Review: Minn Kota Riptide Kayak Terrova
Minn Kota’s new Riptide Kayak Terrova brings the proven reliability and GPS anchoring performance of its larger saltwater trolling motors to the kayak world. Designed specifically for bow-mount installation on fishing kayaks, the Riptide Kayak Terrova delivers precision control and Spot-Lock anchoring in a compact, saltwater-ready package. I spent a week testing the Riptide Kayak Terrova on the new Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Pro, which comes pre-rigged for a bow-mounted trolling motor. While my long-term testing on saltwater corrosion and durability is ongoing, the first week revealed just how refined and capable this system is right out of the box.
Key Specifications
- Use: Saltwater / Freshwater (Riptide model is saltwater-rated)
- Max Thrust: 55 lb
- Voltage: 12V
- Shaft Length: 36 in
- Control: Micro remote with Advanced GPS Navigation (Spot-Lock)
- Mount: Bow mount, electric steer
- Battery Guidance: 12V deep-cycle marine battery; for best results, at least 105Ah
- Price: $1,899.99
First Impressions & Installation
The setup was simple. The motor arrived ready to fish, and Old Town’s Pro model made rigging effortless thanks to its Bow-Mount Motor Ready system, which includes a universal four-hole insert pattern, thru-hull wiring ports, and dedicated battery storage.
Using the supplied mounting block system and plug-and-play connections, installation was straightforward—no custom fabrication or drilling required. The fit on the Sportsman 120 Pro was perfect, and it was fast to go from the truck to the water.
Battery & Runtime
Minn Kota specifies a 12-volt deep-cycle marine battery and recommends at least a 105 amp-hour rating for the best results. For this test, I ran a 12V 50Ah lithium battery I had on hand and got about 90 minutes of nearly continuous runtime. That heavy-use trial session included extended full-speed runs, repeated Spot-Lock holds, and working in current—more demanding than a typical fishing day. In normal fishing use, I’d expect significantly longer runtime, especially if using the recommended minimum 105 amp-hour battery.
On-Water Performance
The Riptide Kayak Terrova is the perfect complement to a pedal-driven kayak. I used the PDL drive to cover distance, then relied on the trolling motor for precise positioning around structure, holding in current, and GPS anchoring.
Steering was intuitive. With the motor pointed straight, I could steer with the rudder; when I needed fine control, the handheld remote responded quickly and predictably. Maneuverability stood out—tight turns and precise adjustments were easy when weaving through rocks, docks, bridge pilings, and other structure.
There’s ample thrust for wind and current. Spot-Lock was the MVP, holding position even in a shifting inlet tide so I could focus on fishing instead of constantly correcting my drift.
The Best of Both Worlds
I’ve long appreciated Old Town’s PDL kayaks and the autopiloted precision of the Old Town Autopilot series. This combo feels like the best of both: pedal for range and chasing fast movers like stripers and albies; trolling motor for control when picking apart structure and easy “anchoring” when working structure and bottom fishing.
I’m planning further testing this fall focused on inshore tautog fishing—Spot-Locking over specific rock piles with green crabs.
Final Thoughts
The Minn Kota Riptide Kayak Terrova delivers a professional-grade trolling motor experience in kayak form. Installation is easy, operation is intuitive, and the on-water precision is outstanding. For anglers who like to pedal long distances and then hold tight over a wreck or make controlled moves through current, this system adds capabilities no other single accessory can match.
It’s a premium upgrade—but one that meaningfully expands what a saltwater fishing kayak can do.