long time—further, the digital speed control supplies enough power smoothly needed by the motor.
Another feature of this trolling motor is that it has a low-profile mount. This feature is all about the motor’s formation and function. For instance, the motor’s base prevents corrosion by using anodized aluminum. Plus, all the hardware is made of stainless steel, including the linkage parts. Also, its stow and deploy mechanisms guide your motor in a stowed position, while the secondary lock prevents the motor from unintentional deployment or potential damage.
A sophisticated steering transmission is another added advantage of this trolling motor. This is achieved by the ball bearings that reduce friction from water. They also have custom seals that prevent water and dust from reaching the motor. Indeed, the steering transmission of this motor delivers precise and dependable performance.
Lastly, the trolling motor has efficient and protected electronics. These electronics are encapsulated with a high-tech coating that makes them water and dust-resistant. A protection circuit protects the lower unit from damage if the motor prop is stalled.
Pros
- Wireless foot pedal
- Sonar transducer
- Composite shaft
- Protected electronics
- Refined steering transmission
- Low profile mount
- Easy to use
Cons
- Cruise control problem
- Annoying noise and vibration
Check MotorGuide 941700080 Xi5 Prices
5. Minn Kota Riptide PowerDrive – Most Durable
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This trolling motor is a reliable and durable saltwater vessel from the Minn Kota brand that has been used for many years by saltwater anglers. It is made of aluminum and comes with a digital maximizer. The maximizer provides a longer run time on each battery charge.
In addition, the trolling motor allows you to dial in the exact speed that you want. With that, it delivers enough power you need and conserves the battery charge all day long. Additionally, the motor has an indestructible and durable composite shaft at the core of the machine.
The water vessel also has a compatible mobile app that allows you to control the i-Pilot directly from an Android or Apple device. Therefore, you can get quick steering commands, spot-lock, advanced autopilot, and speed.
Another feature that this trolling motor comes with is advanced corrosion protection. The lower unit parts are grit blasted and coated with aluminum to prevent the machine from rusting and oxidizing. Plus, it has a powder coat layer for ultimate protection.
The Riptide PowerDrive motor has a spot-lock that helps you to stay on top of your boat when fishing without touching the trolling motor. The spot-lock holds the user in place with the unparalleled accuracy of GPS.
Also, the trolling motor comes with an AutoPilot that automatically navigates the boat in your chosen direction. You only have to point your trolling motor head in your desired direction and activate the AutoPilot correcting waves and water currents.
Lastly, this motor has an i-Pilot GPS trolling system with incredible features. For example, its GPS features allow you to control speed and record paths and steering. Plus, the LCD screen on the i-Pilot is easy to read and use.
Pros
- Outer corrosion protection
- Sacrificial anodes
- Multiple shaft lengths
- Universal sonar 2
- i-Pilot GPS
- AutoPilot
- Compatible mobile app
- Digital maximizer
Cons
- Foot Pedal prone to breaking
- Annoying noises when steering
Check Minn Kota Riptide PowerDrive Prices
6. AQUOS Haswing Black Cayman – Most Budget-Friendly
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This trolling spot machine aims at helping fishermen guide their motor with a wireless remote and a foot control pedal. AQUOS is suitable for both salt and freshwater fishing and is jam-packed with great features like corrosion-resistant materials. In fact, it is made of aluminum, making it a good setup for freshwater and saltwater.
In addition, the motor is easy to carry because it has an ergonomic lifting handle. Also, the stow and deploy pedal is easier to depress with one hand or foot, transitioning quickly while in the water. Further, the depth collar allows you to change the depths quickly.
Another feature of this motor is that it has a wireless remote control that fits in your hands easily. So you can easily control the motor while on the boat, and the remote control is rechargeable using a USB cable. Besides, the motor doesn’t produce sounds, so the fish can’t hear you coming.
