Let’s face it – trolling motors are a serious investment. No one wants to shell out their hard-earned dough on a motor if it’s not going to perform up to the level.
If you’re looking at getting a trolling motor, you might be wondering if Watersnake trolling motors are any good. While many anglers are familiar with Minn Kota and Newport Vessels motors, Watersnake motors are less well known, as they’re a relatively new brand with less of a reputation and dedicated following.
The good news is these Watersnake trolling motors aren’t just reasonably priced – they also offer exceptional performance in a variety of water conditions.
I’ll break down some of the best Watersnake trolling motors manufactured by Watersnake, and help you pick the ideal one for your craft.
Quick Answer: 5 Best Watersnake Trolling Motors
Best Compact Motor: Watersnake Asp T24
Best Mid-Size Motor: Watersnake Venom SX 34lb
Best High Thrust Motor: Watersnake Advance Brushless 70lbs. Thrust
Bow Mount Trolling Motor: Watersnake Shadow Bow Mount Foot Control
Who makes Watersnake trolling motors?
Watersnake trolling motors are manufactured by Jarvis Walker, an Australian based company that manufactures a wide variety of fishing and boating gear and equipment. The brand has seen massive growth since its inception and is now sold in more than 30 countries around the globe.
The brand is relatively new – being founded back in 2006. Despite their comparatively young age, they’ve been able to produce some of the best value motors on the market. You’ll be hard-pressed to find more bang for your buck from more well-known competitors.
Best Compact Motor: Watersnake Asp T24
Compact, lightweight, and whisper-quiet, the 12V Watersnake Asp is ideally suited for use with kayaks, canoes, inflatables, and small dinghies. It can be used in both saltwater and freshwater, making it one of the only saltwater capable models at this price point.
An adjustable transom mounting bracket comes included, allowing you to easily set the prop depth to your preference. A simple high and low-speed control with reverse gives you adequate control, while an extendable tiller handle lets you steel comfortably from multiple positions.
The motor generates 24 pounds of thrust, making it well-matched for smaller solo craft. A 24” long shaft with an impact-resistant clip system makes shallow water use a real option, while a 2-blade weedless propeller won’t get lodged full of vegetation.
When Watersnake says the motor’s lightweight, they aren’t joking around. It weighs just 6.7 pounds, so it won’t add excess poundage to your kayak. Watersnake also makes an even smaller Asp model, with 18 pounds of thrust – which weighs just 4.85 pounds!
Key Features
- Thrust: 24 lbs. (12 volt)
- Shaft Length: 24”
- Saltwater and freshwater compatible
- Weighs just 6.7 pounds
- Ideal for most kayaks, and smaller canoes/dinghies
- PORTABLE - Watersnake Saltwater Electric Outboard Motor is the ultimate in lightweight portability, weighing only 4.85lbs (2.2kg). Watersnake’s simple design keeps the weight down while delivering quality and performance.
- COMPATIBLE - It is the ideal trolling motor to use on kayaks, canoes, small dinghies, and inflatable boats. Please note: Battery not included.
- DESIGN – 24” shaft, adjustable mount fitting that makes for easy attachment, and anti-impact clip system. This easy to steer motor uses a hand tiller with an extendable handle, high and low speed control, forward and reverse switch and two blade weedless propeller design.
- STYLE - Electric motor with 24lbs thrust, Kayak Bracket Mount included.
- SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: Necessity is the mother of invention. Created by anglers to be used by anglers. If you’re not satisfied with your Watersnake Electric Motor, contact your distributor to be taken care
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Best Mid-Size Motor: Watersnake Venom SX 34lb
If you’re looking for a mid-sized Watersnake trolling motor with a little more get-up-and-go, the Venom SX fits the bill nicely. With 34 pounds of thrust and a 30” shaft, its ideal for most canoes, Jon boats, tenders, and smaller fishing craft.
The weedless 2-blade prop is attached to a stainless steel and composite shaft, so you won’t have to baby the motor in shallow water. Anti-corrosive paint and stainless-steel components mean you can use the motor in both saltwater and freshwater environments.
A digital voltometer display gives you an easy-to-read battery power indication, so you’ll know exactly how much juice you have left. 5 forward speeds and 3 reverse speeds give you precise control over your craft, so you can find the perfect trolling speed for your lure!
The entire unit weighs just 18 pounds, making it one of the lighter options at this thrust level.
Key Features
- Thrust: 34 lbs. (12 volt)
- Shaft Length: 30”
- Digital voltometer displays the remaining battery power
- Saltwater and freshwater compatible
- 5 forward and 3 reverse speeds
- STURDY SIMPLE DESIGN: Our Watersnake Venom SXW electric motors provide saltwater anglers with a versatile range of tiller-steer transom-mount motors that are loaded with clever features. The shafts on all Venom SXW motors are an extra-tough composite constructed specifically for use in saltwater marine environments. The tiller handles are telescopic for versatility, comfort and control.
