Minn Kota sells more than a dozen trolling motor families, but most anglers are really choosing between five: Terrova, Ultrex, Ulterra, PowerDrive and Endura. The big split in the current lineup is between QUEST models, with brushless 24/36-volt motors, and the older brushed motors that cost about $1,000 less.
The short version
- Best for most bass and multi-species boats: Terrova QUEST, which has GPS Spot-Lock, a wireless remote and the QUEST brushless motor for a list price of $3,399.99.
- Best for tournament anglers who steer by foot: Ultrex QUEST, a cable-steer motor that gives instant, direct steering feel.
- Best for convenience: Ulterra QUEST, which stows, deploys and trims itself at the push of a button.
- Best value with GPS: Terrova 80 (brushed, 24V), which gives you Spot-Lock for about $1,100 less than the QUEST version.
- Best budget bow mount: PowerDrive 70, with simple electric steering and a 42-amp max draw that's easy on batteries.
- Best for jon boats and small tin boats: Endura Max 55, a 12V transom-mount motor.
- Best for kayaks: Kayak Terrova, 55 lb of thrust with GPS anchoring on a 12V battery.
- Best for saltwater: Riptide Terrova QUEST, with Riptide Instinct QUEST as the self-deploying upgrade.
Minn Kota lineup at a glance
| Model | Mount / steering | Thrust | Voltage | Max draw | GPS anchor | List price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ulterra QUEST | Bow, electric, auto-deploy | 90 / 115 lb | 24V / 36V | 60 A | Yes | $4,099.99 |
| Ultrex QUEST | Bow, cable steer | 90 / 115 lb | 24V / 36V | 60 A | Yes | $3,899.99 |
| Terrova QUEST | Bow, electric | 90 / 115 lb | 24V / 36V | 60 A | Yes | $3,399.99 |
| Terrova 112 | Bow, electric | 112 lb | 36V | 52 A | Yes | $2,599.99 |
| Terrova 80 | Bow, electric | 80 lb | 24V | 56 A | Yes | $2,299.99 |
| PowerDrive 70 | Bow, electric | 70 lb | 24V | 42 A | Remote models only | about $1,170 |
| Kayak Terrova | Kayak, electric | 55 lb | 12V | not published | Yes | $1,499.99 |
| Endura Max 55 | Transom, tiller | 55 lb | 12V | 50 A | No | about $530 |
| Riptide Terrova QUEST | Bow, electric (salt) | 90 / 115 lb | 24V / 36V | 60 A | Yes | $3,999.99 |
| Riptide Instinct QUEST | Bow, electric, auto-deploy (salt) | 90 / 115 lb | 24V / 36V | 60 A | Yes | $5,949.99 |
QUEST models make 90 lb of thrust when wired for 24V and 115 lb at 36V. List prices are manufacturer suggested prices. Dealers commonly sell for $200–$300 less.
QUEST vs. brushed: what you get for the extra money
QUEST is Minn Kota's brushless motor platform. Minn Kota says QUEST motors deliver up to 30% longer runtime and up to 50% more torque than its 24V brushed motors, measured at maximum speed. QUEST models also add real-time battery monitoring with a time-until-empty display, a carbon fiber shaft and a lift-assist mount.
The trade-off is draw at full throttle. Every QUEST motor pulls up to 60 amps, more than the brushed Terrova 80 (56 A) or Terrova 112 (52 A), so your batteries and wiring need to handle it. Minn Kota recommends a 60-amp circuit breaker. QUEST is worth the money if you fish windy big water, run Spot-Lock all day, or want one motor you can move from 24V to 36V later. Read our full QUEST vs. brushed comparison.
Terrova QUEST
The Terrova is Minn Kota's best-selling GPS bow mount, and the QUEST version is the one most bass, walleye and multi-species anglers should start with. It steers electrically from a wireless remote, a programmable foot pedal, a phone app or a connected Humminbird unit, and holds position with Spot-Lock.
Shaft lengths are 45, 60 and 72 inches, with a choice of built-in Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar or MEGA Side and Down Imaging. Stowing and deploying is manual, with a lift-assist lever.
Pros
- Full GPS suite: Spot-Lock, Drift Mode, Dodge
- Wireless remote and foot pedal both included
- Runs at 24V or 36V
Cons
- Manual stow and deploy
- Electric steering is a beat slower than cable steer
Ultrex QUEST
The Ultrex uses cable steering. The foot pedal physically turns the motor, so it responds instantly and you can feel where it's pointed without looking. That's why it's a favorite among tournament bass anglers. It still has full GPS with Spot-Lock and can be run from a remote.
