Minn Kota MKA-57 Quick Release Bracket for QUEST Trolling Motors
Minn Kota MKA-57 Quick Release Bracket for QUEST Trolling Motors — Product description
The Minn Kota MKA-57 Quick Release Bracket is the heavy-duty bow-deck mounting bracket for the Minn Kota QUEST series brushless trolling motors. Slides the trolling motor 10 inches inboard for better boat cover fit and clearance at the launch ramp. Quick-release design lets you fully remove the trolling motor from the boat in seconds for storage, security, or service. Anodized aluminum construction with stainless steel components and hardware throughout for freshwater AND saltwater service. Dual cam-lock design reduces movement and noise vs. older single-cam brackets. Padlock slots in both upper and lower plates for theft protection. Includes the lanyard and locking pin.</p>
The Minn Kota MKA-57 Quick Release Bracket (part 1854057) is the heavy-duty bow-mount bracket designed specifically for the Minn Kota QUEST series brushless trolling motors. The MKA-57 replaces the older quick-release brackets in the Minn Kota line for QUEST applications - engineered to handle the increased mechanical stress that the QUEST series higher-thrust motors and longer shaft lengths put on the bow mount during high-speed running, rough water, and sustained heavy-thrust use. The right bracket for any boat running a QUEST series Ultrex, Terrova, or other QUEST trolling motor where you want quick-release motor removal capability plus the 10-inch inboard slide for trailering and launch clearance.
What the 10-inch inboard slide does. Most fixed bow-mount brackets put the trolling motor in one position relative to the bow. With the trolling motor mounted on a fixed bracket, two situations get awkward: trailering the boat with a custom-fit boat cover (the trolling motor sticks out past the cover's intended profile), and launching at a steep ramp where the trolling motor has to clear the trailer's bow stop. The MKA-57's sliding mount lets you slide the trolling motor 10 inches inboard before trailering. The boat cover fits properly. The trailer clears at launch. After launching, slide the motor back to its full deployment position and you're ready to fish. Slide back inboard before retrieving. Total slide-in / slide-out time is a few seconds.
Quick-release design. In addition to the inboard slide, the bracket fully releases the trolling motor from the boat for complete removal. Disengage the cam locks, lift the trolling motor off, set it aside in storage. Reverse to reattach. The full removal capability is meaningful for security (you don't leave a $3000+ trolling motor on the boat in unattended dock or storage situations), for service (you take the motor to the workbench rather than working on it on the boat), and for boat-to-boat moves (you can move the trolling motor between multiple boats with matching MKA-57 brackets installed).
QUEST technology compatible. The MKA-57 is engineered specifically for the Minn Kota QUEST series electric-steer trolling motors. The QUEST motors have higher thrust capacity (up to 115 lb on the dual-voltage variants) and longer shaft lengths than the previous-generation Ultrex and Terrova platforms. The increased mechanical stress those motors put on the bow mount during high-speed boat running and sustained high-thrust operation is what drives the heavier construction of the MKA-57 vs. older quick-release brackets. For QUEST motors, this is the right bracket. For older non-QUEST Ultrex / Terrova motors, the older MKA-style bracket variants are the matched fit.
Dual cam-lock design. The MKA-57 uses two cam-lock levers (one upper, one lower) instead of the single-cam design of older brackets. The dual cam-lock has two main benefits. First: significantly less bracket movement and noise during operation - both cams clamp the trolling motor tight to the bracket from two points, eliminating the slight rocking or vibration that single-cam brackets allow. Second: redundant locking - if one cam ever loosens during use, the other still holds the trolling motor to the bracket, preventing a worst-case scenario of the trolling motor dropping off the boat at high speed.
Anodized aluminum + stainless steel construction. The bracket body is anodized aluminum (corrosion-resistant in saltwater, lighter than steel for less weight on the bow). Stainless steel components and hardware throughout for the wear surfaces and threaded fasteners (stainless doesn't rust where aluminum-on-aluminum threading would gall and seize over time). The combined materials selection is what makes the MKA-57 suitable for both freshwater AND saltwater service. For the same Minn Kota saltwater Riptide QUEST trolling motors, the MKA-57 is the right bracket choice.
Padlock slots for security. Both the upper and lower bracket plates have integrated slots for accepting a padlock (padlock not included). When you want to leave the trolling motor on the boat at a marina dock or at a remote storage location and don't want it walking off, drop a padlock through the slot. The locked padlock prevents the cam locks from being released, so the trolling motor can't be removed without cutting the lock. Standard outdoor-rated combination or keyed padlock is the typical choice.
