As Summer arrives, many of us will be looking to escape to our beach homes and secluded getaways.
With the relentless trail of the pandemic following us everywhere, living somewhat isolated from the bustling city life and closer to a more primitive one may just do the trick.
Taking the old kayak out for a quick cruise across the lake or fishing and cooking our own food sounds more enjoyable than ever.
Best of the Best | Editors Rating | |
 Overall Rating - 4.5/5 It is the ideal trolling motor to use on kayaks, canoes, small dinghies, and inflatable boats.
| PORTABLE, COMPATIBLE, SMART DESIGN, STYLISH, & GUARANTEED SATISFACTION. Value of Money - 4.5/5 Product Quality - 4.5/5 Durbilty - 4.7/5 Price Compare | |
And if you’re thinking of fishing, you better own a boat, and if you own a boat, you must have a trolling motor to go with. Or do you? Worry not if you’re not an avid angler or recently just moved to your new home surrounded by a lake because Watersnake trolling motors have got you covered.
Watersnake trolling motors changed the electric motor industry for good when they landed out of nowhere in 2006.
Founded by Australian parent company Jarvis Walker, Watersnake was electric motor brand customers immediately caught up on. Their famous tagline “created by anglers to be used by anglers” embodies their specialty.
But how does one come to decide what trolling motor is suitable for their boat? That’s a million-dollar question right there. For that, you have to plan around a few decision-making factors.
Consideration Factor-Buying Guide
Factor One: Boat Style
The type of boat you are using will determine many aspects of your buying decisions from the onset. Most importantly, it will help you decide the size of trolling motor you will need. The thrust, volts, and shaft length are three things to consider when determining the size.
If you’re looking to buy a trolling motor designed for small boats such as kayaks and canoes, here are the two best Watersnake trolling motors to decide between:
1. Watersnake ASP T18 Saltwater Electric Outboard with Bracket
The Watersnake ASP T18 Saltwater Electric Outboard Trolling Motor is made explicitly for kayaks as it comes with a kayak bracket.
From its name, we already know it’s made for saltwater conditions, and if you’re planning to hit the beach this weekend for some fishing – this is a suitable match.
Famous for its lightweight feel, it weighs only 2.2kg and portable to its core. This aspect is what makes this a top customer pick for small boats like kayaks, dinghies, and even inflatable boats that you’d carry at the back of your pickup truck.
You get a 12V motor, a model available in two options; the 24lb. or 18lb. thrust. The beauty of it is how considerably powerful this trolling motor is for small boats as a kayak. But the fun doesn’t end there if we don’t mention its versatility.
Packed with numerous control features like the high and low-speed control, a reverse and forward switch to move quickly out of swampy areas, and an extendable handle (fan favorite) ensures comfortable steering on top of it all.
The package comes with an anti-impact clip system to make sure your trolling motor’s safely and securely mounted. That way, you get a solid grasp on that mount.
Moreover, an optional bracket increases the mounting versatility of your motor by a mile. Lastly, the 2-blade propeller is the cherry on top, with its ergonomic design cuts through seaweeds and choppy waterbodies effortlessly.
Off the top, it ticks off handling and portability with its lightweight characteristic and extendable handle for hand control; suitable for almost all kayaks and canoes, and it is one of the best-budget choices you’ll make. It consumes low power and is very easy to install with the anti-impact clip system as well.
However, it comes with just two-speed settings and is suitable for small boats only. But if you’re looking for a trolling motor best for a small boat, with relatively high power and excellent maneuverability, and all of that at an economical price, the Watersnake ASP T18 Saltwater Electric Outboard Trolling Motor is easily your go-to choice.
2. Watersnake – ASP 18 and 24 Pound Thrust 12V Trolling Motor
The second option is this budget-friendly trolling motor from Watersnake. It is just as lightweight at 2.2kg; if you’re going fishing tomorrow, you could carry it in your hands on the way and not feel a thing.
Made for saltwater conditions, the Watersnake trolling motor is best suitable for kayaks, dinghies, and other such smaller boats.
Even though it comes with a 12V motor, it is only available in a 24 lb. thrust option unlike the former. But it is popular for its affordable price and quality offered, especially in context to other trolling motors available in a similar price range.
If you’re moving to your beach house retreat this summer for a couple of months, this is one of the better trolling motors to buy for a one-off situation like yours.
