Minn Kota

Which motor do I need?

Enter your boat’s details and where the motor will go. The helper works out the thrust, the voltage and the shaft length, and I add the motors in the range that fit, the batteries and a charger.

Your boat

The result is a recommendation. For a quote, send me an enquiry: your boat’s details go with it.

Boat model (optional)

The maker and the model, if you know them. It helps me check the measurements.

Boat length (optional)

In metres, e.g. 5.8.

Loaded boat weight

In kilograms: the empty boat, the outboard, fuel, people and gear together, as when you go fishing. Boat and engine makers give the dry weight in their specifications.

Example boat weights

Highfield RIBs. The sum is an upper limit without fuel: with a lighter engine and fewer people the boat weighs less.

Highfield Patrol 420 · 4.21 m

boat 252 kg + engine up to 120 kg + people and load up to 640 kg = together up to 1,012 kg

plus fuel, a 55 l tank
Highfield Patrol 500 · 5.1 m

boat 436 kg + engine up to 170 kg + people and load up to 800 kg = together up to 1,406 kg

plus fuel, a 90 l tank
Highfield Patrol 660 · 6.6 m

boat 792 kg + engine up to 300 kg + people and load up to 1,200 kg = together up to 2,292 kg

plus fuel, a 140 l tank

Where you fish

For the sea Minn Kota makes the Riptide line, built for salt water. I show it first, and the other motors with a note.

Sea Rivers and lakes

Where the motor will go

On the bowa mount on the bow; steered by foot, by hand or by remote On the transomon the transom; steered with the tiller

Height of the mounting surface above the water

In centimetres: from the surface the motor mount is fixed to, down to the water.

Conditions You often fish in wind, waves or current

What else you would like Holding position by GPS (Spot-Lock)The motor holds the boat on the spot you choose. A Humminbird fish finder with the motorI show the motors that connect to Humminbird first.

Do you already have batteries for the motor (optional)

I do I don’t

Enter your boat’s details and press “Calculate”.

How much thrust you need

Minn Kota recommends at least 2 lb of thrust for every 100 lb of fully loaded boat, people and gear included. If wind or current are common where you fish, you need a stronger motor.

at least 2 lb of thrust for every 100 lb of loaded boat The same in kilograms: 2 kg for every 100 kg.

Least thrust by loaded boat weight
Loaded boat	In pounds	Least thrust	Voltage
300 kg	661 lb	14 lb 6 kg	12 V
500 kg	1,102 lb	23 lb 10 kg	12 V
700 kg	1,543 lb	31 lb 14 kg	12 V
900 kg	1,984 lb	40 lb 18 kg	12 V
1,100 kg	2,425 lb	49 lb 22 kg	12 V
1,300 kg	2,866 lb	58 lb 26 kg	24 V
1,500 kg	3,307 lb	67 lb 30 kg	24 V
1,800 kg	3,968 lb	80 lb 36 kg	24 V
2,100 kg	4,630 lb	93 lb 42 kg	36 V
2,500 kg	5,512 lb	111 lb 50 kg	36 V

The voltage in the table is for brushed motors; QUEST motors give up to 90 lb already on 24 V.

Voltage and batteries

Every 12 V of the system takes a 12 V battery.

Brushed motors: up to 55 lb (25 kg): 12 V · up to 80 lb (36 kg): 24 V · up to 112 lb (51 kg): 36 V
QUEST motors, brushless: up to 90 lb (41 kg): 24 V · up to 115 lb (52 kg): 36 V

Shaft length

A shaft that is too short does not hold the motor deep enough: the propeller draws air and makes a noise that scares fish. At least 12" of water over the motor housing is advised.

The height is measured from the surface the motor mount is fixed to, down to the water. The chart is read at that height plus these additions:

+5" if you fish in rough water,
+9" for a hand-steered motor on the bow,
a further +12" if you steer such a motor standing.

Bow mount
Height to the water	Recommended shaft
0–10" 0–25 cm	36" 91 cm
16–22" 41–56 cm	42–45" 107–114 cm
22–28" 56–71 cm	48–52" 122–132 cm
28–34" 71–86 cm	54–60" 137–152 cm
34–52" 86–132 cm	72–87" 183–221 cm
52–72" 132–183 cm	100" 254 cm

The chart has no row for heights from 10" to 16" (about 25–41 cm): then the next row applies, with the longer shaft, because a shaft that is too short is the worse choice.

Transom mount
Height to the water	Recommended shaft
0–10" 0–25 cm	30" 76 cm
10–16" 25–41 cm	36" 91 cm
16–22" 41–56 cm	42" 107 cm
22–28" 56–71 cm	55" 140 cm (Riptide Transom only)

Above the last row there is no recommendation. Centimetres and kilograms are converted and rounded; the helper works with the exact value.

Not sure what to choose? Send me an enquiry with your boat’s details and I will get back to you.

All Minn Kota trolling motors Request a quote