Lanyard and locking pin included. The lanyard attaches between the trolling motor and the bracket as a tether - prevents the trolling motor from being lost overboard during the unlikely event of full bracket release at speed (belt-and-suspenders safety against the worst-case failure mode). The locking pin secures the inboard slide position - keeps the motor from sliding back to deployment position during high-speed running where vibration could otherwise work the slide loose.
Stainless steel mounting hardware included. The bracket ships with the stainless steel mounting hardware needed to bolt the bracket base to the boat's bow deck. Use marine-grade backing plates (sold separately, varies by deck construction) for the proper load distribution. Total install time is typically 1-2 hours for a like-for-like swap from an older bracket, longer for a fresh install on a new boat.
What this isn't. Not for non-QUEST Minn Kota trolling motors. Not for non-Minn Kota trolling motors. Not a permanent bolt-down bracket (it's the quick-release variant). Not a bracket for transom-mount or hand-control trolling motors (it's specifically for bow-mount electric-steer QUEST motors).
Why upgrade to a quick-release bracket. Three main reasons. First: trailering convenience and protection - sliding the trolling motor inboard 10 inches gets it under the boat cover and clear of the trailer's bow stop. Second: security - removable trolling motors don't get stolen from unattended docks. Third: service convenience - take the trolling motor to the workbench instead of trying to work on it on the boat. For QUEST motor owners who don't already have a quick-release bracket, the MKA-57 is the standard upgrade.
What's in the box. The MKA-57 quick-release bracket assembly (anodized aluminum construction with stainless steel components), the stainless steel mounting hardware kit for bolting the bracket base to the boat deck, the lanyard, the locking pin, and the install instruction sheet. Padlock for the security slots is sold separately.
Minn Kota limited warranty applies. Same-day shipping before 3 PM ET on in-stock units.
Key Features
- Heavy-duty quick-release bow-mount bracket for Minn Kota QUEST series trolling motors
- 10-inch inboard slide for better boat cover fit and launch ramp clearance
- Quick-release design for full motor removal in seconds (storage, security, service)
- Dual cam-lock design reduces bracket movement and noise vs. older single-cam designs
- Engineered for the increased stress of QUEST series high-thrust motors and long shafts
- Anodized aluminum bracket body for corrosion resistance and light weight
- Stainless steel components and hardware throughout (saltwater capable)
- Padlock slots in both upper and lower plates for theft protection (padlock sold separately)
- Lanyard included for safety tether between motor and bracket
- Locking pin included to secure the inboard slide position
- Stainless steel mounting hardware included
- Designed for use in freshwater or saltwater
- Manufacturer Part Number 1854057
- Minn Kota limited warranty applies
Why Buy from NVN Marine
- Authorized Minn Kota reseller, full manufacturer warranty
- NMEA member and ABYC certified, advice from real boat techs
- Same-day shipping before 3 PM ET on in-stock items
- NY headquarters and Fort Lauderdale flagship retail store
Technical specifications
| Title | Minn Kota MKA-57 Quick Release Bow-Mount Bracket for QUEST Series Trolling Motors |
|---|---|
| Brand | Minn Kota |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 1854057 |
| UPC | 029402049325 |
| Type | Quick-release bow-mount bracket with sliding mount |
| Compatible Trolling Motors | Minn Kota QUEST series electric-steer trolling motors (Ultrex QUEST, Terrova QUEST, Riptide QUEST) |
| Inboard Slide Range | 10 inches |
| Locking Mechanism | Dual cam-lock (upper + lower) |
| Quick Release | Yes (full motor removal in ~30 seconds) |
| Body Material | Anodized aluminum |
| Hardware / Components | Stainless steel throughout |
| Water Type | Freshwater and saltwater |
| Padlock Slots | Yes (upper and lower plates, padlock sold separately) |
| Safety Lanyard | Included |
| Locking Pin | Included (secures slide position) |
| Mounting Hardware Included | Stainless steel kit (backing plates sold separately, varies by deck) |
| Warranty | Minn Kota limited |
Frequently asked questions
Will it fit my trolling motor?
