Watersnake trolling motors are manufactured in China for Australia’s Jarvis Walker Group. Watersnake is known for affordable electric motors built for anglers on a budget. Jarvis Walker Group is headquartered in Melbourne and specializes in fishing tackle.
So why does an Australian fishing brand choose Chinese factories for production? This guide covers Watersnake’s factory location, ownership history, pricing, and real performance. So let’s get started.
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Who Makes Watersnake Trolling Motors?
Watersnake trolling motors are owned and marketed by Jarvis Walker Group. You can read more on Watersnake’s official site.
Jarvis Walker Group designs the motors from its Australian headquarters. Actual production happens overseas in contract factories.
The brand launched in 2006 as Jarvis Marine Watersnake. It later dropped the Jarvis Marine name entirely.
The founder, Brian Black, wanted cheaper motors for everyday anglers. Before this, electric trolling motors were often too pricey.
Watersnake now sells worldwide under its own name. It stands as a company in its own right today.
Where Are Watersnake Trolling Motors Manufactured?
Watersnake motors are built in factories located in China. Jarvis Walker Group designs and tests each model before production.
Chinese manufacturing keeps unit costs low for everyday anglers. This lets Watersnake sell motors at friendly prices.
Final quality checks happen before motors ship worldwide. Jarvis Walker oversees design and safety standards from Australia.
This setup mirrors many fishing gear brands today. Design happens locally while assembly happens where costs stay lower.
Buyers in Australia, the United States, and Europe get the same motors. Manufacturing location does not change per region.
Who Is Jarvis Walker Group?
Jarvis Walker Group started in 1946 in Victoria, Australia. It began as a small fishing tackle maker.
The company now owns several fishing brands. These include Watersnake, Jarvis Marine, and Rovex.
Jarvis Walker Group is headquartered in Melbourne today. It now sells products in more than 30 countries.
The company built its name making fishing rods and reels first. Trolling motors came much later, in 2006.
Jarvis Walker Group remains privately owned and Australian run. That family history still shapes its product choices today.
What Boats Work Best With Watersnake Motors?
Watersnake motors suit small aluminum boats and kayaks well. They also fit canoes and inflatable boats.
Anglers often pair small electric motors with fishing focused boats. Check out our guides on Who Makes Skeeter Boats and Who Makes Tracker Boats for more context.
Shaft length matters when matching a motor to a boat. Longer shafts suit taller bass boats better.
A boat with a higher bow needs a longer shaft. This keeps the propeller fully submerged while running.
Smaller vessels like dinghies need shorter, lighter motors instead. Watersnake offers several sizes to match most boats.
What Makes Watersnake Motors Different From Other Brands?
Most Watersnake motors run on simple 12 volt systems only. This makes setup easier than higher voltage competitors.
Many models use brushless motor technology today. Brushless designs run quieter and last longer.
Watersnake motors also include auto power neutral safety features. This stops the propeller from spinning by accident.
Some newer models add GPS anchor technology too. This holds the boat steady over a single fishing spot.
Digital battery displays let anglers track remaining power easily. This helps avoid getting stranded far from shore.
Is Watersnake Really Good Or Really Worth It
Watersnake trolling motors offer solid value for casual anglers. They cost far less than premium brands.
The motors work well on small lakes and calm rivers. They struggle more in strong current or rough saltwater.
Build quality is good but not premium grade overall. Some anglers report shorter lifespans under heavy daily use.
On the plus side, parts stay easy to find and replace. Repair videos and manuals are available directly from Watersnake.
On the downside, thrust power tops out lower than top tier rivals. Bigger boats may need a stronger motor.
Overall, Watersnake suits budget conscious anglers very well. Serious tournament anglers may still want a stronger motor.
Watersnake vs Minn Kota: Which Trolling Motor Wins?
Minn Kota motors cost more but include advanced GPS anchoring. Watersnake focuses on simple, affordable performance instead.
Minn Kota builds motors in the United States and Mexico. Watersnake motors come from factories in China.
Minn Kota offers higher thrust options for bigger boats. Watersnake tops out at lower thrust ratings overall.
For casual fishing trips, Watersnake offers strong value. For serious bass tournaments, Minn Kota often wins overall.
Price remains the biggest difference between the two brands. Watersnake often costs half of what Minn Kota charges.
How Much Do Watersnake Trolling Motors Cost?
Watersnake motors typically cost between 100 and 400 dollars. Price depends on thrust power and shaft length.
Entry level kayak motors sit at the lower end. Bow mount motors with GPS features cost more.
Accessories like brackets and remote controls add extra cost. Batteries are usually sold separately from the motor.
Buying directly from Watersnake or authorized dealers avoids fake products. Counterfeit motors sometimes appear on third party marketplaces.
Are Watersnake Motors Good For Saltwater Fishing?
Many Watersnake models include corrosion resistant coatings. Stainless steel shafts help resist saltwater damage over time.
Anglers should still rinse motors after every saltwater trip. Regular rinsing extends the motor’s overall lifespan.
Saltwater use still wears parts faster than freshwater use. Routine maintenance matters even more near the coast.
What Do Real Customers Say About Watersnake?
Reviews on Trustpilot show mixed but mostly positive feedback for Jarvis Walker Group. Customers often praise the affordable pricing and easy setup process. Some mention wanting stronger customer support options.
The brand holds a long history dating back to 1946, detailed on Wikipedia. That track record builds trust among Australian anglers.
Anglers on tighter budgets often mention good value for money. Longtime users say the motors handle years of casual use well.
Frequently Asked Questions About Watersnake Trolling Motors
Are Watersnake Trolling Motors Made In China?
Yes, Watersnake motors are manufactured in Chinese factories. Jarvis Walker Group designs and oversees quality from Australia. This mirrors how many affordable marine brands operate today worldwide.
Who Owns The Watersnake Brand?
Jarvis Walker Group owns the Watersnake brand outright. The company is based in Melbourne, Australia. Jarvis Walker Group has operated since 1946 across the fishing industry.
Are Watersnake Motors Good For Saltwater?
Yes, many models include corrosion resistant parts. Rinsing after each use still helps them last longer. Saltwater models often carry extra protective coatings on the shaft.
How Long Do Watersnake Trolling Motors Last?
With proper care, most motors last several fishing seasons. Lifespan depends on usage habits and regular maintenance. Replacement parts remain available, which helps extend a motor’s working life.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.