The motor’s amazing speed is yet another great feature. It has a variable speed that lowers power consumption and increases the battery life. Besides, the motor is durable and made of strong stainless steel material. It also comes with encapsulated electronics and sacrificial anodes.
Pros
- Durable stainless and aluminum materials
- Lifting handle
- Variable speed
- Depth collar
- Wired foot control
- Remote control
- Deploy pedal
- Easy to carry
- Deep cycle battery
- Good for both salt and freshwater
Cons
- High price
- Hanging of the motor unit over the bow
Check AQUOS Haswing Black Cayman Prices
7. Garmin Force – Most Powerful
Fishing with Garmin Force gives you the most amazing experience. Garmin Force is the most powerful trolling motor available on the market. It features a wireless foot pedal that operates using AA batteries.
Plus, the water vessel has a wireless Chartplotter connectivity in order to provide navigation, anchor lock features, and AutoPilot. You can use the anchor lock to hold the boat in the same position when fishing.
Apart from that, the trolling motor has a powerful wireless foot pedal to deliver quick control and responsiveness. Additionally, its integrated ultra-scanning sonar helps you clearly see the fish. Another feature of this trolling motor is the handheld remote control with a built-in sunlight display that is easy to read. This feature helps you to control the motor from any direction.
Further, the trolling motor can quickly move from one spot to another and withstand heavy water currents and wind. Plus, it comes with an efficient brushless motor that operates at 36 V and 24 V, delivering powerful thrust.
Apart from that, Garmin Force has integrated transducers with ClearVu, CHIRP tradition, and SideVu. These features are protected by LiveScope sonars.
Moreover, the Garmin Force motor is also powerful and easy to use; thus, you can easily deploy, retract and stow it. Also, it comes with steering capabilities to control the trolling motor, plus it has programmable keys found on the remote that is used to control the Chartplotter.
Pros
- Easy installation
- Integrated sonar
- Wireless remote
- Built-in AutoPilot
- Wireless Chartplotter
- Water resistant remote
- Wireless foot pedal
- High powered
- Rust-resistant materials
Cons
- Steering produces some notices
- Experiences breakdowns at some points
8. PARKHO Haswing 50736-137B – Most Quiet
Check ARKHO Haswing 50736-137B Prices
Are you looking for an inexpensive and quiet trolling motor for your boat? If so, PARKHO Haswing is the best choice. This machine has a smart navigation system which makes fishing easy. Moreover, the water vessel has a wireless remote control so you can control all the boat functions from anywhere.
Apart from that, the machine has an anchor control. Therefore you can lock and tightly hold your fishing spot during strong winds and currents. Also, the vessel has a highly sensitive GPS that easily locates your current position. So if the boat drifts away, the GPS will trigger the motor and take it back automatically.
Further, the motor pilot helps you to regulate propulsion, steering, and boat speed; thus, you can fish from anywhere. In addition, it saves and records routes that create and modify fishing spots and routes. The machine achieves this using a live map and a smart touchscreen device. Plus, it has auto navigation that keeps the boat along the shoreline and maintains a persistent speed.
For the user’s safety, the trolling machine has a safety buckle. When using the motor, you can easily unplug the safety buckle if you want to prevent damage in case of any emergencies.
Pros
- Safety buckle
- Easy to install
- Rust resistant materials
- Has an auto navigation system
- Affordable
- Sensitive GPS
- Anchor control functions
- Wireless remote
Cons
- Annoying vibrations
- Monitor power loss
Check ARKHO Haswing 50736-137B Prices
9. MotorGuide 940700010 Xi3 – Best Value for Money
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There are alot of reasons to fish with this amazing Xi3. First, it has a wireless remote control so that you can control the motor from anywhere. In addition, it has a convenient release lever that triggers the stow and deploys function for safe operation.
Apart from that, MotorGuide 940700010 Xi3 has a LED that is easy to read. This feature assists you in monitoring the key motor functions and the battery levels simultaneously.
