MotorGuide makes transom and bow-mount trolling motors with Pinpoint GPS. Match thrust, voltage, and shaft length to your boat and water so it holds you on the fish.
MotorGuide builds a full range of electric trolling motors, from simple R3 transom-mount motors to Xi-series bow mounts with Pinpoint GPS. This collection covers them all. Choosing the right one comes down to the same four things every trolling motor decision does: thrust, voltage, shaft length, and how you want to steer it.
Thrust for your boat weight
Thrust is rated in pounds, and a good starting point is roughly two pounds of thrust for every hundred pounds of fully loaded boat weight. Heavier boats, wind, and current all push you toward more thrust, so when you are between options, go bigger. An undersized motor struggles to hold position and runs the battery down fighting the wind.
Voltage and battery setup
Thrust ties to voltage. Smaller MotorGuide motors run 12 volts on one battery, mid-size motors use 24 volts on two, and the most powerful run 36 volts on three. More voltage delivers more thrust and longer run time, but it also means more batteries and a matching charger, so plan the power system alongside the motor.
Shaft length for your bow height
The shaft must keep the prop well submerged when the bow rises in waves. Measure from the mounting deck to the waterline and add for chop. A shaft that is too short lets the prop ventilate and lose bite, while one that is too long is awkward to stow.
Transom or bow, and steering
R3 transom-mount motors are simple and fit smaller boats. Xi-series bow mounts pull the boat for the best fishing control and add Pinpoint GPS, which holds a spot, records and replays tracks, and steers from a wireless remote or foot pedal. GPS anchoring is the feature that sells most anglers on a bow mount.
Freshwater or saltwater
If you fish salt, choose a saltwater-rated MotorGuide built with corrosion-resistant materials and sealed components. Running a freshwater motor in salt shortens its life quickly, so match the motor to your water.
Not sure which MotorGuide fits your boat and battery setup? Tell our crew your boat length, weight, and water, and we will match the thrust, voltage, shaft, and control so it mounts up and holds you where you want to be.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much thrust do I need from a MotorGuide?
Plan roughly two pounds of thrust for every hundred pounds of fully loaded boat weight, and go bigger for wind and current. An undersized motor struggles to hold position and drains the battery fighting conditions.
What voltage MotorGuide should I choose?
Voltage scales with thrust: smaller motors run 12 volts on one battery, mid-size 24 volts on two, and the most powerful 36 volts on three. More voltage means more thrust and run time but more batteries to carry and charge.
How do I pick shaft length?
Measure from the mounting deck to the waterline and add length for chop so the prop stays submerged when the bow rises. Too short and the prop ventilates and loses bite, too long and it is hard to stow.
What is Pinpoint GPS?
Pinpoint GPS on MotorGuide Xi-series bow mounts holds a spot, records and replays tracks, and steers from a wireless remote or foot pedal. GPS anchoring that keeps you on the fish hands-free is the top reason anglers choose a bow mount.
Do I need a saltwater MotorGuide?
Yes if you fish salt. Saltwater-rated MotorGuide motors use corrosion-resistant materials and sealed components. A freshwater motor used in salt corrodes and fails much faster, so match the motor to your water.
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