Newport Vessels offers some of the best value transom mount trolling motors since 2008.
If you own a small boat, like a fishing kayak, inflatable dinghy, or a jon boat, and don’t need fancy GPS navigation, they might have the right trolling motor for you.
In this article, we go through all the models made by Newport Vessels and tell you what we think about them.
Let’s get started!
Newport Vessels Trolling Motors Compared
- Perfect shaft length for most kayaks
- Long cables for flexible battery placement
- Powerful brushless motor
- Faster than most trolling motors
- Cable steering system
- Tilting head
- Two color options: black & camo
- Top speed 4mph depending on weight
Newport Vessels Pontoon Series
- Bow-mounted
- Long 55-inch shaft
- Tilting head for comfortable steering
Introduction
Newport Vessels have been making trolling motors, inflatables and boat accessories for over 12 years.
They are designed and engineered in San Francisco, California, and then manufactured overseas.
All the motors are saltwater-capable and come with a 2-year warranty
More recently, they ship with a complimentary circuit breaker.
Newport Vessels Trolling Motor Reviews
Newport Vessels NV-Series
SPECIFICATIONS
Style: Transom Mount Thrust: 36 lb, 46 lb, 55 lb, 62 lb (12v), 86 lb (24v) Shaft length: 30″ Steering: Hand/tiller Wireless Remote: NO Speeds: 5 Forward, 3 Reverse Use in: Freshwater & saltwater
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
REASONS TO BUY
- Good value for money
- Many thrust options
REASONS TO AVOID
- No variable speeds
The NV Series are the best-selling motors from Newport Vessels, thanks to the excellent performance-to-price ratio.
You get the similar amount of thrust and features seen on the basic Minn Kota and MotorGuide models, but at a significantly lower price.
With a wide range of thrust options, from 36 to 86 pounds of thrust, the NV Series provides enough power for even the heaviest kayaks.
The motors have a simple speed controller, 5 speeds forward and 3 in reverse, and an LED battery level indicator.
The tiller is telescopic, extending an extra 6 inches for more steering convenience. The battery cable is 4 feet long.
They are all saltwater-capable.
| Model | Voltage | Max Amp Draw | Shaft Length | Weight |
| NV-Series 86 lb | 24V | 48A | 36" | 25 lb |
| NV-Series 62 lb | 12V | 58A | 36" | 23 lb |
| NV-Series 55 lb | 12V | 52A | 30" | 23 lb |
| NV-Series 46 lb | 12V | 40A | 30" | 20 lb |
| NV-Series 36 lb | 12V | 29A | 30" | 18 lb |
Newport Vessels Kayak Series
SPECIFICATIONS
Style: Transom Mount Thrust: 36 lb (12v), 55 lb (12v) Shaft length: 24″ Steering: Hand/tiller Wireless Remote: NO Speeds: 5 Forward, 3 Reverse Use in: Freshwater & saltwater
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
REASONS TO BUY
- Perfect shaft length for most kayaks
- Longer cables for more options in battery placement
- Saltwater-ready
REASONS TO AVOID
- No variable speeds
The Kayak Series from Newport Vessels is similar to the hugely popular NV-Series, but it was developed with kayak anglers in mind.
The adjustable 24-inch shaft is just the right size for most small boats. The longer cables give you more flexibility in battery location on your kayak or canoe.
This Newport Vessels model comes with a 5-point LED battery indicator and is saltwater compatible with corrosion-resistant materials and the sacrificial anode.
There are 8 speeds: 5 forward and 3 reverse, available by twisting the tiller handle.
The Kayak Series comes in two versions with different thrust levels:
| Kayak Series 36 lb | Kayak Series 55 lb | |
| Max Amp Draw | 29A | 52A |
| Voltage | 12V | 12V |
| Thrust | 36 lb | 55 lb |
| Shaft Length | 24" | 24" |
| Propeller | 2-blade | 3-blade |
| Speeds | 5 fwd / 3 rev | 5 fwd / 3 rev |
| Weight | 18 lb | 23 lb |
Newport Vessels NK-180S
SPECIFICATIONS
Style: Transom Mount Thrust: 1.8 hp equivalent (24v) Steering: Cable-steer Wireless Remote: NO Speeds: Variable Use in: Freshwater and saltwater
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
REASONS TO BUY
- Powerful and efficient brushless motor
- Faster than traditional trolling motors (over 5 mph possible)
- Cable steering system
- Budget-friendly alternative to Torqeedo Ultralight
REASONS TO AVOID
- Expensive
The Newport Vessels NK-180S is one of the most powerful trolling motors designed for kayaks. It has an equivalent power of a 1.8hp petrol outboard, which makes it possible to push a lighter kayak to over 5 mph.
Its 24-volt direct drive motor is brushless, making it quieter and more efficient. This helps extend your run time without the need for a bigger battery.
Another difference is a speed controller with a large display. It has boat-like speed control and a magnetic kill switch that shuts it off when you fall overboard.
The motor mounts directly onto your kayak’s stern using 4 bolts. It can be set up with steering cables so that you can steer it like a rudder.
Before you order the NK-180S, you need to check whether your kayak is compatible. Also, bear in mind this is a 24-volt trolling motor, and you will need two lead-acid (AGM or Gel) or lithium batteries.
Newport Vessels X-Series
SPECIFICATIONS
Style: Transom Mount Thrust: 36 lb, 55 lb (12v) Shaft length: 36″ Steering: Hand/tiller Color: Black or Camo Speeds: 5 Forward, 3 Reverse Use in: Freshwater & saltwater
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
REASONS TO BUY
- Tilting head
- Two color choices: black & camo
REASONS TO AVOID
- No variable speeds
The main feature of the X Series is the tilting head, which you can adjust 30 degrees up and down.
