Head-to-head comparison · Trolling Motors
Newport NV-Series 36 lb vs Minn Kota Endura C2 30
These are the two smallest motors we review for canoes, small jon boats and inflatables: both 12 V transom motors with a 30 in shaft and five forward and three reverse speeds. The Newport has more thrust and a saltwater rating; the Minn Kota has a lifetime shaft guarantee.
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 NV-Series 36 lb (30" Shaft) wins
The Newport wins on specs: 6 lb more thrust, 1 lb less weight, a slightly lower maximum draw and a fresh and saltwater rating. The Minn Kota is the pick for freshwater-only anglers who value its lifetime composite shaft guarantee.
Prices change often. Check the current price and availability on Amazon.
Check Latest Price on Amazon (paid link)
Newport NV-Series 36 lb (30" Shaft)
A 36 lb, 12 V fresh and saltwater transom motor with a 30-inch shaft, a 29 A maximum draw and an 18 lb weight, by Newport's figures.
Minn Kota Endura C2 30 (30" Shaft)
A 30 lb, 12 V transom motor with a 30-inch shaft, five forward and three reverse speeds and a battery meter.
Side-by-side
Specs compared
| Specification | Newport NV-Series 36 lb (30" Shaft)Our pick | Minn Kota Endura C2 30 (30" Shaft) |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | Editorial score:7.7/10 | Editorial score:7.6/10 |
| Best for | Lightest Saltwater-Rated Motor | Best for Canoes and Small Jon Boats |
| Thrust | 36 lb | 30 lb |
| Voltage | 12 V | 12 V |
| Shaft length | 30 in | 30 in |
| Mount | Transom | Transom |
| Speed control | 5 forward, 3 reverse | 5 forward, 3 reverse |
| Steering | 6 in telescoping tiller handle | Hand tiller |
| Battery meter | 5-point LED | Push-button, on the motor head |
| Water type | Freshwater and saltwater | Freshwater |
| Max amp draw | 29 A (40 A circuit breaker included) | 30 A |
| Weight | 18 lb | 19 lb (Minn Kota product page) |
| Warranty | 2-year limited | 2-year limited; composite shaft guaranteed for life |
| 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: 36 lb vs 30 lb
- 2Weight: 18 lb vs 19 lb (makers' figures)
- 3Maximum draw: 29 A vs 30 A
- 4Water rating: fresh and saltwater vs freshwater only
- 5Warranty: 2-year limited vs 2-year limited plus lifetime composite shaft
Product by product
Pros and cons
Newport NV-Series 36 lb (30" Shaft)
The NV-Series 36 lb suits canoes, light inflatables and small jon boats, and it is the one to pick if you also fish brackish or salt water. For a heavier boat or regular wind, the 46 or 55 lb NV-Series gives more headroom on the same 12 V battery.
Pros
- 18 lb by Newport's figures, the lightest saltwater-rated motor we review
- 29 A maximum draw, the lowest in the NV-Series range, is easy on one 12 V battery
- Rated for fresh and saltwater
- Newport includes a 40 A circuit breaker in the box
Cons
- 36 lb of thrust suits light boats only
- Fixed speed steps rather than variable speed
- Ships with a small two-blade propeller, while the 46 lb and larger models get three blades
- A 2-year warranty, with no lifetime shaft guarantee like Minn Kota's
Minn Kota Endura C2 30 (30" Shaft)
An easy, light transom motor for canoes, small jon boats and inflatables. For heavier boats or wind, step up to a 55 lb Endura Max or Traxxis.
Pros
- Light enough to carry to a canoe or small boat
- 30 A maximum draw is easy on a single battery
- Built-in battery meter
- Minn Kota's composite shaft, guaranteed for life
Cons
- 30 lb of thrust suits small, light boats only
- Five fixed speeds rather than variable speed control
- Freshwater only
Choose the Newport NV-Series 36 lb if
- You fish brackish or salt water, or might. Newport rates the NV-Series for both.
- You want the most push in the lightest package: 36 lb of thrust at 18 lb.
- You want a circuit breaker in the box; Newport includes a 40 A breaker.
- Check the NV-Series 36 lb on Amazon (paid link).
Choose the Minn Kota Endura C2 30 if
- You fish freshwater only and want Minn Kota's lifetime guarantee on the composite shaft.
- You prefer a push-button battery meter on the motor head.
- Check the Endura C2 30 on Amazon (paid link).
Both suit light boats only. Minn Kota recommends at least 2 lb of thrust per 100 lb of loaded weight, and both makers say to add thrust for wind and current; see our sizing guide.
Frequently asked questions
- Which is lighter, the Newport NV-Series 36 lb or the Minn Kota Endura C2 30?
- By the makers' figures, the Newport at 18 lb against 19 lb for the Minn Kota.
- Can I use either motor in saltwater?
- Only the Newport. Newport rates the NV-Series for fresh and saltwater; Minn Kota lists the Endura C2 30 as a freshwater motor.
- Do both have a battery meter?
- Yes. Newport lists a 5-point LED meter and Minn Kota a push-button meter on the motor head.
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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