Whether navigating through calm waters or battling against strong currents, an 80lb thrust trolling motor offers the reliability and performance necessary for achieving precise control and maneuverability. High-thrust trolling motors provide reliable performance in all kinds of water conditions, they are ideal for large-sized boats, kayaks, and canoes and in this post, our focus will be on trolling motors with 80lb thrust capacity.
As the industry of boating and fishing continues to evolve, trolling motors have not been left behind. Today, trolling motors are powered by different types of batteries and have varying thrust capacities that make them an ideal choice for boats and kayaks of different sizes.
One of the trolling motors that has seen a recent surge in popularity is the 80-lb model. Trolling motors with 80lb thrust offer the ultimate balance between power and efficiency for a wide variety of boating capacities. These trolling motors are well-made to perform even in less-than-ideal water conditions.
The ideal trolling motor with 80lb thrust will take your boating and fishing excursions a notch higher and make every expedition more fun. We put together a list of the very best models and a comprehensive buying guide to help you decide. But first, here are the benefits you should expect in getting an 80-lb thrust trolling motor.
Benefits of 80lb Thrust Trolling Motors
80lb thrust trolling motors offer numerous benefits that include:
Precise Control and Maneuverability
The powerful and reliable performance of 80lb thrust trolling motors guarantees not just precise control, but also easy maneuverability of the boat in nearly all water conditions.
Smooth and Quiet Operation
Trolling motors are known for cool and quiet operation that elongates the motor’s lifespan and prevents spooking the fish in shallow waters.
Versatility
Furthermore, 80lb trolling motors are outstanding when it comes to versatility. They are compatible with boats and kayas of different sizes and weights. On top of that, they are ideal for use in virtually all water conditions.
Long Battery Life
Modern trolling motors with a high 80lb thrust capacity are designed with efficiency in mind. they come with multiple battery conservation features to optimize battery life and keep it running for longer on a single charge.
Improved Speed
The high thrust translates to increased boat speed. As a result, anglers searching for fish can cover more distance within a shorter period.
Minimize Drift
Trolling motors with 80lb thrust have a smaller drift than models with a smaller thrust. As a result, anglers and boaters can maintain their position in the water more effectively, especially if they are fishing at a specific spot or boating along the shore.
Best 80lb Thrust Trolling Motors
1) Garmin Force Trolling Motor
Garmin Force Trolling Motor is by far the best 80lb thrust trolling motor. It offers the best-in-class performance in all water conditions, without any noise disturbance.
This trolling motor is designed and built with user convenience in mind. It has wireless chartplotter connectivity which provides navigation, autopilot, as well as anchor lock capabilities. On top of that, it is outfitted with a handheld remote control with full-color, transflective, and sunlight-readable display.
Furthermore, this high-end trolling motor is ideally suited for fresh and saltwater use. It has a wireless foot pedal that provides instant control and responsiveness, and a brushless motor that operates at either 36V or 24V.
Other essential features included are fish-finder compatibility, stainless-steel shaft, and corrosion-resistant components.
Specifications
- 50”,57” shaft length
- Voltage: 36V
- Rugged transom mount
- Wireless foot pedal control
- GPS capabilities
- Integrated sonar
- Stainless-steel shaft
- 3-year limited warranty
- Variable speed
Pros
- Powerful and reliable
- Quiet operation
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Seamless integration with Garmin sonar units
- Compatible with freshwater, saltwater, and brackish
Cons
- None
2) Minn Kota Terrova Freshwater Bow- Mount Trolling Motor with MEGA Down Imaging
Minn Kota Terrova Freshwater Bow- Mount Trolling Motor is durably designed to make your boating and fishing expeditions less tedious. It features an easy-to-deploy system and a myriad of other modern features to help you take your boat just about anywhere.
With this trolling motor, you will be required to use a 24V battery to achieve the 80 lbs thrust. The variable speed Digital Maximizer is also included to help the battery run for a longer period on a single charge.
Furthermore, this bow-mount trolling motor brings to the table Spot-Lock for accurate GPS anchoring. The shaft is made from an indestructible composite that is stronger than steel. Other than that, a battery meter is included to display the exact charge left in your trolling batteries.
To top off everything else, the Minn Kota Terrova Freshwater Bow-Mount Trolling Motor has a lift assist featuring a stainless steel, nitrogen gas-charged spring that makes it easy to stow and deploy.
Specifications
- Voltage: 12-volt, 24-volt, or 36-volt
- Weedless Wedge 2 prop
- Low-profile electric foot pedal
- 2-year limited manufacturer warranty
- 45,54,60,72-inch shaft length
- Fresh-water rated
- Bow mounting type
- Electric steer
- Sonar imaging
- GPS control system
Pros
- Easy to deploy and stow
- Great remote control
- Outstanding durability
- Electric-steer motor
Cons
- No Auto Stow/Deploy
3) Minn Kota Terrova Freshwater Bow- Mount Trolling Motor with Universal Sonar 2
Next up, we have the Minn Kota Terrova Freshwater Bow-Mount Trolling Motor with Universal Sonar 2. This 80lb thrust trolling motor features a 60-inch shaft length, 24V battery, and 80-pounds of thrust.
