Best Spot Lock Trolling Motors

Having the best spot lock trolling motor installed on your boat has several advantages for fishing and other activities. This is why you should always try to find the best quality one you can buy. The most significant benefit of an electric trolling motor is that it allows you to be able to move or position your boat with great stealth.
Anchor trolling motor typically comes as a self-contained unit with an electric motor, propeller, and controls and can be attached to the stern or bow of your water vessel. This unit allows you to easily propel your boat along a preferred water trajectory. But when paired with a GPS anchor system as most modern units do, the best spot lock trolling motors will have a virtual anchoring system that helps to lock your boat into a preferred spot.
There are different types of trolling motor. In this guide, we review 10 of the best and cheapest trolling motor with spot lock to help you find an ideal one for your needs.

1. Newport Vessels NV-Series 55lb Thrust Saltwater Transom Mounted Trolling Electric Trolling Motor

best spot lock trolling motor
Made from a combination of stainless steel, zinc, and magnesium, this electric spot trolling motor is durable and versatile. It is built for both fresh water and marine applications. The high thrust of 55lbs also means that this trolling motor is suitable for any boater no matter the use case you have in mind for it. When you are looking for a unit built to take on heavy use, this is the trolling motor to get. The motor can run all day without overheating or breaking down.
Pros
  • Suitable for all-day use and a variety of applications
  • 8-speed motor
  • Built for both fresh water and marine use
  • Efficient motor with 55lb thrust
Cons
  • The motor has no switch so the only way to turn it off is by disconnecting the battery.

2. Minn Kota Ulterra Freshwater Bow-Mount Trolling Motor

best trolling motor with spot lock
If you want a trolling motor that is easy and convenient to use, this is one of the top choices to consider. The Minn Kota Ulterra Freshwater Bow-Mount Trolling Motor is an advanced unit with several upgraded features that is sure to make using it a breeze. It has a GPS lock feature and universal sonar that makes it easy to find fishes and other species in the water. It can also track and record paths, favorite fishing spots, and the command speed. Delivering up to 80lbs, this is a powerful trolling motor. But what makes this unit even more special is how easy to steer and control it is. It can be fully controlled using the touchscreen panel or with a virtual remote. You can also make use of the foot pedal to control the boat. This gives you convenient hands-free control of your boat.
Pros
  • Sonar system helps to find fish easily
  • GPS locks on to fishing spots and paths
  • Remote controlled system
Cons
  • Only suitable for freshwater use

3. MinnKota RipTide PowerDrive With i-Pilot Saltwater Bow-Mount Trolling Motor

best budget trolling motor with spot lock
Perhaps the most remarkable feature of this mount trolling motor is how easy it to lift and operate it is. It has an assist lever you can simply deploy to get the unit out of water. To further add to the convenience of using this trolling motor, it uses an iPilot GPS trolling system that makes it very easy to control. It also has an autopilot system that can automatically steer the boat in any direction of your choice. This trolling motor uses a digital maximizer to control this speed. This makes it easy to use since you just have to dial in the desired speed. The digital maximizer system also means the battery will last longer on a single charge.
Pros
  • iPilot GPS trolling system
  • Spot lock compatible
  • Assist level system
  • Advanced corrosion control for durability
Cons
  • The trolling motor is a little bulky

4. Minn Kota Terrova Freshwater Bow-Mount Trolling Motor with Universal Sonar 2

spot lock trolling motor for kayak
This bow-mounted trolling motor has a universal sonar system that makes it easy to find fishes in the water. It also comes with a spot lock system that allows you to anchor on a fishing spot without a need to touch the trolling motor. You will love the easy-deploy lift assist mechanism of this trolling motor. It makes it easy to get this unit into the water and out of it when you are ready to move.
Pros
  • The battery meter makes it easy to monitor battery charge
  • Strong and durable composite shaft
  • An accurate GPS anchoring system
  • i-Pilot system for seamless control
Cons
  • Only built for freshwater

5. Minn Kota Ultrex Freshwater Bow-Mount Motor with Universal Sonar 2

spot-lock trolling motor saltwater
With a 52-inch shaft length and a motor that delivers up to 80lbs of thrust, this bow mount trolling motor is built for heavy-duty use. It is also designed for easy and convenient control. It features a power steering foot pedal that makes precise control possible. There is a spot-lock button on the foot pedal that makes it possible to anchor your boat on a spot. To improve your fishing experience, this trolling motor uses a sonar system that helps you find fish faster.
Pros
  • Intuitive and very responsive steering system
  • A GPS-powered spot lock system
  • Easy control with the foot pedal, touchscreen remote, and virtual remote
Cons
  • The gas assist is not so strong

