Rhodan Gen5 Trolling Motor — Complete Model Comparison: Every Shaft Length, Voltage & Boat Type
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Rhodan Gen5 Trolling Motor — Complete Model Comparison
The Rhodan Gen5 lineup spans two voltage systems, seven shaft lengths, and two finishes — 20 distinct configurations in total. Every model shares the same GPS Anchor dynamic positioning system, full-screen base display, wireless FOB remote, and native Simrad, Raymarine, and Lowrance integration. The differences between models come down to three variables: voltage, shaft length, and finish.
This guide compares every Rhodan Gen5 model side by side so you can identify the right configuration for your boat without guesswork.
→ Need the full buying framework first? Read the Rhodan Gen5 Complete Buyer's Guide.
The Two Decisions That Determine Your Model
Every Rhodan Gen5 purchase comes down to two decisions made in this order:
- Voltage — determined by your vessel weight
- Shaft length — determined by your bow height
Finish (black or white) is purely aesthetic and has no effect on performance or price.
Decision 1 — Voltage: 24V or 36V?
| Vessel Weight | Correct Voltage | Thrust | Available Shafts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 6,000 lbs | 24V | 80 lbs | 48", 60", 72" |
| 6,000–15,000 lbs | 36V | 120 lbs | 48", 60", 72", 84", 96", 108", 120" |
Rule: If your boat is near the 6,000 lb boundary, choose 36V. The 50% thrust increase (80 lbs → 120 lbs) meaningfully improves GPS Anchor holding in current and chop, and provides more steering authority in open water.
Decision 2 — Shaft Length: Match Your Bow Height
Bow height is measured from the top of the mounting surface (where the motor base sits) to the waterline with a typical fishing load aboard. This is the definitive measurement — boat length and type are starting points only.
Rule: 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.
| Shaft | Bow Height | Voltage | Role in Lineup |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48" | Under 30" | 24V or 36V | Shortest shaft — low-bow flats boats and skiffs only |
| 60" | 30–36" | 24V or 36V | Most common fit — bay boats and coastal center consoles |
| 72" | 36–42" | 24V or 36V | Offshore crossover — larger bay boats and higher bows |
| 84" | 42–48" | 36V only | Entry point into dedicated offshore |
| 96" | 48–54" | 36V only | High-freeboard offshore center consoles |
| 108" | 54–60" | 36V only | Large offshore and tournament platforms |
| 120" | 60"+ | 36V only | Maximum reach — extreme freeboard platforms only |
Complete Model Comparison — 24V Series
80 lbs thrust — boats under 6,000 lbs — GPS Anchor — Simrad/Raymarine/Lowrance integration — 5-year warranty — Made in USA
| Model | Shaft | Bow Height | Best Boat Type | Black | White |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24V 48" | 48" | Under 30" | Flats boats, low-bow skiffs, technical poling skiffs | 24V 48" Black | 24V 48" White |
| 24V 60" | 60" | 30–36" | Bay boats 18–24 ft, coastal center consoles under 6,000 lbs | 24V 60" Black | 24V 60" White |
| 24V 72" | 72" | 36–42" | Larger bay boats 22–26 ft, inshore/nearshore crossover boats under 6,000 lbs | 24V 72" Black | 24V 72" White |
24V notes: The 72" is the longest shaft available in 24V. If your boat is under 6,000 lbs but has a bow height over 42", contact TrollingMotors.shop — this is an unusual configuration that warrants a direct conversation before ordering.
Complete Model Comparison — 36V Series
120 lbs thrust — boats 6,000–15,000 lbs — GPS Anchor — Simrad/Raymarine/Lowrance integration — 5-year warranty — Made in USA
| Model | Shaft | Bow Height | Best Boat Type | Black | White |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36V 48" | 48" | Under 30" | Lower-bow offshore boats needing maximum thrust | 36V 48" Black | 36V 48" White |
| 36V 60" | 60" | 30–36" | Offshore bay boats, mid-size center consoles over 6,000 lbs | 36V 60" Black | 36V 60" White |
| 36V 72" | 72" | 36–42" | Offshore crossover boats, higher-bow center consoles, rougher conditions | 36V 72" Black | 36V 72" White |
| 36V 84" | 84" | 42–48" | Dedicated offshore center consoles — entry point into the offshore shaft range | 36V 84" Black | 36V 84" White |
| 36V 96" | 96" | 48–54" | High-freeboard offshore center consoles, larger dedicated offshore platforms | 36V 96" Black | 36V 96" White |
| 36V 108" | 108" | 54–60" | Large offshore and tournament platforms — most common fit for boats needing a long shaft | 36V 108" Black | 36V 108" White |
| 36V 120" | 120" | 60"+ | Extreme freeboard offshore platforms — specialty fit, most boats fit 108" instead | 36V 120" Black | 36V 120" White |
36V notes: The 120" is a specialty fit. Most boats that believe they need a 120" shaft actually fit a 108". Measure your bow height carefully before ordering the 120". Contact TrollingMotors.shop if you're unsure.
