Minn Kota Riptide Instinct QUEST 90/115 Trolling Motor – 100" Shaft – Black

The Minn Kota Riptide Instinct QUEST 90/115 with 100-inch shaft in Black is the longest, most capable configuration in the Instinct lineup — engineered specifically for the largest offshore vessels where bow height is extreme and sea conditions demand maximum shaft depth. This is the motor for serious bluewater anglers running large sportfishers, high-freeboard center consoles, catamarans, and pilothouse boats where no other shaft length will do.

At 100 inches, Auto Stow & Deploy isn't a feature — it's the only practical way to handle a motor of this size. Manual lifting is not a realistic option on a vessel of this class. With the push of a button via the included wireless remote, the One-Boat Network app, or a compatible Humminbird fish finder, the motor deploys, trims, and stows automatically — safely and reliably, every time.

Built for Offshore Conditions

The 100-inch Instinct QUEST is designed for anglers who regularly fish where wind, swell, and current challenge conventional trolling motors. The combination of the longest available shaft, Auto Stow & Deploy, Power Trim, and the reinforced QUEST platform provides dependable boat control when conditions are at their toughest — keeping Spot-Lock engaged, steering responsive, and thrust consistent when shorter shafts would fail.

Why Choose the 100" Shaft?

The 100-inch shaft is purpose-built for the largest saltwater fishing boats where maintaining propeller depth is critical. Offshore center consoles, catamarans, and pilothouse boats often experience significant bow rise in rough seas. The additional shaft length helps keep the propeller submerged for consistent thrust, steering authority, and reliable Spot-Lock performance even in challenging offshore conditions.

The 100" is the correct choice when your boat's bow height exceeds what the 87" can accommodate, or when you regularly fish in open-ocean conditions with significant swell and wave action. In these environments, a shorter shaft will allow the propeller to ventilate as the bow rises — causing loss of thrust, erratic steering, and degraded Spot-Lock performance at exactly the moment you need it most.

Not sure if the 100" is right for your vessel? Our Shaft Length Guide walks through exactly how to measure bow height and select the correct shaft.

Why Choose the Black Finish?

The Black colorway delivers the same full Instinct QUEST feature set with a low-profile, stealth appearance preferred by tournament anglers and offshore fishermen. Performance is identical to any other color option — the choice is purely aesthetic.

Why Choose the Riptide Instinct QUEST?

The Instinct QUEST is designed for anglers who demand the ultimate in automation, performance, and offshore reliability. Key advantages include:

• Push-button Auto Stow & Deploy — essential and non-negotiable at this shaft length
• Power Trim adjustment while underway
• Brushless QUEST motor for maximum torque, efficiency, and runtime
• Spot-Lock with advanced GPS anchoring
• Drift Mode for controlled offshore presentations
• Follow Mode with compatible Humminbird electronics
• Route Recording and Playback
• One-Boat Network integration
• Full saltwater-rated construction
• Carbon-fiber composite shaft with Minn Kota's lifetime shaft warranty

Best For

The 100" Black Instinct QUEST is ideal for:

• 26–35' center consoles with high bow profiles
• Offshore fishing boats and sportfishers
• Pilothouse boats
• Catamarans
• Great Lakes trolling boats
• Gulf of Mexico reef fishing
• Atlantic offshore fishing
• Deep-water wreck fishing
• Oil rig fishing
• Tuna and kingfish anglers
• Large bay boats with elevated bows
• Tournament anglers who need maximum reliability in the most demanding conditions

Standout Features

Auto Stow & Deploy

At 100 inches, this is not optional — it's the defining feature that makes this motor practical on a large offshore vessel. Deploy or retrieve with a single button press, eliminating the heavy lifting that would otherwise make this shaft length unmanageable for a single angler.

Power Trim

Raise or lower the motor while fishing without leaving the helm. On a large offshore vessel in open-ocean conditions, the ability to quickly adjust motor depth is a critical operational advantage — especially when transitioning between running and fishing in changing sea states.

QUEST Brushless Technology

The QUEST platform features a brushless motor with a reinforced mount and stronger steering system, delivering improved efficiency, longer runtime, reduced maintenance, and quieter operation — all essential on extended offshore trips where reliability is non-negotiable.

Spot-Lock with Jog

Hold your boat within feet of your chosen location using GPS anchoring, then make precise position adjustments using the Jog feature. At 100 inches of shaft depth, Spot-Lock performance remains consistent even in significant swell and current — exactly where it matters most.

Drift Mode

Maintain a controlled drift speed and direction while compensating for wind and current — particularly effective when drifting live bait over offshore wrecks, reef edges, or bluewater structure.

Follow Mode

When paired with a compatible Humminbird fish finder, the motor automatically follows selected depth contours, vegetation edges, or bottom hardness — keeping you in the strike zone on complex offshore structure without constant steering input.

Specifications

What's Included

• Riptide Instinct QUEST Trolling Motor
• Wireless Remote
• MKA-60 Stabilizer
• Power Prop
• 30' Ethernet Cable
• Humminbird HELIX Adapter Cable
• Mounting Hardware
• Owner's Documentation

Learning Center

• How Auto Stow & Deploy Works
• What Is Power Trim and Why Does It Matter?
• Instinct QUEST vs. Terrova QUEST — Which Is Right for You?
• Is the Instinct QUEST Worth It?
• Best Boats for the Instinct QUEST
• Instinct QUEST Shaft Length Guide
• Spot-Lock with Jog — How It Works
• Drift Mode — How It Works
• Follow Mode — How It Works
• QUEST Brushless Technology — What It Means and Why It Matters
• One-Boat Network — What It Is and How to Use It
• Real-Time Battery Monitoring — How It Works

Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs the 100-inch shaft?

The 100-inch shaft is recommended for the largest boats in the Instinct lineup — particularly vessels with high bows or anglers who frequently fish offshore in rough water. The extra shaft length helps keep the propeller submerged for more consistent steering, thrust, and GPS anchoring performance. Use our Shaft Length Guide to confirm the right shaft for your vessel.

Is the 100" shaft too long for most boats?

Yes — for most boats, it is. The 100" is a specialized shaft length for large offshore vessels with very high bow profiles. For the majority of bay boats and center consoles, the 60", 72", or 87" will be the correct choice. Minn Kota offers the Instinct QUEST in all four lengths so anglers can match the motor precisely to their vessel and conditions.

Does the Instinct automatically deploy and stow?

Yes. The Riptide Instinct features fully automatic stow and deploy functionality controlled via the included wireless remote, compatible Humminbird units, or the One-Boat Network app. At 100 inches, this feature is essential — not optional.

Can I run this on either 24V or 36V?

Yes. The dual-voltage QUEST platform operates on either a 24-volt or 36-volt battery system, delivering up to 90 lbs of thrust on 24V and up to 115 lbs on 36V. For large offshore vessels, we strongly recommend 36V for maximum thrust and runtime.

Is this compatible with Humminbird fish finders?

Yes. It integrates with compatible Humminbird units — including APEX, SOLIX, and HELIX series — through the One-Boat Network, enabling Follow Mode, route management, and advanced navigation features.