The MKA-57 is engineered specifically for Minn Kota QUEST series electric-steer trolling motors (Ultrex QUEST, Terrova QUEST, Riptide QUEST variants). For non-QUEST older Ultrex and Terrova motors, the MKA-57 isn't the right bracket - the older MKA-style bracket variants are the matched fit. For non-Minn Kota trolling motors, this isn't compatible at all. Check your specific motor model number against the QUEST series compatibility list before assuming fit.
What's the 10-inch slide for?
Two main use cases. First: trailering with a custom-fit boat cover - sliding the trolling motor inboard 10 inches gets it under the cover's intended profile so the cover fits properly. Without the slide, the motor sticks out past the cover and either prevents the cover from fitting or gets exposed to weather under an ill-fitting cover. Second: launching at steep ramps - sliding the motor inboard provides clearance from the trailer's bow stop during launch and retrieval so the motor doesn't get bumped or damaged.
How fast can I remove the motor?
With practice, full motor removal is about 30 seconds: disengage the dual cam locks, lift the trolling motor off the bracket, set aside. Reattachment is similar - lift the motor onto the bracket, engage the cam locks. The locking pin and lanyard need to be unhooked / re-hooked separately for full removal, adding maybe 10 seconds total.
What's QUEST technology?
QUEST is Minn Kota's brushless-motor trolling motor platform with dual-voltage capability (the same motor handles 24V or 36V), real-time battery monitoring, Eco mode, Drift Mode, and the rest of the modern Minn Kota feature set. QUEST motors generally have higher thrust capacity and longer shaft options than the previous-generation Ultrex and Terrova motors, which is why the MKA-57 bracket is engineered with heavier construction to handle the increased mechanical stress.
Why dual cam-lock instead of single?
Two main benefits. First: significantly less bracket movement and noise - both cams clamp the trolling motor tight to the bracket from two points, eliminating the slight rocking or vibration that single-cam brackets allow during operation. Second: redundant locking - if one cam ever loosens during use, the other still holds the trolling motor to the bracket, preventing the worst-case scenario of the motor dropping off the boat at high speed.
Can I leave the motor on the boat at the dock?
Yes, but consider security. Trolling motors are popular theft targets at unattended docks. The MKA-57's padlock slots in both upper and lower plates let you secure the motor against quick removal - drop a standard outdoor-rated padlock through each slot, the cam locks can't be released without cutting the lock. Combined with the boat's standard ignition / battery security, the padlocked bracket is meaningful theft deterrence.
Will it hold up in saltwater?
Yes. The bracket body is anodized aluminum (corrosion-resistant in saltwater) with stainless steel components and hardware throughout the wear surfaces and threaded fasteners. For Minn Kota Riptide QUEST saltwater trolling motors, the MKA-57 is the matched bracket choice. Standard saltwater wash-down maintenance after fishing extends bracket service life further.
What's the lanyard for?
Safety tether. The lanyard attaches between the trolling motor and the bracket as a backup connection. In the unlikely event of full bracket release during operation (e.g., both cam locks somehow disengaged, or a structural failure of the bracket), the lanyard prevents the trolling motor from being lost overboard. Belt-and-suspenders safety against the worst-case failure mode. The lanyard isn't load-bearing in normal use - it's just there for the rare emergency.
What's the locking pin for?
The locking pin secures the inboard slide position. When the trolling motor is in its normal deployed position (slid out, ready to fish), the locking pin engages to keep the slide from working back to the inboard position from vibration during high-speed running. Without the pin, the slide could potentially shift slightly during rough-water running. With the pin engaged, the slide stays exactly where you set it.
How do I install it?
Remove the existing bow-mount bracket (if any) from the boat deck. Position the MKA-57 base in the chosen mounting location. Drill the four mounting holes through the bow deck per the supplied install template, using marine-grade backing plates (sold separately, varies by deck construction) for proper load distribution. Bolt the bracket down with the supplied stainless steel mounting hardware. Mount the trolling motor to the bracket via the dual cam-locks. Install the lanyard and locking pin. Total install time is typically 1-2 hours for a like-for-like swap, longer for a fresh install on a new boat.
Does the padlock come with it?
No. The padlock is sold separately because the right padlock varies by owner preference (combination vs. keyed) and by exposure conditions (basic outdoor padlock vs. weather-rated marine padlock). Any standard outdoor-rated padlock that fits through the bracket's security slots will work. Most owners pick a combination padlock for the no-key convenience.
What's the warranty?
Minn Kota limited warranty applies. Service runs through the Minn Kota authorized dealer network in the U.S.
