Spot Lock trolling motors are a great way to keep your boat in one place while fishing. They provide increased accuracy, ease of use, and increased thrust compared to traditional trolling motors. In 2023, there are several great spot-lock trolling motor options available on the market. The Lowrance Ghost is the best overall spot-lock trolling motor and features GPS navigation systems and reliable brands. The Garmin Force is another great saltwater trolling motor with GPS anchoring capabilities. For those looking for an affordable option, the Haswing Cayman GPS is a great choice. It has 10 power settings and a 54-inch aluminum alloy shaft that can create a smooth boat launch.
For more advanced users, the Minn Kota Ulterra is a popular trolling motor with multiple features and 24-V thrust. It also has an integrated transducer for sonar readings and an i-Pilot Link remote control system for easy operation. Finally, AQUOS Hawsing has 10 power settings and a 54-inch aluminum alloy shaft that can create a smooth boat launch.
No matter which spot-lock trolling motor you choose, make sure it is compatible with your boat and meets your needs. With the right spot-lock trolling motor, you can enjoy more accurate fishing trips and increased thrust for better maneuverability.
Best Anchor-Lock Trolling Motor
Anchor-lock trolling motors are an essential tool for recreational fishing. They allow anglers to focus on other tasks while their boat is held in position, making it easier to catch fish and enjoy the sport. When choosing a spot lock trolling motor, it’s important to consider features such as GPS anchor lock accuracy, power output, and battery life. To help you make the best decision for your needs, we’ve compiled a comparison table of the 9 best anchor-lock trolling motors available in 2022. This table includes information about each motor’s shaft length, voltage, thrust, motor type, and wireless operation. Additionally, we’ve included pricing information so you can find the right motor for your budget.
When purchasing a spot-lock trolling motor, be sure to also purchase necessary accessories such as a battery and charger. These items will ensure that your motor runs smoothly and efficiently over time. With this comprehensive comparison table at your fingertips, you’ll have all the information you need to make the best decision for your boat and fishing needs.
Best Trolling Motor With Spot-Lock
The Lowrance Ghost trolling motor is one of the best spot lock trolling motors on the market. It offers a customizable foot pedal, 360° breakaway mount and automatic realignment for easy anchoring with minimal drifting. The brushless motor ensures quiet operation while pairing seamlessly with Lowrance electronics. This makes it an ideal choice for anglers who want to get the most out of their fishing experience. However, this top-of-the-line trolling motor does come at a price.
For those looking for a more affordable option, MotorGuide Tour Pro is the only trolling motor with cable steer and is a popular choice among anglers. Other popular options include Lowrance Ghost and Minnkota Ultrex, both of which offer spot lock features as well as other benefits. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference when choosing which trolling motor with spot lock to purchase. For a full review of each product, read our article for a list of pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Garmin Force
The Garmin Force is a powerful trolling motor that offers up to 80-100 lbs of thrust, with 24V and 36V systems. It features a quiet brushless motor, gesture steering capability, wireless foot pedal, and impressive GPS spot lock. Compatible with Garmin chartplotters, the Force is an ideal choice for freshwater and saltwater environments. Shaft lengths of 50” and 57” are offered for different boat sizes, while advanced navigation features like waypointing, autopilot, and anchor-lock make it easy to navigate any waterway. The trolling motor also has a built-in transducer for CHIRP traditional and Ultra High-Definition ClearVü and SideVü scanning sonars.
The unique feature of this spot lock trolling motor is the gesture control which allows you to point and go, making it a good option for those with limited mobility or disabilities. Additionally, the Garmin Force is saltwater applicable with corrosion resistant design, making it a great choice for anglers who fish in saltwater environments.
Motorguide Xi3
The Motorguide Xi3 is a 12-volt trolling motor with 55lbs of thrust and 36″ composite shaft, designed specifically for kayaks. It features wireless control and pinpoint GPS for spot lock, allowing you to move your boat a few feet in any direction from a GPS position. The MotorGuide Xi3 has a middle of the road price, but quality control and customer service have been lacking recently. It comes with a wireless electric steer foot pedal plus remote control and 3 blade prop for improved weedless performance. The composite shaft also comes with lifetime warranty, making it an excellent choice for freshwater anglers looking for reliable spot lock trolling motor at an affordable price.
