The maximum amp draw refers to the limit of current that a trolling motor can take before it becomes unsafe. The max amp draw is used when choosing a circuit breaker.
The actual amp draw can help you understand your motor’s power consumption and calculate battery run time. It depends on a number of factors such as boat weight or wind speed.
This article lists the maximum amp draw for the most popular trolling motors on the market today.
Maximum Amp Draw Chart (All Brands)
Use the search feature to find the trolling motor brand and thrust model. See the recommended circuit breaker size in the last column.
| Brand | Thrust | Volts | Max Amp Draw |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minn Kota | 30 lb | 12V | 30A (40A Breaker) |
| Minn Kota | 40-45 lb | 12V | 42A (50A Breaker) |
| Minn Kota | 50-55 lb | 12V | 50A (60A Breaker) |
| Minn Kota | 70 lb | 24V | 42A (50A Breaker) |
| Minn Kota | 80 lb | 24V | 56A (60A Breaker) |
| Minn Kota | 101 lb | 36V | 46A (50A Breaker) |
| Minn Kota | 112 lb | 36V | 52A (60A Breaker) |
| MotorGuide | 55 lb | 12V | 52A (60A Breaker) |
| MotorGuide | 70 lb | 24V | 42A (50A Breaker) |
| Garmin Force | 80 lb | 24V | 57A (60A Breaker) |
| Garmin Force | 100 lb | 36V | 54A (60A Breaker) |
| Lowrance Ghost | 120 lb | 36V | 43A (50A Breaker) |
| Newport Vessels | 36 lb | 12V | 29A (40A Breaker) |
| Newport Vessels | 40 lb | 12V | 34A (40A Breaker) |
| Newport Vessels | 46 lb | 12V | 40A (50A Breaker) |
| Newport Vessels | 55 lb | 12V | 52A (60A Breaker) |
| Newport Vessels | 62 lb | 12V | 58A (60A Breaker) |
| Newport Vessels | 86 lb | 24V | 48A (50A Breaker) |
| Watersnake | 24 lb | 12V | 20A (30A Breaker) |
| Haswing | 55 lb | 12V | 55A (60A Breaker) |
Recommended Circuit Breakers
The right size circuit breaker will usually be rated for 5-10 amps more than the maximum amp draw of your trolling motor. Refer to the amp draw chart above to find your model. If it’s not there, consult your motor’s manual or contact the manufacturer.
- 30 Amp Trolling Motor Circuit Breaker 12V DC , Manual Reset with Switch Button
- Housing is thermalplastic UL rated 94V0,Waterproof IP67
- Interrupt Capacity : 2,500A @ 14Vdc ,1,500A @ 48Vdc,Operating Temperature：-32ºC (-25ºF) to 82ºC (180ºF)
- Compact and lightweight design; Meet S.A.E. J1625, J1171, UL1500 (Ignition Protected)
- 1/4 inch Stainless Steel Studs, Surface Mount, protective stud insulator included
- 50AMP
- Water Proof
- Splash & Dust Proof
- Easy Installation, Manual Reset Circuit Breaker
- Surface Mount, protective stud insulator included
- 60 Amp Trolling Motor Circuit Breaker 12V DC,Type III , Manual Reset and Switch Button
- Housing is thermalplastic UL rated 94V0,Waterproof IP67
- Interrupt Capacity : 2,500A @ 14Vdc ,1,500A @ 48Vdc,Operating Temperature：-32ºC (-25ºF) to 82ºC (180ºF)
Minn Kota Amp Draw Chart (Different Speeds)
The amp draw of a trolling motor will vary depending on the speed setting.
Below you can find examples of actual amp draw of popular Minn Kota motors at different speeds:
| Speed Setting / Actual Amp Draw (A) | ||||||||||
| Minn Kota Endura 30 12V | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |||||
| 8A | 10A | 14A | 20A | 30A | ||||||
| Minn Kota Terrova 80 24V | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| 1A | 2A | 3A | 5A | 8A | 13A | 18A | 24A | 32A | 42A | |
| Minn Kota Ultrex 80 24V | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| 1A | 2A | 3A | 4A | 6A | 11A | 16A | 20A | 26A | 33A | |
| Minn Kota Terrova 112 36V | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| 1A | 2A | 4A | 7A | 11A | 16A | 22A | 29A | 37A | 46A | |
How to Check Amp Draw on a Trolling Motor?
The most common way is to use a clamp meter.
Simply place the jaws of the meter around one of your motor’s power cables. The display will then show the current flowing through the wire.
You can also use a multimeter, which measures a variety of electrical quantities, including voltage, current, and resistance.
What Affects Amp Draw?
There are a few factors that can affect the amp draw of a trolling motor:
Boat weight: The heavier your boat, the more power it will take to move it through the water.
Wind speed: If you’re trolling in windy conditions, your motor will have to work harder and will therefore draw more amps.
Water conditions: The type of water you’re trolling in can have a big impact on the amp draw of your motor. For example, trolling in saltwater will typically require more power than trolling in freshwater.
Also, if you bury your prop in mud or weeds, your motor will use more amps to keep turning at the same speed.