Shafts come in 45, 52 and 60 inches. Because the steering cables can't be extended, the Ultrex suits boats where the pedal sits close to the motor.
Pros
- Fastest, most direct steering
- GPS and Spot-Lock
- Optional MEGA Side and Down Imaging
Cons
- No 72" shaft
- Cable steering needs the pedal near the motor
Ulterra QUEST
The Ulterra does everything the Terrova does and adds Auto Stow/Deploy and Power Trim. Press a button and the motor lifts itself out of the water and folds onto the deck. That's a real help on rough water, for anglers with back or shoulder issues, or anyone who moves spots often.
Shafts come in 45, 60 and 72 inches. At $4,099.99 list price, it's the most expensive freshwater QUEST model.
Pros
- Hands-free stow, deploy and trim
- Full GPS suite
- Up to 72" shaft
Cons
- Highest freshwater price
- Heaviest mount, with more moving parts
Terrova 80 and Terrova 112 (brushed)
The brushed Terrova is still sold, and it's the cheapest way into Minn Kota's GPS features. The Terrova 80 runs on 24V and draws up to 56 amps. The Terrova 112 runs on 36V and draws up to 52 amps. Both include the wireless remote, Spot-Lock, Drift Mode and the real-time battery monitor.
The Terrova 80 is rated for boats up to about 4,000 lb, and the Terrova 112 for boats up to about 10,000 lb. If you don't need QUEST's extra torque, either one saves you about $800–$1,100.
Check Terrova 80 price Check Terrova 112 price
PowerDrive 70
The PowerDrive is Minn Kota's entry-level electric-steer bow mount. The 70 lb, 24V model draws a maximum of 42 amps, the lowest of any 24V bow mount here, which makes it easy on batteries. Foot-pedal models skip GPS entirely, and GPS versions are controlled by remote only.
It's a good fit for aluminum fishing boats, smaller fiberglass boats and anglers who don't need to hold position on a spot.
Endura Max 55
For jon boats, canoes and small tin boats, a 12V transom motor is all you need. The Endura Max 55 makes 55 lb of thrust, draws up to 50 amps, and has a variable-speed Digital Maximizer that stretches battery life at low speeds. It mounts on the transom and steers with a telescoping tiller.
Kayak Terrova
Launched in 2025, the Kayak Terrova brings Spot-Lock to kayaks. It makes 55 lb of thrust on 12V, has a 36-inch composite shaft, and is controlled by an included micro remote, the One-Boat Network app or a connected Humminbird. List price is $1,499.99. Minn Kota pairs it with a lithium battery of at least 100Ah.
Riptide (saltwater) models
Riptide motors are built with corrosion protection for salt water. The Riptide Terrova QUEST mirrors the freshwater Terrova QUEST with shafts up to 100 inches for tall bay boats and center consoles. The Riptide Instinct QUEST adds Auto Stow/Deploy, Power Trim, and a clutch that protects the motor when it hits bottom, at a $5,949.99 list price.
Check Riptide Terrova QUEST price
Which battery setup each motor needs
The motor decides your battery bank. 12V motors run on one battery, 24V motors on two in series or one 24V lithium, and 36V motors on three or one 36V lithium. Runtime varies a lot by model, so we built a separate guide: what battery your Minn Kota needs.
FAQ
Which Minn Kota is best for a bass boat?
Most bass anglers choose between the Ultrex QUEST for its cable-steer feel and the Terrova QUEST for its lower price and wireless-first control. On a boat over 20 feet, wire for 36V to get the full 115 lb of thrust.
Is the QUEST worth it over the regular Terrova?
If you fish wind and current often or hold Spot-Lock for hours, usually yes. The brushless motor runs longer and has more torque. For calm lakes and lighter boats, the brushed Terrova 80 does the job for less.
Can I switch a QUEST motor from 24V to 36V?
Yes. All QUEST motors are dual-voltage. You rewire for a third battery or swap to a 36V lithium battery.
What size breaker does a Minn Kota QUEST need?
Dealers list a 60-amp circuit breaker as highly recommended for QUEST motors, matching their 60-amp max draw.
Sources: Minn Kota QUEST announcement; Minn Kota QUEST options; Riptide Instinct QUEST; dealer listings at TrollingMotors.net (Terrova QUEST, Ultrex QUEST, Ulterra QUEST, Riptide Terrova QUEST, Terrova 80, Terrova 112), Mealey Marine (PowerDrive 70) and Freeport Marine (Endura Max 55); Wired2Fish (Kayak Terrova). Checked October 2026.