Newport NV-Series 36 lb (30" Shaft) Review

Who it is for

Anglers with a canoe, a light inflatable or a small jon boat with a low transom, who want a motor they can carry with one hand and use in fresh or salt water.

What stands out

Newport lists the 36 lb NV-Series at 18 lb with a 30 in fiberglass shaft, a maximum draw of 29 A and roughly 0.48 hp equivalent. It runs on one 12 V deep cycle battery (not included), has five forward and three reverse speeds, a 6 in telescoping tiller and a 5-point LED battery meter. Newport's box list includes a 40 A circuit breaker, so you do not need to buy one separately. Newport's rule of thumb is 5 lb of thrust for every 200 lb of fully loaded boat, which puts this motor at about 1,440 lb loaded; our sizing guide explains the rule.

Where it falls short

Thirty-six pounds is light thrust for wind or current. Speed comes in fixed steps, and the 36 lb model ships with Newport's small two-blade propeller rather than the three-blade props on the bigger versions. Minn Kota's freshwater motors carry a lifetime guarantee on the composite shaft; Newport lists a 2-year limited warranty.

See how it compares with Minn Kota's lightest motor in Newport NV-Series 36 lb vs Minn Kota Endura C2 30, or step up to the NV-Series 55 lb.

What we could not confirm

Newport publishes weight and maximum amp draw for the whole NV-Series in one table, in thrust order (36, 46, 55, 62 and 86 lb). We matched the figures to thrust by that order; Newport's Kayak Series table gives the same 18 lb and 29 A for its 36 lb motor. Newport's description mentions a digital display, while its spec table lists a 5-point LED meter. Newport sells the NV-Series in five thrust ratings and in bundles, so check that the listing shows 36 lb and a 30 in shaft.