Minn Kota Trolling Motors Compared

Minn Kota Trolling Motor Range

Why Choose Minn Kota?

There are numerous reasons to choose a Minn Kota trolling motor for your fishing boat. First and foremost, they pack a lot of value into every one of their motors. While some of their top-tier models will still cost you a pretty penny, they always come with the very best technologies to take your trolling and fishing experience to the next level. Even their most affordable models maintain high-performance standards, especially when it comes to durability.

Speaking of technology, Minn Kota’s trolling motors are easily the most technologically advanced on the market today. Their i-Pilot Link waterproof wireless remote is a great example of this as it allows you to effortlessly deploy or withdraw your Minn Kota motor, even from a distance.

Also, many Minn Kota motors come with digital compatibilities that enable them to operate in conjunction with your favorite fish finder.  These technologies and more make Minn Kota trolling motors a real asset when you want to get serious about fishing. You can also count on the company’s limited 2 year warranty period.

1. Minn Kota Riptide Terrova

If I had to pick just one model to serve as the best Minn Kota trolling motor, I’d have to go with the Minn Kota Riptide Terrova. After all, this is a trolling motor I use on my boat today. As such, I can really appreciate this unit's ability to output a full 112 lbs. of thrust when fully engaged. Moreover, I can appreciate this model's extra-long 87-inch shaft because it allows me to troll my boat around in areas where a surface current would otherwise be a problem.

The Minn Kota Riptide Terrova’s technology suite is second to none, as well. For example, a long-time fan of this brand’s motors was excited to use their new i-Pilot Link remote control system. It worked as well as I expected and, in many cases, made it even easier to link up my trolling motor with my Humminbird fish finder. I was even impressed with how this model’s AutoPilot technology operated after just a few button pushes on the remote.

I’ve had my Minn Kota Riptide Terrova for several years now, and I can already tell that it was built to last. For proof of that, I simply need to look at this unit's aluminum enclosure. It has been grit-blasted and powder-coated, which makes it super-resistant to all water-borne corrosion. That same durability applies to the aforementioned shaft on this unit, which can take a hit or get a bit tangled without breaking down completely.

2. Minn Kota Ulterra

Next up is the best Minn Kota for freshwater use, which I would certainly award to the Minn Kota Ulterra Freshwater Bow-Mount Trolling Motor. This model does everything you need a freshwater trolling motor to do and even a little extra. When it comes to core performance, this unit delivers. Just take a look at its 80 lbs. of thrust and 60-inch shaft. These combine to make this among the most reliable trolling motors in its class.

But just like any good Minn Kota trolling motor, this model can do more than just putter your boat about reliably. It can also make your fishing experience better than ever. Case and point – this model's inclusion of MEGA Down Imaging. This feature utilizes a built-in transducer to make it exceptionally easy to image fish through this motor. You’ll be paying a little extra for this added functionality, but I believe that that price is well worth it.

Most users of this particular model also agree that it is one of the easiest to control in its class. This is likely because this model combines a Heel-Toe electric foot pedal and a simple-to-use AutoPilot system. These functions combined will allow you to troll with full control over your vessel – even when you are trying to focus on reeling in a big catch.

3. Minn Kota Power Drivee

Next up is the Minn Kota Power Drivee, which provides anglers who are looking to get a lot of value for their money precisely what they want most. Priced in the middle of this brand's range of products, this Minn Kota trolling motor won’t burn a hole in your wallet or allow you to get away with paying less than $1,000 for a trolling motor. But even so, this model’s feature arsenal far exceeds its list price at almost every turn.

Take this model’s use of the i-Pilot remote control system, for example. Though this feature is included on some cheaper models, the Minn Kota Power Drivee, in particular, is able to make this system more user friendly by including a large LCD screen on its remote control. This makes it easy to control the direction of your craft with only one hand. That same simplicity applies to this model’s Deploy-Assist lever, which makes it super easy to raise and lower this motor without overexerting yourself.

