No listed product in this selection has exactly 17 lb of thrust. The options below are higher-thrust alternatives: choose the 30 lb Minn Kota for a compact freshwater setup, either 36 lb Newport for a lighter craft or kayak, and the 62 lb or 68 lb models for buyers seeking more thrust and additional control features. Match thrust, shaft length, and water type to your boat before buying.
| Product | Thrust | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|
| Minn Kota Endura C2 | 30 lb | Freshwater use and straightforward tiller control |
| Newport NV-Series | 36 lb | Small craft and saltwater use |
| Newport Kayak Series | 36 lb | Kayaks needing a 24-inch shaft |
| Newport L-Series | 62 lb | Boaters wanting a longer shaft and battery display |
| BODIOO trolling motor | 68 lb | Small craft needing multiple speeds and depth adjustment |
Minn Kota Endura C2 30 Lb Thrust
Best for: Freshwater anglers who want a comparatively modest step up from 17 lb thrust. At 30 lb, this model is the closest thrust option in the list, though it is still 13 lb higher than the requested rating.
Its six-inch telescoping tiller provides adjustable hand control, and a push-to-test battery meter is built into the motor head. The 10-position lever-lock bracket lets users adjust and secure the motor angle. Reinforced composite construction is designed to resist flexing, warping, and UV damage, while the power prop is intended for moving through thick vegetation.
Why it was selected: It offers the lowest thrust among the supplied options and practical features for freshwater fishing. Limitation: The listing identifies this model for freshwater, so choose a saltwater-rated option for saltwater use.
Newport NV-Series 36 Lb Thrust
Best for: Owners of kayaks, canoes, inflatables, and other small craft who need more thrust than a 17 lb motor. The listed 36 lb thrust is substantially higher, making this an alternative rather than a direct match.
Newport describes the motor as suitable for saltwater and freshwater. Its corrosion-resistant construction and two-blade propeller are presented as features for dependable, efficient movement. The listing emphasizes lightweight power and battery efficiency for smaller vessels.
Why it was selected: It combines a stated small-craft focus with saltwater and freshwater use. Limitation: The provided product details do not specify shaft length or speed settings, so verify those requirements with the listing before purchasing.
Newport Kayak Series 36 Lb Thrust
Best for: Kayak owners who need a specified shorter shaft. This model has a 24-inch fiberglass shaft for variable depth placement and 36 lb of thrust, so it is not a 17 lb replacement on a like-for-like basis.
The motor offers eight speeds: five forward and three reverse. Its six-inch telescoping handle supports user control, while the listing describes the motor as saltwater-rated, with an aluminum motor head and corrosion-resistant magnesium, zinc, and stainless-steel hardware. It uses a 12V lead-acid DC power system.
Why it was selected: Its kayak-focused design and stated shaft length make it easier to compare for kayak installations. Limitation: Confirm that the 24-inch shaft suits your transom height and water conditions; the listing specifies a lead-acid 12V system.
Newport L-Series 62 Lb Thrust
Best for: Boaters who want a longer shaft, an LED battery indicator, and more thrust than the 17 lb category. Its 40-inch shaft, 10-LED battery meter, and six-inch telescoping tiller are specified features.
This 12V motor has eight speeds, including five forward and three reverse. The three-blade propeller is described as providing low-end torque to get the boat moving. The listing gives an approximate top speed of 4.25 mph and notes that actual speed depends on boat shape, weight, water, and wind.
Why it was selected: It offers clear shaft and control specifications for buyers comparing higher-thrust transom motors. Limitation: Its 62 lb rating is far above 17 lb, and the listed speed is an approximate maximum rather than a guaranteed boat speed.
BODIOO 68 Lb Thrust Trolling Motor
Best for: Small-craft owners who prioritize adjustable operation and battery monitoring. This 68 lb model has a 30-inch shaft, an LED voltage display, and a handle that extends six inches.
Controls include five forward and three reverse speeds. A collar-release mechanism adjusts depth, and the bracket rotates 90 degrees and locks in 10 positions. The listing also describes a tool-free, three-blade propeller and low-noise operation around 50 dB.
Why it was selected: Its adjustment options and real-time battery display distinguish it from simpler alternatives. Limitation: Its thrust is nearly four times 17 lb; choose it only if that higher rating suits the boat and intended setup.
Buying Guide: How To Choose Trolling Motor Thrust
Is a 17 lb thrust model required?
None of these five listings is rated at 17 lb. If that exact thrust is necessary for your boat or setup, continue searching for a motor with a stated 17 lb rating rather than treating a higher-thrust model as equivalent. A higher rating is not automatically the right match.
What should you compare besides thrust?
- Shaft length: Compare the motor’s shaft with your mounting height and the water depth where you operate. The selected models list shafts of 24, 30, or 40 inches, while some supplied details do not state a shaft length.
- Water type: Check whether the motor is specified for freshwater, saltwater, or both. The Minn Kota listing says freshwater; the Newport models describe saltwater use.
- Controls and monitoring: Consider whether you want multiple forward and reverse speeds, a telescoping tiller, or a battery indicator.
- Power requirements: Check the listing and your battery setup. The Newport Kayak Series specifies 12V lead-acid DC.
Which option is closest to 17 lb?
The 30 lb Minn Kota is the lowest-thrust motor among these choices. It is still higher than 17 lb, so it should be considered only if a 30 lb rating fits the application.
Which motor is best for a kayak?
The Newport Kayak Series is explicitly kayak-focused and lists a 24-inch shaft. The Newport NV-Series also names kayaks among suitable small craft, but the provided features do not state its shaft length.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are any of these motors rated at exactly 17 lb thrust?
No. The products provided are rated from 30 lb to 68 lb thrust.
What is the closest listed thrust to 17 lb?
The Minn Kota Endura C2 is rated at 30 lb, the lowest rating in this selection.
Can I use a freshwater trolling motor in saltwater?
Follow the product’s stated water-use rating. The Minn Kota listing specifies freshwater, while several Newport listings describe saltwater-rated construction.
Does a higher thrust rating guarantee a faster boat?
No. The Newport L-Series listing notes that speed depends on factors including boat shape, weight, water, and wind.
What should I check before ordering?
Confirm the thrust rating, shaft length, water-use rating, control features, and required power setup against your boat and operating conditions.