2 Best Trolling Motors with Pedal Drive, Compared
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Finding the right best trolling motors with pedal drive requires checking the hard specs that define your setup. We compared 2 options, ranking them strictly by the published specifications on their listings. The Minn Kota Edge 45 lb Foot Control Bow-Mount Motor takes the top spot. Its lightweight 18-pound frame makes it easy to handle on a kayak without sacrificing the 45 lb thrust you need for freshwater weedy areas. This guide helps you decide which motor matches your boat’s weight and your preferred control style.
Quick picks
| # | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minn Kota Edge 45 lb Foot Control Bow-Mount Motor Best overall | Freshwater pedal control anglers | Check price of Minn Kota Edge 45 lb Foot Control Bow-Mount Motor on Amazon |
| 2 | Lowrance Ghost 47-Inch Brushless Trolling Motor Also great | Freshwater anglers needing integrated sonar | Check price of Lowrance Ghost 47-Inch Brushless Trolling Motor on Amazon |
The best fit for you
- You need lightweight, responsive freshwater pedal control Minn Kota Edge 45 lb Foot Control Bow-Mount Motor It weighs 18 pounds and offers 45 lb thrust for precise pedal handling.
- You want quiet operation with integrated sonar Lowrance Ghost 47-Inch Brushless Trolling Motor The brushless motor provides quiet performance while integrating sonar for freshwater angling.
- You require a standard 36 inch shaft length Minn Kota Edge 45 lb Foot Control Bow-Mount Motor The Minn Kota Edge features a 36 inch shaft suitable for typical kayak depths.
Our 2 picks
Minn Kota Edge 45 lb Foot Control Bow-Mount Motor
Best for: Freshwater pedal control anglers
- Propulsion
- Pedal Drive, Trolling Motor, Pedal (what this guide is about)
- Thrust
- 45 lb
- Shaft Length
- 36 in
- Mount Type
- Bow mount
- Control
- Foot pedal
- Speed Settings
- 5 speed settings
View on Amazon: Minn Kota Edge 45 lb Foot Control Bow-Mount Motor Affiliate link
The Minn Kota Edge is a freshwater bow-mount trolling motor with 45 lb thrust and a 36-inch shaft. It uses a heel-toe foot pedal for speed and steering. Five speed settings let you adjust pace. The Power Prop handles heavy vegetation. It includes a directional indicator and a latch bracket for stowing. This setup suits anglers who prefer manual pedal control over remote or wireless options.
Pros
- Heel-toe foot pedal for responsive speed and steering control
- Power Prop designed to push through thick vegetation
- Built-in directional indicator keeps you oriented on the water
- Five speed settings for precise trolling adjustments
Cons
- Foot pedal requires constant manual operation while steering
- 45 lb thrust is lower than higher-end models
- Freshwater only; not rated for saltwater use
Good fit if
- You want simple, direct control via a foot pedal
- You fish in freshwater lakes with heavy weed beds
- You prefer a lightweight motor under 20 pounds
Skip if
- You need saltwater corrosion resistance
- You require wireless remote or app control
- You need more than 45 lb of thrust
Verdict: Minn Kota Edge 45 lb Bow Mount is a straightforward freshwater option for anglers who value pedal responsiveness over automation. It fits those who fish in weedy freshwater areas and do not need high thrust or remote steering.
Lowrance Ghost 47-Inch Brushless Trolling Motor
Best for: Freshwater anglers needing integrated sonar
- Propulsion
- Pedal Drive, Trolling Motor, Pedal (what this guide is about)
- Thrust
- 97/120 lb
- Shaft Length
- 47 in
- Mount Type
- Bow mount
- Control
- Foot pedal
- Water Type
- Freshwater
View on Amazon: Lowrance Ghost 47-Inch Brushless Trolling Motor Affiliate link
The Lowrance Ghost is a freshwater bow-mount trolling motor with a 47-inch shaft. It delivers 97 or 120 lbs of thrust via a brushless motor. The unit includes a configurable foot pedal for speed and mode control. It also integrates HDI sonar with CHIRP and DownScan Imaging directly into the nosecone. This setup suits anglers who need quiet operation and integrated electronics for freshwater fishing.
Pros
- Brushless motor provides ultra-quiet operation and zero electromagnetic interference.
- Includes HDI nosecone transducer with CHIRP and DownScan Imaging.
- Configurable foot pedal with shortcut buttons and Flip Switch.
- Offers 97 or 120 lbs of thrust options.
Cons
- Designed exclusively for freshwater use.
- Heavy build at 85 pounds.
- Foot pedal controls are limited to basic functions and shortcuts.
Good fit if
- You need integrated sonar without extra wiring.
- You prioritize silent operation in shallow water.
- You fish in freshwater environments.
Skip if
- You require saltwater durability.
- You prefer a hand-held remote control.
- You need a shaft length shorter than 47 inches.
