Best 72-Inch Trolling Motors for Serious Boat Positioning and Easy Fishing
Looking for a 72-inch trolling motor that delivers precise GPS anchoring, effortless stow/deploy, and solid corrosion protection? This guide focuses on 72″ shaft bow-mount trolling motors that are well-suited for saltwater or freshwater use and larger boats where longer shafts help reach deeper water and handle wind and current. Each product is chosen for reliable steering, easy remote or foot control, and strong mounting hardware. The list below is ideal for anglers who want steady spot-lock, hands-free maneuvering, and robust stow mechanisms. The buyer profiles highlight who benefits most from each option.
| Product | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Minn Kota Riptide Terrova 112 lb. (72″ Shaft) | Serious freshwater and light saltwater anglers | Powerful thrust with advanced GPS and wireless remote |
| Minn Kota Terrova 80 lb. (72″ Shaft) | All-purpose freshwater anglers | GPS Spot-Lock and universal sonar compatibility |
| Simrad RECON 72” | Hard-charging saltwater trolling | FreeSteer joystick remote with 360° control |
| Lowrance Recon 72” | Integrated sonar-friendly control | Freesteer joystick with display integration |
| Minn Kota Terrova Quest 90/115 lb. (72″ Shaft) | Advanced fishermen and multicategory use | Quest series with updated drive and software |
Minn Kota 1363791 Riptide Terrova 112 Lb. Thrust, 72″ Shaft
Overview: This Terrova model combines a robust 112 lb. thrust with a 72″ shaft and wireless remote control. The fall-away deploy system and stow mechanism simplify handling on the water, while the GPS-driven Spot-Lock helps anglers maintain position without manual steering. The motor housing features advanced corrosion protection to resist rust and wear in salt or fresh water.
Best For: Freshwater and light to moderate saltwater use with a focus on precise boat control and automated positioning. Suitable for larger boats where 72″ shafts improve depth reach and stability in windy conditions.
What Makes It Stand Out: The combination of high thrust, GPS Spot-Lock, wireless control, and a durable coating system provides strong overall performance for anglers needing reliable anchoring and easy motor deployment.
Limitations: Higher thrust can demand more power; plan battery capacity accordingly. Some users may prefer a lighter control setup for smaller craft.
Minn Kota 1358895 Terrova 80 Lb. (72″ Shaft) Bow-Mount With GPS & i-Pilot
Overview: A 72″ Terrova with 80 lb thrust and full GPS control delivers reliable Spot-Lock and path-recording features. It uses a low-profile electric foot pedal for steering and includes control options that fit with the One-Boat Network ecosystem. The dual features offer versatility for both freshwater and mixed-water environments.
Best For: Anglers who want a balance of power and advanced GPS features, plus compatibility with additional electronics for integrated control. Great for those who prefer a dual-control approach (remote and pedal).
Why It Was Selected: Its combination of GPS precision, ease of stow, and flexible control options makes it a strong all-around performer for 72″ shaft boats. The i-Pilot capability adds smart navigation over longer trips.
Limitations: Some features rely on additional electronics ecosystems (sonar or display units); ensure compatibility with your setup.
Simrad RECON Saltwater 72” Trolling Motor
Overview: A saltwater-focused 72″ trolling motor featuring FreeSteer joystick remote for full 360° control, plus a color display and customizable buttons. High thrust and GPS anchoring capabilities target steady positioning in challenging currents and winds.
Best For: Anglers who need aggressive control at sea with easy joystick maneuverability from anywhere aboard, especially in windy or current-heavy conditions.
Why It Was Selected: The FreeSteer joystick provides intuitive, precise maneuvering, while the color display offers quick access to settings at a glance. This makes it a top pick for saltwater setups that require agile steering.
Limitations: Joystick-based control may require some acclimation for new users; ensure the display and remote are properly configured for your boat layout.
Lowrance Recon 72” Trolling Motor with FreeSteer Joystick
Overview: The Recon 72″ combines Freesteer joystick control with display-integrated navigation. It emphasizes intuitive steering through compatible Lowrance displays, plus GPS anchoring and reliable thrust. The design aims for smooth handling under varying wind and water conditions.
Best For: Anglers who already use Lowrance displays or want a tight integration between trolling motor control and sonar data for on-screen decisions.
Why It Was Selected: Freesteer joystick plus display integration offers a practical, fishery-focused control experience, especially for anglers who rely on on-screen sonar data to guide positioning.
Limitations: Availability and compatibility depend on compatible Lowrance equipment; verify your boat’s electronics before purchase.
Minn Kota Terrova Bow-Mount With GPS – 80 Lb Thrust, 60″ Shaft (Saltwater)
Overview: This Terrova model emphasizes One-Touch Deploy and Stow, precise GPS Spot-Lock, and a corrosion-protected build suitable for saltwater. The 60″ shaft is a common length, but its 72″ shaft variants handle deeper water more effectively in stronger currents.
Best For: Saltwater users who require robust corrosion protection and dependable GPS anchoring, plus integration with drift and path options for challenging waters.
Why It Was Selected: The deployment ease and robust protection make it a reliable choice for saltwater setups that demand steady anchoring and straightforward control.
Limitations: Shaft length and thrust vary by model; confirm the exact shaft length matches your boat’s transom height and load needs.
Buying Guide: 72-Inch Trolling Motors For Your Boat
- Shaftr Length And Boat Size: A 72″ shaft helps with taller transoms or deeper water, reducing blade cavitation and improving hold in waves. Match shaft length to transom height and typical water depth you fish.
- Thrust And Power Needs: Higher thrust (60–112 lb and up) suits larger boats and windy conditions. Balance thrust with battery capacity and boat weight to maintain sufficient battery runtime.
- GPS And Spot-Lock Features: GPS anchoring stabilizes your position automatically. Consider whether you want advanced features like path recording, Autopilot, or integration with other fish-finders and networks.
- Control Options: Wireless remotes, foot pedals, and joysticks offer different comfort levels. Joystick controls provide precise maneuverability, especially in tight spots or current.
- Corrosion Protection: For saltwater use, corrosion resistance on the lower unit and hardware is essential. Powder coating and aluminum housings extend motor life in harsh environments.
- Compatibility With Electronics: Some models integrate with humminbird or Lowrance displays and the One-Boat Network. Check if you want display-link features or app-based control.
- Maintenance And Deployment: Look for a reliable fall-away ramp and ease of stow, which reduces manual handling. Ease of maintenance reduces downtime and extends life.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the advantage of a 72-inch shaft? It reaches deeper water and improves stability in rougher conditions, which helps reduce cavitation and provides better control on larger boats.
- Is GPS Spot-Lock worth it? Yes, it helps maintain position automatically, allowing hands-free operation while you focus on fishing or adjusting gear.
- Can I use a 72″ Terrova in saltwater? Many Terrova models are built with corrosion protection for saltwater use, but confirm specific model ratings and maintenance requirements for salt exposure.
- Do all 72″ trolling motors require a compatible sonar or display? Not necessarily; some work with basic remotes or joysticks, while others integrate with fish finders for enhanced control.
- What should I consider for battery life? Higher thrust and longer trips demand larger or multiple deep-cycle batteries; plan for runtime based on typical fishing sessions.
- Are joysticks better than remotes? Joysticks offer intuitive 360° control, especially in confined spaces, but remotes provide easy hands-free control when actively fishing.