Watersnake T24 ASP 24 Pound Thrust Electric Trolling Motor Review

The Watersnake T24 ASP is a popular Electric Trolling Motor for kayak anglers and small boat owners looking for an affordable electric trolling motor. We’ve put this motor through its paces to see how it performs in real-world conditions. Here’s what we found out.

What’s in the Box?

When you unpack the Watersnake T24 ASP, you’ll find:

• The trolling motor unit
• Transom mount
• Propeller
• User manual

Key Features

The Watersnake T24 ASP comes with several features aimed at making your time on the water easier:

1. 24 Pounds of Thrust: Designed to move small boats and kayaks efficiently.
2. 12V System: Compatible with standard 12-volt marine batteries.
3. Saltwater Friendly: Suitable for use in both fresh and saltwater.
4. Two-Speed Control: Offers high and low speed settings.
5. Tilt and Extend Tiller: Allows for easy steering and control.
6. Transom Mount: Designed to fit a variety of small kayak.

The Watersnake T24 trolling motor is designed for versatility and ease of use.

Performance on the Water

We tested the Watersnake T24 ASP on different kayaks and small boats to see how it performs in various conditions.

Speed and Power

The 24 pounds of thrust is adequate for most small watercraft. In our tests:

• On a 10-foot kayak, we reached speeds of about 3-4 mph at full throttle.
• With a 12-foot aluminum boat, speeds were slightly lower, around 2-3 mph.

These speeds are significantly faster than paddling, which is the main point of adding a trolling motor to a kayak or small boat. However, it’s important to note that this motor isn’t designed for speed – it’s about controlled, quiet movement.

The motor handled well in calm conditions and light currents. In stronger currents or windy conditions, we noticed a decrease in performance, which is expected for a motor of this size.

Battery Life

The Watersnake T24 battery compatibility is crucial for optimal performance. This motor works best with a 12V and standard 50Ah deep cycle battery, we got:

• About 4-5 hours of continuous use at low speed
• Around 2-3 hours at high speed

This should be enough for most fishing trips, but if you’re planning a full day on the water, you might want to bring a spare battery or opt for a higher capacity one.

Noise Levels

One of the advantages of electric trolling motors is their quiet operation, and the Watersnake T24 ASP doesn’t disappoint here. At low speeds, it’s barely audible. Even at full speed, the noise level is low enough that it’s unlikely to scare fish.

Ease of Use

The Watersnake T24 trolling motor is user-friendly. Its simple controls make it ideal for beginners.

Installation

Installing the Watersnake T24 ASP is straightforward for most small boats:

• The transom mount is easy to attach and adjust.
• For kayaks, you might need to purchase a separate mounting plate or bracket.

Most users should be able to install this motor in under an hour, even without much technical experience.

Control and Operation

The control system on the T24 ASP is simple but has some limitations:

• The tiller handle is comfortable to use and easy to steer with.
• The two-speed control is basic – you only have high and low settings.
• There’s no variable speed control, which some users might find limiting.
• Switching between forward and reverse requires you to turn the motor around manually.

While the simplicity makes it easy to use, the lack of fine speed control can be frustrating, especially when trying to maintain a specific trolling speed.

Durability and Build Quality

For its price point, the Watersnake T24 ASP feels reasonably well-built:

• The shaft and motor housing seem durable enough for regular use.
• The propeller is made of plastic, which is common for motors in this class. It’s more prone to damage from underwater obstacles compared to metal propellers, but it’s also easily and cheaply replaced.

After several months of testing, including some use in saltwater, we didn’t notice any significant corrosion issues. However, as with any marine equipment, proper maintenance is crucial for longevity:

• Always rinse the motor with fresh water after use, especially after saltwater use.
• Check and tighten any loose fittings regularly.
• Keep the shaft and moving parts clean and lubricated as per the manual’s instructions.

Value for Money

The Watersnake T24 trolling motor is positioned at the lower end of the price range for trolling motors. When you consider what you’re getting, it offers good value:

• It’s significantly cheaper than many competitor models with similar thrust.
• The performance is adequate for most small boat and kayak applications.
• While it lacks some features of more expensive models, it covers the basics well.

For casual anglers or those just getting into motorized fishing, the T24 ASP could be a good starting point. However, more serious anglers or those with larger boats might find it limiting and may want to consider more powerful or feature-rich options.

Pros and Cons

Here’s a quick summary of the main advantages and drawbacks of the Watersnake T24 ASP Trolling Motor:

Ratings

Here’s how we rate the Watersnake T24 ASP Trolling Motor in key areas:

• Performance: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5) Adequate for small watercraft in calm conditions, but limited by lack of speed control.
• Durability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) Decent build quality for the price, but plastic propeller is a weak point.
• Features: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (2/5) Covers the basics, but lacks features found on more expensive models.
• Ease of Use: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) Simple to install and operate, though manual reverse is inconvenient.
• Price: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) Excellent value for money in its class.

Who Is This Motor For?

The Watersnake T24 trolling motor is perfect for casual anglers. It’s also great for kayak fishing enthusiasts. After extensive testing, we have a good idea of who might benefit most from the Watersnake T24 ASP:

• Casual Anglers: If you fish occasionally and want an affordable way to move around without paddling, this could be a good choice.
• Kayak Fishers: The lightweight design and adequate power make it suitable for most fishing kayaks.
• Small Boat Owners: If you have a small jon boat, inflatable, or dinghy, this motor could serve you well.
• Budget-Conscious Buyers: For those wanting to try a trolling motor without a big investment, the T24 ASP offers good value.