One other feature I was surprised to see in this model is its Digital Maximizer. This component usually tacks a few extra hundred dollars onto any trolling motor it is installed into. But in this model, it doesn’t raise the price and is still able to maximize your unit’s energy efficiency. In fact, if you set it up correctly, you could easily get your Minn Kota Power Drivee’s battery to last up to 5x longer thanks to this useful add-on.

4. Minn Kota Riptide Power Drivee

I’ve seen a great number of reviews referring to the Minn Kota Riptide Power Drive as the best Minn Kota saltwater trolling motor. As it stands, I cannot disagree with that assessment based on this model's key technical features.

These include an outstanding implementation of this brand’s i-Pilot GPS Trolling System, which allows a user to set their motor to stay within a certain area. This model's Spot-Lock function also ensures that this GPS is hyper-accurate, no matter where you are in the world.

Meanwhile, when it comes to saltwater use, this model has what it takes to resist that kind of corrosion and power through every obstacle in its path. To that end, the Minn Kota Riptide Power Drive features a unique aluminum enclosure that can resist all kinds of impacts.

This enclosure is powder-coated as well to prevent corrosion from taking hold of it. This trolling motor also comes standard with a set of Weedless Wedge blades that will never fail to get you out of a jam out on the water.

The Minn Kota Riptide Power Drive has one weakness, though. As some users of this model can attest to, its paint tends to chip off over time, causing it to look worn down faster. This does not seem to impact this unit’s overall durability, though, so it is not a major issue.

5. Minn Kota Endura

Finally, let’s round out this collection with the Minn Kota Endura Transom Mount Trolling Motor. After looking at this model’s price tag, you’ll clearly see why I think it is the best Minn Kota budget trolling motor on the market. This unit can be a part of your fishing adventures going forward for only around $110. While that may sound dirt cheap, you need not worry about this unit’s performance matching its price tag.

On almost all fronts, the Minn Kota Endura Transom goes above and beyond its budget pricing. For example, this model’s lever lock bracket comes with 10 positions. In conjunction with its quick-release feature, this bracket is far more functional than other models in its price range. This model’s telescoping tiller tells a similar story. It can be operated intuitively and smoothly, making this trolling motor a great introductory model as well.

As the only transom-mounted trolling motor in this collection, you may be wondering about this model’s speed options as well. On that front, the Minn Kota Endura Transom offers 5 forward speeds and 3 reverse speeds that give you full control over your craft. At that, this model is still able to produce 30 lbs. of thrust without ever overtaxing its main motor.

Mounting & Installing a Minn Kota Trolling Motor

If you've never mounted a trolling motor on your boat before, you may want to speak with a professional about installing your new Minn Kota unit. However, if you do want to perform the installation on your own, your first step should be determining what kind of mounting your model requires.

Most Minn Kota models utilize a bow mount, though a couple of models alternatively make use of a transom or engine-based mount.  From there, you’ll want to follow the installation instructions that came with your motor. To see a visualization of that installation process, check out this video. 

Cleaning, Maintenance & Troubleshooting Minn Kota Motors

People Also Ask (FAQs)

How many pounds of thrust do I need for a trolling motor?

Specific amounts of necessary thrust will differ from boat to boat, based upon its core weight and distribution. However, a useful rule of thumb is to seek out motors with 2 lbs. of thrust for every 100 lbs. of your boat. So, if you own a 2,000 lbs. boat, you'd likely need a 40 lbs. thrust trolling motor. Meanwhile, a boat at twice that weight would require a bulky 40 lbs. thrust trolling motor.

What kind of battery do I need for a Minn Kota trolling motor? Can you use a regular battery?

How many amps does a Minn Kota trolling motor use?

What Minn Kota trolling motor parts do I need to replace?

What boat types can benefit from a Minn Kota motor?

Truth be told, just about any craft you use for fishing can benefit from a Minn Kota trolling motor. So, if you own and use a standard fishing boat, most standard Minn Kota models will fit comfortably on your bow.

Meanwhile, pontoon boaters could even make use of one of these motors when moving gently through their local waters. Watercraft without the capacity to safely store a battery cannot use these motors, however.

How do I update my I-Pilot remote? How do I unlock it?

Conclusion