7 different motors make up Minn Kota’s Riptide trolling motors range. Specifically designed for use in saltwater environments, you get the benefits of a company that’s been honing its chops in trolling motor design since the 1930s with an ocean-going angle.
Although Minn Kota might be best known for their range of high-quality, high-performance freshwater trolling motors, that’s not all the company offers.
There are bow mount, transom mount, and engine mount options on offer; all a little bit different and prices vary considerably. We’ll break it down so the differences are clear at a glance.
Q&A's
What is i-Pilot Link?
It will sync your trolling motor with your Humminbird fish finder. By enabling this communication you can control your motor via the Humminbird or from your wireless remote for smart fishing integration.
If you’re wanting to benefit from this technology make sure you check out models within the Terrova, Ultrex or Ulterra ranges. There are add-on kits available but not all riptide motors are compatible.
What’s the benefit of choosing a variable speed trolling motor?
You’ll have the benefit of a Digital Maximiser™ integrated that provides up to 5x extra run time on a single charge of your battery. A variable speed motor allows you to find a constant, smooth speed rather than surging between too fast or too slow speeds which drains battery power.
What is thrust?
How powerful the motor is and measured in pounds (lbs). Rule of thumb: the larger and heavier your boat, the more thrust you’ll need.
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Saltwater Bow Mounts
Riptide Terrova with i-pilot
Minn Kota has taken the freshwater Terrova trolling motor and turned it into a saltwater-designed system. Choose your fishing adventure with options of 55 lbs of thrust, 80lb and 112lbs if you’re heading ocean-side.
All the benefits of technology is integrated with I-Pilot that uses GPS technology to navigate and position your boat. The Riptide Terrova also includes the company’s Digital Maximizer™, (this means longer run time on your battery charge).
An optional accessory is the ‘plug in and go’ foot control with an 18′ cable
Lift assist design and a ‘stealth-like’ quite power delivers some advantages here. Weedless Wedge 2 prop™ and the ‘peace of mind’ Minn Kota 2 year warranty wrap up a very nice package.
i-pilot link is available with some models of the Terrova. The advantage of i-pilot link is that it makes integration possible with your Humminbird® fish finder and you can control the boat from your fish finder.
| Thrust/voltage | 55lbs / 12v | 80lbs / 24v | 112lbs / 36v |
| Shaft length | 54", 60", | 54", 60" or 72" | 60" 87" |
| i-pilot GPS (includes auto pilot) | yes | yes | yes |
| Lift Assist design | yes | yes | yes |
| Suitable for boat length (maximum) | 12v 21' | 24v 25" | 36v 25' |
| i-Pilot mobile app compatible | yes | yes | yes |
Riptide Powerdrive with i-pilot
The choices here are 55 and 70 lbs of thrust, and that can be paired with either a 48 or 54 inch shaft. This model integrates easily with i-Pilot and comes with a 2 year warranty. Deploy assist, AutoPilot™, Weedless Wedge 2™ prop and a push to test battery meter are just a few of the benefits here. The Weedless Wedge 2™ prop makes it a good choice if you’ll be pushing through thick water vegetation.
Note: If you’re wanting to navigate hands free and add a corded foot pedal accessory, make sure you buy the Powerdrive V2model so you have those options available to you.
| Thrust/voltage | 55lbs / 12v | 70lbs / 24v |
| Shaft length | 48", 54" | 48", 54" |
| i-pilot GPS (includes auto pilot) | yes | yes |
| Deploy Assist design | yes | yes |
| Suitable for boat length (max) | 12v 21' | 24v 23' |
| i-pilot remote lanyard | yes (with the 55lb 54" model) | yes (with the 70lb 54" model) |
What's the difference between Riptide Terrova and Riptide Powerdrive?
| Riptide Terrova | Riptide Powerdrive | |
|---|---|---|
| Foot Pedal (purchase as extra) | Yes you can incorporate foot control with the superior heel/toe steering (foot control is compatible with i-pilot remote) | No, option available only with Riptide Powerdrive V2 |
| Stow and deploy | Yes, a superior mechanism to others offered as part of packages | No |
| Thrust options | 55lb, 80lb, 112lbs | 50 lbs, 70lbs |
| ipilot link | yes | no |
“If you’re going to be fishing in a weedy environment you should be checking out a model with the weedless prop.”
Riptide Ulterra with i-pilot
A saltwater specific design with either a 24 volt system (80 lbs of thrust) or a 36 volt system (112 lbs of thrust). You can choose from 3 shaft lengths: 54, 60 or 72 inches. I-Pilot or i-pilot link (handheld remote), gives you the option of controlling from your Humminbird. Follow contours, track and save your favorite spots to revisit.