6. AQUOS Haswing CaymanB 12V 55LBS 48inch Bow Mount Electric Trolling Motor

trolling motor with gps anchor
The Haswing Cayman Trolling Motor from Aquos is a highly versatile unit designed for both fresh and saltwater use. It is powerful, well-built, and can be used as a trolling motor for boats weighing as much as 2700+lbs. This unit comes with a portable wireless remote control that allows you to control the motor from a distance as far as 164ft away. It also has a foot pedal control with buttons for various functions. This is a variable speed motor and this helps to conserve battery life and allows more precise and smooth speed selection.
Pros
  • Runs quieter than earlier models
  • Variable speed dial improves control and battery life
  • Cruise control to maintain the desired speed
  • Corrosion resistance design
Cons
  • The foot pedal is a bit large-sized but still functional

7. MotorGuide Wireless Saltwater Bow Mount Trolling Motor

best gps trolling motor 2021
The MotorGuide Wireless Mount trolling motor is a lightweight but powerful unit with several innovative features designed to make fishing more convenient. There is a LED screen on the dashboard that allows you to easily monitor the key functions of the motor. This unit is GPS compatible and this allows it to provide precision control and efficient anchoring. This is a durable unit and all its electronic components are enclosed in a water-resistant coating which helps to protect them.
Pros
  • Wireless remote control
  • Pinpoint GPS compatible
  • Versatile motor recommended for boats of different sizes
Cons
  • Handling and operation may be a bit difficult

8. Haswing Black Cayman 12V 55lbs 48 inch Bow Mount Electric Trolling Motor

motorguide trolling motor with spot lock
The Haswing Cayman is one of the lightest electric trolling motors you can get. The simple and lightweight design also allows it to operate quite quietly which means it won’t scare fish away from your boat. This is an efficient unit with an impressive range of operations. One of the most outstanding features of this motor is the cruise control which allows you to easily vary how the unit operates.
Pros
  • Can be used both in fresh and seawater
  • Ergonomic handle for easy lifting
  • Cruise control keeps your boat at normal speed
Cons

    9. ProNav Angler for Minn Kota PowerDrive Trolling Motors

    best anchor lock trolling motor
    This unit is a bow-mounted GPS-controlled autopilot system that gives you full control of your vessel. You can easily control this trolling motor using 3 smart modes. This includes an Anchor mode for locking into a GPS coordinate, a Vector mode for maintaining a route, and Routes modes for creating preferred fishing routes. There is also a Manual control mode for fine-tuning your position. With this trolling motor, you can use your phone or tablet to fully control your vessel.
    Pros
    • 4 smart modes
    • Turns your phone into HD chart-plotter
    • No cell-service required
    Cons

      10. Lowrance Ghost Freshwater Trolling Motor

      True to its name, this trolling motor is really like a ghost on the water. It features a brushless motor which allows it to operate very silently so it does not disturb the water and fish nearby. This is one of the quietest units you can buy and it is also very easy to use. You will love the fact that the foot pedal is configurable with shortcut buttons for easy operation. It also features a 3-in-1 Sonar imaging system that scans the water. In addition to silent operation, this unit also emits no electromagnetic interference.
      Pros
      • Quietest trolling motor
      • Zero interference
      • Fully configurable pedal with shortcuts
      • Reliable and powerful
      Cons
      • Only works in freshwater

      Buying Guide For Best Spot Lock Trolling Motors

      What Is Spot Lock/GPS/Anchor Lock Feature In Trolling Motor?

      The Anchor lock feature is a mechanism designed to help keep your boat locked into a precise fishing spot. This mechanism operates primarily using a GPS anchor that can lock to a precise location.  A trolling motor with this feature can make use of GPS data sourced either from an internal antenna or an additional fish finder integrated into it to hover the boat on a spot. 

      Types of Trolling Motors

      Engine Mount Motors: These types of motors are mounted on the outboard motors and are designed to provide thrust to your boat. They typically come with a wired remote for controlling the thrust settings. These types of trolling motors are most suited for multi-purpose boats. They also have a space-saving design which makes them an ideal choice in situations where there isn’t enough room to install a traditional unit. Engine mount motors are rudimentary at best and lack many of the features of the other types of trolling motors and they tend to be more expensive as well. 

