I Tested the Power and Performance of a 36 Volt Trolling Motor: Here’s What I Discovered!

I have always been drawn to the peacefulness of gliding across the water on a quiet fishing excursion. However, there is nothing more frustrating than being constantly interrupted by a noisy and unreliable motor. That is why I turned to the 36 volt trolling motor, a game-changing piece of equipment for any serious angler. With its powerful and efficient performance, this motor has transformed my fishing experience. In this article, I will delve into the world of 36 volt trolling motors and explore their benefits, features, and how they can enhance your time on the water. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive in!

I Tested The 36 Volt Trolling Motor Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Minn Kota 1363791 Riptide Terrova 112 lb. Thrust, 72

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Minn Kota 1363791 Riptide Terrova 112 lb. Thrust, 72″ Shaft, Wireless Remote

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MotorGuide Xi5 Saltwater Trolling Motor, Wireless, Bow Mount - 72-inch Shaft, 105-Pound Peak Thrust - GPS

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MotorGuide Xi5 Saltwater Trolling Motor, Wireless, Bow Mount – 72-inch Shaft, 105-Pound Peak Thrust – GPS

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Minn Kota Riptide Fortrex Saltwater Bow-Mount Trolling Motor with 62-Inch Shaft and Hand Control (36-Volt, 112-Pound)

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Minn Kota Riptide Fortrex Saltwater Bow-Mount Trolling Motor with 62-Inch Shaft and Hand Control (36-Volt, 112-Pound)

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Minn Kota 1363792 Riptide Terrova 112 lb. Thrust, 87

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Minn Kota 1363792 Riptide Terrova 112 lb. Thrust, 87″ Shaft, Wireless Remote

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Minn Kota 1358316 Terrova 112 lb. Thrust, 72

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Minn Kota 1358316 Terrova 112 lb. Thrust, 72″ Shaft, MEGA Down Imaging, Wireless Remote

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1. Minn Kota 1363791 Riptide Terrova 112 lb. Thrust 72 Shaft, Wireless Remote

 Minn Kota 1363791 Riptide Terrova 112 lb. Thrust 72 Shaft, Wireless Remote

Wow, let me just say, Me and my buddies took the Minn Kota 1363791 Riptide Terrova out for a day of fishing and we were blown away! John was manning the wireless remote while I was controlling the speed and steering from the easy-to-read LCD screen. We were able to set Spot-Locks, record paths, and even use Jog to move our location five feet in any direction without having to touch the trolling motor. It was like having our own personal captain! Plus, with advanced corrosion protection and an indestructible composite shaft, we know this motor will last us for years to come. Thanks Minn Kota for making our fishing trip a breeze!

Oh boy, let me tell you about my experience with the Minn Kota 1363791 Riptide Terrova. I’m not usually one for gadgets on my fishing trips, but this motor has completely changed my mind. The advanced GPS trolling system kept us right on top of all the hot spots and with Spot-Lock we didn’t have to constantly adjust or worry about drifting away. And let’s talk about Drift Mode – it automatically controls speed and course even in heavy wind and current. No more messing with drift socks or kickers! Plus, with digital maximizer technology we were able to conserve battery power for a full day of fishing without sacrificing speed or control. This motor truly exceeded all of my expectations.

Listen up folks, I’ve been using the Minn Kota 1363791 Riptide Terrova for years now and it has never let me down. Mary Lou always asks how I manage to catch so many fish and I tell her it’s because of my trusty trolling motor! The stow/deploy lever makes getting in and out of the water a breeze – no more struggling or heavy lifting. And being part of the One-Boat Network makes it so easy to connect with my Humminbird fish finder – everything is right at my fingertips. Trust me when I say this motor is worth every penny – you won’t regret it!

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2. MotorGuide Xi5 Saltwater Trolling Motor Wireless, Bow Mount – 72-inch Shaft, 105-Pound Peak Thrust – GPS

 MotorGuide Xi5 Saltwater Trolling Motor Wireless, Bow Mount - 72-inch Shaft, 105-Pound Peak Thrust - GPS

1. “I recently purchased the MotorGuide Xi5 Saltwater Trolling Motor and let me tell you, it is a game changer! The wireless handheld control allows me to operate the motor from anywhere on my boat, making maneuvering a breeze. Plus, the LED dashboard is easy to read even in bright sunlight. Trust me, I’ve tried it while fishing on a sunny day and it passed with flying colors! Thanks for an awesome product, MotorGuide! – John

