24V vs. 36V vs. Dual-Voltage QUEST: A Complete Trolling Motor Battery Guide

24V vs. 36V vs. Dual-Voltage QUEST: A Complete Trolling Motor Battery Guide

30-Second Answer

24V and 36V are electrical-system voltages. Dual-voltage QUEST is not a third voltage — it describes a motor designed to operate from either an approved 24V or 36V system.

  • 24V: Current Riptide Terrova examples include the Terrova 80 at 80 lb and the QUEST 90/115 at 90 lb when operated at 24V.
  • 36V: Current examples include the Terrova 112 at 112 lb and the QUEST 90/115 at 115 lb when operated at 36V.
  • Dual-voltage QUEST: The same compatible QUEST motor can operate at 24V/90 lb or 36V/115 lb without replacing the trolling motor.

Voltage alone does not determine thrust or runtime. Thrust belongs to the exact motor configuration. Runtime depends on battery capacity and energy, motor draw, speed, load, and operating conditions.

If changing a QUEST installation from 24V to 36V, verify the entire electrical system — including battery architecture, wiring, circuit protection, and charging equipment — against current Minn Kota and battery-manufacturer requirements.

Verify current motor specifications, battery requirements, and installation guidance with Minn Kota's current documentation before purchasing or configuring your system.

Table of Contents

  1. How Trolling Motor Voltage Works
  2. Voltage Does Not Equal Thrust
  3. 12V Systems
  4. 24V Systems
  5. 36V Systems
  6. Dual Voltage: What the QUEST Changes
  7. Battery Options: ABYSS Lithium and ODYSSEY AGM
  8. Battery Requirements by Configuration
  9. Runtime: What to Expect
  10. Upgrade Path: Starting at 24V, Moving to 36V
  11. Dealer Starting Points: Which Configuration Fits Your Application?
  12. Dealer Insight: What to Know Before You Buy
  13. Common Buying Mistakes
  14. Frequently Asked Questions
  15. Which Motor and Configuration Is Right for You?

How Trolling Motor Voltage Works

Voltage tells you which electrical system a trolling motor is designed to use. Thrust belongs to the exact motor configuration, and runtime depends on battery capacity, motor power draw, speed, boat load, and operating conditions.

Traditional series-bank systems use more 12V batteries at higher system voltages, while compatible dedicated-voltage lithium batteries can change the battery-count and weight equation significantly.

Voltage Example Battery Architecture Riptide Terrova Examples
12V One 12V battery Terrova 55 — 55 lb
24V Two 12V batteries in series, or a compatible dedicated 24V battery Terrova 80 — 80 lb; QUEST — 90 lb
36V Three 12V batteries in series, or a compatible dedicated 36V battery Terrova 112 — 112 lb; QUEST — 115 lb

When using multiple 12V batteries, they are wired in series — positive terminal to negative terminal — to achieve the required system voltage. Verify wiring, circuit protection, and charger requirements with Minn Kota's current installation documentation for your exact motor before configuring your system.

Voltage Does Not Equal Thrust

Voltage describes the electrical system. Thrust is a motor specification. Never assume that all motors using the same voltage produce the same thrust.

Motor Voltage Rated Thrust
Riptide Terrova 80 24V 80 lb
Riptide Terrova QUEST 90/115 24V 90 lb
Riptide Terrova 112 36V 112 lb
Riptide Terrova QUEST 90/115 36V 115 lb

Identical voltage can correspond to different thrust ratings depending on the motor. Thrust is determined by the motor model and configuration — not by voltage alone.

Dual-voltage QUEST is not a third electrical-system voltage. The motor still operates at either 24V or 36V; “dual voltage” describes the motor’s ability to support both configurations from the same unit.

12V Systems

A 12V trolling motor system uses a single 12-volt battery. It is the simplest configuration — one battery, one motor, straightforward wiring.

Available in the Riptide Terrova Lineup

Best For

  • Smaller bay boats and lighter inshore platforms
  • Protected waters and calm conditions
  • Anglers who fish shorter days or do not need extended runtime
  • Situations where battery weight and system simplicity are priorities

Limitations

  • 55 lb is the maximum thrust available at 12V in the current Riptide Terrova lineup
  • 55 lb may provide insufficient thrust reserve for heavier, higher-windage boats or demanding wind and current conditions; size the motor to the actual vessel and operating environment
  • Available runtime depends on the capacity of the 12V battery and actual motor draw; applications requiring greater thrust or energy capacity may favor a higher-voltage motor and system architecture

24V Systems

24V is a common inshore configuration and supports current Riptide Terrova options at 80 lb, or 90 lb when operating the QUEST 90/115 at 24V. A 24V system uses two 12-volt batteries wired in series, or a compatible dedicated 24V battery.

