The motor you pair your boat with influences many aspects of your boating experiences and abilities. They affect speed, distance, power, steering ease, mobility, sustainable practices, and noise. With so many different factors pertinent to your motor choice, it is essential to pick the right kind for your needs.

Two of the most popular selections are trolling and outboard motors. Both provide functional propelling systems for an array of boating adventures, from fishing to cruises. Which of the two should you choose? Here's a look into the differences between trolling vs. outboard motors.

Purpose and Propulsion

Trolling motors' primary function is to provide complementary propulsion. They are often attached to the back of small fishing boats, dinghies, sailboats, and canoes. Meanwhile, the purpose of outboards is to be your boat's main power and propelling source. Between the two motors, outboards offer more power supply to fulfill the needs of its purpose. As a supplementary propulsion system, trolling motors, on the other hand, offer more limited horsepower.

Size and Power Variability

Outboards come in many variations. Electric, gas, large, and small outboard motor designs give you plenty of motor and propulsion options. Trolling motors feature a more consistent size and power selection. Since they mainly function as an auxiliary propelling system, trolling motors are compact and often battery-powered or run on a small gas engine.

Speed and Longevity

Trolling in fishing terms refers to trailing a baited line behind your boat across a set distance or area. To set the trail or line, you need to crawl your boat slowly forward. As their name indicates, trolling motors were initially designed for trolling purposes. They offer limited horsepower, operating at slower speeds and crossing shorter distances.

Outboard motors offer higher and more expanded speed and distance capabilities. Their efficient energy and power supply makes them suitable for longer boat trips and faster than their trolling counterpart.

Additional Features

When looking for the perfect boat motor and choosing between trolling and outboards, it's important to consider any additional features offered. Popular added components to look for include technological enhancements, portability, and easy-navigational and operational mechanics. Different brands and models of trolling and outboard motors vary their selection of additional features. RJ Nautical offers Yamaha outboards for sale, featuring many extra properties to enhance your boating experience, from nitro assist to electric steering systems.

The differences between trolling and outboard motors derive from their functionality, speed, power, distance longevity, and additional features. In general, trolling motors are small, supplementary sources of propulsion and power. Outboards are the primary motor source, covering higher speeds and distances. They also come in more variations, while most trolling motors follow one specific design structure. Knowing the differences between trolling and outboard motors allows you to better choose a motor that meets your boating needs.