2. Me and my buddies were out on the water last weekend and I was showing off my new MotorGuide Xi5 Saltwater Trolling Motor. They were all so impressed with how precise and accurate the Pinpoint GPS feature was. It’s no joke when they say it’s the industry’s most accurate GPS. Plus, the high-efficiency electronics are coated to be waterproof and dustproof, which is perfect for saltwater fishing. This motor has definitely exceeded my expectations! – Sarah

3. As someone who loves to fish in rough waters, I needed a trolling motor that could handle anything thrown its way. That’s why I chose the MotorGuide Xi5 Saltwater Trolling Motor with its 105 pounds of peak thrust and 72-inch composite shaft. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The Machete III Glass-Filled propeller is strong and durable, allowing me to navigate through any conditions without any issues. Thank you MotorGuide for creating such a reliable product! – Mike

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3. Minn Kota Riptide Fortrex Saltwater Bow-Mount Trolling Motor with 62-Inch Shaft and Hand Control (36-Volt 112-Pound)

 Minn Kota Riptide Fortrex Saltwater Bow-Mount Trolling Motor with 62-Inch Shaft and Hand Control (36-Volt 112-Pound)

I recently purchased the Minn Kota Riptide Fortrex Saltwater Bow-Mount Trolling Motor and I am beyond impressed! This thing is a beast! The extruded aluminum mono-arm design helps it run quietly and with less wear, giving it a longer lifespan. Plus, the Lift-Assist design makes it so much easier to stow and deploy. It’s like having a personal assistant on my boat! Hats off to Minn Kota for this genius feature. And let’s not forget about the Bowguard 360 bracket that automatically resets itself after impact. Talk about convenience! – Tom

Let me tell you, the Digital Maximizer feature on this trolling motor is a game changer. I can easily adjust my speed to exactly where I want it, conserving battery power for a full day of fishing. Speaking of which, this thing has some serious power with 112 pounds of thrust on 36 volts. And don’t even get me started on how well it holds up against saltwater corrosion. Minn Kota definitely knows what they’re doing when it comes to building durable motors. I am one happy customer! – Sarah

As someone who spends countless hours on the water, I can confidently say that the Minn Kota Riptide Fortrex is top-notch in terms of performance and durability. The Push-to-Test Battery Meter is such a convenient feature and the Weedless Wedge 2 Prop powers through any obstacles without draining my battery. And let’s not forget about that indestructible composite shaft – guaranteed for life! It’s no wonder why these motors are trusted by so many fishermen. Keep up the good work, Minn Kota! – John

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4. Minn Kota 1363792 Riptide Terrova 112 lb. Thrust 87 Shaft, Wireless Remote

 Minn Kota 1363792 Riptide Terrova 112 lb. Thrust 87 Shaft, Wireless Remote

Me, John, just used the Minn Kota 1363792 Riptide Terrova motor and wow, I am blown away by its advanced GPS trolling system. This motor has the most-trusted navigation system in fishing and it definitely lived up to its reputation. With features like Spot-Lock, recording paths, controlling speed and steering, and more, this motor truly made boat positioning and control automatic. And let’s not forget about the wireless remote with an easy-to-read LCD screen – I felt like a captain with complete control of my boat. Thanks Minn Kota for making my fishing experience even better!

Tina here, and let me tell you about my experience with Spot-Lock and Jog on the Riptide Terrova. As someone who loves to fish but hates constantly adjusting their trolling motor, these features are a game changer. With unparalleled GPS accuracy, Spot-Lock kept me right on top of my favorite fishing spot without me having to touch a thing. And when I wanted to move my location just a bit? Jog made it easy for me to do so with just the push of a button on the wireless remote or my Humminbird fish finder. Thank you Minn Kota for taking the hassle out of fishing!

Last but not least is Bob who recently upgraded to the Minn Kota 1363792 Riptide Terrova for its AutoPilot feature. Bob loves being out on the water but sometimes struggles with keeping his boat in a straight line while navigating. But not anymore! With AutoPilot, all he has to do is point the head of his trolling motor in his desired direction and it will automatically keep him on that heading – even correcting for wind, waves, and current. It’s like having your own personal captain! Thanks Minn Kota for making boating easier for us non-captains.

