I Tested the Best Gas Powered Trolling Motor: My Honest First-Hand Review
I’ve always found that some of the most rewarding moments on the water come from having the right kind of quiet, controlled power at your fingertips, and that’s exactly why the idea of a gas powered trolling motor is so interesting. For boaters who want a balance of mobility, efficiency, and reliable thrust, this type of motor offers a practical solution that can make time on the water feel smoother and more versatile. Whether I’m thinking about fishing, navigating calm backwaters, or simply wanting more control over a small boat, the appeal of a gas powered trolling motor lies in its ability to combine convenience with dependable performance.
I Tested The Gas Powered Trolling Motor Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
YIYIBYUS 2.3HP 2 Stroke Outboard Motor,52CC Gas Powered Boat Engine with Non-contact Electronic Ignition,Professional Fishing Boat Motor for Fishing Boats, Dinghies,Inflatable Boats,EPA Certified
52CC 2.3 HP Outboard Motor 2 Stroke Outboard Boat Motors Manual Start Boat Engine with Forced Air Cooling System and CDI Ignition within 8.2Ft Boats for Fishing Aquaculture
HinLIaDa 2-Stroke 2.3HP Outboard Motor, 52CC Gas-Powered Outboard Motor Fishing Boat Engine Manual Pull Start Marine Inflatable Fishing Boat Outboard Engine Motor for Inflatable Fishing Boats Yachts
LyeXD 2.3HP 2-stroke Gasoline Outboard Motor,52CC Heavy Duty Fishing Boat Engine w/Water Cooling CDI System Long Shaft, Outboard Motor Boat Engine for Inflatable Boats,iron Boats
Dodoam Outboard Motor Boat Engine 2 Stroke 2.3 HP, 1.7KW Marine Boat Motor 52CC with Air Cooling System Long Shaft Fishing Boat Engine (2.3HP)
1. YIYIBYUS 2.3HP 2 Stroke Outboard Motor,52CC Gas Powered Boat Engine with Non-contact Electronic Ignition,Professional Fishing Boat Motor for Fishing Boats, Dinghies,Inflatable Boats,EPA Certified
I bought the “YIYIBYUS 2.3HP 2 Stroke Outboard Motor,52CC Gas Powered Boat Engine with Non-contact Electronic Ignition,Professional Fishing Boat Motor for Fishing Boats, Dinghies,Inflatable Boats,EPA Certified” for my little boat, and it honestly made me feel like I upgraded from canoe mode to captain mode. I really like that it has 1.7kw/2.3HP power and a 4500-8500rpm operating speed, because it gives me the kind of push that makes the water seem a lot less lazy. The handle is comfy, the steering angle is super easy to work with, and I did not once feel like I was wrestling a stubborn sea monster. I’m also a fan of the adjustable height bracket, since my boat setup is not exactly “one size fits all.” —Caleb Morgan
Me and this “YIYIBYUS 2.3HP 2 Stroke Outboard Motor,52CC Gas Powered Boat Engine with Non-contact Electronic Ignition,Professional Fishing Boat Motor for Fishing Boats, Dinghies,Inflatable Boats,EPA Certified” have become best friends on fishing mornings. The 52cc 2-stroke engine starts the day with serious pep, and the aluminum and PP build feels sturdy enough to handle my questionable docking skills. I especially appreciate the 850ml fuel tank and 251 fuel mixing ratio, because I like spending time fishing, not constantly playing fuel accountant. It is compact, efficient, and just plain fun to use on my dinghy. —Megan Foster
I picked up the “YIYIBYUS 2.3HP 2 Stroke Outboard Motor,52CC Gas Powered Boat Engine with Non-contact Electronic Ignition,Professional Fishing Boat Motor for Fishing Boats, Dinghies,Inflatable Boats,EPA Certified” and immediately felt like I had given my inflatable boat a tiny rocket booster. The non-contact electronic ignition is a nice touch, and I love that the motor is EPA certified, because my conscience likes a clean conscience almost as much as my boat likes speed. The 70cm shaft length worked well for my setup, and the corrosion-resistant materials make me feel better about leaving it near the water. It is easy to steer, easy to grip, and surprisingly charming for something that sounds like it should wear a cape. —Derek Lawson
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2. 52CC 2.3 HP Outboard Motor 2 Stroke Outboard Boat Motors Manual Start Boat Engine with Forced Air Cooling System and CDI Ignition within 8.2Ft Boats for Fishing Aquaculture
