Rhodan Gen5 GPS Trolling Motor — Complete Buyer's Guide
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Rhodan Gen5 GPS Trolling Motor — Complete Buyer's Guide
The Rhodan Gen5 is a bow-mount GPS trolling motor built for saltwater anglers who need precise, reliable position holding in real offshore conditions — wind, current, chop, and tidal flow. It's manufactured in Sarasota, Florida, backed by a 5-year limited warranty, and integrates natively with Simrad, Raymarine, and Lowrance chartplotters.
This guide covers everything you need to choose the right Rhodan Gen5 model for your boat: voltage, shaft length, GPS Anchor, MFD integration, and the complete lineup with links to every available configuration.
If you have questions after reading, contact TrollingMotors.shop — we're an authorized Rhodan Marine Systems dealer and can confirm the right fit for your specific boat.
Who Should Buy the Rhodan Gen5?
The Rhodan Gen5 is the right motor if:
- You fish saltwater — bays, passes, nearshore reefs, offshore wrecks, or open ocean
- You run Simrad, Raymarine, or Lowrance electronics and want native chartplotter integration
- You want proven GPS anchor-lock performance from a motor with an established offshore track record
- You want a motor made in the USA with a 5-year warranty and direct access to U.S.-based customer service
- Your boat weighs under 15,000 lbs
The Rhodan Gen5 is not the right motor if:
- You run Garmin electronics and want native helm integration — the Garmin Force Kraken is the correct motor for Garmin users
- You fish exclusively freshwater and want auto stow/deploy or CHIRP sonar integration
- Your vessel weighs over 15,000 lbs
Step 1 — Choose Your Voltage: 24V or 36V?
Voltage is the first decision. It determines your thrust output and which shaft lengths are available. The rule is simple: vessel weight determines voltage.
| Vessel Weight | Voltage | Thrust | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 6,000 lbs | 24V | 80 lbs | Flats boats, bay boats, coastal center consoles |
| 6,000–15,000 lbs | 36V | 120 lbs | Offshore center consoles, large bay boats, charter boats |
Near the 6,000 lb boundary? Choose 36V. More thrust means better GPS Anchor holding in current and chop, and more steering authority in open water. The cost difference is modest relative to the performance gain.
24V vs. 36V — What Changes?
- Thrust: 24V = 80 lbs. 36V = 120 lbs. That's 50% more holding power.
- Battery system: 24V requires two 12V batteries in series. 36V requires three 12V batteries in series, or a dedicated 36V lithium battery.
- Shaft lengths: 24V is available in 48", 60", and 72". 36V is available in 48" through 120".
- Circuit breaker: Both require a properly rated Gen5 circuit breaker. Do not use SKU A00155 (Legacy, not Gen5 compatible).
Step 2 — Choose Your Shaft Length
Shaft length is determined by your bow height — measured from the top of the mounting surface (where the motor base sits) to the waterline with a typical fishing load aboard.
The most important rule in shaft selection: when in doubt, choose the next longer shaft. A prop that breaks the surface in chop loses all thrust instantly. A shaft that's slightly longer than necessary costs nothing in performance. A shaft that's too short is a serious problem in rough water.
| Shaft | Best Bow Height | Typical Boat Category | Voltage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48" | Under 30" | Low-bow flats boats and skiffs | 24V or 36V |
| 60" | 30–36" | Bay boats — most common fit | 24V or 36V |
| 72" | 36–42" | Larger bay boats, offshore crossover | 24V or 36V |
| 84" | 42–48" | Dedicated offshore center consoles | 36V only |
| 96" | 48–54" | High-freeboard offshore center consoles | 36V only |
| 108" | 54–60" | Large offshore and tournament boats | 36V only |
| 120" | 60"+ | Extreme freeboard offshore platforms | 36V only |
→ Use Rhodan's official size guide to confirm your shaft selection.
How to Measure Your Bow Height
Stand at the bow of your boat with a typical fishing load aboard (fuel, gear, crew). Measure from the top of the mounting surface — where the motor base will sit — straight down to the waterline. That number is your bow height. Match it to the table above. If you're between two shaft lengths, choose the longer one.
Notes on Specific Shaft Lengths
48" shaft: The shortest Gen5 shaft. Correct for very low-bow flats boats and skiffs where a longer shaft would drag on the bottom in shallow water. Available in both 24V and 36V.
60" shaft: The most common fit for bay boats in the 18–24 ft range. If you're unsure and you fish a typical bay boat, start here and confirm your bow height.
72" shaft: The offshore crossover shaft — correct for larger bay boats and boats that fish both inshore and nearshore. Also the longest shaft available in 24V.
84" shaft: The entry point into dedicated offshore. Correct for purpose-built offshore center consoles with bow heights in the 42–48" range. 36V only.
96" shaft: High-freeboard offshore center consoles. If your bow height is in the 48–54" range and you fish dedicated offshore, this is your shaft. 36V only.
108" shaft: Large offshore and tournament platforms. Bow height 54–60". Most large offshore boats that need a long shaft fit here rather than the 120". 36V only.