Digital Maximiser,™, bluetooth smartphone app and weedless wedge are all standard features. The automatic stow/deploy with a push of a button is perhaps one of our favorite features of this model.
A 2 year warranty is also offered.
Team the Ulterra with the optional foot pedal for maximum hands free control.
‘Choose the Ulterra for power, punch with the bells and whistles that make using your trolling motor a dream’
| Thrust/voltage | 24v (80lbs) | 36v (112lbs) |
| Shaft length | 54", 60", 72" | 60", 72" |
| i-pilot GPS (includes auto pilot) | yes | yes |
| Suitable for boat length (max) | 25' | 25' |
| Auto stow/deploy | yes | yes |
| i-pilot link | choice to upgrade to i-pilot link; available with 80lb model with 60" shaft | choose to upgrade to i-pilot link 112lb models with either 60" or 72" shaft |
| i-pilot remote lanyard | yes (with the 70lb 54" model) | yes (with the 55lb 54" model) |
Riptide Fortrex
Another bow mounted trolling motor, the Riptide Fortrex offers an extruded aluminium arm and 112lbs of thrust. The unique “mono arm design”, 112lb thrust and Weedless wedge 2 ™ prop provides extra power to push through anything that’s thrown at you.
Note that there’s a lower-power option available in a 24-volt, 80 lb setup. You can choose from 2 shaft lengths – 52 or 62 inches.
Lift assist, bowguard, battery meter and digital maximiser features round out this package that suits boats up to a maximum length of 25′. The Fortrex has reduced steering torque and reduced play (or give) due to the Counter Tension Stabilizer which is an integrated spring mechanism in the mount.
| Thrust/voltage | 24v (80lbs) | 36v (112lbs) |
| Shaft length | Shaft length | 52", 62" |
| Mount/ feature | Lift assist /bowguard | Lift assist/ bowguard |
| Suitable for boat length (max) | 25' | 25' |
Riptide Edge
If you’re just wanting a small latch & door mount that simply gets the job done, then you might consider the Riptide Edge. It offers a corrosion resistant central bar as well as a composite head. The motor is available in either 12 volt (55 lbs thrust) or 24 volt (70 lbs thrust) configurations. Prop is Weedless Wedge 2 and comes with a 2 year warranty.
| Thrust/voltage | 12v (55lbs) | 24v (70lbs) |
| Shaft length | 52" | 52" |
| Mount | latch & door | latch & door |
| Suitable for boat length (max) | 21' | 23' |
Riptide Maxxum
Building on the format of the Edge, the Riptide Maxxum steps up with additional benefits and choices. 3 shaft length options (42, 52, and 62 inches) depending on the thrust your choose, as well as advanced corrosion protection, a Weedless Wedge™ prop design, and a composite shaft with a lifetime guarantee. 80lb and 55lb has variable speed, with 50lb and 70lb 5fwd/3reverse only.
| Thrust/voltage | 55lbs / 12v | 70lbs / 24v | 80lbs / 24v |
| Shaft length | 42", 52" | 52" | 52" 62" |
| Mount feature | latch & door | latch & door | latch & door/ or bowguard |
| Lift Assist design | no | no | no |
| Suitable for boat length (maximum) | 21' | 23' | 25' |
Saltwater Transom Mount
Riptide Transom
This is perhaps the simplest to use of all the trolling motors here. It delivers 45 lbs of thrust, and the ergonomic handle makes piloting your boat simple and easy. You can also upgrade to a 55lb setup if you want that extra power in reserve, although both are 12 volt systems.
The Transom can be configured with a 36, 42, or 52 inch shaft. The 42″ and 52″ can be teamed with the bigger 80lbs and 112lb models.
Note: Digital Maximiser™ is only available with variable speed models only. 45lb and 55lb have 5 speed options available without digital maximiser.
| Thrust/voltage | 45lbs / 12v | 55lbs / 12v | 80lbs / 24v | 112lbs / 36v |
| Shaft length | 36" | 36", 42" | 42" | 52" |
| Mount | lever lock bracket | lever lock bracket | lever lock bracket | lever lock bracket |
| Digital maximiser | variable speed models only | variable speed models only | yes | yes |
| Prop | Power prop | Power prop | Weedless Wedge 2 | Weedless Wedge 2 |
| Suitable for boat length (maximum) | 18' | 21' | 25' | 25' |
Whether you want a bow mounted trolling motor, a transom mount, or an engine mount option, Minn Kota’s quality is well documented and the saltwater Riptide family has something to offer just about everyone.
Resources
https://minnkotamotors.johnsonoutdoors.com