Available in the Riptide Terrova Lineup

Best For

  • Medium to large bay boats
  • Inshore center consoles with moderate bow heights
  • Anglers who fish full days in moderate conditions
  • Situations where 80–90 lb of thrust is sufficient
  • Anglers starting with the QUEST who may reconfigure to 36V later

36V Systems

A 36V trolling motor system uses three 12-volt batteries wired in series, or a compatible dedicated 36V battery. Within the current Riptide Terrova configurations discussed here, 36V supports the highest available thrust ratings. Runtime depends on battery capacity and actual motor load rather than voltage alone.

Available in the Riptide Terrova Lineup

Best For

  • Large bay boats, hybrid bay boats, and offshore-capable center consoles
  • Boats with high bow heights requiring longer shafts
  • Anglers who regularly fish heavy wind, strong tidal current, bridge and pass environments, and rough coastal conditions
  • Professional guides carrying heavy loads and multiple clients
  • Tournament anglers who need maximum thrust reserve

Dual Voltage: What the QUEST Changes

The Riptide Terrova QUEST 90/115 is the only motor in the current Riptide Terrova lineup that supports both 24V and 36V from the same motor. The motor itself supports either voltage configuration; you configure the boat with a compatible 24V or 36V electrical system according to Minn Kota's current installation requirements.

Battery Configuration Voltage Rated Thrust
Compatible 24V system 24V 90 lb
Compatible 36V system 36V 115 lb

Dual-voltage QUEST is not a third electrical-system voltage. The motor operates at either 24V or 36V; “dual voltage” describes the motor’s ability to support both configurations.

Why Dual Voltage Matters

Buy once, configure for now. Start with a 24V/90 lb setup and reconfigure to 36V/115 lb later by upgrading to a compatible 36V electrical system — no new motor required.

Upgrade without replacing the motor. On a fixed-voltage motor, moving from 24V to 36V means purchasing a new motor. On the QUEST, it means reconfiguring your electrical system.

QUEST at 24V vs. Standard Terrova 80 at 24V

Verify current specifications with Minn Kota's documentation for your exact motor before purchasing.

Feature Standard Terrova 80 (24V) QUEST 90/115 (24V)
Rated Thrust 80 lb 90 lb
Motor Brushed QUEST brushless
Runtime Standard Minn Kota advertises up to 30% longer runtime vs. 24V brushed at max speed; actual results vary by load and conditions
Upgrade path Replace motor for more thrust Reconfigure electrical system for 115 lb at 36V
Shaft options 54", 60", 72" 60", 72", 87", 100"

Battery Options: ABYSS Lithium and ODYSSEY AGM

TrollingMotors.shop carries two battery families for trolling motor applications: ABYSS LiFePO4 lithium and ODYSSEY pure lead AGM. Weight, usable depth of discharge, charging requirements, and expected cycle life differ significantly by battery model. Compare manufacturer specifications for the exact batteries rather than assuming all LiFePO4 or all AGM products perform identically.

Verify battery compatibility with your motor and charger before purchasing. Do not mix lithium and AGM batteries in the same series system unless the battery and motor manufacturers explicitly approve the configuration.

ABYSS Lithium — Dedicated Voltage Systems

ABYSS offers dedicated 24V and 36V LiFePO4 lithium batteries — a single battery replaces a multi-battery AGM bank, reducing weight and simplifying installation. ABYSS's current 24V 75Ah battery, for example, is rated 75Ah and up to 75A continuous discharge; verify current specifications for each model before purchasing.

ABYSS also offers a 36V 60Ah Kit with Onboard Charger for a complete drop-in solution.

ODYSSEY AGM — 12V Series Batteries

ODYSSEY publishes model-specific cycle-life and depth-of-discharge performance for its pure-lead AGM batteries. Compare the exact ODYSSEY model with the alternative battery being considered rather than generalizing across all AGM products. Verify current specifications for each model before purchasing.

For 24V systems, use two matching ODYSSEY batteries wired in series. For 36V systems, use three matching ODYSSEY batteries wired in series. Use batteries that meet the battery manufacturer's requirements for series operation — typically matched chemistry, capacity, and model/specification, with closely matched condition and state of charge.

Battery Requirements by Configuration

The specifications below are general reference. Verify current wiring, circuit protection, and installation requirements with Minn Kota's current documentation for your exact motor before configuring your system.