- CONTROL + FEATURES: The 34lb motors have a two-blade propeller. The 54lb motors each run a three-blade propeller. All propeller shafts are stainless steel and the props have a weedless design, so you can push the boundaries during your next adventure. All the motors run on 12V power and operate with 5 forward and 3 reverse speeds, which are controlled with the tiller handle throttle.
- ELECTRIC POWER: 54 lbs thrust, 12 Volt motor, 13-54 Amps / 34 lbs thrust, 12 volt motor, 7.5-34 amps. Battery Not Included. Each motor is suited to boats ranging from small tenders and tinnies up to dedicated estuary and inshore sportfishing boats.
- VERSATILE TRANSOM MOUNT: The compact and stylish new Venom motor head design incorporates a new thicker ergonomic grip for the tiller handle. The new head design also includes a digital voltage meter display, so you can keep track of your battery’s condition. The grips on the alloy transom mount have also been upgraded, making it even easier to attach and secure the motor before you utilize the fast multi-tilt positioning bracket.
- SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: Necessity is the mother of invention. Created by anglers to be used by anglers. If you’re not satisfied with your Watersnake Electric Motor, contact your distributor to be taken care
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Best High Thrust Motor: Watersnake Advance Brushless 70lbs. Thrust
Powerful, smooth, and versatile, this powerful brushless motor provides double the thrust and RPMs of the Venom SX 34lb above. This makes it a great choice for Jon boats, bass boats, and larger dinghies. Infinitely variable forward and reverse speeds allows you to fine-tune your boat speed, while the telescopic tiller gives you easy-to-use steering and speed control.
While it puts out an impressive 70 pounds of thrust, it only requires 12v of power to run. This is less than the 24v most other motors this size need, so you’ll be able to run it off a single 12v marine battery.
Like Watersnake’s other models, this unit can be used in both saltwater and freshwater environments. One unique feature is its integrated USB charging port – which lets you charge up cellphones, GPS units, and other electronics from a port under the head unit.
An adjustable alloy transom bracket, stainless steel propeller shaft, and a weedless 3-blade propeller mean you can use the unit nearly anywhere without worry.
Key Features
- Thrust: 70 lbs. (12 volt)
- Shaft Length: 36”
- Infinitely adjustable forward and reverse motor speeds
- Telescopic tiller handle
- USB charging port integrated in the head unit
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Bow Mount Trolling Motor: Watersnake Shadow Bow Mount Foot Control
If you’re looking for a bow-mounted trolling motor for a larger boat, the Watersnake Shadow makes an excellent option. Instead of mounting to your boat’s transom, they mount to a flat section in the bow. This means they’ll pull your boat through the water rather than push it – which results in better control and maneuverability.
The motor is controlled with an included heel/toe foot pedal – which allows you to adjust the speed and direction of your craft completely hands-free!
Infinitely variable forward and reverse speeds give you fine-tuned control over your craft, while the corrosion-free composite shaft flexes rather than breaks on impact. The 44 thrust pound motor gives you plenty of power, plus a larger 54 thrust pounds is also available. Both require 12 volts of power to operate.
Both freshwater and saltwater models are available, so you can find the ideal model for your fishing environment.
Key Features
- Thrust: 44 lbs. (12 volt)
- Shaft Length: 36”, 48”, and 54”
- Foot pedal provides completely hands-free operation
- Infinite forward and reverse speeds
- 3-blade weedless prop
- Composite shaft bends rather than breaking on impact
- VARIABLE SPEED: Control the direction or speed of your boat with a touch of your foot with the variable speed foot control unit
- CORROSION FREE: All models are fitted with stainless steel propeller shafts, propellers and corrosion free composite shafts that flex on impact
- WEEDLESS DESIGN: The 3-blade propeller has a weedless design that can chew through the heaviest of underwater grasses and marsh
- THRUST: Features a 44-pound thrust while running on 12-volts of power and a 48-inch shaft
- SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: Necessity is the mother of invention. Created by anglers to be used by anglers. If you’re not satisfied with your Watersnake Electric Motor, contact your distributor to be taken care
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
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Are Watersnake trolling motors any good?
Now for the million-dollar question – are Watersnake trolling motors any good?
Having the opportunity to test the Asp T24 myself, and based on the impressive reviews and ratings from a large number of users, I’d say they’re absolutely worth it. Very few users report having serious issues with their motors, and those that did have issues were promptly resolved under warranty.
Most Watersnake trolling motors come with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty, although some models feature a two-year warranty.
Watersnake Trolling Motor Features
Watersnake trolling motors offer a wide selection of products, from the pocket-sized Asp, up to the burly and substantial Advance model. They also offer a selection of different features, from saltwater corrosion resistance to digital battery displays and impact-resistant composite shafts.
