Head-to-head comparison · Trolling Motors
Newport NV-Series 62 lb vs 55 lb
Both are 12 V Newport NV-Series transom motors rated for fresh and saltwater, with the same tiller, speeds and 23 lb weight. The 62 lb model adds thrust and a longer 36 in shaft; the 55 lb keeps a 30 in shaft and draws less current.
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 62 lb (36" Shaft) wins
The 62 lb wins for most small boats because it adds 7 lb of thrust and a 36 in shaft at the same weight. Choose the 55 lb for an inflatable or low transom, where the 30 in shaft fits better and the lower 52 A draw stretches the battery.
Prices change often. Check the current price and availability on Amazon.
Check Latest Price on Amazon (paid link)
Newport NV-Series 62 lb (36" Shaft)
A 62 lb, 12 V fresh and saltwater transom motor with a 36-inch shaft and a 58 A maximum draw, the most thrust Newport offers on a single 12 V battery.
Newport NV-Series 55 lb (30" Shaft)
A 55 lb, 12 V fresh and saltwater transom motor with a 30-inch shaft, eight speeds and a 5-LED battery meter.
Side-by-side
Specs compared
| Specification | Newport NV-Series 62 lb (36" Shaft)Our pick | Newport NV-Series 55 lb (30" Shaft) |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | Editorial score:8.0/10 | Editorial score:7.9/10 |
| Best for | Most Thrust on One 12 V Battery | Best for Kayaks & Inflatables |
| Thrust | 62 lb | 55 lb |
| Voltage | 12 V | 12 V |
| Shaft length | 36 in | 30 in |
| Mount | Transom | Transom |
| Speed control | 5 forward, 3 reverse | 5 forward, 3 reverse |
| Steering | 6 in telescoping tiller handle | Telescoping tiller handle |
| Battery meter | 5-point LED | 5-point LED |
| Water type | Freshwater and saltwater | Freshwater and saltwater |
| Max amp draw | 58 A (60 A circuit breaker included) | 52 A (60 A circuit breaker included) |
| Weight | 23 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: 62 lb vs 55 lb
- 2Shaft length: 36 in vs 30 in
- 3Maximum draw: 58 A vs 52 A
- 4Weight: 23 lb for both, by Newport's figures
- 5Circuit breaker in the box: 60 A for both
Product by product
Pros and cons
Newport NV-Series 62 lb (36" Shaft)
The NV-Series 62 lb is the pick for a heavier jon boat or small aluminum boat that needs more push than a 55 lb motor but should stay on one 12 V battery, in fresh or salt water. For a light boat with a low transom, the 55 lb NV-Series with its 30 in shaft is enough.
Pros
- 62 lb of thrust on 12 V, more than any other 12 V motor we review
- 36 in shaft for higher transoms, where the 55 lb NV-Series has 30 in
- Same 23 lb as the 55 lb NV-Series, by Newport's figures
- Rated for fresh and saltwater, with a 60 A circuit breaker in the box
Cons
- 58 A at full power drains a battery faster than the 55 lb model's 52 A
- Fixed speed steps rather than variable speed
- A 2-year warranty, with no lifetime shaft guarantee like Minn Kota's
Newport NV-Series 55 lb (30" Shaft)
The NV-Series 55 lb is a straightforward choice for inflatables, kayaks and small boats with a low transom, in fresh or saltwater. For a higher transom, the X-Series with its 36 in shaft is the safer fit.
Pros
- Rated for fresh and saltwater
- The 30 in shaft suits low transoms on inflatables, kayaks and small jon boats
- Large three-blade propeller on the 55 lb model
Cons
- 30 in may be too short for higher transoms or choppy water
- Fixed speed steps rather than variable speed
- A 2-year warranty, with no lifetime shaft guarantee like Minn Kota's
Choose the NV-Series 62 lb if
- Your boat is heavier, or you fish in wind, current or tide. By Newport's rule of 5 lb per 200 lb, 62 lb covers about 2,480 lb loaded against about 2,200 lb for 55 lb.
- Your transom sits more than about 10 in above the water. Minn Kota's shaft chart calls for a 36 in shaft from 10 to 16 in.
- You want the most thrust Newport offers on one 12 V battery. Check the 62 lb on Amazon (paid link).
Choose the NV-Series 55 lb if
- You run an inflatable, a motor-ready kayak or a jon boat with a low transom, where a 30 in shaft fits.
- You want a little less current draw: 52 A at full power against 58 A.
- Check the 55 lb on Amazon (paid link).
Both share five forward and three reverse speeds, a 6 in telescoping tiller, a 5-point LED battery meter, Newport's large three-blade propeller and a 2-year warranty. Our trolling motor sizing guide explains how to measure your transom.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 62 lb Newport NV-Series heavier than the 55 lb?
- No. Newport lists both at 23 lb.
- Do both run on one 12 V battery?
- Yes. Newport says NV-Series models up to 62 lb run on a single 12 V deep cycle battery.
- Which shaft length do I need?
- Measure from the transom top to the waterline. Minn Kota's chart calls for 30 in up to 10 in and 36 in from 10 to 16 in; Newport says to take the longer shaft if you are between sizes.
Sources
The specifications and claims on this page come from these manufacturer documents. Figures are the manufacturers' own unless the text says otherwise.
More comparisons
VS comparison
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
VS comparison
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
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