Watersnake Trolling Motors

Well, the troller on the cabin fishing boat finally gave out after 13 years of hard abuse and being exposed to the summer elements. So I’ve been doing some looking online, and therefore been getting a lot of pop-up ads for trolling motors on social media, etc.

Does anyone have any experience with Watersnake trolling motors? They carry them at Scheels, they seem slightly more affordable than MinnKota and MotorGuide. Made in Australia (or at least that’s where they’re HQ’d). Sounds like they specialize in motors for smaller boats – which ours is– Standard 14 ft lund 3-bench fishing boat).

This boat is stored on a coverless lift all summer so it’s often exposed to long periods of direct sun, heat and also rain. Because of this, we’ve just ran a cable-steer bow mount as it’s simpler and less electronic moving parts – and it’s gotten the job done for a beater cabin boat. Watersnake only has electric steer, but they seem a little more compact and get good reviews for a $60-$100 less than a comparable MinnKota PowerDrive. But I worry if that type of exposure would be hard on electric components over time? Should I just buy a MinnKota Edge cable steer and be done with it?

Put it on a quick plate and bring it in. Pretty simple. As for the brand, I’ve never heard of them. My motorguide has been out side for 4 years. Never a issue. Out in all elements. My cover doesn’t cover it.

What’s their warranty policy compared to the others?

I’ll tell ya, after having gone through three different foot pedals on my M’kota mx65, I was in a bind for a replacement, and on a deadline. I needed a motor in 2 days, but wasn’t going to spring for a new one and the small car pricetag that accompanied it. So I went on Craigslist and found a used Watersnake Shadow about 1/2 hour’s drive away. It has more power, faster steering response, is quieter than my old M’kota, and it goes almost twice as long on a charge. That was 5 or 6 years ago. It’s been the best trollers I’ve ever owned (I’ve owned 4 M’kotas) and it only cost me $120 used.
In a nutshell, I wouldn’t be afraid of buying one. If/when I need another troller, I’ll be buying a watersnake.

NOTE: The only time this motor is out of the elements is when I cover the boat for the winter. It’s help up well.

1 yr full Warranty from what I read.

Bearcat89 wrote:

Put it on a quick plate and bring it in. Pretty simple. As for the brand, I’ve never heard of them. My motorguide has been out side for 4 years. Never a issue. Out in all elements. My cover doesn’t cover it.

Just a 12V bare wire system, and if I replaced it as-is it would be hard-wired in. But I could probably rig-up some type of quick connect. Is your MotorGuide a power steer or cable drive?

ThunderLund78 wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Bearcat89 wrote:</div>
Put it on a quick plate and bring it in. Pretty simple. As for the brand, I’ve never heard of them. My motorguide has been out side for 4 years. Never a issue. Out in all elements. My cover doesn’t cover it.

Just a 12V bare wire system, and if I replaced it as-is it would be hard-wired in. But I could probably rig-up some type of quick connect. Is your MotorGuide a power steer or cable drive?

Power steering. No cables and yes just put a plug on it. It’s a easy piece of mind. But my motor guide sits out 365 days a year

Try getting parts for a Watersnake? Can you talk to someone if you call customer service? Overseas stuff can be a lot nicer then some of the US stuff but parts and service are important also.

bigcrappie wrote:

Try getting parts for a Watersnake? Can you talk to someone if you call customer service? Overseas stuff can be a lot nicer then some of the US stuff but parts and service are important also.

The way I hear minnkota all need parts every other week and all the newer ones having major issues I happily try a water snake. I’m glad I bought the xi5 when I did

What went wrong with your old trolling motor? I rebuilt my trolling motor for under $100 and it was simple. For what they want for new motor it might be worth looking in to. Parts are easy to find on MinnKota website.

It’s a MotorGuide and I was never really happy with it. It ran fine but had too short of shaft. It moved the boat fine but would cavitate on highest speed because it needed to be a little deeper. So happy to have an excuse to find a motor better suited for the boat, even though it might be a few more $$.

For that little bit of savings I would stick with a proven name brand.

robby wrote:

For that little bit of savings I would stick with a proven name brand.

From what I found online they are a proven name. And have tons of great reviews. Not huge here in the Midwest but who cares. Parts seem to be easily available on the website and the price is right. I wouldn’t hesitate. Better then spending 2k on a minnkota and having the same issues every one else is. Especially if it’s for a small cabin boat.

Closing the loop on this for anyone in the market for a new “basic” trolling motor. I did end up purchasing a Watersnake Shadow 12V 44 LB thrust power-steer motor for our 14 ft cabin fishing boat.

Roughly $100-$150 cheaper than a comparable MinnKota PowerDrive. Ordered through Scheels and was at my door in three days. VERY easy install and hook-up. What I like most over comparable models is the small profile, simple foot control – extra-long cord so I can drive/fish sitting back by the tiller where I have more room than the bow. The control is also very lightweight; I can even hold it like an RC car controller if I want. Never really thought of doing that before but was actually kind of fun and was easier to finesse my way into a tight spot. Super-responsive steering. Very easy to deploy and stow as well. While I hope to not find out for myself anytime soon, all reviews I’ve read of their customer service is Top-notch.

I don’t know if this is typical, but they recommend in the manual NOT sharing a battery with your outboard if your outboard back-charges, which ours does. So I ended up buying a second battery dedicated to the troller–I actually like that better anyway. Our old MotorGuide Cable Steer shared a deep cycle with outboard for starting and we never had issues in 12 years. But like I say, I like this set-up better.

So… So far so GREAT! They don’t have as many high-end options for larger boats and out-of-the-package electronic set-ups but I couldn’t be happier given the purpose I need it to serve. True test will be longevity, but really happy with my purchase thus far and would recommend.

You’ll be happy you did.
Now, go out and buy a set of good jumper cables (~16′-18′ long) and store them onboard in a water tight container. Having that extra battery and jumpers turned out to be a life saver when my cranking battery failed one evening, in the wind, while on the water. I was able to jump it from my trolling battery and get home on time.