Last but not the least, the Watersnake trolling motor offers a transom clamp mount so you can lift the motor when not used. However, it offers just two speed-settings as the previous choice and has a design flaw in its hand tiller.
Factor Two: Motor Mounting
Transom mounts or bow mounts? Which is better and why? First, we dealt with the size and type of your boat, the critical factor that helps determine other elements.
If you’re the owner of small boats like a kayak or a canoe, transom mounts are the correct choice. The advantage with transom mounts is that they are firstly cheaper, secondly much easier to install. They stick to the back of your boat (stern) with a clamp and don’t interfere with your precious deck space.
On the other hand, bow mounts are made for bigger boats and serious anglers. Sounds tough, right? They are for medium to large-sized vessels like cuddy cabin boats and fishing boats.
Known for precise control, they are much better at maneuverability because bow mount motors pull your boat while transom mount motors push from the back. However, with more features come heftier prices, and they definitely take up more of your deck space.
Here are two of the best options from Watersnake to consider between transom mount motors and bow mount motors:
1. Watersnake Venom Swet 12V Electric Trolling Motor, Fresh & Saltwater
The Watersnake Venom series offers top-notch quality and versatility and the Swet 12V Electric Trolling Motor is a real contender.
Highly rated by customers, it is made for both fresh and saltwater areas. The 12V motor comes in 34 lb. and 54 lb. options in a robust and minimal design.
The hand tiller is versatile and easy to control because of its telescopic characteristic. Designed ergonomically, it provides a solid grip and even has a digital display of the voltage meter to keep track of your battery’s performance.
You won’t face the issue of poor steering control like you may with the Watersnake ASP 18 & 24 Pound Thrust 12V Trolling Motor.
The 34lb. motor option comes with a two-blade propeller that cuts through choppy areas with ease, thanks to its weedless design.
But if you want more thrust power and fish in heavy currents, the 54 lb. motor is more suitable for you. The latter comes with a three-blade propeller so you can move quicker and with precision. You get higher power and a longer running time. According to experts, it is better to go for the highest thrust power your boat is geared to.
It is necessary to mention their multiple speed-settings when talking about power and control. This is where it reaches new heights for a small boat.
You get 5 forward and 3 reverse speed-settings combined with the ergonomic and sturdy hand tiller. Whether you’re fishing in swampy areas and require stillness and precision or are racing in those day-long tournaments in heavy river currents, the forward and reverse speeds come to excellent use.
However, it is relatively expensive, and customers have complained regarding faulty design. It is also known to have performed better on bigger watercraft like fishing boats over small ones like kayaks and canoes.
2. Watersnake Shadow Bow Mount Foot Control Trolling Motor
The Shadow series from Watersnake Trolling Motors is perhaps their best-seller. Most popular among bigger vessels like fishing boats, cuddy cabin boats, cabin cruisers, etc.
The Watersnake Shadow Bow Mount Foot Control Trolling Motor is highly acclaimed among avid anglers all around. It comes with 7 speed-settings, a telescopic steel shaft that is rigid and resistant to corrosion and is compatible with numerous types and sizes of boats.
The exponential variety in speed-settings matters extensively when fishing in swampy waterbodies, heavy currents, or when you need to be as slow and accurate as possible with the boat’s movements.
Any angler will tell you how essential it is to have that flexibility when fishing for years. But if you’re out there giving your extended family a cruise of their lives in your fancy little cuddy cabin boat, perhaps the high speed-settings will be your best friend.
The shaft is a key area as well. Ask any angler that knows their trade, and they’ll tell you how corrosion and the usual wearing and tearing is a significant cause for concern. It is telescopic, so you get maximum utility for length and isn’t inflexible, ensuring cohesiveness.
However, this model is on the pricier side of things, and unlike the former model, it lacks a digital battery meter, so you cannot monitor its health. Not to mention, a transom mount gives you more outstanding operability than a bow mount.
The Shadow and the Venom models consist of a few notable differences and the mounting category. Moreover, the latter has one less speed-setting (two reverse speed-settings instead of three) and, of course, is controlled with your foot instead of your hands.
Factor Three: How tight is your budget?
Watersnake is very popular for numerous reasons; their budget-friendly price ranges are one of them.
As you have learned some key factors that influence price, like the size of your boat, that a transom mount is more affordable because it takes up less room, etc., it is wise to decide on your budget before purchasing.