120" shaft: The maximum-reach motor in the Gen5 lineup. A specialty fit for extreme freeboard platforms with bow heights over 60". Most boats that believe they need a 120" actually fit a 108". Measure carefully before ordering. 36V only.
Step 3 — Choose Your Finish: Black or White?
Every Gen5 model is available in black and white. This is purely aesthetic — there is no performance difference between finishes. White is popular on offshore center consoles with white gelcoat. Black is popular on darker-hulled boats and for a lower-profile look. Both finishes are priced identically.
GPS Anchor — How Rhodan's Dynamic Positioning Works
GPS Anchor is the core feature of the Gen5. It's not a simple spot-lock — it's a dynamic positioning system that continuously calculates and applies thrust corrections to hold your exact GPS coordinates in real time, compensating for wind, current, and wave action as conditions change.
When you activate GPS Anchor, the motor reads your current GPS position and locks it. As wind or current pushes the boat off position, the motor applies corrective thrust to bring you back. The system runs continuously until you release it — no drift, no re-anchoring, no dropped position.
How to Activate GPS Anchor
- Wireless FOB remote (included)
- Rhodan app (iOS and Android, free)
- Base display on the motor head
- Compatible MFD (with Rhodan MFD Gateway installed)
Where GPS Anchor Excels
- Holding over oyster bars, shell bars, and nearshore reefs in tidal current
- Fishing docks, bridge pilings, and mangrove shorelines in wind
- Anchoring on offshore wrecks and structure in open water
- Waiting for tide changes on flats without re-positioning
- Holding position in passes and inlets with strong tidal flow
MFD Integration — Simrad, Raymarine & Lowrance
The Gen5 integrates natively with compatible Simrad, Raymarine, and Lowrance multifunction displays via the Rhodan MFD Gateway and a properly configured NMEA 2000 network. Integration enables full motor control — heading, speed, and GPS Anchor — directly from your chartplotter screen.
What Integration Requires
- Rhodan MFD Gateway (purchased separately)
- Compatible NMEA 2000 backbone on your boat
- T-connector for the NMEA 2000 network
- Compatible display firmware (confirm with Rhodan or TrollingMotors.shop)
Important: Confirm display compatibility and required networking hardware with Rhodan or TrollingMotors.shop before purchase. Not all display firmware versions support all Gen5 features.
What About Garmin?
The Gen5 does not integrate natively with Garmin chartplotters. If you run Garmin electronics and want native helm integration, the Garmin Force Kraken is the correct motor. We carry both — we'll help you choose the right one for your electronics platform.
Complete Rhodan Gen5 Model Matrix
24V Series — 80 lbs thrust (boats under 6,000 lbs)
| Shaft | Best Bow Height | Typical Boat | Black | White |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48" | Under 30" | Flats boats, low-bow skiffs | 24V 48" Black | 24V 48" White |
| 60" | 30–36" | Bay boats (most common) | 24V 60" Black | 24V 60" White |
| 72" | 36–42" | Larger bay boats, offshore crossover | 24V 72" Black | 24V 72" White |
36V Series — 120 lbs thrust (boats 6,000–15,000 lbs)
| Shaft | Best Bow Height | Typical Boat | Black | White |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48" | Under 30" | Lower-bow offshore boats | 36V 48" Black | 36V 48" White |
| 60" | 30–36" | Offshore bay boats, mid-size center consoles | 36V 60" Black | 36V 60" White |
| 72" | 36–42" | Offshore crossover, higher bows | 36V 72" Black | 36V 72" White |
| 84" | 42–48" | Dedicated offshore center consoles | 36V 84" Black | 36V 84" White |
| 96" | 48–54" | High-freeboard offshore center consoles | 36V 96" Black | 36V 96" White |
| 108" | 54–60" | Large offshore and tournament platforms | 36V 108" Black | 36V 108" White |
| 120" | 60"+ | Extreme freeboard offshore platforms | 36V 120" Black | 36V 120" White |
Not sure which model fits your boat? Visit the Rhodan Gen5 collection hub or contact TrollingMotors.shop — we'll confirm the right shaft, voltage, and battery for your specific setup.
Quick Model Selector by Boat Type
| Boat Type | Typical Weight | Voltage | Starting Shaft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flats boat / low-bow skiff | Under 2,000 lbs | 24V | 48" |
| Bay boat (18–22 ft) | 2,000–4,000 lbs | 24V | 60" |
| Larger bay boat (22–26 ft) | 4,000–6,000 lbs | 24V or 36V | 72" |
| Offshore center console (24–30 ft) | 6,000–9,000 lbs | 36V | 84" |
| High-freeboard offshore center console | 8,000–12,000 lbs | 36V | 96" |
| Large offshore / tournament boat | 10,000–15,000 lbs | 36V | 108" |
| Extreme freeboard offshore platform | 12,000–15,000+ lbs | 36V | 120" |
Always confirm your specific bow height and vessel weight before ordering. Boat type is a starting point — bow height is the definitive measurement.
Battery Requirements
The Rhodan Gen5 requires a properly configured battery system matched to your motor's voltage.
