Been out with it on a half dozen adventures and it has performed flawlessly! Lots of power, reasonable battery drain, solid operation and a great price. Gonna probably buy another one for a second kayak I have. When i find a product that works, I stick with it.

Purchased this in July 2016, and used infrequently, maybe 2 - 3X per month. Always connected directly to a 12v battery with an inline 40 amp circuit breaker. In early July 2017, it went dead. The LED's briefly light up on connection, but then go dark, so I know its getting voltage.

Checked manufacturer's warranty information because it is under 12 months, but the website says "Only electric trolling motors that have completed the "Warranty Registration" processes through (our website) within 30 days of purchase are eligible for any warranty privileges." I did not register. I've got a call in to them to check, but I'm not optimistic that they will stand behind the product. If so, I'll update this review.

Update: The manufacturer was helpful and provided me with a new master switch and I got it running again. Upgrade to 4 stars.

Put this in the transom of 16 foot aluminum boat which already has an old 36lbs minnkota bow mount motor. Boat and people about 900lbs. The Newport barely moved the boat in a calm lake and it struggled at high speed. It was very noisy compared to old minnkota 36lbs. It seems it's overrated at 36lbs for salt water just to hook you to buy it. Stick with minnkota. I have a 30lb Ozark trail and 2 other 30lb minnkotas. I have put the Ozar trail 30lb on Ascend A10 kayak and it pulls kayak at same speed as this Newport vessel pulls boat (about 4mph). Kayak weights 60lbs. Very dissappointed at the thrust of this motor. Using a small battery but was expecting more thrust since it's a 36lbs rating. Chinese made?

Used this three times in brackish so far and has been great. I use this for my hobie outback so my total weight with myself and all my equipment is about 400lbs and in calm water I can get to speeds close to 5mph. There does seem to be a gap between the 4 and 5 speeds but it's still a good motor. With my everstart group 29 battery I can troll for close 8 hours on setting three which gets me to about 2.8mph. This is my first trolling motor so I don't have much to compare it too but it's been great so far.

Compare these to Minn Kota. Better or equivalent thrust for a lesser price. I used this all summer, 2-3 times a week, with never an issue. It pushes my 400 pound jon boat easily. I would buy this trolling motor again.