Head-to-head comparison · Trolling Motors
Newport Kayak Series 36 lb vs 55 lb
The same 24-inch Newport kayak motor in two thrust levels. The 55 lb pushes harder; the 36 lb draws less current and weighs less.
By Outdoor Spec Desk Editorial· Updated
This page was drafted with AI assistance from manufacturers' specs and manuals, and is checked by our editor.
Why the Newport Kayak Series 55 lb (24" Shaft) wins
The 55 lb version handles wind, current and heavier loads, and for most kayak anglers that margin matters more than the 5 lb it adds. The 36 lb is the pick for solo paddlers on calm water who want the longest run from a small battery: 29 A against 52 A at full speed.
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Newport Kayak Series 36 lb (24" Shaft)
A 36 lb, 12 V saltwater-rated kayak motor that draws 29 A and weighs 18 lb, with a 24-inch adjustable shaft and 5 forward speeds.
Newport Kayak Series 55 lb (24" Shaft)
A 55 lb, 12 V saltwater-rated transom motor built for kayaks and canoes, with a 24-inch adjustable shaft, 5'6" battery cable and 5 forward speeds.
Side-by-side
Specs compared
| Specification | Newport Kayak Series 36 lb (24" Shaft) | Newport Kayak Series 55 lb (24" Shaft)Our pick |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | Editorial score:7.6/10 | Editorial score:7.9/10 |
| Best for | Best Low-Draw Kayak Motor | Best Kayak-Specific 55 lb Motor |
| Thrust | 36 lb | 55 lb |
| Voltage | 12 V | 12 V |
| Shaft length | 24 in, height-adjustable | 24 in, height-adjustable |
| Mount | Transom | Transom |
| Speed control | 5 forward, 3 reverse | 5 forward, 3 reverse |
| Steering | 6 in telescoping tiller handle | 6 in telescoping tiller handle |
| Battery meter | 5-point LED | 5-point LED |
| Water type | Freshwater and saltwater | Freshwater and saltwater |
| Max amp draw | 29 A (40 A circuit breaker included) | 52 A (60 A circuit breaker included) |
| Weight | 18 lb | 23 lb |
| Warranty | 2-year limited | 2-year limited |
| Where to buy | Check Latest Price on Amazon (paid link) | Check Latest Price on Amazon (paid link) |
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At a glance
Key differences
- 1Thrust: 55 lb against 36 lb
- 2Max amp draw: 52 A against 29 A
- 3Weight: 23 lb against 18 lb
- 4Propeller: 3-blade large against 2-blade small
- 5Breaker: 60 A against 40 A
Product by product
Pros and cons
Newport Kayak Series 36 lb (24" Shaft)
The lighter, lower-draw Newport for solo kayaks and canoes on calm water. If you fish wind, current or tides, the 55 lb version is worth the extra 5 lb.
Pros
- 29 A max draw, against 52 A for the 55 lb version, so a battery lasts longer
- 18 lb, 5 lb lighter than the 55 lb version
- 24-inch adjustable shaft and 5'6" cable for kayaks and canoes
- Freshwater and saltwater rated
Cons
- 36 lb of thrust struggles against wind and current with a loaded boat
- A 24-inch shaft is too short for most jon boat transoms
- Smaller 2-blade propeller, per Newport
Newport Kayak Series 55 lb (24" Shaft)
The 55 lb Newport to buy for a fishing kayak or canoe, thanks to the 24-inch shaft and long cable. On a jon boat or inflatable with a taller transom, the NV-Series 55 lb with its 30-inch shaft fits better.
Pros
- 24-inch shaft sized for kayaks and canoes, shorter than the 30-inch shaft on the NV-Series 36, 46 and 55 lb
- 5'6" cable for flexible battery placement
- Freshwater and saltwater rated
- 60 A breaker in the box
Cons
- 52 A draw empties a 50 Ah battery quickly at full speed
- A 24-inch shaft is too short for most jon boat transoms
- Brushed motor, per Newport
Choose the Kayak Series 55 lb if
- You fish in wind, current or tide.
- You carry a partner, a cooler or heavy gear.
Choose the Kayak Series 36 lb if
- You paddle solo on calm lakes.
- You want the lighter motor and the longest run per charge.
Both have a 24-inch adjustable shaft and are rated for saltwater.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Newport Kayak Series 55 lb worth it over the 36 lb?
- If you fish in wind or current or carry a heavy load, yes. The 36 lb draws 29 A against 52 A, so it runs longer on the same battery.
- How much heavier is the 55 lb version?
- 5 lb: 23 lb against 18 lb, by Newport's figures.
- Do they use the same propeller?
- No. Newport lists a small 2-blade propeller for the 36 lb and a large 3-blade propeller for the 55 lb.
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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VS comparison
Newport Kayak Series 55 lb (24" Shaft) vs Newport NV-Series 55 lb (30" Shaft)
Two 55 lb, 12 V saltwater-rated Newport transom motors with the same 52 A draw, 23 lb weight and 5 forward speeds. The difference is shaft length: 24 inches against 30.
Updated October 24, 2026
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Newport L-Series 62 lb Long Shaft (40" Shaft) vs Newport NV-Series 62 lb (36" Shaft)
Both are 62 lb, 12 V Newport transom motors rated for fresh and saltwater, at 23 lb. The difference is the shaft: 40 in on the L-Series, 36 in on the NV-Series.
Updated October 28, 2026
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Newport NV-Series 86 lb 24 V (36" Shaft) vs Newport NV-Series 62 lb (36" Shaft)
Newport's two biggest NV-Series motors share a 36-inch shaft, tiller and speed steps. The 86 lb runs on 24 V and draws less current; the 62 lb is the strongest motor Newport makes for a single 12 V battery.
Updated October 26, 2026