Review of the Minn Kota Riptide Instinct QUEST 90/115 Trolling Motor w/Wireless Remote - 24/36V - 90/115LBS - 100" - Black

Review of the Minn Kota Riptide Instinct QUEST 90/115 Trolling Motor w/Wireless Remote - 24/36V - 90/115LBS - 100" - Black

When it comes to saltwater fishing, having a trolling motor that is both powerful and reliable is essential. The Minn Kota Riptide Instinct QUEST 90/115 Trolling Motor is engineered to offer both, with advanced features designed specifically for saltwater environments. Whether you're chasing trophy fish or simply cruising through your favorite fishing spot, the Riptide Instinct QUEST is built to deliver unmatched performance and durability. With its wireless remote control, powerful thrust options, and 100" shaft, this trolling motor is a must-have for serious anglers who demand the best.

In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Minn Kota Riptide Instinct QUEST 90/115 Trolling Motor, examining its features, performance, and overall value to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your boat.

Overview

The Minn Kota Riptide Instinct QUEST 90/115 Trolling Motor is designed to meet the rigorous demands of saltwater fishing. Available in both 90lbs and 115lbs thrust options, it is powered by a 24V or 36V system, depending on your motor choice. The motor features a 100" shaft, making it versatile for various boat sizes and water conditions. Its black finish ensures it blends seamlessly with most boat aesthetics, while also providing a durable, corrosion-resistant exterior that can withstand the harshest saltwater conditions.

With advanced digital technology, wireless remote control, and a focus on reliability, the Riptide Instinct QUEST aims to make your time on the water more enjoyable by simplifying control, boosting performance, and providing peace of mind when dealing with the challenges of saltwater fishing.

Key Features

1. Powerful Thrust Options: The Minn Kota Riptide Instinct QUEST comes in two thrust options: 90lbs and 115lbs. Whether you’re fishing in calm inshore waters or battling strong offshore currents, this trolling motor has the power to push your boat through a variety of conditions. The 90lbs thrust is ideal for lighter boats or smaller watercraft, while the 115lbs thrust is perfect for larger boats or when you need more power in challenging conditions.

2. Wireless Remote Control: One of the standout features of the Riptide Instinct QUEST is its wireless remote control. This provides total freedom from the helm, allowing you to control the motor’s speed, steering, and direction from anywhere on the boat. Whether you’re fishing from the bow or the stern, the wireless remote gives you full control at your fingertips, offering convenience and ease of use without the need to physically move to the motor.

3. 100" Shaft Length: The 100" shaft is one of the longest available, offering excellent versatility for a variety of boats and water depths. The longer shaft ensures that the motor stays submerged even in choppy or deep water conditions, maintaining optimal performance even in rough conditions. This is particularly useful for anglers who fish in areas with fluctuating water levels or need to position the motor deep enough to avoid cavitation.

4. Riptide Saltwater Protection: The Riptide Instinct QUEST is built with saltwater-specific materials to ensure maximum durability in harsh marine environments. The motor's corrosion-resistant components and rugged construction mean it can stand up to the salty air and water without showing signs of wear or degradation. This feature is especially valuable for anglers who frequently fish in saltwater environments, where exposure to salt can cause significant damage to less durable motors.

5. Advanced Digital Technology: The Riptide Instinct QUEST utilizes advanced digital technology to provide smoother operation, increased efficiency, and improved performance. The digital motor control system ensures that the motor responds quickly to commands, offering greater precision in speed and steering adjustments. This technology also helps with energy efficiency, ensuring you get the most out of your battery power and reducing the frequency of recharges.

6. Quiet and Smooth Operation: The Riptide Instinct QUEST is known for its quiet and smooth operation, minimizing noise disruptions that could potentially spook fish. This is crucial when you're fishing in quiet, sensitive environments, where even the smallest sound can affect your chances of a catch. The motor's efficiency and noise-reducing design allow for more precise trolling, ensuring that you can focus on fishing without distractions.

7. Durability and Reliability: The Minn Kota Riptide Instinct QUEST is known for its robust build quality, designed to handle years of use in challenging saltwater environments. The motor’s shaft, prop, and housing are built with corrosion-resistant materials, making it a reliable choice for saltwater anglers looking for a trolling motor that can handle the rigors of frequent use.

Pros

• Powerful Thrust: Available in 90lbs and 115lbs thrust options, ensuring there’s a model suited to different boat sizes and fishing conditions.
• Wireless Remote: The wireless remote control offers unmatched convenience, allowing you to control the motor from anywhere on the boat.
• Saltwater-Proof Design: Corrosion-resistant materials make the motor durable in saltwater, ensuring long-term reliability.
• Quiet Operation: The motor operates smoothly and quietly, which is essential for avoiding spooking fish in sensitive areas.
• Long Shaft Length: The 100" shaft is perfect for deeper or rougher water conditions, ensuring optimal performance and water depth maintenance.
• Advanced Technology: The digital control system enhances the motor's efficiency and responsiveness, offering precise control over speed and steering.

Cons

• Price: The Minn Kota Riptide Instinct QUEST comes at a premium price point. While the features and performance justify the cost, it may be out of budget for some anglers.
• Size: The 100" shaft may be too long for smaller boats or anglers who fish in shallow waters. However, the longer shaft is beneficial for deeper waters, so this is more of a consideration for boat size and fishing style.
• Battery Requirements: With options for 24V and 36V power, you’ll need to ensure that your boat’s battery system can support the motor. It may require an upgrade if you're switching from a smaller trolling motor.

Performance in Real-World Conditions

The Minn Kota Riptide Instinct QUEST 90/115 Trolling Motor performs impressively across various saltwater fishing scenarios. The wireless remote control works seamlessly, providing precise control over motor speed and direction without having to move to the motor. This freedom is especially beneficial when fishing from different positions on the boat or when managing multiple rods.

The powerful thrust makes it easy to navigate through strong currents or choppy waters, while the long shaft ensures that the motor stays submerged even in deeper or rougher conditions. The motor’s smooth, quiet operation is a significant advantage when fishing in sensitive areas, allowing for undisturbed trolling.

The saltwater protection of the motor is also evident, as it handles harsh marine environments with ease. After multiple saltwater outings, the motor showed no signs of corrosion or wear, giving me confidence in its long-term durability.

Conclusion

The Minn Kota Riptide Instinct QUEST 90/115 Trolling Motor is a top-tier trolling motor designed for serious saltwater anglers. With its powerful thrust options, wireless remote control, and saltwater protection, this motor is built to handle the toughest fishing conditions with ease. The 100" shaft provides the versatility to fish in deeper or more turbulent waters, while the digital technology ensures smooth and efficient operation.

While the price may be higher than other models, the performance, reliability, and advanced features make the Riptide Instinct QUEST an excellent investment for anglers who want the best in saltwater trolling motors. If you’re looking for a trolling motor that can handle anything the water throws at you, the Minn Kota Riptide Instinct QUEST is an outstanding choice.