Verdict: Lowrance Ghost 47-inch Bow Trolling Motor is ideal for freshwater anglers who want a quiet, integrated sonar solution. It fits those who value brushless motor reliability and pedal control over remote convenience.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Minn Kota Edge 45 lb Foot Control Bow-Mount Motor | Lowrance Ghost 47-Inch Brushless Trolling Motor |
|---|---|---|
| Thrust | 45 lb | 97/120 lb |
| Shaft Length | 36 in | 47 in |
| Mount Type | Bow mount | Bow mount |
| Control | Foot pedal | Foot pedal |
| Speed Settings | 5 speed settings | not stated |
| Water Type | Freshwater | Freshwater |
| Sonar | not stated | CHIRP, DownScan Imaging |
| Propulsion | Pedal Drive, Trolling Motor, Pedal | Pedal Drive, Trolling Motor, Pedal |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Dimensions | 63 × 9.5 × 20.4 inches | 65.4 × 22.8 × 8.78 inches |
| Weight | 18 pounds | 85 pounds |
| Size | 45 lb Thrust | 47" Shaft |
| Model | 3005.7277 | 000-14937-001 |
How to choose the right one
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Check the thrust rating
Thrust measures the motor's pushing power. The Minn Kota Edge offers 45 lb of thrust. This level suits anglers who need responsive control in weedy freshwater areas. You do not need high thrust if you are not fighting strong currents. Higher numbers mean more power, but also more weight. Match the thrust to your typical fishing conditions. If you fish in calm lakes, 45 lb is sufficient. You get precise pedal handling without excess bulk. This spec ensures you have enough power to move your kayak effectively.
-
Verify the shaft length
Shaft length determines propeller depth. The Minn Kota Edge has a 36-inch shaft. The Lowrance Ghost requires a 47-inch shaft. You must match this to your hull depth. A shaft that is too short may cavitate. A shaft that is too long adds drag. Check your kayak's transom height first. Then select the motor that fits. This ensures the propeller stays submerged. It prevents loss of thrust in weeds. Correct length is critical for efficiency. Do not guess. Measure your hull and choose accordingly.
-
Consider the motor weight
Weight affects how you handle the gear. The Minn Kota Edge weighs 18 pounds. The Lowrance Ghost weighs 85 pounds. You need to know how heavy the unit is. Heavier motors are harder to install. They also put more stress on your mount. Lighter units are easier to adjust. You might prefer the lighter option for frequent moves. Check the weight spec before buying. It impacts your setup effort. It also affects balance on the kayak. Choose based on your strength and installation needs.
-
Confirm water type compatibility
These units are for freshwater only. The Minn Kota Edge is for freshwater. The Lowrance Ghost is for freshwater. You must not use them in saltwater. Saltwater corrodes these components quickly. If you fish in the ocean, you need a different motor. Check the water type spec carefully. Using the wrong motor in saltwater voids warranties. It also ruins the unit fast. Stick to freshwater applications. This ensures longevity and proper function. Verify this before you make a purchase.
-
Review the mount type
Both units use a bow mount. The Minn Kota Edge is a bow mount. The Lowrance Ghost is a bow mount. You need a kayak with a bow mount point. This changes your steering dynamics. You steer from the front. This frees up your hands. It allows better casting. Check if your kayak supports this. You may need to add a mount. This setup offers precise control. It is ideal for angling. Ensure your boat can handle this configuration.
Frequently asked questions
Which trolling motor is best for freshwater pedal control?
The Minn Kota Edge 45 lb Foot Control Bow-Mount Motor is the top pick for anglers who prioritize pedal responsiveness. It features a 36-inch shaft and weighs only 18 pounds. This lightweight design makes it easy to mount on a kayak bow. The 45 lb thrust rating provides enough power for precise handling in weedy freshwater areas without requiring automation.
Does the Lowrance Ghost include sonar?
Yes, the Lowrance Ghost 47-Inch Brushless Trolling Motor is designed for anglers who want integrated sonar. It combines a brushless motor with sonar technology in one unit. This setup is ideal for freshwater fishing where quiet operation and fish finding capabilities are important. The motor mounts to the bow and uses a 47-inch shaft for deeper propeller placement.
How do I choose the right shaft length?
Shaft length determines how deep the propeller sits in the water relative to your kayak’s hull. You must match the spec to your boat’s depth. The Minn Kota Edge uses a 36-inch shaft, while the Lowrance Ghost requires a 47-inch shaft. Choosing the correct length ensures efficient propulsion and prevents the prop from running too shallow or too deep.
Are these motors suitable for saltwater use?
No, both listed options are specified for freshwater use only. The Minn Kota Edge is labeled for freshwater pedal control anglers. Similarly, the Lowrance Ghost is intended for freshwater environments. Saltwater requires corrosion-resistant materials not present in these specific models. Using them in saltwater could damage the motor and void any applicable protections.
What is the difference between thrust and shaft length?
Thrust measures the motor's pushing power, while shaft length determines physical fit. The Minn Kota Edge offers 45 lb of thrust, suitable for responsive control. The Lowrance Ghost does not list a thrust rating in its specs but focuses on a 47-inch shaft. You need adequate thrust for movement and the correct shaft length for proper submersion.
Which motor is lighter for kayak mounting?
The Minn Kota Edge is significantly lighter at 18 pounds. The Lowrance Ghost weighs 85 pounds due to its integrated sonar components. For kayak anglers, the lighter Minn Kota is easier to handle and install on the bow. The weight difference is substantial, making the Edge a more practical choice for portable setups.