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Minn Kota Motors

Minn Kota Trolling Motors Explained

Transom Mount: The most basic motors in the Minn Kota lineup; they are easy to transfer between boats and can also be used as the main motor on a tender or sailing dinghy.

PowerDrive: The PowerDrive models have most of the features of the higher end models at a better price.

Terrova: These mid-range models have the full suite of control features and are available in both brushed and Quest brushless models

Instinct: The Instinct (Quest) is Minn Kota's high-end model. It is the only salt water motor on the market with auto deploy and electric trim, and is available in shaft lengths up to 100".

Riptide: All Riptide (RT) models are suitable for use in salt water. They feature anodes, stainless steel hardware, high tech paint coatings, and quality seals.

Digital Maximiser: Most brushed Minn Kota models feature Digital Maximiser technology to increase efficiency and improve runtime

Quest: These new Minn Kota models have brushless motors. They are more efficient and powerful than traditional brushed motors, letting you fish for longer. All Quest models can be used with 24V or 36V batteries.

Voltage: Choose a voltage level that suits the size of your boat, as voltage correlates directly with maximum motor thrust (lbs). 12V is suitable for smaller boats/calmer conditions and is easy to intergrate with the existing electrical system. 24V suits mid sized boats or moderate wind. For larger boats and rougher conditions, 36V is the best option. For fishing in calm conditions, Minn Kota recommends 12V for boats up to 4.9m (16'), and 24V for boats up to 5.8m (19').

Batteries: Minn Kota Trolling Motors can be used with Lead Acid/AGM/Gel or Lithium(LiFePo4) batteries. Batteries should be a deep cycle type with a capacity of at least 110Ah (50Ah for Lithium). Larger batteries will offer longer runtime, and are recommended for use in rougher conditions. For best results the trolling motor battery should be seperate to the house battery. We recommend Lithium (LiFePo4) due to its long life and low weight.

Chargers: We recommend using a portable 240v AC charger at home, as this allows plenty of time to charge before your fishing trip. Another option is to install a DC-DC charger on the boat, but outboard motor alternators are limited in output and may require a long period of running to fully charge the battery. When touring by road, a DC-DC charger linked to your car's battery may be the best option. Choose a charger that is compatible with your battery voltage and type.

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