Minn Kota Riptide Instinct Quest

Beefy construction is just one of the motor’s hot new features. One-Boat connectivity to power anchors and MFDs allows multiple points of control. Courtesy Minn Kota

The Riptide Instinct Quest from Minn Kota is more than the sum of its parts. Intuitive controls, multiple points of operation, and complete networking capabilities with other Johnson Outdoors marine products such as Humminbird Apex and Solix ­multifunction displays and Minn Kota Raptor shallow-water anchors give handy integration to the entire system of boat control.

First, the auto-deploy ­system on this saltwater-grade ­trolling motor is sturdier and more reliable than past models. I’ve run Ulterra motors for six years without a failure but have had to use the awkward manual retract and resetting process to pull up the motor after ­jamming it on the bottom during deployment. That’s not an easy on-the-water job. This new motor’s mounting and ­deployment system is far more robust and forgiving of impact. I have—ahem—proved that in my fishing.

Impact forgiveness is a valuable side effect of the offshore capabilities designed into the motor. The motor is available with 60-, 72-, 87-, and 100-inch carbon-fiber shafts priced at $4,399, $4,699, $5,499, and $6,099, respectively. The shafts are far beefier than the inshore models and far less flexible than competitors for better control. Only the 72-inch and above shafts require an included gunwale brace to secure the motor when the boat’s planing. The 60-inch shaft, long enough on my Ranger 2510 Bay boat in all but the roughest water, ­exhibits little flexing at speed.

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The unit’s mounting bracket and robotic deployment equipment is heavy-duty. Courtesy Minn Kota BUY NOW

As a propulsion device, its powerful brushless motor operates on 24 or 36 volts. Brushless motors are so efficient, they produce more torque on less power, and that proved evident on the Ranger—a heavy model with a wide beam and large center console—and almost all are delivered with a massive hardtop, if not a second station. I have only 60 amps of lithium 36-volt power, but I’ve never come close to running out. Even better, the thrust is applied gradually from full stop to top speed, so anglers aren’t jostled about when ­power is initiated. Even at a right-angle turn, the acceleration to full happens firmly but gently, moving the boat where you want it without throwing anglers off balance.

The unit’s mounting bracket and robotic deployment equipment is heavy-duty for durability and reliability in offshore fishing. But that strength comes at a price: The motor, weighing in at 90 pounds, took real effort to lift to the bow of the ­Ranger in the shop. That said, the weight of the motor had no ill effect on performance over the lighter Minn Kota Ulterra that drove the boat before.

Installation is simple using a Minn Kota RTA 62 quick-attach mount. This has a beefier mounting plate, about 40 ­percent thicker than those recommended for the old ­Ulterra. Once in place, a lockable slide bolt allows removal of the motor for secure, theft-proof storage. Further easing the installation is the elimination of a separate heading sensor. That capability is built into the motor.

The motor can be controlled with the handheld remote ­factory-paired via Bluetooth to the motor. Spot Lock, controlled drift, and heading lock are three autopilot settings enabled by the controller. A significant improvement in the controller is a motor-position sensor that indicates on the LCD screen where your motor is pointed, handy if your view is blocked by anglers at the bow.

Remote foot control is also possible with the optional deck pedal. ­Connect to Apex or Solix MFDs via Ethernet or Bluetooth.

The One-Boat Network comes into high play when an Ethernet cable (included) connects the motor to Solix or Apex MFDs. This enables the motor to follow depth contours chosen on the display. All of the most used controls on the handheld are also available on the MFD. The Quest will also connect via Bluetooth to the Apex, but that bars other Bluetooth connections, such as the Raptor’s.

If Bluetooth connectivity to the MFD is not enough, the One-Boat app on a mobile device can connect the Raptor shallow-water anchors and motor to provide complete control. We were surprised that the controller uses replaceable AA batteries, and if they go dead on the water, or if you forget the remote, the app saves the day.

The motor is an outstanding feat of engineering in its own right, but the One-Boat app, which allows firmware updates, settings adjustments, and full operational control over the devices on board, is icing on the cake.

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