Model Selector by Boat Type
Use this table as a starting point. Always confirm your specific bow height and vessel weight before ordering.
| Boat Type | Typical Weight | Recommended Voltage | Starting Shaft | Confirm With |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Technical poling skiff / flats boat | Under 1,500 lbs | 24V | 48" | Bow height under 30" |
| Bay boat 18–22 ft | 2,000–4,000 lbs | 24V | 60" | Bow height 30–36" |
| Larger bay boat 22–26 ft | 4,000–6,000 lbs | 24V or 36V | 72" | Bow height 36–42" |
| Offshore center console 24–28 ft | 6,000–9,000 lbs | 36V | 84" | Bow height 42–48" |
| High-freeboard offshore center console | 8,000–12,000 lbs | 36V | 96" | Bow height 48–54" |
| Large offshore / tournament boat | 10,000–15,000 lbs | 36V | 108" | Bow height 54–60" |
| Extreme freeboard offshore platform | 12,000–15,000+ lbs | 36V | 120" | Bow height confirmed over 60" |
What's the Same Across Every Gen5 Model
Every Rhodan Gen5 — regardless of voltage, shaft length, or finish — includes:
- GPS Anchor — dynamic positioning system that holds your exact GPS coordinates in wind, current, and chop
- Full-screen base display with button controls
- Wireless FOB remote (included)
- Quick Release Bracket (included)
- RAM Mount Stabilizer (included)
- 10" sliding base for front-to-back adjustment
- Rhodan app compatibility (iOS and Android, free)
- Simrad, Raymarine & Lowrance integration via Rhodan MFD Gateway + NMEA 2000 (Gateway sold separately)
- 5-year limited warranty
- Made in Sarasota, Florida (90% U.S. content)
What Changes Between Models
| Variable | 24V | 36V |
|---|---|---|
| Thrust | 80 lbs | 120 lbs |
| Battery system | Two 12V in series or 24V lithium | Three 12V in series or 36V lithium |
| Available shafts | 48", 60", 72" | 48", 60", 72", 84", 96", 108", 120" |
| Recommended vessel weight | Under 6,000 lbs | 6,000–15,000 lbs |
| Circuit breaker requirement | Gen5-rated breaker required | Gen5-rated breaker required |
Finish (Black vs. White): No performance difference. No price difference. Choose based on your boat's color and aesthetic preference.
Rhodan Gen5 vs. Garmin Force Kraken — Which Is Right for You?
If you're comparing the Rhodan Gen5 to the Garmin Force Kraken, the decision 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
Common Fit Questions
My boat is right at 6,000 lbs. Which voltage?
Choose 36V. The 50% thrust increase provides meaningfully 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.
I think I need a 120" shaft. Am I sure?
Probably not. The 120" is a specialty fit for boats with a bow height over 60". Most boats that believe they need a 120" actually fit a 108". Measure your bow height from the mounting surface to the waterline with a fishing load. If that measurement is under 60", the 108" shaft is the correct fit. Contact TrollingMotors.shop before ordering the 120".
Can I use a 24V motor on a heavier boat to save money?
Not recommended. 80 lbs of thrust on a 6,000+ lb boat in current or chop will result in poor GPS Anchor holding and inadequate steering authority. The 36V system is the correct choice for boats over 6,000 lbs.
Does shaft length affect GPS Anchor performance?
Indirectly. A shaft that's too short for your bow height will break the surface in chop, losing all thrust and GPS Anchor holding instantly. The correct shaft length keeps the prop submerged in the conditions you fish — which is what allows GPS Anchor to work as designed.
Is there a performance difference between black and white finish?
No. Finish is purely aesthetic. Both are priced identically.
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.
Before You Order — Confirm These Four Things
- Vessel weight — under or over 6,000 lbs determines voltage
- Bow height — measured from mounting surface to waterline with fishing load
- Battery system — 24V or 36V, with adequate capacity for your fishing day
- Circuit breaker — confirm correct Gen5 SKU with Rhodan or TrollingMotors.shop. Do not use SKU A00155.
Shop the Complete Rhodan Gen5 Lineup
→ Browse all Rhodan Gen5 models at TrollingMotors.shop
Not sure which model fits your boat? Contact TrollingMotors.shop — we're an authorized Rhodan Marine Systems dealer and can confirm the right shaft, voltage, and battery for your specific setup.
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.