Newport NV-Series 46 lb (30" Shaft) Review
A 46 lb, 12 V fresh and saltwater transom motor with a 30-inch shaft, a 40 A maximum draw and a 20 lb weight, by Newport's figures.
By Outdoor Spec Desk Editorial· Updated
This page was drafted with AI assistance from manufacturers' specs and manuals, and is checked by our editor.
Our verdict
The NV-Series 46 lb is the middle step for a loaded canoe, a small jon boat or an inflatable that sees some wind, in fresh or salt water. If your transom sits more than about 10 in above the water, look at the 62 lb NV-Series with its 36 in shaft.
Pros and cons
Pros
- 10 lb more thrust than the 36 lb model for 2 lb more weight, by Newport's figures
- 40 A maximum draw, against 52 A for the 55 lb NV-Series
- Rated for fresh and saltwater
- Three-blade propeller and a 50 A circuit breaker in the box
Cons
- Fixed speed steps rather than variable speed
- The 30 in shaft may be too short for a higher transom or chop
- A 2-year warranty, with no lifetime shaft guarantee like Minn Kota's
Specifications
| Thrust | 46 lb |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 12 V |
| Shaft length | 30 in |
| Mount | Transom |
| Speed control | 5 forward, 3 reverse |
| Steering | 6 in telescoping tiller handle |
| Battery meter | 5-point LED |
| Water type | Freshwater and saltwater |
| Max amp draw | 40 A (50 A circuit breaker included) |
| Weight | 20 lb |
| Warranty | 2-year limited |
Who it is for
Owners of loaded canoes, small jon boats and inflatables who find 36 lb too little but want a lighter, lower-draw motor than a 55 lb model, in fresh or salt water.
What stands out
Newport lists the 46 lb NV-Series at 20 lb with a 30 in fiberglass shaft, a maximum draw of 40 A and roughly 0.64 hp equivalent. It runs on one 12 V deep cycle battery (not included), with five forward and three reverse speeds, a 6 in telescoping tiller, a 5-point LED battery meter and a small three-blade propeller. Newport's box list includes a 50 A circuit breaker. By Newport's rule of 5 lb of thrust per 200 lb of loaded boat, 46 lb covers about 1,840 lb.
Where it falls short
Speed comes in fixed steps. The 30 in shaft is meant for low transoms; Minn Kota's shaft chart calls for 30 in only when the transom sits up to 10 in above the waterline. Newport lists a 2-year limited warranty.
For more thrust on the same battery, see the NV-Series 55 lb or the NV-Series 62 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 46 lb figures by that order. The 50 A breaker size is labelled for the 46 lb model in Newport's box list. Check that the listing shows 46 lb and a 30 in shaft, since Newport sells five thrust ratings and several bundles.
Frequently asked questions
- Is a 46 lb trolling motor enough for a jon boat?
- For a small, light jon boat, often yes. Newport's rule is 5 lb of thrust per 200 lb of fully loaded boat, so 46 lb covers about 1,840 lb. Add thrust for wind and current.
- How long will a 46 lb Newport run on one battery?
- It depends on the battery and the speed. Newport lists a 40 A maximum draw, and run time grows at lower speed settings. Newport's site has a range estimator for its motors.
- Does the NV-Series 46 lb come with a circuit breaker?
- Yes. Newport lists a 50 A circuit breaker in the box for the 46 lb model.
Sources
The specifications and claims on this page come from these manufacturer documents. Figures are the manufacturers' own unless the text says otherwise.
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