Minn Kota RTA-62 Riptide Quick Release Bracket Electric Steer
Minn Kota RTA-62 Riptide Quick Release Bracket Electric Steer — Product description
The Minn Kota RTA-62 is the quick-release mounting bracket for electric-steer Riptide saltwater bow-mount trolling motors - the motor lifts off the deck-mounted puck in seconds for off-boat storage, security, or unobstructed deck use. High-yield composite construction (corrosion-impervious - meaningful for the Riptide saltwater application), powder-coated and anodized aluminum hardware, stainless steel locking pins, low-profile design (the deck-mounted puck stays clear when the motor is removed). Locking handle accepts a standard padlock (not included) for theft-resistant install in unsecured marinas. Recommended for the heavier-thrust electric-steer Riptide configurations: 112-pound thrust class with 72-inch or 87-inch shafts.
The Minn Kota RTA-62 is the saltwater quick-release mounting bracket for the electric-steer Riptide bow-mount trolling motor line - specifically the heavier-thrust longer-shaft Riptide configurations that the standard quick-release brackets aren't sized for. For Riptide owners running the 112-pound thrust class with 72-inch or 87-inch shafts (the typical configuration for serious bay-boat and offshore-class inshore applications), the RTA-62 is the right bracket.
What a quick-release bracket actually does. The trolling motor mounts to the boat in two parts: the deck-mounted base (the puck or pad that's permanently bolted to the bow), and the trolling motor itself. The quick-release bracket sits between them - the bracket is bolted to the trolling motor's shaft, and the bracket clicks down onto the deck-mounted puck. To remove the motor for storage or security, lift the locking handle and the entire trolling motor (with the bracket attached) lifts straight up off the deck. The deck-mounted puck stays in place. only the motor and bracket assembly leave the boat. The reverse process puts the motor back in seconds without tools.
Why the heavier-thrust electric-steer Riptide configurations need a different bracket. Cable-steer trolling motors put steering forces on the bracket from foot-pedal cable tension. electric-steer motors put steering forces on the bracket from the internal servo motor's torque. The two force profiles are different, and the bracket has to handle the right one. The RTA-62 is engineered specifically for electric-steer (servo torque). The 112-pound thrust class also generates more vertical thrust loading than smaller thrust classes - the bracket has to be heavier-duty to handle the static and dynamic loads without flex or failure. The 72-inch and 87-inch shaft lengths are the longer-shaft variants typical of bay boats and offshore-class inshore boats with high freeboard - the longer shaft puts more load on the bracket from any side-loading (boat wake, drift current pushing on the lower unit), so the bracket needs proportionally more strength.
High-yield composite construction. The bracket's main structural component is high-yield composite material (engineering-grade thermoplastic with reinforced fibers). The composite is impervious to corrosion - meaningful for the saltwater Riptide application where any non-stainless metal eventually corrodes from salt-spray exposure. Composite handles the sustained mechanical loads better than the typical injection-molded plastic on cheaper brackets, and resists the UV degradation that can make non-composite plastics brittle after a few seasons of sun exposure.
Powder-coated and anodized aluminum hardware. The non-composite structural elements are aluminum, finished with both powder coat and hard anodizing for corrosion resistance. The dual finish is the marine-grade specification: powder coat handles physical wear (UV exposure, abrasion, surface damage), hard anodizing seals the aluminum substrate against corrosive penetration. The combination handles decades of saltwater service without significant degradation.
Stainless steel locking pins. The locking pins that engage the deck-mounted puck (and provide the security against accidental dislodgement) are 316-grade stainless steel. 316 is the saltwater-grade stainless alloy (better corrosion resistance than 304 stainless), and the pins handle the cyclic loads of repeated insertion / removal without galling or wearing.
Low-profile design. When the motor is removed, the deck-mounted puck (which stays bolted to the boat) is the lowest-profile surface possible - effectively flush with the deck except for the puck's mounting flange and the locking-pin sockets. The deck stays clear for foot traffic, fishing-rod storage, anchor handling, or any other use that requires unobstructed deck space. Higher-profile mounts leave a meaningful obstruction on the deck even when the motor is removed - the RTA-62's low profile is the meaningful improvement for boats that need flexible deck use.
