You’ll need 1 battery for every 12 volts in your trolling system – higher voltage means more thrust or power. Recommend below by Minn Kota: 55lbs of thrust or less = 12 volts (one battery) 70-90lbs of thrust = 24 volts (two batteries) 112-115lbs of thrust = 36 volts (three batteries) Don't forget battery storage space: Consider the amount of storage in your bilge for the trolling system chosen. If you want a 112lb thrust system, you will need space for 3 batteries (36 volt system).

The Minn Kota Endura is a transom-mount motor with hand-tiller steering, perfect for kayaks, canoes, and smaller boats. It's simple, reliable, and budget-friendly. The Terrova is a premium bow-mount motor with either foot pedal or i-Pilot GPS control, featuring Lift-Assist deployment, advanced steering, and compatibility with Spot-Lock anchoring technology. Terrovas offer significantly more power (up to 112 lbs thrust vs 55 lbs for Endura), better boat control from the bow position, and integration with modern fish finders. Endura motors are ideal for recreational anglers and kayakers, while Terrovas suit serious bass anglers and tournament fishermen who need precision positioning and hands-free control.

Yes, but you need a Minn Kota Riptide model specifically designed for saltwater use. Riptide motors feature corrosion-resistant materials, sealed electrical connections, and special coatings that withstand harsh saltwater environments. Standard freshwater Minn Kota motors will corrode rapidly in saltwater, voiding your warranty. If you fish both fresh and saltwater, choose a Riptide model – it performs excellently in freshwater while providing the durability needed for coastal fishing. Always rinse your motor with fresh water after saltwater use, even with Riptide models, to maximize lifespan. Riptide models are available across Endura, Terrova, and Ultrex series.

Spot-Lock is Minn Kota's GPS anchoring technology that holds your boat position within a few feet, even in wind and current. Instead of dropping an anchor or constantly adjusting your motor, Spot-Lock uses GPS coordinates and automatic motor adjustments to keep you precisely positioned over structure, brush piles, or your favorite fishing spot. It's available on i-Pilot and i-Pilot Link equipped motors like the Ultrex and Terrova. While not essential for casual anglers, Spot-Lock is game-changing for serious fishermen – it allows you to fish with both hands free, maintain perfect positioning for vertical jigging, and automatically return to productive spots. Tournament anglers consider it indispensable.

Shaft length is measured from the motor mounting bracket to the propeller. Your motor's propeller should run at least 12 inches below the waterline for optimal performance and to avoid cavitation (air bubbles around the prop). For kayaks and small boats with low sides, 24-30 inch shafts work well. Canoes typically need 30-36 inches. Bass boats and larger vessels with higher bows require 48-60 inch shafts. Measure from your mounting point to the waterline, then add 12-18 inches. Too short causes cavitation and reduced thrust, while too long creates unnecessary drag and makes deployment difficult. When in doubt, slightly longer is better than too short.

Minn Kota offers a 2-year warranty on most trolling motors covering defects in materials and workmanship. Some premium models like the Ultrex include a 3-year warranty. The warranty covers the motor, control system, and electrical components when used according to manufacturer guidelines. Warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, accidental damage, or saltwater corrosion on freshwater models. We recommend registering your Minn Kota motor immediately after purchase to activate warranty coverage.

Both systems offer GPS-enabled autopilot, Spot-Lock anchoring, and wireless remote control via Bluetooth. The key difference: i-Pilot Link communicates directly with compatible Humminbird fish finders, allowing you to control your motor from the fish finder screen, follow depth contours automatically, navigate to waypoints, and even create custom routes. i-Pilot Link also enables advanced features like trolling along specific depth curves hands-free. Standard i-Pilot provides all the core GPS features through a standalone wireless remote but doesn't integrate with your fish finder. If you have or plan to buy a Humminbird fish finder, i-Pilot Link creates a powerful integrated system. If not, standard i-Pilot delivers excellent GPS motor control.