The MotorGuide Xi3 is compatible with Lowrance, Humminbird and Garmin fish finder units, giving you the ability to easily locate fish in any body of water. Additionally, the 3 blade prop provides increased durability while still offering improved weedless performance. With its pinpoint GPS system and ‘jog’ feature, you can easily move your boat a few feet in any direction from a GPS position.
Minn Kota Ultrex
The Minn Kota Ultrex is a top-of-the-line trolling motor that offers a range of features to make fishing easier and more efficient. It comes with Spot Lock technology, which allows you to lock onto a spot and stay there without having to constantly adjust the motor. This feature is supported by the i-Pilot GPS system, which provides highly accurate anchor lock and useful functions such as ‘jog’ and ‘distance to spot’. The Ultrex also has a universal sonar that can be connected to any existing sonar brand.
In addition, the Ultrex has a cable driven and power assisted foot pedal for smooth cable or motor steer. It is available in 80 lbs and 112 lbs thrust with 24 voltage or 36 voltage, 45″, 52″, or 60″ shaft length for freshwater use at a weight of 73 pounds. While it does come at a steep price of nearly $3,000, reviews of the Ultrex are generally positive with users praising its power, accuracy, and reliability.
Haswing Cayman GPS
The Haswing Cayman GPS is a great choice for those looking for a budget-friendly trolling motor with advanced features. It comes with a wireless foot pedal and remote control, as well as an app called Helmsman App which allows you to save GPS waypoints and routes. The adjustable shaft length makes it suitable for use on a variety of boats, while the 3 blade prop makes it suitable for both freshwater and saltwater use. It also offers autopilot features that are usually found in more expensive trolling motors.
GPS navigation functionalities are available on most trolling motors, allowing you to move your boat 5 feet in any direction from your GPS coordinates. This is useful for systematically covering an area while fishing. Special features such as jog functionality are available on certain models, but require a model with i-Pilot plus heading sensor to use them. All in all, the Haswing Cayman GPS is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a reliable and affordable trolling motor with spot lock capabilities.
Buying Guide: Things To Consider Before Buying A Spot-Lock Trolling Motor
When it comes to buying a spot-lock trolling motor, there are several factors to consider. First and foremost, you should look at the size, power, and thrust of the motor to ensure that it is suitable for your boat. You should also look for features such as a spot-lock function, variable speed control, and battery life indicator. Additionally, researching different brands can help you find one that offers quality components and reliable customer service.
Spot lock or anchor lock trolling motors are essential for a good trolling motor experience. They allow you to stay in one place without having to constantly adjust the position of your boat. Look for i-Pilot GPS options to ensure accuracy and reliability when using this feature. Additionally, consider the features you want and don’t want when choosing a trolling motor so that you get exactly what you need. This will help ensure that your purchase is worth the money spent on it.
Quietness
Quietness is an important factor to consider when selecting a trolling motor. Loud motors can disturb fish and interfere with sonar accuracy, making it difficult to find the best spots for fishing. To avoid this problem, many manufacturers have developed models that focus on silent running capabilities. These motors are designed to be as quiet as possible while still providing the power needed for successful trolling.
Finding an extremely quiet trolling motor may take more time and effort during the search. It is important to read reviews from other users and research different models before making a purchase. Additionally, some motors come with noise dampening features such as rubber mounts or special propellers that help reduce vibrations and noise levels. Taking the time to find a quiet motor will pay off in the long run, allowing you to enjoy peaceful fishing trips without disturbing your catch or compromising your sonar accuracy.
Power
Trolling motors are a great way to power small boats, but it’s important to understand the power requirements for larger vessels. The standard rule is 2 pounds of thrust per 100 pounds of loaded weight. This means that if you have a boat that weighs 1,000 pounds with passengers and gear, you’ll need 20 pounds of thrust from your trolling motor. It’s important to note that more power comes at the cost of more batteries and heavier power draws. To get the most out of your trolling motor, it’s important to choose one with long battery life and capable of holding heavy loads.
When selecting a trolling motor, look for ones that have an indicator for their battery life so you know when it’s time to change the battery. Additionally, finding a balance between thrust and power usage can help extend the motor’s battery life. If you don’t need full speed all the time, try using half or quarter throttle instead. This will help conserve battery power and extend the life of your trolling motor.