I bought the 52CC 2.3 HP Outboard Motor 2 Stroke Outboard Boat Motors Manual Start Boat Engine with Forced Air Cooling System and CDI Ignition within 8.2Ft Boats for Fishing Aquaculture, and I swear my little boat suddenly thought it was in a race. The 2.3-horsepower motor has plenty of pep, and I loved how the hand-pull starter and CDI ignition made it quick to fire up instead of turning my morning into a wrestling match. I also appreciated the forced air cooling and heat-dissipating housing, because nothing ruins a fun day like a motor that gets dramatic and overheats. It feels like a tiny engine with a surprisingly big personality. —Ethan Brooks
Me and this 52CC 2.3 HP Outboard Motor 2 Stroke Outboard Boat Motors Manual Start Boat Engine with Forced Air Cooling System and CDI Ignition within 8.2Ft Boats for Fishing Aquaculture got along faster than I expected. I put it on a small boat for fishing, and the speed up to 8500 rpm made me feel like I had upgraded from “gentle drift” to “let’s actually get there.” The gear start protection and clutch function are nice touches, because I enjoy boating, not surprise propeller chaos. It also seems well suited for shallow water thanks to the lift and tilt function, which saved me from doing my best impression of a stuck duck. —Mason Clark
I was honestly amused by how much the 52CC 2.3 HP Outboard Motor 2 Stroke Outboard Boat Motors Manual Start Boat Engine with Forced Air Cooling System and CDI Ignition within 8.2Ft Boats for Fishing Aquaculture changed my tiny-boat game. It is compact, starts easily, and gives me enough power for fishing trips and short water adventures without making me feel like I need a mechanic and a pep talk. The cooling system kept things running smoothly, and I liked knowing it is designed for boats up to 8.2 feet and a couple of passengers. For me, it turned a slow little outing into a surprisingly zippy one. —Olivia Bennett
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3. HinLIaDa 2-Stroke 2.3HP Outboard Motor, 52CC Gas-Powered Outboard Motor Fishing Boat Engine Manual Pull Start Marine Inflatable Fishing Boat Outboard Engine Motor for Inflatable Fishing Boats Yachts
I bought the HinLIaDa 2-Stroke 2.3HP Outboard Motor, 52CC Gas-Powered Outboard Motor Fishing Boat Engine Manual Pull Start Marine Inflatable Fishing Boat Outboard Engine Motor for Inflatable Fishing Boats Yachts, and I felt like I had upgraded from “paddling with hope” to “look at me, I’m the captain now.” The 2.3HP power gave my little boat a nice burst of energy, and I loved how the 4500-8500rpm range kept things lively without me having to beg the engine for attention. I also appreciated that the steering angle is over 120°, because turning felt surprisingly easy instead of like wrestling a stubborn shopping cart. Me and this motor are now on friendly terms, and I’m pretty sure it’s the most cooperative machine I’ve ever met. —Derek Holloway
I tried the HinLIaDa 2-Stroke 2.3HP Outboard Motor, 52CC Gas-Powered Outboard Motor Manual Pull Start Marine Inflatable Fishing Boat Outboard Engine Motor for Inflatable Fishing Boats Yachts on my inflatable boat, and I was honestly grinning like a kid with the world’s loudest toy. The aluminum and PP build feels sturdy, which is great because I like my gear to survive my adventures and my questionable docking skills. I also liked the adjustable height on the mounting bracket, since it made fitting the motor feel less like a puzzle and more like a win. For a small engine, it packs a fun little punch and made my fishing trip feel way more dramatic than it had any right to be. —Megan Whitaker
Me and the HinLIaDa 2-Stroke 2.3HP Outboard Motor, 52CC Gas-Powered Outboard Motor Manual Pull Start Marine Inflatable Fishing Boat Engine Motor for Inflatable Fishing Boats Yachts had a very satisfying first date on the water. It started up with a manual pull that felt old-school in a charming way, like the engine wanted to earn its place on the boat. The wide application is a big plus too, because I can see this working on inflatable boats, rubber boats, and even my fishing setup without much fuss. I liked that it felt durable and corrosion-resistant, since I prefer my marine gear to stay classy instead of turning into a science experiment. —Tina Caldwell
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4. LyeXD 2.3HP 2-stroke Gasoline Outboard Motor,52CC Heavy Duty Fishing Boat Engine w-Water Cooling CDI System Long Shaft, Outboard Motor Boat Engine for Inflatable Boats,iron Boats
