A Quiet Revolution

Brushless saltwater trolling motors turn up the efficiency and turn down the noise.

- Jim Hendricks

Advancements in bow mount electric trolling motors have revolutionized the way we fish in salt water. Thanks to wireless controls, GPS guidance, virtual anchoring, and shafts that reach the water from the towering bows of offshore boats, trolling motors are ubiquitous aboard today's saltwater fishing machines.

Now another advancement promises to make these motors even more effective for saltwater anglers. Brushless electric motor technology is granting these propulsion units more efficiency and durability while improving their stealth factor.

Three brands-Garmin, Power-PoleMinn Kota and have recently introduced saltwater trolling motors featuring brushless technology.

BRUSHLESS TECH

The difference between brushless and conventional motors lies inside. In a conventional motor, mechanical brushes and commutator plates apply electrical energy to spin the armature. Unfortunately, friction and electrical arcing between brushes and plates produce substantial noise. Also, the mechanical nature of this system creates efficiency issues.

With brushless motors, the job of commutation is carried out by an electronic circuit. This eliminates the mechanical aspect and results in much quieter operation, more efficiency for longer run time, and greater durability. Brushless technology has already been employed for a few years in the Garmin Force and the Lowrance Ghost trolling motors, but neither of these bow mounts are designed for marine applications. In fact, there were no brushless trolling motors for salt water until a few months ago.

FIRST MOVE