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

Table of Contents

  1. The Short Answer
  2. How Trolling Motor Voltage Works
  3. 12V Systems — Entry Level
  4. 24V Systems — The Most Popular Configuration
  5. 36V Systems — Maximum Performance
  6. Dual Voltage: What the QUEST Changes
  7. Battery Requirements by Configuration
  8. Runtime: What to Expect
  9. Upgrade Path: Starting at 24V, Moving to 36V
  10. Cost Comparison
  11. Which Voltage Is Right for Your Boat?
  12. Common Buying Mistakes
  13. Frequently Asked Questions
  14. Which Motor and Configuration Is Right for You?

The Short Answer

12V is for smaller boats and lighter applications — the Riptide Terrova 55 on a medium bay boat in calm conditions.

24V is the most popular configuration for inshore saltwater fishing — strong performance, manageable battery weight, and sufficient runtime for most anglers on most boats.

36V is for larger boats, heavier loads, demanding conditions, and anglers who need maximum thrust and runtime.

Dual voltage (QUEST) means one motor that runs on either 24V or 36V — giving you the flexibility to start at 24V and upgrade to 36V later without replacing the motor.

If you’re unsure whether you need 24V or 36V, the QUEST’s dual-voltage design is the most practical answer: buy the motor once, configure it for your current needs, and upgrade when your needs change.

How Trolling Motor Voltage Works

Trolling motor voltage determines two things: thrust and runtime.

Higher voltage means more thrust and, with the right battery setup, more runtime. But higher voltage also means more batteries, more weight, and more cost.

Voltage Batteries Required Typical Thrust Range
12V 1 x 12V Up to 55 lb
24V 2 x 12V in series 55–90 lb
36V 3 x 12V in series 90–115 lb

Batteries are wired in series — positive to negative — to increase voltage while keeping the amp-hour capacity of a single battery. Always use batteries of the same type, age, and capacity in a multi-battery system.

12V Systems — Entry Level

A 12V trolling motor system uses a single 12-volt battery. It’s 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 don’t need extended runtime
  • Situations where battery weight and simplicity are priorities

Limitations:

  • 55 lb is the maximum thrust available at 12V in the Riptide Terrova lineup
  • Single battery means limited runtime on longer fishing days
  • Not suitable for larger boats, heavy loads, or demanding conditions

Battery recommendation: One 12V lithium or AGM battery. For maximum runtime, a high-capacity lithium battery (100Ah+) is the best choice.

24V Systems — The Most Popular Configuration

A 24V trolling motor system uses two 12-volt batteries wired in series. It’s the most popular configuration for inshore saltwater fishing because it balances thrust, runtime, weight, and cost effectively.

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 upgrade to 36V later

Battery recommendation: Two 12V batteries wired in series. For maximum runtime and minimum weight, ABYSS® 24V lithium battery systems are the strongest choice.

36V Systems — Maximum Performance

A 36V trolling motor system uses three 12-volt batteries wired in series. It provides the highest thrust and, with a properly sized battery bank, the longest runtime available in the Riptide Terrova lineup.

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 performance and all-day runtime

Battery recommendation: Three 12V batteries wired in series, or a dedicated 36V lithium battery system. For maximum runtime and minimum weight, ABYSS® 36V lithium battery systems are the strongest choice.

Dual Voltage: What the QUEST Changes

The Riptide Terrova QUEST 90/115 is the only motor in the Riptide Terrova lineup that supports both 24V and 36V from the same motor.

Battery Setup Voltage Thrust
2 x 12V in series 24V 90 lb
3 x 12V in series 36V 115 lb

You don’t change anything on the motor. You change the battery configuration.

Why dual voltage matters:

Buy once, configure for now. Start with a 24V/90 lb setup and upgrade to 36V/115 lb later by adding a third battery. No new motor required.

Upgrade without replacing the motor. On a fixed-voltage motor, upgrading from 24V to 36V means buying a new motor. On the QUEST, it means adding one battery.

The QUEST at 24V vs. the standard Terrova 80 at 24V:

Standard Terrova 80 (24V) QUEST 90/115 (24V)
Thrust 80 lb 90 lb
Motor Brushed Brushless
Runtime Standard Up to 30% longer
Upgrade path Replace motor for more thrust Add one battery for 115 lb
Shaft options 54", 60", 72" 60", 72", 87", 100"

Even at 24V, the QUEST outperforms the standard Terrova 80 in thrust, efficiency, and runtime — and gives you a clear upgrade path to 36V without replacing the motor.

