Fishing enthusiasts know that a trolling motor is an essential piece of equipment for navigating through the waters and catching fish with precision.
The Rhodan Trolling Motor stands out as a powerful and reliable choice among the many options available. With advanced features like GPS and wireless remote control, the Rhodan Trolling Motor can help any angler take their fishing game to the next level.
In this comprehensive Rhodan Trolling Motor review, I’ve closely examined the motor and explored its various features and capabilities.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, my review will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Overview of Rhodan Marine
When you are investing so much in buying a trolling motor, it’s only natural to wonder where Rhodan trolling motors are made and their backstory. So, before I dive into the motor, let’s find out a bit more about Rhodan Marine, the company.
Rhodan Marine Systems is based in Sarasota Florida and all of the marine equipment it produces, including its trolling motors is made in its personal engineering facility.
It was founded by Glen E. Robertson, who was an avid sportsman and fisherman and his keen enthusiasm for trolling led him to invent a virtual anchor trolling motor.
The first Rhodan trolling motor was made way back in August of 1991 and has since evolved to be one of the most accurate GPS-guided trolling motors on the water.
Quick Spec Sheet Of Rhodan HD GPS ANCHOR Trolling Motor
Here’s a brief overview of the specifications you’re going to enjoy with the Rhodan HD GPS Anchor Trolling Motor.
| Specification | Options |
| Thrust | 120 lbs ( 36V), 80lbs (24V), 55 lbs (12V) |
| Propeller | 3-Blade Weedless |
| Shaft Length | 36”, 48”, 54”, 60”, 72”, 84” |
| Fishing Hole Exclusive Memory | 4 |
| Route/Fishing Hole Memory | 8 |
| Max Route Length | >1000 miles |
| Mount Style | Bow Mount |
| Steering | Wireless Remote Control fob |
| Suitable For | Saltwater |
| Colors | Black, White |
| Price Range | 2399-4999 USD |
Rhodan Trolling Motor Review 2023
Now, let’s buckle up and dive in to explore each of the features of the Rhodan Trolling Motor.
- Motor Power
When it comes to motor power, Rhodan offers 3 options to choose from 120 lbs for 36V, 80 lbs for 24V, and 55 lbs for 12V. These are pretty standard options for most anglers, and you can choose whichever one you might need depending on the size of your boat, and your trolling preferences.
- Battery Life
The performance of the battery will usually depend on what size Rhodan trolling motor you use, the boat size, and how you use your motor. For average anglers, it should last a minimum of 8 hours as long as your batteries are in good condition.
If you keep it on anchor mode, then it can even last up to multiple days. If you’re into water sports, however, it might be better to get the Rhodan 36V to last at least one session. So it depends on your usage.
The motor is designed to be energy-efficient, which means it can provide a longer runtime compared to other trolling motors with similar power and thrust. It uses a digital pulse width modulation circuitry to extend the battery life, so you can stay on the water for hours.
- Control Method
The primary control method on the Rhodan is their Wireless Control Fob. It’s a small waterproof remote that floats on the water so that if you accidentally drop it, it will float and you can find it again.
It’s pretty decent and you can use it to get the motor in anchor mode, track mode, or manual mode. There are also advanced modes with which you can record fishing spots and you can do all of this with the fob alone, and there’s no need for you to move around.
- Motor Noise
I didn’t personally find the Rhodan Trolling Motor to be very noisy. It’s quiet on the water and doesn’t bother the fish. While you might get even quieter conditions with brushless motors, the Rhodan one is pretty decent as well.
It is designed to operate with minimal noise and vibration. The motor features a high-efficiency brushless motor and a 3-blade weedless propeller that work together to reduce noise and disturbance in the water.
- Durability
While the Rhodan is built to be durable and withstand harsh marine environments, most customer feedback in the angler community is that it’s not really that reliable.
That is to say, you can expect to face a few problems with your Rhodan motor now and then. But that’s true of pretty much any battery-powered motor.
Rhodan’s customer service however saves the game as customer reviews state that they have gotten amazing support and could get their parts fixed pretty easily.
Rhodan will also replace your part if need be. It’s quick and efficient, unlike the Minn Kota trolling motor customer service.
So even though you can face certain problems, it’s still pretty durable in the long run as you can get it fixed.
- Shaft Length
On the shaft length front, Rhodan has pretty much gotten all bases covered. No matter what length you need, they’ve got you.
With the trolling motor 36V, you can get 48″, 54″, 60″, 72″, or 84″. With the 24V motor, you can get any of the same options except for the 84″ length. As for the 12V one, you can get either 36″, 48″, or 54″.
So the higher thrust you are going for, the more options you have to choose from. This is pretty standard, as the size of your boat will determine your thrust requirements and therefore your shaft length as well.
- Propeller Type
The propeller on the Rhodan HD GPS Anchor Trolling Motor is a 3-blade weedless propeller that is designed to provide efficient power and reduce the risk of snagging or other obstructions in the water.
