A with previous comments, the mounting hardware is rickedy and seems to be a weak point. The control housing is plastic, like a cheap coffee maker. have yet to check performance.

Purchased this motor in August of 2016. Initially I was happy but it has flaws. This motor was used weekly until it finally broke. Here are the two big issues:

The base that attaches to the transom is beyond flimsy. The motor/tiller constantly pop out of the tabs that keep the motor/tiller level. If you turn more than ever-so-slightly, the base torques and it pops out. The tabs finally broke in October of 2017. It is now an anchor. Motor is quite powerful but worthless because the surrounding components are so poorly made and cheap.

Also, the contacts in the control head of the motor are poorly made/designed or just not durable. The motor would just spontaneously engage when turned off. This was incredibly dangerous. I had to disconnect the motor from the battery terminal constantly if we were swimming around the boat because it would just turn on. I would have to turn the handle switch back an forth to finally get it to turn off.

I went the economical route but now regret it. I gave it two stars because the motor is quite powerful. If you are looking for inexpensive and disposable you might be ok for a while.

Four months after I ordered this Newport Vessels 86lb trolling motor, I finally had occasion to mount it. I've been using it about a week and wanted to post a review, because Newport Vessels is not a common vendor compared to Minn Kota or Evinrude. I replaced an aging 45lb 12VDC trolling motor (that was still working okay), so it took me a while to get the extra battery and work up the ambition to make the transition. Unit arrived promptly and intact and the installation instructions were clear - there's really not much to hooking one up after you master how to put two 12 VDC batteries in series. In my case, I place the batteries in the bow of a small Gheenoe-type boat to balance the weight and splice in a #6 cable to the existing motor wires.
Yes, this motor has twice the power of my old 45 lb unit. It really scoots. Pretty quiet for such a strong motor. Control is easy to use. And the unit looks nice in white.
Now for my complaints: I was surprised to read one of the label warnings that said "Never put the upper part with handle into water, this item must be dry and cleaned; it must be kept in dry place after use." !! This is astounding news for a trolling motor TO BE USED ON A BOAT! Sure, I understand that immersing the controls in water will cause damage, but seriously? You can't leave it out in the rain? You are supposed to remove it and store it someplace dry and clean? I do hope this is just a case of a zealous corporate lawyer trying to protect against needless claims. In the meantime, I've wrapped the upper part with a plastic bag when it's not in use. I keep the motor mounted on the back of my boat which remains outside tied to my dock. Let's see if that's necessary.
Next, the thrust of the motor is far too heavy on the first gear. It seems like 90% of the thrust is in Gear 1 and the other 10% is spread out over the next 7 gears. There is very little change of speed from 2nd through 5th. Because this is the first time I've had any experience with this motor or with any Newport Vessels motor, I cannot tell if this is intended or if there is some circuit connected wrong within my controls. I will pursue this issue with Newport Vessels before I say it is broken. With the light 13-foot fiberglass boat that I have it mounted on, I have to make sure the motor is facing forward before I engage it or the whole back end shoots sideways and puts a serious strain on the mounts.
Another interesting tip offered in their warning label: "Particular care should be exercised when using this item near anybody with long hair. Users with long hair should tie it up or wear swimming caps when using this boat." I kid you not.
Overall - three stars because it is a strong motor for the price. I just hope the durability is good and would love to fix that jump start issue.

CONS: Requires two 12 volt marine batteries in series (that is why it is more powerful than most).
PROS: Easy to use, pretty powerful for an electric, very durable and works in salt water, clamps attach to boat easily. I am happy I purchased it.

The overall quality isn't bad for the price. Compared to a minn kota or motor guide I find the plastic component's of it a little more cheap looking and feeling. The biggest problem i had was the first speed was too fast. You couldn't fish the mangroves at that speed. The rest of the speeds had little increases between them. First speed is enough to push someone not paying attention off the boat. My reason for the 3 stars. First speed way too fast.