Battery Requirements by Configuration

12V Setup (Riptide Terrova 55)

  • 1 x 12V battery
  • Recommended: 100Ah lithium or 100Ah AGM
  • Circuit breaker: 60A
  • Wire gauge: 8 AWG minimum

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

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

Runtime: What to Expect

24V / 90 lb QUEST

Battery Estimated Runtime (moderate use)
ABYSS® 24V 75Ah Lithium 4–6 hours
ABYSS® 24V 100Ah Lithium 6–8 hours

36V / 115 lb QUEST

Battery Estimated Runtime (moderate use)
ABYSS® 36V 60Ah Lithium 4–6 hours
ABYSS® 36V 75Ah Lithium 5–7 hours
ABYSS® 36V 105Ah Lithium 7–10 hours

Runtime tips:

  • Use Eco Mode on the QUEST to extend runtime in lighter conditions
  • Monitor real-time battery percentage and time remaining on the QUEST’s battery display
  • Lithium batteries deliver more usable capacity than AGM at the same Ah rating
  • Running at lower speeds dramatically extends runtime — full throttle is rarely needed for Spot-Lock or slow trolling

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

Starting at 24V

What you need: QUEST 90/115 motor (any shaft length), 2 x 12V batteries wired in series, 60A circuit breaker, proper wiring and mounting hardware.

What you get: 90 lb thrust, brushless QUEST performance, Eco Mode and real-time battery monitoring, full upgrade path to 36V.

Upgrading to 36V

What you add: 1 additional 12V battery (wired in series with existing two), updated wiring if needed.

What you gain: 115 lb thrust (25 lb increase), more runtime at equivalent speeds, better performance in demanding conditions.

What you don’t need to replace: The motor, the mounting hardware, the bracket.

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

Which Voltage Is Right for Your Boat?

Choose 12V if:

You run a smaller bay boat or lighter inshore platform, fish primarily protected waters in calm conditions, and 55 lb of thrust is sufficient.

Choose 24V if:

You run a medium to large bay boat, fish moderate inshore conditions, and 80–90 lb of thrust is sufficient. Also the right starting point if you’re buying the QUEST and may upgrade to 36V later.

Choose 36V if:

You run a large bay boat, hybrid bay boat, or offshore-capable center console. You regularly fish heavy wind, strong current, bridge and pass environments, or rough coastal conditions. You carry heavy loads or fish with multiple clients.

Choose the QUEST dual-voltage platform if:

You’re unsure whether 24V or 36V is right for your current needs, want the flexibility to start at 24V and upgrade to 36V without replacing the motor, or want brushless performance, Eco Mode, and real-time battery monitoring regardless of voltage.

Common Buying Mistakes

Mistake 1: Choosing voltage based on boat length alone

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

Mistake 2: 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’s far better to have more capacity than you need than to cut a fishing day short.

Mistake 3: Mixing battery types or ages

Always use batteries of the same type, chemistry, and age in a multi-battery series system. Mixing old and new batteries, or AGM and lithium, reduces performance and can damage batteries.

Mistake 4: Buying a fixed-voltage motor when you’re unsure

If you’re genuinely unsure whether 24V or 36V is right for your boat and conditions, the QUEST’s dual-voltage design is the most practical solution. Buying a fixed-voltage motor and later deciding you need more thrust means buying a new motor. With the QUEST, it means adding a battery.

Mistake 5: Ignoring wire gauge and circuit breaker requirements

Undersized wiring and missing or undersized circuit breakers are safety hazards and can damage your motor and batteries. Always use the correct wire gauge and install a properly rated circuit breaker close to the battery.

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 — unless you’re using the QUEST, which is specifically designed to support both.

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.

What’s the difference between wiring in series and wiring in parallel?

Wiring in series (positive to negative) increases voltage while keeping amp-hour capacity the same. 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 increase 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. Install a Minn Kota MKR-27 60A Circuit Breaker as close to the battery as possible.

Is lithium worth the extra cost over AGM?

For most serious anglers, yes. Lithium batteries are lighter, deliver more usable capacity at the same Ah rating, charge faster, and last significantly longer than AGM. For the QUEST platform specifically, lithium batteries maximize the motor’s runtime and Eco Mode advantages.

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

Yes — if your existing batteries are in good condition and of the same type and capacity. You’ll add a third matching battery to your existing two. If your existing batteries are old or mismatched, it’s better to start fresh with a matched set.

What charger do I need?

Your charger must match your battery voltage and chemistry. For 24V lithium systems, use a 24V lithium-compatible charger. For 36V lithium systems, use a 36V lithium-compatible charger.

Which Motor and Configuration Is Right for You?

If you... Consider...
Have a smaller boat, fish calm water Riptide Terrova 55 / 12V
Have a medium bay boat, fish moderate conditions Riptide Terrova 80 / 24V
Want brushless performance, may upgrade later QUEST 90/115 / 24V (start) → 36V (upgrade)
Have a large boat, fish demanding conditions Riptide Terrova 112 / 36V or QUEST 90/115 / 36V
Need maximum performance, longest shaft 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.

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

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