Rhodan Gen5 Trolling Motors – Complete Buyer's Guide

Rhodan Gen5 GPS Trolling Motors: The Complete Buyer's Guide

The Rhodan Gen5 is the trolling motor built for serious offshore and saltwater anglers. Where most bow-mount motors are designed around freshwater bass fishing, Rhodan engineered the Gen5 from the ground up for large boats, rough water, and open-ocean conditions — with extra-long shaft options, 36V power, and seamless integration with Simrad, Raymarine, and Lowrance chartplotter systems.

Why Choose Rhodan?

Rhodan's core advantages are offshore-grade build quality, HD GPS anchoring with sub-meter accuracy, and multi-brand chartplotter integration via NMEA 2000. If you run a Simrad NSS, Raymarine Axiom, or Lowrance HDS, the Rhodan Gen5 connects natively — no proprietary network required.

Rhodan Gen5 — Full Lineup

All Gen5 models run on 36V for maximum efficiency on large boats. Available in Black or White, with 108" and 120" shaft options for high-bow offshore vessels.

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Who Is the Rhodan Gen5 For?

The Gen5 is purpose-built for anglers who fish from large center consoles, bay boats, and offshore rigs where standard 45"–72" shaft motors simply don't reach the water. The 108" and 120" shaft options accommodate bow heights of 40"+ — common on 24–32 ft offshore platforms. If you're targeting tuna, mahi, wahoo, or inshore species from a serious offshore boat, the Rhodan Gen5 is your motor.

How to Choose Your Rhodan Gen5 Configuration

Shaft Length: 108" vs 120"

Both shaft lengths are designed for high-bow offshore vessels. Use this guide:

  • 108" shaft — Bow height approximately 36"–44" (large bay boats, smaller center consoles)
  • 120" shaft — Bow height approximately 44"+ (large center consoles, offshore platforms 24 ft+)

When in doubt, measure your bow height from the deck to the waterline and add 20" for proper prop depth and performance in chop.

Voltage: Why 36V?

Large offshore boats require more power to move efficiently against wind and current. The Gen5's 36V system delivers higher thrust efficiency and longer run times than 12V or 24V alternatives. You'll need three 12V batteries in series or a single 36V lithium battery. See our ABYSS 36V 60Ah Lithium Battery Kit for a drop-in solution that saves significant weight over lead-acid.

Chartplotter Integration: Simrad, Raymarine & Lowrance

The Rhodan Gen5 connects via NMEA 2000, the open marine networking standard supported by virtually all major chartplotter brands. This means:

  • Simrad NSS/NSO/GO series — full motor control and GPS anchoring from the chartplotter
  • Raymarine Axiom/Element series — integrated anchor lock and waypoint navigation
  • Lowrance HDS/Elite series — motor control and anchor management from the helm

This open-standard approach gives Rhodan a significant advantage over proprietary systems if you run a non-Garmin, non-Humminbird electronics package.

HD GPS Anchoring

Rhodan's HD GPS Anchor uses high-sensitivity GPS to hold your boat's position with sub-meter accuracy. The system continuously adjusts motor direction and speed to compensate for wind, tide, and current — keeping you locked on structure, wrecks, or bait schools without dropping anchor. Controllable via the wireless remote, foot pedal, or compatible chartplotter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Rhodan Gen5 suitable for saltwater use?

Yes. The Rhodan Gen5 is built for saltwater environments with corrosion-resistant hardware and sealed electronics. It's one of the few bow-mount trolling motors specifically engineered for offshore saltwater applications.

What batteries do I need for the Rhodan Gen5?

The Gen5 requires a 36V system — either three 12V batteries wired in series or a dedicated 36V lithium battery. Lithium is strongly recommended for offshore use due to weight savings, consistent voltage output, and resistance to vibration. See our ABYSS 36V 60Ah Lithium Trolling Motor Battery Kit.

Does the Rhodan Gen5 work with Garmin chartplotters?

The Gen5 connects via NMEA 2000, which Garmin supports. However, for the deepest Garmin integration (Anchor Lock from chartplotter, LiveScope pairing), the Garmin Force Kraken is the better choice. Rhodan's strength is its native Simrad, Raymarine, and Lowrance compatibility.

What is the maximum boat size for the Rhodan Gen5?

Rhodan recommends the Gen5 for boats up to approximately 10,000 lbs (fully loaded). For reference, a 28 ft center console with twin outboards and full fuel typically falls in the 8,000–10,000 lb range — well within the Gen5's capability.

Can I use the Rhodan Gen5 on a freshwater boat?

Absolutely. While the Gen5 is engineered for offshore demands, it performs equally well in freshwater. Anglers on large Great Lakes walleye rigs, striper boats, and muskie platforms often choose the Gen5 for its long shaft options and 36V power.

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