24V Battery System
- Two 12V marine batteries wired in series, or a dedicated 24V lithium battery
- Minimum recommended capacity: 60Ah for typical fishing use
- Lithium recommended for all-day runtime and weight savings
36V Battery System
- Three 12V marine batteries wired in series, or a dedicated 36V lithium battery
- Minimum recommended capacity: 60Ah for typical fishing use; 75Ah+ for all-day offshore trips
- Lithium recommended for offshore use where weight and runtime matter most
Wiring Requirements
- Under 15 ft run: 6 AWG minimum
- 15–25 ft run: 4 AWG minimum
- Over 25 ft run: 2 AWG minimum
Circuit Breaker
A properly rated marine circuit breaker is required. Confirm the correct Gen5 breaker SKU with Rhodan or TrollingMotors.shop before installation. Do not use SKU A00155 — Rhodan identifies this as a Legacy breaker that is not compatible with the Gen5.
What's Included with Every Gen5
- Wireless FOB remote
- Quick Release Bracket
- RAM Mount Stabilizer
- Owner's manual and warranty documentation
The Rhodan MFD Gateway for chartplotter integration is sold separately. Confirm compatibility before purchase.
Rhodan Gen5 vs. Garmin Force Kraken
The two most common GPS trolling motors for saltwater anglers are the Rhodan Gen5 and the Garmin Force Kraken. The decision between them is almost entirely determined by your electronics platform.
| Feature | Rhodan Gen5 | Garmin Force Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| GPS positioning | GPS Anchor (dynamic) | Kraken Lock (dynamic) |
| Chartplotter integration | Simrad, Raymarine, Lowrance | Garmin native |
| Motor type | Brushed | Brushless |
| Origin | Made in USA (Sarasota, FL) | Assembled overseas |
| Warranty | 5-year limited | 2-year limited |
| Best for | Simrad/Raymarine/Lowrance users | Garmin chartplotter users |
→ Full comparison: Garmin Force Kraken vs. Rhodan Gen5
Key Specifications — All Gen5 Models
- GPS system: GPS Anchor (dynamic positioning)
- 24V thrust: 80 lbs | 36V thrust: 120 lbs
- Shaft lengths: 48", 60", 72", 84", 96", 108", 120"
- Finishes: Black, White
- MFD integration: Simrad, Raymarine, Lowrance (via MFD Gateway + NMEA 2000)
- Base display: Full-screen with button controls
- Sliding base: 10" front-to-back adjustment
- Warranty: 5-year limited
- Origin: Made in Sarasota, Florida (90% U.S. content)
Before You Order — Checklist
- ☐ Bow height measured (mounting surface to waterline with fishing load)
- ☐ Vessel weight confirmed (under or over 6,000 lbs determines voltage)
- ☐ Battery system voltage confirmed (24V or 36V)
- ☐ If using MFD integration: NMEA 2000 backbone availability and display compatibility confirmed
- ☐ Correct Gen5 circuit breaker SKU confirmed — do not use SKU A00155
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 24V and 36V?
Voltage determines thrust output. 24V produces 80 lbs of thrust and is correct for boats under 6,000 lbs. 36V produces 120 lbs of thrust and is correct for boats between 6,000 and 15,000 lbs. If your boat is near the 6,000 lb boundary, choose 36V.
How do I choose the right shaft length?
Measure your bow height from the mounting surface to the waterline with a typical fishing load. Match that measurement to the shaft length table above. When in doubt, choose the next longer shaft.
Does the Gen5 work with Garmin chartplotters?
No. The Gen5 integrates natively with Simrad, Raymarine, and Lowrance via the Rhodan MFD Gateway. For Garmin integration, the Garmin Force Kraken is the correct motor.
Is a circuit breaker required?
Yes. Confirm the correct Gen5 breaker SKU with Rhodan or TrollingMotors.shop. Do not use SKU A00155.
Can I use lithium batteries?
Yes. Lithium is recommended for offshore use. Confirm battery voltage and capacity with TrollingMotors.shop for your runtime requirements.
Where is the Rhodan Gen5 made?
Sarasota, Florida, using U.S. and globally sourced parts (90% U.S. content). Customer service is also based in Florida.
What warranty does the Gen5 include?
A 5-year limited warranty with direct access to Rhodan's customer service department.
What's included with the Gen5?
Wireless FOB remote, Quick Release Bracket, RAM Mount Stabilizer, owner's manual, and warranty documentation.
Shop the Complete Rhodan Gen5 Lineup
→ Browse all Rhodan Gen5 models at TrollingMotors.shop
→ Compare every model side by side — Rhodan Gen5 Complete Model Comparison
Why Buy From TrollingMotors.shop?
- ✓ Authorized Rhodan Marine Systems Dealer
- ✓ Free Nationwide Shipping
- ✓ Expert Technical Support — before and after your purchase
- ✓ Shaft Length & Voltage Matching Assistance
- ✓ Battery & Circuit Breaker Guidance
- ✓ MFD Integration Support
- ✓ Genuine OEM Product — factory warranty intact
Authorized Rhodan Marine Systems Dealer. Expert support before and after your purchase. Free nationwide shipping.