      Transom Motors: If you have a small boat, then this is the best trolling motor with a spot lock recommended for you. Transom motors are the easiest to install as they can be easily attached to the stern of your boat using a simple clamp. They are also quite easy to operate and clutter-free since they do not require foot pedals to operate. Transom Motors are cheaper than the other types of trolling motors. 

      Bow Mounts: Like the name implies, bow mount motors are installed in front of your boat. This can present some challenges since your boat needs to have a flat deck and enough room to install this type of trolling motor. Still, this is the most popular type of trolling motor, especially for serious fishermen. It is most suitable for medium to larger boats and provides better control compared to other types of trolling motor. This is mainly due to the fact that it pulls your boat rather than push it through the water which makes it easier to steer and maneuver. 

      Features To Consider When Buying A Spot Lock Trolling Motor

      Getting a reliable spot lock trolling motor can be difficult especially if you don’t know what to look out for in one. These are some of the features to consider if you want to get the best spot lock trolling motor for your water vessel. 

      • Precisions speed controls: This feature allows you to vary the pace or speed of movement of your vessel. They are precise which means you get more accuracy in maintaining the speed of your boat when you engage this function. 
      • GPS Specifications: The GPS of every trolling motor has unique specifications. These include the horsepower rating, fuel consumption, and output level. Check for these specifications and ensure that they suit you in picking a spot lock trolling motor.
      • Different modes in GPS: Typically, trolling motors have two GPS modes. These are the spot lock and circle modes. The spot lock mode helps to increase the accuracy of the motor and helps to lock the motor. The circle mode on the other hand helps to identify a fixed spot for the motor. These two functions aid the navigation of your boat. 
      • Route record/playback: As the name implies, the function of this feature is to record the route plied by your vessel. You can then playback this route subsequently when you need to. 
      • Foot Pedal: The foot pedal is usually located in the basement of the vessel’s steering chamber. This feature is important for controlling the acceleration and for stopping the motor when you need to. 
      • Remote Control:  The motor is less difficult to control with the wireless remote control feature since you don’t have to be physically present to operate the unit every time. 
      • Power Drive: The power drive generates the torque needed to drive the entire structure of your vessel forward. This is of course an important feature since it determines the overall performance and reliability of your unit. 
      • Anchor Feature: As the name implies, this feature makes it possible to hold your vessel to a spot on the water. This typically consists of a bar of strong iron or any other heavy metal that helps to hold your boat in place at a preferred spot when this feature is engaged. 
      • Straight Line: This feature allows you to navigate your vessel and maintain a preferred trajectory when it moves. Paired with the route record function this feature makes point-to-point navigations a lot easier. 
      • Battery Meter: The trolling motor runs on a battery that supplies electrical power. Since the charge of the battery depletes as it operates, a battery meter helps to track the battery level accordingly. 
      • Anchor Button: The anchor button is what you need to engage the anchor function of your trolling motor and this makes effortless control of the unit possible. 

      Benefits of a Spot Lock Trolling Motor

      Powers the Vessel: even the most rudimentary and the cheapest spot lock trolling motor should be able to supply the torque needed by the vessel to move from one spot to the other on the water. A trolling motor typically uses electrical energy from the battery to supply the power needed by the vessel. 

      Fixed the Vessels: The lock feature of this type of trolling motor serves the purpose of helping to lock the vessel into a given spot. This makes the task of retrieving the boat later much simpler. 

      Aids in Identification and Tracing: Since they have a GPS anchor lock function, spot lock trolling motors make it easier to track and identify vessels from a distance. This feature can be quite valuable for search and rescue operations. 

      Conclusion

      When it comes to choosing the best trolling motor, there are different types and models to choose from. This roundup will make it easier to choose the best spot lock trolling motor for your specific needs. The AQUOS Haswing Cayman Bow Mount Electric Trolling Motor is our top pick from all the products reviewed. This is a versatile unit that you can use for both freshwater and marine applications. It is also one of the cheapest trolling motor with spot lock you can find around and still very functional.  Still, any of the other products on this list will make a great choice too and they are all worth considering. 

      I have a degree in engineering and am passionate in helping people find the best products for the money using my own personal experiences. I'm a father, son, brother, uncle, coach, husband, and engineer who loves to spend time with his two boys and beautiful wife. In my free time my passion is to help others. I love anything and everything technology and spend many hours researching products that I have interests in for myself, my family and friends. My hope is that my time spent researching products will help you save time and money so you can free up your time and spend it doing what you love to do most!

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