The tilting head makes it easier to find the right position, and the steering is more comfortable, especially since you can extend the telescopic handle by 6 inches.
The motor comes in two different thrust levels and propeller sizes:
- X Series 36 lb: 3-blade small propeller
- X Series 55 lb: 3-blade large propeller
The speeds are standard (5 FWD, 3 REV) and the shaft is 36″ long.
Overall a good modern trolling motor that is also saltwater-capable.
Newport Vessels L-Series
SPECIFICATIONS
Style: Transom Mount Thrust: 62 lb (12v), 86 lb (24v) Shaft length: 40″ Steering: Hand/tiller Color: White Speeds: 5 Forward, 3 Reverse Use in: Freshwater & saltwater
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
REASONS TO BUY
- High thrust motors
- Long shaft makes it suited for small sailboats
- White color
REASONS TO AVOID
- No variable speeds
The Newport Vessels L Series comes with a longer 40-inch shaft and can be easily recognized by its white color.
This model was designed for small sailboats but can be used on all kinds of small watercraft, such as dinghies.
There are two different thrust and voltage models of the L Series:
| Newport Vessels L Series 62 lb | Newport Vessels L Series 86 lb | |
| Voltage | 12V | 24V |
| Max Amp Draw | 58A | 48A |
| Thrust | 62 lb | 86 lb |
| Shaft Length | 40" | 40" |
| Propeller | 3-blade | 3-blade |
| Speeds | 5 fwd / 3 rev | 5 fwd / 3 rev |
| Weight | 23 lb | 25 lb |
Both models are equipped with large 3-blade propellers and can be used in saltwater.
Newport Vessels Pontoon Series
SPECIFICATIONS
Style: Transom Mount Thrust: 36 lb, 46 lb, 55 lb, 62 lb (12v), 86 lb (24v) Shaft length: 30″ Steering: Hand/tiller Wireless Remote: NO Speeds: 5 Forward, 3 Reverse Use in: Freshwater & saltwater
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
REASONS TO BUY
- Great value for money
REASONS TO AVOID
- No variable speeds
The Pontoon Series, as the name suggests, was designed with pontoons and deck boats in mind.
It has a horizontal bracket, which allows this trolling motor to be mounted on the bow of your pontoon.
The shaft is adequately long, at 55 inches, and the head tilts so that you can easily stow your motor.
Here are the technical specs:
| Pontoon Series 55 lb | Pontoon Series 86 lb | |
| Voltage | 12V | 24V |
| Max Amp Draw | 52A | 48A |
| Thrust | 55 lb | 86 lb |
| Shaft Length | 55" | 55" |
| Propeller | 3-blade | 3-blade |
| Speeds | 5 fwd / 3 rev | 5 fwd / 3 rev |
| Weight | 23 lb | 25 lb |
Newport Motors Specs Side-By-Side
| Model | Voltage | Max Amp Draw | Shaft Length | Weight |
| NV-Series 86 lb | 24V | 48A | 36" | 25 lb |
| NV-Series 62 lb | 12V | 58A | 36" | 23 lb |
| NV-Series 55 lb | 12V | 52A | 30" | 23 lb |
| NV-Series 46 lb | 12V | 40A | 30" | 20 lb |
| NV-Series 36 lb | 12V | 29A | 30" | 18 lb |
| Kayak Series 55 lb | 12V | 52A | 24" | 23 lb |
| Kayak Series 36 lb | 12V | 29A | 24" | 18 lb |
| NK-180S | 24V | 25A | 20" | 14.3 lb |
| X Series 55 lb | 12V | 52A | 36" | 23 lb |
| X Series 40 lb | 12V | 43A | 36" | 21 lb |
| L Series 86 lb | 24V | 48A | 40" | 25 lb |
| L Series 62 lb | 12V | 58A | 40" | 23 lb |
| Mossy Oak 55 lb | 12V | 52A | 36" | 23 lb |
| Pontoon Series 86 lb | 24V | 48A | 55" | 25 lb |
| Pontoon Series 55 lb | 12V | 52A | 55" | 23 lb |
Technology and Features
Most Newport Vessels trolling motors have a simple way of selecting speeds: you twist the tiller handle, which gives you 5 speeds forward and 3 in reverse.
A notable example is the NK-180S, or the brushless kayak motor, which has a variable speed motor controller. It makes selecting speeds smooth and runs more efficiently, better preserving the battery life.
The shaft is made of fiberglass, which makes it light and strong.
Customer Support
If you need advice about choosing the right model or need some help with troubleshooting your motor, you’ll be interested to know Newport Vessels’ customer support has an excellent reputation.
We’ve done our research. In all problem cases we are aware of, the support staff proved to be knowledgeable, and the solution was quickly found.
You can call, email or chat through their website:
- Phone: (866) 721-0002
- Email: support@newportvessels.com
- Website: newportvessels.com
Warranty
It is important to note that if you order a trolling motor and the box is damaged on arrival, you should not accept it. In any case, Newport Vessels will ship a replacement motor.
Newport Vessels trolling motors are covered by a 2-year limited warranty, which is non-transferable.
The warranty does not cover commercial use or products that have been modified or used with third-party accessories.
The warranty claim process is straightforward.
Discount for Military and Veterans
Newport Vessels offers a 10% discount for all active duty and reserve military personnel, as well as veterans.
To receive the discount, you can submit your credentials on the Newport Vessels website. Once approved, you will receive a discount code that can be used on future purchases.
This offer is valid for all Newport products except for ePropulsion products.
Conclusion
Newport Vessels trolling motors have proven over the years to be reliable, and with great customer support, they offer excellent value for boat owners.