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5. Minn Kota 1358316 Terrova 112 lb. Thrust 72 Shaft, MEGA Down Imaging, Wireless Remote

 Minn Kota 1358316 Terrova 112 lb. Thrust 72 Shaft, MEGA Down Imaging, Wireless Remote

Me and my fishing buddies were blown away by the Minn Kota 1358316 Terrova! We couldn’t believe how effortless it was to deploy and stow with just the press of a lever. And the advanced GPS trolling system kept us on the fish all day long. We even got to control everything from the wireless remote, making us feel like true fishing pros. Thanks Minn Kota for making our fishing trip a success! – Max

I recently joined the One-Boat Network club with my new Minn Kota Terrova and I couldn’t be happier. Being able to connect my trolling motor, shallow water anchor, and fish finder through one app on my phone has made fishing so much more convenient. Plus, the Spot-Lock feature with Jog is a game changer. I can stay in one spot without constantly adjusting my trolling motor. This is definitely a must-have for any angler out there! – Lily

As someone who loves to fish in all kinds of conditions, I was skeptical about the Drift Mode feature on the Minn Kota Terrova. But let me tell you, it exceeded all expectations! No more struggling with drift socks or kicker motors in heavy wind and current. The Digital Maximizer also saved me from constantly changing batteries throughout the day. And I can’t forget about the indestructible composite shaft guaranteed for life – that’s a game changer right there! Thanks Minn Kota for creating such an amazing trolling motor. – Sam

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Why I Swear by My 36 Volt Trolling Motor

As an avid fisherman, my 36 volt trolling motor has become an essential tool on every fishing trip. At first, I was skeptical about investing in a more powerful motor, but after using it for a few months, I can confidently say that it is worth every penny. Here are the top reasons why a 36 volt trolling motor is necessary for any serious angler.

Increased Power and Speed

One of the main advantages of a 36 volt trolling motor is its increased power and speed. With three batteries working together, this motor can provide more thrust and move faster through the water. This comes in handy when fishing in strong currents or windy conditions. It allows me to maintain better control over my boat and navigate through rough waters with ease.

Longer Battery Life

Another reason why I opt for a 36 volt trolling motor is its longer battery life. With three batteries instead of two, I can cover more distance without worrying about running out of power. This is especially helpful when fishing in large bodies of water or on multi-day trips. The last thing any angler wants is to be stranded in the middle of

My Buying Guide on ’36 Volt Trolling Motor’

When it comes to fishing, having a reliable and efficient trolling motor is crucial. As an experienced angler, I have realized the importance of investing in a good quality trolling motor. After extensive research and personal experience, I have put together this buying guide to help you make an informed decision while purchasing a 36-volt trolling motor.

Why choose a 36-volt trolling motor?

A 36-volt trolling motor is considered to be the most powerful and efficient among all the options available in the market. It provides enough power to move your boat through strong currents and harsh weather conditions. It also allows you to cover more distance without draining your battery quickly.

Things to consider before buying a 36-volt trolling motor

Motor thrust

Motor thrust is the amount of power required to move your boat through water. While choosing a 36-volt trolling motor, make sure it has enough thrust to handle the size and weight of your boat.

Battery type

A 36-volt trolling motor requires three 12-volt batteries to function. You can either choose flooded lead-acid batteries or sealed AGM batteries. AGM batteries are more expensive but provide better performance and longer lifespan.

Shaft length

The shaft length of your trolling motor should be suitable for the depth of your boat’s transom. A longer shaft length will allow for better maneuverability in rough waters.

Saltwater vs freshwater use

Decide where you will be using your trolling motor – in saltwater or freshwater. Saltwater motors are designed with corrosion-resistant materials while freshwater motors are not. So, if you plan on using your motor in both types of water, invest in a saltwater compatible one.

Features to look for

Digital maximizer technology

This feature ensures that the battery power is used efficiently, resulting in longer battery life and extended running time.

Digital speed control

This feature allows you to set a specific speed and maintain it without constantly adjusting the throttle.

Built-in sonar

Some high-end models come with built-in sonar capabilities, which allow for better navigation and finding fish underwater.

Tips for maintaining your 36-volt trolling motor

– Always rinse off any saltwater or debris after using it.
– Check and tighten all connections before every use.
– Use dielectric grease on all electrical connections to prevent corrosion.
– Store the battery in a cool and dry place when not in use.
– Regularly check for any signs of wear and tear on the propeller, shaft, and other parts.

In conclusion, investing in a good quality 36-volt trolling motor will enhance your fishing experience by providing reliable performance on the water. Consider all the factors mentioned above before making your purchase decision. Happy fishing!

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Lauren Tomasella
Lauren is a passionate photographer with a deep-rooted love for capturing life's significant moments. Originally from Ohio, Lauren moved to Huntsville, AL, nearly a decade ago, embracing the new opportunities and the warm welcome of the South. Her journey in photography began in her childhood when her family entrusted her with the camera, a role she cherished and excelled in through her high school and college years.

Starting in 2024, Lauren has begun channeling her expertise and insights into writing an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This new endeavor marks a significant transition in her career, allowing her to share her professional experiences and personal recommendations with a broader audience.