Minn Kota Trolling Motors

Minn Kota is the oldest name in electric fishing motors, and this collection covers the full lineup, from transom-mount motors for small boats to bow-mount Terrova, Ulterra, and Fortrex models with i-Pilot GPS. Picking the right one comes down to four things: thrust, voltage, shaft length, and how you want to steer it. Get those right and the motor holds you on a spot all day.

Match thrust to boat weight

Thrust is measured in pounds, and the rule of thumb is at least two pounds of thrust for every hundred pounds of fully loaded boat weight. Heavier rigs, wind, and current all argue for more thrust, so when you are between sizes, go up. An undersized motor fights the wind and drains the battery trying to keep up.

Voltage and your battery bank

Thrust ties to voltage. Smaller motors run 12 volts on a single battery, mid-size motors use 24 volts on two batteries, and the biggest motors run 36 volts on three. More voltage means more thrust and longer run time, but it also means more batteries and a charger to match, so plan the whole power system, not just the motor.

Shaft length matters

The shaft has to be long enough that the prop stays submerged when the bow rises in chop. Measure from the mounting deck to the waterline and add for rough water. Too short and the prop ventilates and cavitates in waves, too long and it is awkward to stow.

Bow or transom, and how you steer

Bow-mount motors pull the boat and give the best control for fishing, while transom-mount motors are simpler and fit small boats. From there, choose hand control, foot control, or i-Pilot and i-Pilot Link, which add GPS Spot-Lock to hold a position, record tracks, and steer from a remote. Spot-Lock alone is why a lot of anglers upgrade.

Freshwater or Riptide saltwater

If you fish salt, choose the Riptide series, which is built with corrosion-resistant materials and sealed components for the saltwater environment. Running a freshwater motor in salt shortens its life fast.

Not sure which Minn Kota fits your boat and battery setup? Tell our crew your boat length, weight, and water, and we will match the thrust, voltage, shaft, and control so it bolts on and holds you where you want to be.