Boat fishing: A comparison of bow motors: Which class suits which boat?

​The market for bow motors is now broad enough to be analysed not only by brand, but above all by application, cost and performance profile. This is where its strength now lies. Whilst there are now clear differences between an affordable 12-volt entry-level model, a particularly convenient automatic solution, a brushless performance class and a long-shaft motor for boats with high freeboard – these differences are by no means confusing. On the contrary: the categories can be categorised with surprising clarity.

More on the topic of “fishing”:

• ​Practical Guide: The Comprehensive Guide to Fishing from a Boat
• ​Fishing: What is a boat fishing competition?
• ​Boat fishing: Why a stern-drive electric boat is ideal for fishing
• ​Boat fishing: The revolution from the front

An introduction to the world of bow thrusters

Anyone venturing into the world of bow motors for the first time will almost inevitably end up with a Minn Kota PowerDrive or Terrova. The reason is simple: this range combines a relatively low barrier to entry with the very features that make a bow motor so valuable in everyday use – GPS anchoring, automatic position correction, cruise control/autopilot logic and a straightforward remote control.

In terms of price, this entry-level model remains affordable. Depending on the model, the PowerDrive range starts at roughly 1,500 euros, making it the gateway to this category today.

The convenient solution

When maximum comfort is what matters, there’s hardly any alternative to the Minn Kota Ulterra. For years, Ulterra has been synonymous with Auto-Stow/Deploy and Power Trim – in other words, the ability to stow and deploy the motor and adjust its height using a remote control, foot pedal or compatible system, without having to touch the front of the motor at all.

12 volts: When it’s enough

For smaller, lighter boats and manageable sailing areas. This class works perfectly, particularly when the boat offers little windage, is used moderately and no extreme thrust reserve is required. The key is simply to have the right expectations. 12 volts is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but rather the right choice for a clearly defined set of requirements: light boats, manageable conditions, and a sensible starting point. As soon as the boat, freeboard, wind pressure and frequency of use increase, the situation very quickly shifts towards 24 volts.

24 or 36 volts in a motor

The most exciting modern category at the moment is that of motors which combine 24 and 36 volts in a single unit. This is where the market’s true top tier begins. The Lowrance Recon, Minn Kota QUEST and Garmin Force/Force Pro are prime examples of this category.

The advantage is obvious: greater reserve, greater flexibility, greater future-proofing. Particularly on medium-sized and larger boats, during frequent use, in stronger winds or with a stronger current, this is where the confidence comes from that makes the difference between ‘it sort of works’ and ‘it works really smoothly’.

Always welcome at the tournament

Anyone looking for bow motors for sporty, high-performance boating will very quickly think of the Minn Kota Ultrex QUEST, the Lowrance Ghost X and the Garmin Force Pro.

The reason lies in its characteristics. The Ultrex QUEST remains highly appealing thanks to its direct, foot-pedal-responsive feel. The Ghost X comes across as a very consistent performance response to active casting and precise line control. The Force Pro combines strong performance with a clean, very modern integration system.

This does not make these engines exclusively ‘suitable for competition’, but it does make them particularly attractive wherever boat handling needs to be fast, precise, repeatable and carried out without any fuss.

Large boats, high freeboard

As soon as boats get bigger or have higher freeboard, the choice of engine becomes a different matter. This is where the Garmin Force Kraken becomes particularly interesting. The Kraken is designed specifically for this scenario: for greater freeboard and installation situations where the shaft may need to be two metres or longer.

Garmin is not alone in this. Other manufacturers also offer long-shaft versions. But Kraken is currently putting this concept into practice in a particularly clear and visible way.

Selection guide: Which class is suitable for which application?