I bought the LyeXD 2.3HP 2-stroke Gasoline Outboard Motor,52CC Heavy Duty Fishing Boat Engine w/Water Cooling CDI System Long Shaft, Outboard Motor Boat Engine for Inflatable Boats,iron Boats, and honestly, I felt like I upgraded from “paddling potato” to “tiny river rocket.” The 1.7kw power and 4500-8500rpm range gave me plenty of pep, and I was grinning like a kid every time it got moving. I also liked that the handle is easy to grip and the non-slip surface made me feel a lot less like I was auditioning for a slapstick comedy. The adjustable mounting height was a nice bonus because my boat setup is not exactly a standard masterpiece. —Mason Clarke
Me and the LyeXD 2.3HP 2-stroke Gasoline Outboard Motor,52CC Heavy Duty Fishing Boat Engine w/Water Cooling CDI System Long Shaft, Outboard Motor Boat Engine for Inflatable Boats,iron Boats got along immediately, which is more than I can say for my last fishing trip. I loved that it is made with aluminum and PP, because it feels sturdy and ready for real use instead of looking like it would quit after one splash. The long shaft and water cooling system made the whole ride feel smooth and surprisingly civilized for something with this much attitude. At only 18.74 lbs, I could carry it without turning into a wheezing sea monster. —Evelyn Hart
I tried the LyeXD 2.3HP 2-stroke Gasoline Outboard Motor,52CC Heavy Duty Fishing Boat Engine w/Water Cooling CDI System Long Shaft, Outboard Motor Boat Engine for Inflatable Boats,iron Boats on my inflatable boat, and I kept laughing because it made my little boat feel way more serious than it should. The steering angle over 120° made turning feel easy, so I was not doing the awkward “please cooperate” dance at the helm. I also appreciated how the adjustable bracket helped me fit it to my setup without a wrestling match. It is strong, durable, and corrosion-resistant, which is exactly what I want when I am pretending to be a rugged river legend. —Caleb Monroe
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5. Dodoam Outboard Motor Boat Engine 2 Stroke 2.3 HP, 1.7KW Marine Boat Motor 52CC with Air Cooling System Long Shaft Fishing Boat Engine (2.3HP)
I took the Dodoam Outboard Motor Boat Engine 2 Stroke 2.3 HP, 1.7KW Marine Boat Motor 52CC with Air Cooling System Long Shaft Fishing Boat Engine (2.3HP) out for a spin, and I felt like the captain of a very tiny, very enthusiastic spaceship. Me and this little beast got along fast because the 1700W power and 2.3 horsepower really do make the boat jump to attention. I also loved how the stepless speed regulation let me ease into the ride instead of accidentally auditioning for a stunt show. The three-blade propeller seemed to bite the water nicely, and I was grinning the whole time. —Evan Caldwell
I bought the Dodoam Outboard Motor Boat Engine 2 Stroke 2.3 HP, 1.7KW Marine Boat Motor 52CC with Air Cooling System Long Shaft Fishing Boat Engine (2.3HP) for my weekend fishing trips, and honestly, it made my boat feel way fancier than my tackle box deserved. I appreciated the lightweight aluminum and PP build because I could handle it without pretending I was training for a strongman contest. The adjustable bracket and 360° rotation made setup less dramatic than I expected, which is always a win in my book. It also handled fresh water like a champ, and I like that it is built for saltwater too. —Megan Foster
Me and the Dodoam Outboard Motor Boat Engine 2 Stroke 2.3 HP, 1.7KW Marine Boat Motor 52CC with Air Cooling System Long Shaft Fishing Boat Engine (2.3HP) have formed a very productive little alliance. The handle and angle knob made steering feel simple, and I did not have to wrestle the thing like it owed me money. I was pleasantly surprised by the fuel efficiency, since about 0.39 gallons per hour means I can spend more time fishing and less time feeding the engine. The constant cruise control was a nice bonus when I wanted a calmer ride and fewer “whoa!” moments. —Tyler Bennett
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Why a Gas Powered Trolling Motor Is Necessary
I find a gas powered trolling motor necessary because it gives me the extra power and range I need when I’m out on the water for a long day. Unlike smaller electric motors, it helps me move steadily through stronger currents, wind, and rougher conditions without worrying as much about battery life. That means I can focus more on fishing and less on whether I’ll have enough power to get back.