Locking handle with padlock capability. The release handle that locks the motor into the deck puck has a built-in padlock hasp - thread a padlock (sold separately) through the hasp and the motor cannot be removed without the padlock key. For boats stored in unsecured marinas, in public boat ramps overnight, or in any location where the trolling motor is a theft target, the padlock-locked bracket is the difference between secure storage and a stolen $3,000 trolling motor. Use a marine-grade padlock with a stainless or brass body - cheap padlocks corrode quickly in saltwater service.
Riptide saltwater compatibility. The Riptide line is Minn Kota's saltwater trolling motor series - upgraded stainless hardware, sealed electronics, salt-resistant materials throughout. The RTA-62 bracket is engineered to match the Riptide's saltwater specification: stainless and aluminum hardware that handles salt-spray exposure, composite materials that resist saltwater degradation. Don't use the RTA-62 in freshwater service if you have a freshwater bracket option that fits - the RTA-62 is sized for Riptide-class hardware and may be over-spec'd for typical freshwater motors.
Compatible motors. Recommended for electric-steer Riptide motors in the 112-pound thrust class with 72-inch or 87-inch shafts. The 112-pound thrust class includes the Riptide Instinct QUEST 112, the Riptide Terrova 112, and similar Riptide variants. Check the bracket's compatibility matrix in the Minn Kota documentation for the specific Riptide models that are confirmed compatible. For shorter-shaft Riptide motors or lower-thrust Riptide motors, different quick-release bracket variants are the right fit.
Install. The deck-mounted puck (sold as part of the typical Riptide package or separately) bolts to the boat's bow casting deck using stainless steel through-bolts and backing plates. The RTA-62 bracket bolts to the trolling motor's shaft using the supplied hardware - typical install time is 30-60 minutes for a competent boat owner. Total assembly time after both parts are installed: motor drops onto the puck and locks via the handle in under 30 seconds.
What's NOT in the box. The deck-mounted puck (sold separately, may be included with the motor package). The padlock for security (sold separately - use a marine-grade padlock). The trolling motor itself (this is a bracket only, not a motor). The boat-side mounting hardware for the puck (typically supplied with the puck).
Standard Minn Kota warranty terms apply. Service through the Minn Kota authorized service network.
Key Features
- Quick-release mounting bracket for electric-steer Riptide saltwater trolling motors
- Specifically engineered for 112-pound thrust class with 72-inch or 87-inch shafts
- High-yield composite construction (corrosion-impervious - meaningful for saltwater service)
- Powder-coated and anodized aluminum hardware (dual marine-grade corrosion finish)
- 316 stainless steel locking pins (saltwater-grade alloy)
- Low-profile deck-mounted puck (deck stays clear when motor removed)
- Drop-in design (motor lifts off in seconds, no tools)
- Locking handle with padlock hasp (theft-resistant when secured with marine padlock)
- Specifically engineered for electric-steer servo torque (different from cable-steer brackets)
- Handles dynamic loading from longer 72-inch and 87-inch shafts without flex
- Riptide saltwater compatibility (matches Riptide hardware specifications)
- Manufacturer Part Number 1854063
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 RTA-62 Quick Release Bracket - Electric-Steer Riptide, Bulk Pack |
|---|---|
| Brand | Minn Kota |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 1854063 |
| UPC | 029402052653 |
| Type | Quick-release trolling motor bracket |
| Compatible Motor Series | Electric-steer Riptide (saltwater) |
| Recommended Thrust Class | 112 pounds |
| Recommended Shaft Lengths | 72-inch or 87-inch |
| Steering Type Compatibility | Electric-steer (NOT cable-steer) |
| Service Environment | Saltwater (Riptide-grade materials) |
| Main Construction | High-yield composite |
| Hardware | Powder-coated + anodized aluminum and 316 stainless steel |
| Locking Pins | 316 stainless steel |
| Profile | Low-profile (deck stays clear when motor removed) |
| Locking Handle | Yes - with padlock hasp |
| Padlock | Sold separately (use marine-grade) |
| Deck Puck | Sold separately (typically included with motor package) |
| Approximate Bracket Weight | 5-7 lbs |
| Tool-Free Install / Removal | Yes (after one-time bracket and puck install) |
| Warranty | Standard Minn Kota accessory warranty |
Frequently asked questions
Will it fit my trolling motor?
