February 12, 2024

The Best Saltwater Trolling Motor Ever Made: 8 Reasons Why Riptide Instinct Is the King

Not only is the Riptide Instinct™ QUEST™ the only auto-stow and deploy trolling motor on the market, but it also features a unique and thoughtful design and powerful capabilities to bring ultimate boat control to saltwater boats of all sizes and designs.

Let’s dive deep into the 8 reasons why the Riptide Instinct QUEST saltwater trolling motor from Minn Kota is the best saltwater trolling motor available, from specific design components to unique features designed for saltwater anglers.

Auto Stow, Deploy and Trim Functionality

The standout feature of the Riptide Instinct QUEST is undoubtedly its Auto Stow, Deploy, and Trim functionality. Thanks to this exclusive and innovative design, anglers no longer need to manually stow or deploy their trolling motor, saving precious time and effort on the water.

The trolling motor automatically raises and lowers itself at the push of a button, allowing for a seamless and hassle-free fishing experience—which sets it apart as the only trolling motor on the market offering this level of convenience.

instinct trolling motor auto deploying itself into the water

 

This groundbreaking technology becomes particularly advantageous when mounted on larger boats or unconventional designs that make it difficult to mount and operate traditional bow-mounted trolling motors. The auto stow, deploy, and trim feature ensures that the Riptide Instinct QUEST can be easily accommodated on a variety of vessels, providing anglers with greater flexibility in their choice of fishing platforms.

QUEST Brushless Technology for Power and Efficiency

Uncover the powerhouse behind the Riptide Instinct QUEST dual 24v/36v brushless trolling motors. This revolutionary Minn Kota QUEST technology delivers up to 50% more torque* and 30% more runtime on the water.

Bigger boat, no problem. The Riptide Instinct QUEST provides the strength and endurance needed for your fishing adventures. The brushless trolling motor lower unit and motor design leads to increased power, efficiency, and a longer lifespan, ensuring your trolling motor delivers peak performance trip after trip.

 

Advanced GPS Technology for Unparalleled Boat Control

Concentrate on fishing, not fighting the wind, waves or current. Zero in with Minn Kota’s full complement of GPS boat control options, including the revolutionary Spot-Lock® feature, AutoPilot®, Drift Mode, Follow a Contour, Circle Mode, and much more.

When you find the perfect place to cast from, Spot-Lock holds it down and defends it from wind and waves. Fish from your preferred point of attack and stay there, no matter what.

riptide instinct quest trolling motor wireless remote and humminbird controls

 

Then take command from anywhere on your boat – from your Advanced Wireless Remote, Humminbird® Chartplotter, or the One-Boat Network® Mobile App.

Longer Carbon Fiber-Infused Trolling Motor Shafts 

Introducing new, larger carbon fiber-infused shafts for the strength necessary to position, maneuver, and control even larger boats than ever before. The Riptide Instinct has a variety of shaft lengths to best fit your boat, no matter the size. Available in sizes starting at 60” all the way up to 100” to offer ultimate boat control to skiffs, bay boats, and even bigger center consoles.

trolling motor for larger boats

 

Backed by a lifetime warranty, these shafts not only guarantee durability but also empower you with peace of mind. 

Trolling Motor Battery Monitoring System

minn kota trolling motor battery monitoring

 

Exclusive to Minn Kota and Humminbird, our battery monitoring system offers real-time data based on current prop speed. Keep a close eye on the remaining runtime of your trolling motor batteries, ensuring you have precise control over your trolling motor's performance at all times.

The battery monitoring system introduces advanced algorithms, providing more accurate predictions based on your battery type, size, and setup allowing you to optimize battery usage. It even features an Eco Mode, a power-saving option that extends battery life by utilizing energy more efficiently.

Engineered and Tested for Saltwater Environments

 

Minn Kota's unparalleled legacy of over 90 years in trolling motor innovation is embodied in the Riptide Instinct QUEST. Built from the ground up, it has endured rigorous testing in labs, saltwater tanks, and countless hours in real saltwater environments by anglers like you.

This motor is not just a tool; it's a reliable first mate in the face of the most demanding conditions on the water. Its upgraded components and meticulous construction and testing ensure longevity and resistance to corrosion, setting a new standard for durability in saltwater trolling motors.

Purposeful Saltwater Design and Components

riptide instinct quest trolling motor in harsh saltwater environment

 

  • Enhanced Sealing Technology – Superior sealing throughout the motor’s design. Every detail is engineered to counter every attack from Mother Nature, including a sealed insert in the control box cover, protected trim motors and sensors, and a rugged and protected tilt actuator and steering motor. The result? A trolling motor that ensures longevity by preventing saltwater infiltration into critical areas and electronics. 
  • Steering and Trim Resolution -  The Riptide Instinct’s upgraded sensor technology ensures quicker response times and unparalleled accuracy, allowing you to maintain control in ever-changing saltwater conditions. The built-in heading sensor offers features like Spot-Lock Jog and Straight on Deploy, elevating your fishing experience to new heights—and eliminating the need for installation of an external heading sensor. 
  • Robust Mount Design - A robust trolling motor mount was a key focus to ensure it could handle the brute force of the seas and its built-in power. The mount was designed to accommodate longer shaft, high-torque, brushless motors and features a strategically placed heavy-duty tilt motor and drive shaft to create a balanced and smooth stow and deploy cycle.
  • Intelligent Trolling Motor Control Board - Experience the convenience of software upgrades in the field through the One-Boat Network Mobile App or a connected Humminbird chartplotter. This ensures that your trolling motor is always equipped with the latest features and improvements, enhancing your fishing capabilities effortlessly.
  • Durable Stow and Latch Sensors - The stow and latch sensor design has optimal spring torsion and corrosion prevention, ensuring that the motor accurately knows its stowed or latched position, even when exposed to debris and salt residue. Upgraded sensor materials and construction contribute to improved longevity, providing consistent performance despite exposure to the harsh marine environment.

No-Tool Manual Stow Process

In the unlikely event of a power loss, Minn Kota simplifies the manual stow process. With a few easy steps and no need for tools, you can quickly and efficiently stow the motor, ensuring minimal disruption to your fishing experience.

The no-tool manual stow design incorporates user-friendly enhancements, making it easier than ever to secure your motor and get back to fishing swiftly.

Available in Two Colors

black model riptide instinct quest

 

The Riptide Instinct trolling motor is available in two color options, white and black to match your boat’s unique look.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Riptide Instinct QUEST is a revolutionary trolling motor that redefines the standards in the fishing industry and easily stamps itself as the best saltwater trolling motor ever made. Its unmatched durability, precise technology, and groundbreaking features make it the top choice for anglers seeking excellence on the water.

Elevate your saltwater fishing experience today with the Riptide Instinct QUEST from Minn Kota.

 


*When run on 24 volts compared to 24-volt brushed motor at maximum speed setting