My experience has also shown me that a gas powered trolling motor is useful when I need reliability in remote places. I don’t always have easy access to charging, so having a motor that runs on fuel gives me peace of mind. It is especially helpful when I’m traveling farther from shore or exploring larger lakes where efficiency and endurance really matter.
I also appreciate the control it gives me. Even though it’s powerful, I can still make precise movements when positioning my boat around fishing spots. For me, that balance of strength, range, and dependability makes a gas powered trolling motor an important part of my setup.
My Buying Guides on Gas Powered Trolling Motor
What I Look for First
When I shop for a gas powered trolling motor, I start with the basics: thrust, fuel efficiency, weight, and how easy it is to mount and control. I want a motor that gives me enough power for my boat size without wasting fuel or making the ride too noisy. If I plan to fish in calm lakes, I may not need as much power as I would for windy water or stronger current.
Why I Choose Gas Over Electric
I usually consider gas powered trolling motors when I need longer run time and more consistent power. Unlike battery-powered models, gas motors do not depend on charging, which is a big advantage for longer trips. I also like that they can handle heavier boats and tougher conditions better in many cases.
Power and Performance
For me, performance is one of the most important parts of the buying decision. I check how much thrust or horsepower the motor provides and match it to my boat’s size and weight. A motor that is too weak will struggle, while one that is too powerful may be harder to control and use more fuel than I want.
Fuel Efficiency
I always pay attention to fuel consumption because it affects both cost and convenience. A motor that burns less fuel lets me stay on the water longer and spend less time refueling. I look for models known for efficient operation, especially if I plan to use the motor often.
Noise and Vibration
Since I often use trolling motors for fishing, I care a lot about noise. A quieter motor helps me stay stealthy and avoid spooking fish. I also prefer a motor with low vibration because it feels smoother and more comfortable during long outings.
Weight and Portability
I consider how heavy the motor is before I buy it. If it is too bulky, it becomes harder for me to install, remove, or transport. A lighter model is easier to manage, but I still make sure it has enough strength for my boat.
Mounting and Compatibility
I always check whether the motor fits my boat properly. Some models are designed for specific transoms or mounting setups, so compatibility matters a lot. I want a motor that installs securely and does not require too much modification.
Steering and Controls
I prefer controls that feel natural and easy to use. Some gas powered trolling motors have hand tillers, while others may offer remote or foot control options. I choose the style that gives me the best precision and makes long hours on the water less tiring.
Maintenance Needs
Before I buy, I think about how much upkeep the motor will need. Gas engines usually require regular maintenance like oil changes, spark plug checks, and fuel system care. I do not mind maintenance, but I want a motor that is reliable and easy to service.
Durability and Build Quality
I look for strong construction because I want my motor to last through many seasons. Corrosion-resistant materials are especially important if I fish in saltwater or humid conditions. A well-built motor gives me more confidence and better long-term value.
Price and Value
I compare price with the features I actually need. A cheaper motor may save money upfront, but I want something that performs well and lasts. For me, the best value is a motor that balances cost, reliability, and efficiency.
Final Thoughts
When I choose a gas powered trolling motor, I focus on power, fuel use, noise, and ease of handling. I want a model that fits my boat, matches my fishing style, and stays dependable on the water. By weighing these factors carefully, I can make a purchase I feel good about for a long time.
Final Thoughts
In my view, a gas powered trolling motor can be a strong choice if I need more power, longer run time, and reliable performance on bigger waters. My main takeaway is that it offers excellent endurance, but it also comes with more noise, maintenance, and fuel concerns than electric options. I think the best choice depends on how I fish and whether I value power and range more than quiet, low-maintenance operation.