Another feature that makes anglers choose this trolling motor is its variable speed control as well as the extended battery life. Besides, the motor has smart safeguards to protect the trolling motor when operating under harsh conditions.
Lastly, the motor parts are encapsulated with quality coatings that make them resist water corrosion. Plus, it has a protection circuit that protects the lower unit from damage.
Pros
- Easy-to-read LED
- Protection circuits
- High-quality coatings
- Wireless remote control
- Easy to use
- Effective release lever
- Variable speed
Cons
- Experiences foot pedal malfunctioning
- Bulky machine
Check MotorGuide 940700010 Xi3 Prices
Factors to Consider While Choosing the Best Spot-Lock Trolling Motor
When buying a spot-lock trolling motor, we all want the best of the best. However, with so many different brands cropping out in the market, it can be so hard to tell which one is perfect for you. Of course, you have a short list to choose from by this point, as our guide provides. But all products we have listed can’t fit your needs. Instead, you must choose one that perfectly serves you well and matches your budget.
For that reason, there are several questions you must ask yourself while window shopping for a spot-lock trolling motor. For instance, how much do you want to spend? What product specifications are you looking for in terms of size, speed, and material? What available brands offer that product?
But for more precise guidance, here are the most relevant factors you must consider while buying a spot-lock trolling motor.
Price
Your ideal spot-lock trolling motor depends mostly on your budget at hand. In some cases, you will have a spot-lock trolling motor that has all features that you require, but its cost takes you to buy another one that overlooks some of the features.
Either way, you must plan from within the budget. That way, you can compare different brands and the prices they offer against the quality of the products. And, of course, you should go for what you can afford. But if your budget is enough, you can buy expensive motors as they tend to be of high quality and have a longer life span.
Brand
A brand can either break or make your purchase. This is why most people prefer well-established and popular brands, as they tend to offer value for their money. However, that doesn’t mean all popular brands are worthy of trying. Some popular brands know they have attained a customer base; hence they don’t bother producing subpar products that don’t match customer needs.
Thus, you should be considerate of the brand that makes the spot-lock trolling motor you plan to buy. It should not matter whether popular or new, as there are new brands that make high-quality products so as to gain customer trust in the market.
Operation Mechanisms
Another yet important factor to consider when buying your spot-lock trolling motor is how easy or hard it is to use. This is more important, especially to newbies who have no idea how a spot-lock trolling motor works.
In general, the machine should be easy to operate without requiring help from experts. Otherwise, if it has a sophisticated operation mechanism, it can be confusing, posing a risk of damage if you try to operate it. Also, getting experts to operate it on your behalf can cause additional expenses.
Power
Your spot-lock trolling motor should be powerful so that it can easily propel your boat against strong winds and currents. In this case, think of thrust as how powerful the motor is, even though there is no industry standard measure for thrust.
Remember, a 24 V system is less powerful than a 36 V system which is less powerful than 48 V. However, thrust is not the only entity in the equation, as there are factors such as the weight and size of your boat to consider. Of course, the heavier and larger the boat is, the more thrust is needed to propel it forward.
Durability
Everyone wants to purchase a spot-lock trolling motor that will serve them for a long time. So, this is an essential thing to consider, even when you want a machine that fits your budget. Remember, the more high-quality the product is, the longer it is likely to last. Hence, it’s best to prioritize the expensive trolling motor, as they are worth the investment, rather than buying a cheap one that will send you back to buy another one or incur endless repairs after a short duration.
Customer Feedback
While all the above factors are good to consider, customer feedback is a point of reference for all of them. This is because to understand the brand and its products, you need to hear stories and experiences from people with real encounters.
Of course, customers who are fully satisfied with a product will always praise it. In contrast, a product that doesn’t offer good services will receive negative reviews that you should note. But, always be keen as other brands will hire or purchase positive reviews from non-users, which can be misleading. So, check the number of negative reviews against the positive ones. For instance, if there are five negative reviews and numerous positive reviews, then that brand is worth trying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a spot-lock trolling motor?