The selling point of this bow-mount trolling motor is its durability. It is constructed with an indestructible composite shaft with swept-back flared blades of the weedless wedge 2 prop that propels the boat with ease through any water condition.
To complement the rock-solid construction, the trolling motor has an easy-to-deploy system of fallaway ramps that slide it effortlessly into the water. On top of that, it is outfitted with a spring-loaded lift assist for quick deployment and easy stowing.
For avid fishers, this bow-mount trolling motor offers optimal sonar performance to help you find fish with ease. It also comes with an integrated GPS for locking into fishing spots and a multi-function foot pedal for precise steering.
Specifications
- i-Pilot GPS
- Low-profile electric foot pedal
- 24V battery capacity
- 60-inch shaft
- 2-year limited manufacturer warranty
- Wireless remote
- Fresh-water rated
- Bow type of mount
- Spring-loaded lift-assist
Pros
- Ease of setup
- Great value for money
- Well-made
- Great spot lock
Cons
- No Bowguard
4) Minn Kota Ulterra Freshwater Electric-Steer Bow-Mount Trolling Motor
Here is another 80lb thrust trolling motor that is fresh-water rated. It comes with a bow type of mount and universal Sonar 2 to help you become a better angler.
The trolling motor is durably made to withstand impacts and provide reliable performance in all fishing conditions. It combines an indestructible composite shaft with swept-back flared blades to adjust to changing fishing conditions and power the boat through anything without battery-draining chopping and hacking.
As outstanding as its durability is so is the control and maneuverability. It provides enough power to help you control your boat precisely in different water conditions. Besides that, this trolling motor comes with a multi-function foot pedal, heading sensor, and mounting hardware.
Specifications
- 45-inch shaft length
- 24 volts battery
- i-Pilot GPS with spot lock
- 2-year warranty
- Fresh-water rated
- Multi-function foot pedal
- Bow mount mounting location
- Electric-steer
- Sonar imaging
Pros
- Exemplary anchor function
- Easy to operate
- Quality construction
- Ease of installation
Cons
- No Lift Assist
5) Minn Kota Riptide Ulterra Saltwater Bow-Mount Trolling Motor with i-Pilot GPS
If you are looking for a trolling motor 80lb thrust for saltwater use, look no further than the Kota Riptide Ulterra Saltwater Bow-Mount Trolling Motor. It is an electric steer bow-mount trolling motor that offers a performance that is second to none.
The motor is designed with fully encapsulated electronics with corrosion protection to ensure ultimate saltwater defense. Besides, its lower unit housing is grit-blasted and then coated in aluminum to enhance durability while preventing rust and oxidation.
Another impressive thing about this bow-mount trolling motor is its ease of use. It has an i-Pilot link system that users use to control it from the color touchscreen remote. What’s more, the motor offers a spot-lock with a jog to hold the boat in place on top of any productive fishing spot.
What’s more, this variable-speed trolling motor has a digital maximizer feature that provides up to five times longer battery life on a single charge. It allows you to dial in your exact speed and draw only as much power as you need.
Specifications
- Fully encapsulated electronics
- 60” shaft length
- 24v battery
- 2-year limited warranty
- i-Pilot GPS trolling system
- Easy-to-read LCD screen
- Active autopilot
- Digital maximizer
- Weedless Wedge 2 prop
- Salt-water rated
- Variable speed
Pros
- Cool, quiet operation
- Ease of deploying and stowing
- Quality construction
- Great piece of technology
Cons
- No Lift Assist and Bowguard
6)Minn Kota Fortrex 80 Bowmount Trolling Motor with Universal Sonar
Here is another 80lbs trolling motor from Minn Kota that comes with a universal sonar. The sonar keeps your transducer and wiring fully concealed and protected as the motor runs everything in the waters.
This trolling motor beats the rest in terms of user convenience. Firstly, it is very easy to operate for all users including beginners. Furthermore, it employs a Lift-Assist system that cuts the weight of stowing and deploys in half.
When it comes to construction, all the Fortrex 80 Bowmount Trolling Motors are optimized for durability. It is made of extruded anodized aluminum with solid single-piece construction. The construction guarantees longevity and also helps the motor run quietly, with minimal wear.
Well, that’s not all. This bow-mount trolling motor has an illuminated directional indicator that aids in navigation in virtually all lighting conditions. On top of that, it has a counter-tension stabilizer that reduces steering torque and adds to the quiet operation of the motor.