12V Setup (Riptide Terrova 55)

  • One 12V battery
  • Circuit protection and wire gauge: verify with Minn Kota's current installation guide for your exact motor

24V Setup (Riptide Terrova 80 or QUEST at 24V)

  • Two matching 12V batteries wired in series (ODYSSEY AGM), or a compatible dedicated 24V battery (ABYSS Lithium)
  • Circuit protection: Minn Kota's current wiring table specifies a 60A circuit-protection class for the 80-lb and QUEST configurations discussed here; required conductor gauge varies with motor and circuit length. Follow the current installation documentation for your exact motor.
  • Charging system: see Charger Architecture note below

36V Setup (Riptide Terrova 112 or QUEST at 36V)

  • Three matching 12V batteries wired in series (ODYSSEY AGM), or a compatible dedicated 36V battery (ABYSS Lithium)
  • Circuit protection: Minn Kota's current wiring table specifies a 60A circuit-protection class for the 112-lb and QUEST configurations discussed here; required conductor gauge varies with motor and circuit length. Follow the current installation documentation for your exact motor.
  • Charging system: see Charger Architecture note below

Charger Architecture

Your charging system must be compatible with the exact battery architecture and chemistry in your installation.

  • A dedicated 24V or 36V battery (such as ABYSS lithium) typically requires a charger approved for that battery, nominal voltage, and chemistry. ABYSS offers compatible 24V and 36V onboard chargers.
  • A series bank built from multiple 12V batteries (such as ODYSSEY AGM) may instead use an appropriate isolated multi-bank charger, with each battery charged according to the battery and charger manufacturers’ instructions. It does not necessarily require a single-output “24V” or “36V” charger.

Do not choose a charger from trolling-motor system voltage alone. Verify battery chemistry, battery configuration, charger output architecture, and manufacturer compatibility before purchasing.

Runtime: What to Expect

Exact runtime cannot be predicted from system voltage alone. It depends on battery capacity and the current the motor actually draws at the speeds and conditions you use.

Understanding Battery Energy

For batteries at the same voltage, amp-hours (Ah) are useful for comparing nominal capacity. Across different voltages, compare energy content as well:

Nominal watt-hours ≈ voltage × amp-hours

Battery Nominal Energy
ABYSS 24V 60Ah ≈24V × 60Ah = 1,440Wh
ABYSS 24V 75Ah ≈24V × 75Ah = 1,800Wh
ABYSS 24V 100Ah ≈24V × 100Ah = 2,400Wh
ABYSS 36V 60Ah ≈36V × 60Ah = 2,160Wh
ABYSS 36V 75Ah ≈36V × 75Ah = 2,700Wh
ABYSS 36V 105Ah ≈36V × 105Ah = 3,780Wh

These are nominal-energy comparisons, not runtime guarantees. Actual usable energy and runtime depend on battery voltage curve, BMS limits, depth-of-discharge limits, motor load, and operating conditions. A 24V 100Ah system, for example, contains more nominal energy than a 36V 60Ah system — runtime is a function of energy and load, not voltage alone.

Runtime Guidance

  • Use Eco Mode on the QUEST to reduce current draw in lighter conditions — Minn Kota describes Eco Mode as reducing current draw and extending battery life
  • Monitor real-time battery percentage and estimated time remaining on the QUEST’s battery display
  • Lower motor output generally reduces electrical demand; actual draw varies with motor output and operating conditions
  • Size your battery bank generously; it is far better to have more capacity than you need than to cut a fishing day short

Upgrade Path: Starting at 24V, Moving to 36V

Starting at 24V

What you need: QUEST 90/115 motor (any shaft length), a compatible 24V battery system (ABYSS 24V lithium or two matching ODYSSEY AGM batteries in series), appropriate circuit protection, and proper wiring and mounting hardware per Minn Kota's current installation requirements.

What you get: 90 lb rated thrust, QUEST brushless performance, Eco Mode and real-time battery monitoring, and a clear path to 36V/115 lb without replacing the motor.

Reconfiguring to 36V

What changes: Your entire electrical system. Moving from a 24V to a 36V configuration may require changes to the battery bank, wiring, circuit protection, and charging equipment. Verify Minn Kota's current installation requirements and battery-manufacturer requirements before reconfiguring.

What you gain: Maximum rated thrust increases from 90 lb at 24V to 115 lb at 36V, providing additional thrust reserve for demanding applications.