A spot-lock trolling motor is a GPS anchor system used to control the AutoPilot in a trolling motor. This helps to maintain the boat’s position within the radius set.
These machines are popular among anglers who use them to position their boat close to the fish-holding structures without worrying about boat control. The amazing features of the trolling motors have revolutionized sportfishing, making it easier than ever before.
2. What is the importance of a battery in an electrical motor?
The battery is the most important element in an electric motor system consisting of electrochemical cells that convert the stored energy into electric energy. The batteries provide electric current to the motor, which starts the chemically powered combustion engine. This, in turn, propels the motor.
3. What are the advantages of a trolling motor?
Trolling motors have numerous advantages, like controlling the boat in any direction. Most of the time, anglers do fishing following the direction in which there is strong blowing wind. This can be impossible to hold the boat in a specific area. But with the help of a trolling motor, it becomes easy to control the boat in the direction you want.
Apart from that, trolling motors have different thrust levels making them compatible with the boat. For instance, there are motors with high thrust levels if you have a large boat.
Additionally, trolling motors are environmentally friendly. They don’t harm the environment in any way, unlike other motors that pose a threat to aquatic life. Moreover, they are easy to use and install. Most people fear buying motors because they think they are challenging to install, which is not true. In fact, installing a motor becomes easy if you know how to operate a boat system. You don’t need the help of an expert to install the motor. Further, the trolling motors are easy to use, and you won’t face problems while using them.
Indeed, motors create a memorable fishing experience if you purchase the right one. With a motor, catching fish is easier, even if you are not an experienced fisherman.
4. What is the difference between thrust and horsepower?
Thrust power is the power from a propeller gauged by the shaft power meter, while horsepower is the power produced by the engine. Horsepower is usually gauged using the rate taken to do the work.
5. What are the main problems of a trolling motor?
Despite having numerous benefits, trolling motors can fail you in different ways, like an i-Pilot malfunction. This malfunction can be caused by remote failure, which can go blank and force the motor to stop. But fixing it is easy as you only have to change the remote battery.
Power Loss is another problem in trolling motors. Your motor can fail to start or unexpectedly lose power, especially due to poor batteries and incorrect wiring. Further, most motors come with an unprotected shaft which can easily get destroyed during hard impacts.
In addition, motors experience AutoPilot issues where the motor stays on even if you switch it off. To solve the issue, you can buy a new AutoPilot. Furthermore, the motor spot-lock can fail due to malfunctioning head control units. But in this case, you can replace it with a new one.
Lastly, the motor’s foot pedal can fail to work correctly, especially when you press the buttons when not needed or if it slightly gets out of shape. To correct this, you can buy a new foot pedal.
6. What is the difference between thrust and speed?
Thrust is a static measurement of pulling power. On the other hand, speed is the prop pitch factor and the R.P.M of the motor. Another difference is that the two are inversely proportional in that the generated thrust in a motor decreases as speed increases.
7. What are the best batteries for my trolling motor?
There are several different types of trolling motor batteries, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Selecting the best battery for your trolling motor is very important to make sure you get the most out of it, so check out our best trolling motor battery guide.
Final Thoughts
In summary, trolling motors are very crucial in a boat system because they come with unique and effective features. For example, trolling motors help control your boat in any position you want and are also easy to use and install.
But remember, choosing a motor is personal and based on several factors like your boat size and budget at hand. For instance, if you buy a powerful motor, you must add other batteries, which can be costly.
If you are wondering which motor to buy for your boat, we have listed some of the best trolling motors in the market, like the Minn Kota 1368820 Ultrex, Lowrance Ghost, and Minn Kota 1363748 Riptide Terrova. Others like PARKHO Haswing 50736-137B and Garmin Force are also good.
Now, you need to check these motors against a number of factors, such as operation mechanism, power, and durability, so that you can get the perfect one for you.