The weedless design of the propeller is particularly useful for anglers who fish in areas with heavy vegetation, as it helps to prevent weeds and other debris from getting tangled in the motor and causing damage or obstruction.
- GPS
The Rhodan Trolling motors pride themselves on the accuracy of their GPS systems. They use their GPS anchor lock system to position your boat in one stationary point, even in strong tidal conditions.
Rhodan Marine uses a microcomputer module with an integrated high-definition GPS receiver. It was revolutionary when it came out and way ahead of its game.
But now, other brands have caught up and provide GPS that is just as good.
So you can expect a standard GPS on the Rhodan, and it is highly accurate and allows you to set and hold precise anchor points.
This is particularly useful for anglers who need to maintain a specific position for fishing or navigation purposes.
- Price & Value
When it comes to price, these motors are one of the most expensive options out there and are only geared toward more serious anglers who don’t mind investing in their fishing gear.
If you’re willing to spare a few bucks, then it provides great value for money. The features are amazing and your motor should last you a long time.
Not to mention, the customer service is great as well so should you face issues, you have help.
But if you’re on a budget then there are plenty of other options out there that you can use for electric trolling. Not everyone is going to want a premium option, and this is just that.
What is the warranty on the Rhodan trolling motors?
You get a 2-year warranty with your Rhodan trolling motor. The warranty covers any defects in materials or workmanship that arise during normal use of the motor, and it also covers any repairs or replacements that may be necessary due to such defects.
What I Like About Rhodan Trolling Motors
Here are some of the things I liked about the Rhodan trolling motors so that you can decide if you want this motor.
- Accurate GPS Anchor Lock
- Amazing customer service
- Complete wireless control
- Lots of options for shaft length
- Quiet on the water
What I Don’t Like About Rhodan Trolling Motors
There are some downsides to the motor as well. Take these into account when you’re making your choice.
- Expensive
- Not that durable, parts break down, stop working
- Hard to install
Maintenance and Care Tips for Rhodan Trolling Motor
While a lot of anglers do complain about facing regular issues with their Rhodan, if you take proper care of it, you might be able to avoid these problems.
The more gently you treat your motor, the longer it should last you. Here are some tips you can follow to do so.
Keep the motor clean
Rinse the motor with a clean, soft cloth after each use to remove any dirt, debris, or salt that may have accumulated on it. Check for weeds or fishing lines stuck in the propellers.
Check the propeller
Inspect the propeller regularly for signs of damage, such as cracks or dents. If you notice any damage, replace the propeller as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the motor.
Lubricate the motor
Use a high-quality lubricant to lubricate the motor shaft and other moving parts as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. This will help to reduce wear and tear and keep the motor running smoothly.
Check the battery
Regularly check the battery connections to ensure they are clean and tight. Charge the battery after each use and keep it in a cool, dry place when not in use. Clean battery terminals with a dry cloth and ensure there are no loose nuts.
Store the motor properly
Store the motor in a dry, well-ventilated area when not in use. Cover the motor with a protective cover to prevent dust and debris from accumulating on it.
Use Vinyl UV protectant
Spray a UV protector on the power cables regularly, so that you don’t face a lot of sun damage. Over time, this can wear down the motor.
FAQs
No, it’s a little difficult to install a Rhodan Trolling Motor and you will require some mechanical equipment like a drill, drill bits, screwdrivers, etc. It’s great if you have previous experience in installing motors. But you can easily find video tutorials to follow along with and read the Rhodan Trolling Motor manual to help you.
Both the Rhodan and Minn Kota trolling motors are great options and have their perks. Which one is better, depends on your needs. The Rhodan ones are one of the most expensive motors on the market, but provide a lot of range and facilities. On the other hand, if you’re short on budget, the Minn Kota ones are more affordable and might be the one for you. Check out my article on Rhodan Vs Minn Kota for a complete analysis.
Most anglers face problems with the Rhodan trolling motor that are due to the battery or battery drainage. You might face problems with the remote, gear box, GPS anchor, and speed. But fortunately, most of these can be easily fixed. Check out my two articles on Rhodan trolling motor problems and troubleshooting guide for rhodan trolling motor to learn more about them.
Yes, the Anchor Mode on the Rhodan Trolling Motor will help you maintain your boat’s position even in turbulent, windy conditions. It keeps the boat parked in one place, no matter how deep the water, compensating for heavy winds, and even strong currents.
The Rhodan Trolling Motor has 12 memory locations, of which 4 are exclusively for fishing holes. The other 8 can be used to store either routes or fishing holes according to your preferences.
Final Thoughts
The Rhodan HD GPS Anchor Trolling Motor is an impressive piece of equipment that can take your fishing game to the next level. With its advanced features such as GPS anchor lock and wireless remote control, you can navigate through any water with precision and ease.
While installing a Rhodan Trolling Motor may require some technical expertise, the manufacturer provides detailed instructions and support to help ensure a successful installation. With a 2-year warranty and reliable performance, the Rhodan Trolling Motor is a solid investment for any serious angler looking to upgrade their equipment.