In addition to all these benefits, the Fortrex 80 Bowmount Trolling Motor comes with an ultra-responsive foot pedal and a digital maximizer that helps conserve battery life.
Specifications
- 45” shaft
- 24V battery
- Two-year warranty
- Lift assist
- Illuminated directional indicator
- 360° removable bow-guard bracket
- Bow mount
- Universal sonar 2
- Weedless Wedge 2 prop
- Counter-tension stabilizer
- Ultra-responsive foot pedal
- Freshwater-rated
Pros
- User-friendly design
- Easy to stow and deploy
- Lots of power
- Quality construction
Cons
- Some bolts are substandard
Read Also: 6 Best Trolling Motors
How to Choose a Trolling Motor 80lb Thrust
Whether you are buying a trolling motor for the first time or looking for an upgrade, take into consideration the following factors when making your selection.
Freshwater Vs Saltwater
This is the first criterion to take into account. Are you looking for an 80lb thrust trolling motor for freshwater or saltwater use? Trolling motors for saltwater use and built differently from those meant for use in fresh water. If you are looking for a trolling motor for saltwater use, it should be made with durable and corrosion-resistant internal and external components to repel the salt.
Battery Compatibility
The next important thing to take into consideration is battery compatibility. The majority of 80-lb thrust trolling motors run on 24V batteries. look at the manufacturer’s manual and see the battery voltage the motor supports and choose accordingly.
Durability
High construction quality is an important attribute that a trolling motor 80lb thrust should have. These high-powered motors cost a fortune and you will want to get a model that gives you great value for your hard-earned money.
Opt for a trolling motor that is made with an indestructible shaft whether it is for freshwater or saltwater use. In addition to that, ensure that the trolling motor is constructed with encapsulated components for added protection and durability.
Mount Type
The next important thing to look at is the type of mount the trolling motor employs. It can be a transom or bow type of mount whose mounting location on the boat is different. A bow mount is installed at the front of the boat and a transom mount at the rear.
Choosing between the two is largely a matter of individual preference. Bow mount trolling motors are preferred for precise maneuvering across vast environments while transom mounts are popular for being simpler to install and more versatile.
Speed Settings
It is also vital to pay attention to the speed settings the trolling motor is built with. A model with variable speed is preferable for recreation boating and all kinds of fishing applications.
It provides more flexibility and control to the user especially when they are navigating the boat in tight spaces or high tides. A trolling motor with variable speed settings is also more versatile.
Energy Efficiency
Whether you are looking for a trolling motor 80lb thrust for recreational boating or fishing, opt for a model that is designed and built to be energy efficient. It will power the boat for a lengthy period without necessitating a recharge. Models with multiple battery conservation features like Digital maximizer are also preferable.
Shaft Length
In trolling motors, the length of the shaft varies from one equipment to the other. A tip is to get a trolling motor whose shaft length is well-suited to the transom or bow of your boat. For the ideal performance, the length of the shaft needs to be submerged at the right depth. This ensures efficient and effective propulsion no matter the water conditions. Measure the distance from the surface of the mount to the waterline to know the appropriate shaft length.
Cost
Don’t forget about the cost. 80lb trolling motors come at a cost, so be ready to pay more than you would pay for other trolling motors with smaller thrusts. Determine the features that you need the trolling motor to have and pick the model that blends the best with both your needs and budget.
Disadvantages of Trolling Motors 80lb Thrust
Costly
Trolling motors 80lb thrust are more expensive compared to models with a smaller thrust. The initial investment can cost a fortune so you should be ready to pay more.
Heavy
80lb thrust trolling motors are generally heavier due to the materials they are made with and the large batteries they use.
Installation Difficulty
Due to their heavy weight and complex design, 80lb thrust trolling motors can be complex to install, necessitating one to hire a professional to help with the installation.
Challenging Storage
Unlike the lower-thrust models that are easy to transport and stow, 80lb thrust trolling motors are more challenging to store especially if you have limited storage space.
80lb Thrust Trolling Motor FAQs
- Can an 80lb thrust trolling motor be used in saltwater?
Yes. Many 80lb thrust trolling motors are ideal for both freshwater and saltwater use. Check the specification of the motor to see if it is rated for saltwater use before you head out in the waters.
- What size battery do I need for an 80lb thrust trolling motor?
24V or 36V battery depending on the size and weight of your boat. The larger and heavier the boat is, the bigger the voltage the battery should have.
- How fast will an 80lb thrust trolling motor go?
5mph. The maximum speed of trolling motors is 5mph no matter how many pounds of thrust they have.
Final Words
Hopefully, you have found this article to be insightful and helpful. Remember that the size of your boat and intended usage will dictate the trolling motor 80lb you get. There are plenty of great 80lb thrust trolling motor picks out there, so whatever you have in mind, there is a model out there for you.
Read Also: 8 Best Minn Kota Trolling Motors