Let’s take a look at some of these in more detail.
Saltwater Compatibility
One outstanding feature of Watersnake trolling motors is their superb saltwater corrosion treatment. This includes corrosion-resistant paint, stainless steel components, and zinc anodes. They offer motors of all sizes in saltwater compatible models, so you can find the right-sized saltwater motor for whatever sized craft you have.
Compact Motors
Another unique aspect of Watersnake trolling motors is their compact motors specifically designed for kayak and canoe use.
The Asp 18 and Asp 24 are feather-light and ideally suited for use with these smaller craft. These motors have shorter shafts, simple controls, and minimalist designs – so they’re easy to carry on land as well.
They’re also priced reasonably enough for the casual user. You’ll have plenty of cash left over for a quality marine battery, charger, and other gear.
Voltage
Another interesting design feature is the use of 12 volts for all of their trolling motors.
If you’ve researched other brands, you’ve probably run into motors that require 24v or 36v to run. This means they require two 12v marine batteries for 24v, or three for a 36v motor.
A 12v motor runs off of a single 12v marine battery, so setup is easier, and you’ll be able to run the motor from an existing deep cycle marine battery. It will also save you the hassle of purchasing an additional battery(s).
Extra Features
While you may not need every special feature on offer, sometimes a few bells-and-whistles can make your fishing experience much easier.
- Digital Battery Display: A digital battery display gives you a quick and easy-to-see reading of your remaining battery power. This is nice to have when you spend a lot of time on the water – no one wants to be stuck in the middle of nowhere with a dead battery!
- Brushless Motors: Some Watersnake motors feature brushless motors rather than typical brushed motors. Brushless motors have fewer moving parts, which leads to reduced friction and less heat buildup. These motors will be more efficient and won’t emit any electrical noise during operation.
- Remote / Foot Control: Bow mounted trolling motors typically use a foot or wireless remote control rather than a tiller to control the speed and direction of your craft. Foot control pedals give you a completely hands-free motor operation, while remote controls let you operate the motor from anywhere on your boat.
Why You Should Have a Watersnake Trolling Motor on Your Boat
A Watersnake trolling motor can provide powerful thrust and maneuverability, allowing you to navigate shallow waters or low visibility conditions with ease. Not to mention, it also makes it easier to stay in one spot without having to use an anchor. Here are some of the top reasons why you should consider having a Watersnake trolling motor installed on your boat:
Increased Maneuverability
With a Watersnake trolling motor installed, you’ll be able to steer your boat more precisely and easily. This will make navigating tight spaces and shallow waters much easier. You won’t have to worry about veering off course or struggling to get through narrow passageways. A trolling motor can also give you that extra boost of power when needed, so you can reach farther distances faster and with less effort.
More Time Fishing
A Watersnake trolling motor allows you to stay in one spot for extended periods of time without having to anchor or drift aimlessly. This means more time spent fishing! You’ll be able to quickly adjust your position as needed while keeping an eye out for any changes in the current or wind direction. It’s much easier than attempting to row everywhere – especially if there is only one person aboard the boat!
Cost Efficiency
Investing in a Watersnake trolling motor may seem like a big expense upfront, but it will save money in the long run. Most boats these days come equipped with an electric outboard engine, but these tend to be quite costly when compared to a good quality trolling motor.
Not only that, but electric outboards use significantly more fuel than traditional engines – which means higher running costs over time too! A good quality trolling motor can last many years without requiring extensive maintenance – making it both cost-effective and reliable at the same time!
How to Maintain Your Watersnake Trolling Motor for Optimal Performance
Like any other piece of machinery, Watersnake trolling motor requires regular maintenance to keep it performing its best. Here are some tips on how to maintain your Watersnake trolling motor for optimal performance:
Keep It Clean
Regularly cleaning your Watersnake trolling motor is one of the most important parts of keeping it in good condition. Make sure to clean off any dirt and debris that accumulates around the propeller and shaft. This will help it run more smoothly as well as reduce unwanted noise when in use.
Check for Corrosion
One of the biggest threats to a trolling motor’s long-term health is corrosion. Make sure to check your motor regularly for any signs of rust or corrosion and treat it appropriately if needed. Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly or Vaseline can help protect against future corrosion as well as extend the Watersnake trolling motor life span significantly.
Grease & Lubricate
Replacing old grease or lubricant with new ones periodically can also help keep your motor working properly for longer periods of time. You should also check the screws, nuts, and bolts that hold everything together at least once every few months in order to make sure they don’t come loose over time.
Monitor Usage Time
Finally, make sure you monitor how long you use your Watersnake trolling motor each day. If possible, try not to exceed 4 hours per day – even if you’re in shallow waters with low visibility conditions – as this could lead to premature wear-and-tear on its components.