Efficiency
Efficiency is an important factor to consider when selecting a trolling motor. Trolling motors with variable power input and adjustable output are more efficient, as they can be adjusted to meet the needs of the user. Many trolling motors can also be run on both 24 and 36-volt batteries, making them even more efficient. Minn Kota and Garmin are well-known brands for highly efficient anchor lock trolling motors.
When selecting a trolling motor, consider the battery life and power of the motor, as well as the amount of thrust it can provide. Look for motors with an indicator for their battery life to know when it’s time to change the battery. To extend your motor’s battery life, find a balance between thrust and power usage. This will ensure that you get maximum efficiency from your trolling motor without sacrificing performance or battery life.
Ease of Use
Trolling motors are a great way to get around on the water without having to use a motorized boat. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to use, making them an ideal choice for fishermen who don’t want to spend too much money. The best trolling motors have features that make them even easier to use, such as spot lock technology which allows you to stay in one place without having to constantly adjust the motor. Remote controls and foot pedals also make it easier to adjust the speed and direction of the trolling motor without having to move around the boat or risk falling overboard.
When choosing a trolling motor, it is important not to waste money on features that you don’t need as this can complicate your fishing experience. Instead, focus on finding a model with easy-to-use features that will help you navigate the waters with ease. With these accessories, you can easily adjust your trolling motor without causing extra noise or risking falling overboard.
How Well It Holds the Spot?
Spot-lock trolling motors are a great way to keep your boat in the same spot when anchored. They use GPS technology to lock onto a specific location and then jog back into that position if it drifts away. Cheaper models may drift up to six feet from the original spot, while more expensive models should have a smaller range of drift. The best spot-lock trolling motors will jog back into their original position with minimal movement, allowing you to stay in the same spot for longer periods of time.
GPS anchors are not perfect, however, and there will always be some degree of drift no matter what type of motor you use. If you want to ensure that your boat stays in the same spot for extended periods of time, investing in a higher quality trolling motor is essential. With the right model, you can enjoy hours of fishing without having to worry about constantly resetting your anchor point.
How Many Different Ways Can You Initiate the GPS Anchor?
GPS anchoring is a great feature for those who frequently drop anchor while fishing. Spot-lock offers multiple ways to engage the GPS anchor, including a button on a wireless remote control, the sonar, the wireless foot-pedal, or an app. This makes it easy to quickly and accurately anchor your boat in place with minimal effort. GPS-compatible trolling motors can also be used to anchor a boat in place, even in heavy currents. This is especially useful for those who need to stay in one spot for long periods of time without having to constantly adjust their position.
For those who just need a motor to move their boat around, however, investing in GPS anchoring may not be worth the cost. It’s important to consider your needs before making this decision as GPS anchoring can be very helpful for some but unnecessary for others. Regardless of your needs, look for these various options when using spot-lock to initiate the GPS anchor so you can make sure you’re getting the best trolling motor for your boat.
Standard Features
Spot-Lock is an essential feature to consider when purchasing a trolling motor. It allows you to lock the boat in one spot, making it easier to fish or take pictures without having to constantly adjust the motor. More expensive trolling motors typically have more and better features, so it’s important to determine which features are most important before making a purchase. Spot lock trolling motors offer advanced features such as Universal Sonar, gesture steering, and customizable foot pedals. The Minn Kota i-Pilot trolling motor offers Autopilot, self-deploy, and ‘distance to spot’ readings. Investing in a spot lock trolling motor can be worth the extra cost if you make good use of its features. With these advanced features, you can easily find your way back to the same spot even if you drift away from it due to wind or current changes. You can also save time by not having to constantly adjust the motor’s speed and direction while fishing or taking pictures.
Price
When it comes to price, trolling motors can range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand depending on the brand, model, and features. Well-known brands such as Garmin and Minn Kota will carry higher prices than lesser-known brands. Refurbished or repaired models of well-known brands may be available for a much lower price. High-end spot lock trolling motors come with additional features, but at a cost. Cheaper and simpler options such as Rhodan motors are available for those who just want a spot lock trolling motor.
Battery choice is important when setting up a spot lock motor setup; deep cycle marine batteries are cheaper while lithium batteries are powerful, efficient, and expensive. Spot lock trolling motor setup can cost between $2K-4K depending on the components chosen. However, there are cheaper yet reliable spot lock trolling motor options available that offer the most cost-effective build. Our recommendation offers the best value for money in terms of quality and performance.