On the flip side, this motor might not be the best choice for:

• Serious Anglers: If you fish frequently or in challenging conditions, you might want a more powerful motor with more features.
• Larger Kayak Owners: Kayaks over 14 feet or those with a lot of weight might need more thrust.
• Speed Enthusiasts: If you’re looking for something to zip around quickly, you’ll need a more powerful motor.

Long-Term Considerations

While our testing period was several months, there are some long-term factors to consider:

• Maintenance: Like all marine equipment, regular maintenance will be key to longevity. This includes rinsing after use, checking connections, and lubricating moving parts.
• Watersnake T24 battery choice: Invest in a good quality deep cycle marine battery. This will significantly improve your experience with the motor.
• Replacement Parts: While the motor is durable, parts like the propeller may need replacing over time. Fortunately, these are readily available and affordable.
• Upgrade Path: As you gain experience, you might find yourself wanting more features or power. Consider if this motor will meet your needs in the long term.

Alternative Products

While the Watersnake T24 ASP is a solid choice in its class, it’s worth considering some alternatives:

1. Minn Kota Endura C2 30: Offers slightly more thrust (30 pounds) and five forward speeds, but at a higher price point.
2. Newport Vessels NV-Series 36lb Thrust: More powerful and feature-rich, with 8 speeds and a 2-year warranty, but also more expensive.
3. Goplus Electric Trolling Motor: A budget-friendly option with similar features to the T24 ASP, but less established brand reputation.
4. MotorGuide R3-30 Freshwater Trolling Motor: Offers 30 pounds of thrust and variable speed control, but is typically pricier than the Watersnake.

Each of these alternatives offers different features and price points, catering to various needs and preferences.

Real-World Performance

To give you a better idea of how the Watersnake T24 ASP performs in real fishing situations, here are some scenarios we tested:

1. Calm Lake Fishing: The motor excelled here. It was quiet enough not to spook fish and had enough power to move around the lake easily. The lack of fine speed control was most noticeable when trying to maintain a slow trolling speed.
2. River Fishing: In moderate currents, the motor held its own, allowing us to maintain position and move upstream. However, in stronger currents, it struggled, and we had to assist with paddles.
3. Coastal Fishing: In protected bays and estuaries, the motor performed well. Its saltwater-friendly design showed no immediate signs of corrosion. However, in choppy conditions or with a bit of wind, the lack of power became apparent.
4. All-Day Trips: On a full day of fishing (about 8 hours), we had to swap out our 50Ah battery around the 5-hour mark when using a mix of high and low speeds. This highlighted the importance of either bringing a spare battery or investing in a higher capacity one for longer trips.
5. Trolling: While the motor can be used for trolling, the lack of fine speed control made it challenging to maintain the perfect speed. We often found ourselves alternating between speeds that felt too fast or too slow.

User Experience

The simplicity of the Watersnake T24 ASP is both its strength and weakness when it comes to user experience:

• Steering: The tiller handle is comfortable and provides good control. Even novice users found it easy to maneuver their craft.
• Speed Control: The two-speed system is very simple to use, but many users (ourselves included) wished for more speed options.
• Noise: The quiet operation is a big plus, allowing for stealthy approaches to fishing spots.
• Portability: At just over 15 pounds, the motor is light enough to easily transport and install, which is great for kayak anglers who might need to carry their gear to the water.

One aspect that might be inconvenient for some users is the need to manually turn the motor around to reverse. While not a deal-breaker, it can be awkward, especially in tight spaces or when trying to quickly adjust your position while fishing.

Environmental Impact

As an electric motor, the Watersnake T24 ASP has some environmental advantages over gas-powered outboards:

• No fuel spillage or emissions, making it eco-friendlier.
• Quiet operation minimizes noise pollution, which is better for wildlife and other water users.
• Lower overall carbon footprint, especially if charged using renewable energy.

However, it’s worth noting that the production and disposal of batteries do have environmental implications, so responsible battery use and recycling are important.

Final Thoughts

The Watersnake T24 ASP 24 Pound Thrust Electric Trolling Motor is a solid entry-level option for small boat and kayak owners. It offers adequate performance for most casual fishing needs at a very attractive price point.

Its strengths lie in its simplicity, quiet operation, and value for money. For many users, especially those new to motorized fishing or on a tight budget, these factors may outweigh its limitations.

However, the lack of speed control options and limited power output may frustrate more experienced anglers or those with larger boats. If you fish frequently or in challenging conditions, you might find yourself wanting to upgrade sooner rather than later.

Ultimately, whether the Watersnake T24 ASP is right for you will depend on your specific needs, fishing style, and budget. For casual anglers and those just starting out with trolling motors, it offers a low-risk way to enhance your fishing experience. More serious anglers might want to consider investing in a more powerful and feature-rich model from the outset.

Remember, the best trolling motor is the one that fits your specific needs and helps you enjoy your time on the water. The Watersnake T24 ASP, despite its limitations, does this well for many anglers and represents good value in its class.