The RTA-62 is recommended for electric-steer Riptide saltwater bow-mount motors in the 112-pound thrust class with 72-inch or 87-inch shafts. Specific compatible models include the Riptide Instinct QUEST 112, Riptide Terrova 112, and similar Riptide variants. For shorter shafts, lower thrust, cable-steer Riptide variants, or freshwater motors, different quick-release bracket variants are the right fit - check Minn Kota's bracket compatibility matrix.
What's the difference between this and the standard quick-release bracket?
The RTA-62 is engineered for electric-steer Riptide motors with the longer 72-inch / 87-inch shafts and 112-pound thrust class. The bracket is sized to handle the higher dynamic loads of these heavier longer motors without flex or failure. The standard Riptide quick-release brackets are sized for shorter-shaft, lower-thrust Riptide variants and may not handle the loads from the 112-class motors reliably over the long term.
Why composite instead of aluminum?
Composite is corrosion-impervious in saltwater service - it doesn't oxidize, doesn't develop white-fuzz salt corrosion on the surface, and doesn't electrolyze when in contact with the boat's bonded ground system. Aluminum (even with powder coat and anodizing) eventually shows corrosion damage in years of saltwater service. The high-yield composite handles the structural loads as well as aluminum but lasts longer in the marine environment.
Is the padlock included?
No - padlock is sold separately. Use a marine-grade padlock with a stainless or brass body for the typical saltwater install (cheap padlocks corrode quickly in salt air, leaving you unable to unlock the bracket). The padlock hasp accepts standard 1/4-inch shackle padlocks.
What about the deck puck?
The deck-mounted puck (the part that bolts to the boat) is typically included with the trolling motor package, or sold separately as part of the Minn Kota mount accessory line. The RTA-62 is the bracket that bolts to the trolling motor's shaft and engages with the puck. Both parts are required for a complete quick-release install - if you only have the trolling motor without an existing puck, you'll need to add the puck as a separate purchase.
How fast is the install / removal?
Once both the deck puck and the bracket are installed (one-time install), the motor drops onto the puck and locks via the handle in under 30 seconds. To remove: lift the locking handle, lift the motor straight up off the puck. Tool-free, single-person operation. The first-time install (bolting the puck to the deck and the bracket to the motor) takes 30-60 minutes.
Will it work in freshwater?
It's engineered for the Riptide saltwater motor line and would work in freshwater service, but it's likely over-spec'd. For freshwater applications, Minn Kota offers freshwater-specific quick-release brackets that match the freshwater motor lines - typically lighter-duty and cheaper than the RTA-62. Use the freshwater bracket if you have a freshwater motor. reserve the RTA-62 for the saltwater Riptide application it's engineered for.
How secure is it against theft?
With a quality marine-grade padlock through the locking hasp, the bracket is theft-resistant - a thief would need to break the padlock or break the bracket to remove the trolling motor. For dedicated thieves with bolt cutters, no exposed-mount trolling motor is theft-proof, but the locked bracket is meaningfully better than no security at all. For maximum theft deterrence, remove the motor entirely (using the quick-release function) and store it inside the boat or in your truck when leaving the boat unattended.
Does it leave a clean deck when removed?
Yes - the low-profile deck puck stays roughly flush with the deck surface. The puck has the locking-pin sockets and the mounting flange visible above the deck, but the major bracket assembly leaves with the motor. Foot traffic, rod storage, and other deck activities can use the deck space largely unobstructed.
How heavy is the bracket?
The bracket itself is roughly 5-7 lbs depending on configuration (the lighter weight of composite versus all-aluminum is part of the design rationale). When attached to the trolling motor, it adds proportionally less weight than older all-metal brackets - meaningful when you're lifting the entire motor + bracket assembly off the puck.
Why does the title say Bulk Pack?
The Bulk Pack designation indicates the manufacturer's distribution packaging variant. The product itself is the standard RTA-62 bracket - the same bracket that ships in the retail packaging. Bulk Pack typically means simpler packaging (less retail-display marketing on the box) and is the typical SKU sold through marine supply distributors to dealers and boatbuilders. Functionally identical to the retail-pack RTA-62.
What's the warranty?
Standard Minn Kota warranty terms apply for trolling motor accessories. Service runs through the Minn Kota authorized service network. Save the receipt for warranty service if needed.