Trolling Motor Batteries
Trolling motors are an essential tool for offshore anglers, allowing them to access advanced features such as wireless control, virtual anchoring, autopilot and route tracking. To power these motors, a high-quality deep cycle or marine battery is needed. Lithium batteries are the most powerful and efficient option, but they come at a higher cost. Depending on the voltage of the trolling motor, multiple batteries may be required – 24-volt requires two batteries while 36-volt requires three.
Minn Kota’s 87-inch Riptide Terrova and Rhodan Marine’s 84-inch HD GPS Anchor are two popular models for offshore anglers. These motors enable more precise fishing techniques such as vertical jigging and kite fishing. Long-shaft electric trolling motors operate on 36 volts DC and can produce up to 120 pounds of thrust. Most captains use wireless remotes to control the motor from anywhere on the boat, while some boat builders have designed offshore boats specifically for trolling motor use.
Circuit Breaker/ Fuse
Circuit breakers and fuses are essential components of any trolling motor setup. They help protect the motor from power surges that can damage or even destroy it. Flipping a switch or replacing a fuse is much easier and cheaper than replacing the entire trolling motor, so it’s important to install one when setting up your trolling motor. Voltage is also an important factor in determining the thrust of a trolling motor. Most trolling motors have fixed voltage, but Garmin Force and Lowrance Ghost offer variable voltages which can provide more thrust for your boat. Installing a circuit breaker or fuse will ensure that your trolling motor is protected from power surges while also allowing you to take advantage of higher voltage settings for increased thrust.
Overall, installing a circuit breaker or fuse is an important step in protecting your trolling motor from power surges while also allowing you to take advantage of higher voltage settings for increased thrust. It’s much easier and cheaper to replace a switch or fuse than it is to replace the entire trolling motor, so it’s important to install one when setting up your trolling motor. When choosing a spot lock trolling motor setup, consider the battery type and voltage requirements as well as the features offered by each model.
High-Quality Fish Finder
When it comes to fishing with a trolling motor, having a high-quality fish finder is essential. Not only will it help you locate the best spots to cast your line, but it can also make sure that you stay in the same spot without having to constantly adjust your position. Some trolling motors require you to buy brand-specific electronics, but Minn Kota offers Universal Sonar 2 which will adapt to most major sonar brands. It’s important to learn and practice using the wireless remote or foot pedal to control the spot lock trolling motor intuitively.
In addition, connecting the spot lock trolling motor with compatible sonar and mapping devices can give you even more features. For optimal performance, install the spot lock trolling motor at the bow of your boat and use its jog function to follow fish movements. With a good fish finder and a reliable trolling motor, you’ll be able to enjoy hours of successful fishing trips!
Final Thoughts
Trolling motors are a great tool for saltwater anglers, allowing them to access new areas and anchor on structures. With the introduction of new features such as wireless communication, trolling motors have become even more user-friendly, especially for solo anglers. When purchasing a trolling motor, it is important to look for one that pairs with existing fish finders and is capable of GPS anchoring. Additionally, make sure the motor is built to withstand harsh saltwater conditions. Trolling motors with spot-lock can make angling or fishing trips easier and more efficient by providing an automated way to stay in one spot. When selecting a trolling motor spot-lock, consider features such as efficiency, performance, durability, and affordability.
FAQ
What brands of trolling motors have Spot-Lock?
There are several brands of trolling motors that offer spot-lock technology, including Minn Kota, Garmin, Lowrance, and Motorguide. Minn Kota offers the Ulterra and Terrova models with Spot-Lock technology. The Ulterra is a more advanced model that features an integrated GPS system for precise anchoring. The Terrova model has a foot pedal control and a remote control for easy operation. Garmin, Lowrance, and Motorguide also offer spot-lock trolling motors with similar features.
Does a MotorGuide xi3 have Spot-Lock?
Yes, the MotorGuide xi3 trolling motor has Spot-Lock technology. This model features a wireless remote control and foot pedal for easy operation. It also has an integrated GPS system that allows you to anchor in one spot with precision. Additionally, the xi3 is designed to withstand harsh saltwater conditions and is compatible with most major sonar brands.
