Can the MotorGuide R3 be used for backtrolling?

MotorGuide describes the R3 as having a reversible motor head for bow or backtrolling operation.

How much does the MotorGuide R3-55 draw?

MotorGuide's specification table lists a maximum of 49 A on 12 V for the R3-55FW with a 36 in shaft.

Is the MotorGuide R3-55 variable speed?

No. This model (940100140) has five forward and two reverse speeds. MotorGuide's R3 Digital models have variable speed.

Reversible Head for BacktrollingMotorGuide · Model R3-55FW 36 in (940100140)

MotorGuide R3-55 Freshwater (36" Shaft) Review

A 55 lb, 12 V freshwater transom motor with a 36-inch shaft, five forward and two reverse speeds, a twist tiller and a reversible motor head for backtrolling.

By Outdoor Spec Desk Editorial· Updated October 22, 2026

This page was drafted with AI assistance from manufacturers' specs and manuals, and is checked by our editor.

MMotorGuide

Our verdict

The R3-55 is a sound freshwater transom motor for anglers who backtroll or want an alternative to Minn Kota, with a lifetime-warranted composite shaft. If you want variable speed and a battery meter, the Minn Kota Traxxis 55 or Endura Max 55 offers both.

Pros and cons

Pros

Reversible motor head for bow-first or backtrolling use, by MotorGuide's description
49 A maximum draw, a little below the 50 A Minn Kota lists for the Endura Max 55 and the 52 A Newport lists for its 55 lb motors
Composite shaft with a limited lifetime warranty
Clamp fits transoms up to 3.5 in thick

Cons

Fixed speed steps, and only two in reverse; MotorGuide's R3 Digital versions add variable speed
MotorGuide does not list a battery meter or the motor's weight
Freshwater only
MotorGuide's online store now redirects to its home page, so buy from a dealer or retailer

Specifications

Thrust	55 lb
Voltage	12 V
Shaft length	36 in
Mount	Transom (fits transoms up to 3.5 in thick)
Speed control	5 forward, 2 reverse
Steering	Extendable twist-tiller handle
Battery meter	Not listed by MotorGuide
Water type	Freshwater
Max amp draw	49 A
Weight	Not confirmed
Warranty	2-year limited; composite shaft limited lifetime

Who it is for

Freshwater anglers with a jon boat, small aluminum boat or utility boat who steer from the back, including anglers who troll stern-first.

What stands out

MotorGuide's specifications list the R3-55FW (940100140) at 55 lb of peak thrust on 12 V, with a 36 in shaft, five forward and two reverse speeds and a maximum draw of 49 A. The extendable twist-tiller handle steers and sets speed, and MotorGuide describes a reversible motor head for bow-first or backtrolling operation. The owner's manual says the R355 clamp fits transoms up to 3.5 in thick. MotorGuide lists a 2-year limited warranty, plus a limited lifetime warranty on the composite shaft for the original buyer, and every R3 uses MotorGuide's three-blade Machete propeller.

Where it falls short

Speed comes in fixed steps; MotorGuide sells R3 Digital versions (such as 940100190) for variable speed. MotorGuide does not list a battery meter for this model or publish its weight. It is a freshwater motor; MotorGuide sells separate R3 saltwater models.

See MotorGuide R3-55 vs Minn Kota Traxxis 55 for the closest Minn Kota match.

What we could not confirm

MotorGuide's online store now redirects to its home page, so our figures come from MotorGuide's 2023 product catalog and its R3 owner's manual, both still on motorguide.com. We could not find the motor's weight or a current MotorGuide product page. Check that the listing shows the freshwater 55 lb model with a 36 in shaft (940100140), not the Digital or saltwater versions.

Frequently asked questions

Can the MotorGuide R3 be used for backtrolling?: MotorGuide describes the R3 as having a reversible motor head for bow or backtrolling operation.
How much does the MotorGuide R3-55 draw?: MotorGuide's specification table lists a maximum of 49 A on 12 V for the R3-55FW with a 36 in shaft.
Is the MotorGuide R3-55 variable speed?: No. This model (940100140) has five forward and two reverse speeds. MotorGuide's R3 Digital models have variable speed.

Sources

The specifications and claims on this page come from these manufacturer documents. Figures are the manufacturers' own unless the text says otherwise.

Ready to buy the MotorGuide R3-55 Freshwater (36" Shaft)?

Prices change often. See the current price and availability on Amazon.

Check Latest Price on Amazon (paid link)

Compare and read more

VS comparison

MotorGuide R3-55 Freshwater (36" Shaft) vs Minn Kota Traxxis 55 (36" Shaft)

Both are 55 lb, 12 V freshwater transom motors with a 36 in shaft and a lifetime warranty on the composite shaft. The Traxxis has variable speed, a tilting tiller and a battery meter; the MotorGuide has fixed steps and a reversible head for backtrolling.

Updated October 22, 2026