Most Watersnake Trolling Motors are affordable and reasonably priced, but if you own a kayak and fish in heavy currents, the Watersnake ASP T18 Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor is an excellent pick.
Firstly because it gives great utility; it’s lightweight and portable, the extended steering handle is highly functional, and not only is it significantly powerful in either 18lb. or 24lb. version, but is versatile as well.
Here’s another fan-favorite budget-friendly trolling motor from Watersnake that offers maximum utility:
1. Watersnake Tracer Transom Mount Trolling Motor
The Tracer Transom Mount Trolling Motor is one of their best-budget models. It is made to cater to freshwater and is available in 30, 44, and 54-pound thrust power. These three options allow any customer to pick the best fit for their boat size while saving a chunk of cash.
Concerning thrust power (30, 36, and 42inches), the shaft comes in three sizes and is one of the wisest picks for small boats like kayaks, jon boats, etc. Like the ASP series, this model features an ergonomic transom mount with a robust metal clamp to easily attach to your boat.
This model is the gift that keeps giving, as it also offers a three-blade propeller for its economical price and low power consumption. Packed with intelligent features and quality construction, the Watersnake Tracer Transom Mount Trolling Motor is a customer’s top choice every day of the week.
Factor Four: What kind of waterbody?
You can always catch more fish when you’re around the best fishing spots being as quiet as possible. This is precisely why trolling motors are the wisest choice among all fishermen. But what about the waterbody? How about interchanging freshwater trolling motors in saltwater sometimes?
These are all queries worth addressing. Yes, you can use freshwater trolling motors in saltwater when necessary, but make sure to rinse them thoroughly after.
The key difference between trolling motors used in saltwater and freshwater are the materials they consist of. Naturally, saltwater trolling motors use stainless steel and other such corrosion-resistant materials, darker colors, etc.
Watersnake offers two freshwater trolling motors: the Tracer Transom Mount Trolling Motor and the Venom Swet Electric Trolling Motor.
It also offers three saltwater trolling motors: the Watersnake Shadow Bow Mount Trolling Motor, the ASP models, and the Venom models.
Factor Five: Hand Control or Foot Control
Whether you prefer hand control or foot control is strictly a personal choice. With hand control, you get to manually alter between speed and direction, whereas you can free up your hands with foot control. Traditional fishers usually go with foot control for this particular advantage.
However, if you’re fishing in choppy lakes with many obstacles, hand control is the more innovative option. It is much more comfortable to clear the motor off of weeds and obstacles with a hand-tiller because you just put the motor in reverse. You would have to raise the motor out of the water with foot control bow mounts.
What do Customers say?
Customers love Watersnake because of its ease of use and high functionality. Your money is never wrongly invested in Watersnake trolling motors; they not only give you quality but provide economical prices for them simultaneously.
Customers have mentioned how Watersnake trolling motors fit almost any type of vessel, whether fishing boats, cuddy cabin boats, or a simple kayak. Moreover, their customer service is excellent consistently as well.
FAQ
- Why should I buy Watersnake trolling motors over its competitors?
One key theme in Watersnake trolling motors is their emphasis on precision over power. Although we saw two of their trolling motors with only two speed-settings, there are also those with seven and eight speed-settings. Most competitors give you lots of thrust power, but Watersnake gives you maximum control over your boat.
- What’s the purpose of the Easy-Release System in Watersnake trolling motors?
During winter, it is specifically difficult to operate on your boat with cold and wet hands. However, the engineers at Watersnake have come up with the ‘Easy-Release’ system that allows you to unmount your motor with ease.
- Are Watersnake trolling motors safe for use?
Yes, Watersnake trolling motors ensure safety at all times. We saw some of their models come with digital displays that allow you to monitor battery health. Moreover, they have an ‘Engine Kill’ option that lets you neutralize the power supply whenever necessary to avoid accidents.
- What’s one advantage Watersnake holds over competitors?
Watersnake is popular for their quality build and intelligent design, but they are definitely the most economical brand out there providing the best prices while maintaining high standards.
- How to pick the right size of trolling motor for my boat?
The general way to do it is determined by weight. Having between 40 and 25 pounds of weight/horsepower is the way to go.
Concluding Word
Based on these key decision-making factors, anyone can make the right purchase. Ensuring proper installation and keeping the battery charged will get you the best results regularly.
Watersnake is a customer-friendly brand anyway, providing consistent quality and affordability for decades, with various models to pick from according to any one customer’s needs.