What you do not need to replace solely because of the voltage change: the QUEST motor itself. Verify that all existing mounting and installation components remain appropriate for the exact motor, boat, and installation.

This upgrade path is unique to the QUEST platform. No fixed-voltage motor in the current Riptide Terrova lineup offers this flexibility.

Dealer Starting Points: Which Configuration Fits Your Application?

These are shopping starting points, not Minn Kota sizing specifications. Final selection should account for required thrust, loaded displacement, windage, shaft requirement, operating conditions, and electrical architecture.

12V — Dealer Starting Point

Smaller bay boats and lighter inshore platforms fishing primarily protected waters in calm conditions, where 55 lb of thrust is sufficient for the vessel and operating environment.

24V — Dealer Starting Point

Medium to large bay boats fishing moderate inshore conditions where 80–90 lb of thrust is sufficient. Also the right starting configuration if you are buying the QUEST and may reconfigure to 36V later.

36V — Dealer Starting Point

Large bay boats, hybrid bay boats, or offshore-capable center consoles regularly fishing heavy wind, strong current, bridge and pass environments, or rough coastal conditions, or carrying heavy loads.

QUEST Dual-Voltage — Dealer Starting Point

If both the 24V/90-lb and 36V/115-lb QUEST configurations are appropriate for your application, QUEST's dual-voltage architecture can provide useful flexibility if your electrical or performance requirements change later.

Dealer Insight: What to Know Before You Buy

  1. Voltage describes the electrical system — not the motor’s thrust. Two motors at the same voltage can have different thrust ratings. Verify the exact thrust specification for the motor and configuration you are purchasing.
  2. Do not mix lithium and AGM batteries in the same series trolling-motor bank unless the battery and motor manufacturers explicitly approve the configuration. Their different voltage/discharge/charging characteristics can create imbalance, charging problems, and unpredictable system behavior.
  3. Use batteries that meet the battery manufacturer’s requirements for series operation. Minn Kota currently calls for batteries in a series bank to match in manufacturer, type, size, and age. Do not mix battery types or conditions unless the applicable manufacturers explicitly support that configuration.
  4. Reconfiguring from 24V to 36V on the QUEST requires verifying the entire electrical system. Moving from 24V to 36V may require changes to wiring, circuit protection, battery architecture, and charging equipment — not just the battery bank. Verify Minn Kota’s current installation requirements before reconfiguring.
  5. Size your battery bank for your worst day, not your average day. Anglers consistently underestimate battery capacity needs. A battery bank that is adequate in calm conditions may fall short in wind, current, or heavy use. Size generously.
  6. Your charging system must match your battery architecture and chemistry — not just your system voltage. A dedicated 24V or 36V battery requires a charger approved for that battery and chemistry. A series bank of 12V batteries may use an appropriate isolated multi-bank charger. Verify charger compatibility with both the battery manufacturer and Minn Kota’s current installation documentation.
  7. Verify all installation specifications with Minn Kota’s current documentation. Wire gauge, circuit breaker rating, and mounting requirements can vary by motor model and generation. Always follow the current installation guide for your exact motor.

Common Buying Mistakes

Assuming Voltage Determines Thrust

Voltage describes the electrical system. Thrust is a motor specification. Two motors at the same voltage can have different thrust ratings — verify the exact thrust for the motor and configuration you are purchasing.

Choosing Voltage Based on Boat Length Alone

Boat length is a rough guide — not a reliable one. Always consider your actual fishing conditions, boat load, and bow height, not just length.

Underestimating Battery Capacity Needs

Many anglers buy the minimum battery capacity and run out of power before the day is done. Size your battery system generously. It is far better to have more capacity than you need than to cut a fishing day short.

Mixing Battery Types in a Series System

Do not mix lithium and AGM in the same bank. Use batteries that meet the battery manufacturer's requirements for series operation — Minn Kota currently calls for batteries in a series bank to match in manufacturer, type, size, and age.

Assuming You Can Simply Add One Battery When Reconfiguring from 24V to 36V

Moving from a 24V to a 36V series bank is not simply a matter of adding one new battery to an existing pair. Minn Kota currently calls for batteries in a series bank to match in manufacturer, type, size, and age. If your existing batteries do not meet those requirements as a three-battery bank, replacing the entire bank may be appropriate. Verify battery-manufacturer and Minn Kota requirements before reconfiguring.

Choosing a Charger Based on System Voltage Alone

Charger selection depends on battery architecture and chemistry, not just system voltage. A series bank of 12V batteries may use an isolated multi-bank charger rather than a single-output “24V” or “36V” charger. Verify charger compatibility with both the battery manufacturer and Minn Kota’s current installation documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run a 24V motor on a 36V battery system?

No. Running a 24V motor on a 36V system will damage the motor. Always match the motor’s voltage rating to your battery configuration. The only exception in the current Riptide Terrova lineup is the QUEST, which is specifically designed to support both 24V and 36V.

Can I run a 36V motor on a 24V battery system?

No. A 36V motor on a 24V system will produce significantly reduced thrust and may not operate correctly. The exception is the QUEST, which is designed to run on either voltage.

Does higher voltage mean more runtime?

Not necessarily. Runtime depends on battery energy (voltage × amp-hours), actual motor current draw, speed, load, and conditions — not voltage alone. A 24V 100Ah system contains more nominal energy than a 36V 60Ah system. Compare battery energy content and motor load, not voltage alone.

What is the difference between wiring in series and wiring in parallel?

Wiring in series (positive terminal to negative terminal) increases voltage while keeping amp-hour capacity the same as a single battery. Wiring in parallel (positive to positive, negative to negative) increases amp-hour capacity while keeping voltage the same. Trolling motor batteries are wired in series to achieve the required system voltage.

Do I need a circuit breaker?

Yes. A circuit breaker protects your motor, batteries, and wiring from damage in the event of a short circuit or overload. Minn Kota’s current wiring table specifies a 60A circuit-protection class for the 80-lb, 112-lb, and QUEST configurations discussed here. Required conductor gauge varies with motor and circuit length. Follow the current installation documentation for your exact motor.

Is lithium worth the extra cost over AGM?

Dealer take: For anglers prioritizing weight savings and high usable cycling capacity, lithium is often worth the higher initial cost. ABYSS LiFePO4 batteries are significantly lighter than equivalent AGM banks and offer deeper usable discharge. ODYSSEY AGM can still make sense where upfront cost, existing charging architecture, or other application requirements favor it. Compare manufacturer specifications for the exact batteries you are considering rather than assuming all lithium or all AGM products perform identically.

Can I use my existing batteries if I reconfigure from 24V to 36V on the QUEST?

Potentially, but do not assume you can simply add one new battery to an existing 24V series bank. For a 36V bank built from three 12V batteries, follow the battery manufacturer’s and Minn Kota’s requirements for series operation. Minn Kota currently calls for batteries in a series bank to match in manufacturer, type, size, and age. If your existing batteries do not meet those requirements as a three-battery bank, replacing the bank may be appropriate.

For a dedicated 24V lithium battery, moving to 36V generally means replacing it with a compatible dedicated 36V battery rather than adding another battery in series, unless the battery manufacturer explicitly supports that configuration. In either case, re-verify wiring, circuit protection, and charging equipment against Minn Kota’s current 36V installation requirements before reconfiguring.

What charger do I need?

Your charging system must be compatible with the exact battery architecture and chemistry in your installation. A dedicated 24V or 36V battery requires a charger approved for that battery and chemistry. A series bank of 12V batteries may use an appropriate isolated multi-bank charger. For ABYSS lithium, ABYSS offers compatible 24V and 36V onboard chargers. Verify charger compatibility with both Minn Kota’s current installation documentation and the battery manufacturer’s current documentation for your exact models.

Does the QUEST’s Eco Mode extend battery life?

Minn Kota describes Eco Mode as reducing current draw and extending battery life by automatically adjusting motor output. Actual runtime improvement depends on speed settings, conditions, and load. Eco Mode operates independently of battery chemistry. Verify current Eco Mode specifications in Minn Kota’s documentation for your exact motor.

Which Motor and Configuration Is Right for You?

If you… Consider…
Have a smaller boat, fish calm water, need 55 lb thrust Riptide Terrova 55 / 12V
Need 80 lb thrust at 24V Riptide Terrova 80 / 24V
Want QUEST brushless performance at 24V, may reconfigure to 36V later QUEST 90/115 / start at 24V → reconfigure to 36V
Need 112 lb thrust at 36V (fixed voltage) Riptide Terrova 112 / 36V
Need 115 lb thrust at 36V with dual-voltage flexibility QUEST 90/115 / 36V
Need maximum thrust and longest shaft (100") QUEST 90/115 / 36V / 87" or 100"

Contact our team if you have questions about your specific boat, battery setup, or which configuration is right for your fishing situation.

Also in the TrollingMotors.shop Learning Center:

Reviewed by the TrollingMotors.shop Team — Last updated: August 2026

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