Choose the right 112 lb thrust trolling motor for your boat and fixture. The top picks below cover saltwater and freshwater use, with key features like lift-assist, GPS Spot-Lock, MEGA Down Imaging, and wireless control. Best for serious freshwater anglers, saltwater anglers needing rugged durability, and boaters prioritizing hands-off trolling and precise position control.
| Product | Thrust | Shaft | Environment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minn Kota Riptide Fortrex Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor | 112 lb | 62 in | Saltwater |
| Minn Kota Riptide Transom-Mount Electric Trolling Motor | 112 lb | 52 in | Saltwater |
| Minn Kota Terrova 112 lb, Wireless Remote | 112 lb | 72 in | Freshwater |
| Minn Kota Ulterra 112 lb, MEGA Down Imaging | 112 lb | 60 in | Freshwater |
| Minn Kota Ultrex 112 lb, MEGA Down Imaging | 112 lb | 52 in | Freshwater |
Minn Kota Riptide Fortrex Bow-Mount 112 Lb. Trolling Motor
Best for anglers who want robust saltwater bow-mount control with easy deployment and noise reduction. Key features include a Lift-Assist Design with a counter-tension stabilizer to reduce stow and deploy effort, a one-piece aluminum Mono-Arm for quiet operation, and a Bowguard 360° bracket to minimize noise and damage on impact. This model emphasizes corrosion protection in saltwater environments through grit-blasted housings and powder coating. Ideal for boats where bow-mount steering and quiet, reliable operation matter most.
Who this is best for: saltwater boaters who need powerful thrust with easy handling and excellent protection against corrosion. Why selected: combines high thrust with a quiet, durable build and automatic impact protection. Caution: heavier deployment might require more effort during haul-out, though Lift-Assist reduces this substantially.
Minn Kota Riptide Transom-Mount 112 Lb. Trolling Motor
Best for boats needing a transom-mounted option with tilt and extend capabilities for flexible operator positioning. Features include a tilt and extend tiller up to 45 degrees and 6 inches, a 10-position lever lock bracket for easy angle adjustments, and reinforced composite construction for durability against UV exposure. The same corrosion protection as other Riptide motors helps your equipment last in marine environments.
Who this is best for: anglers requiring reach and leverage from the transom with easy adjustment in rough water. Why selected: combines adjustable tiller reach with strong corrosion resistance. Caution: transom mounting may limit steering leverage on certain craft compared to bow-mount options.
Minn Kota Terrova 112 Lb, Wireless Remote
Best for boaters who want GPS-based functionality with ease of control from a wireless remote. Features include fall-away ramps for effortless deployment, advanced corrosion protection, and a GPS trolling system that supports Spot-Lock, path recording, speed, and steering control via the remote. This is a strong choice for anglers who value automated guidance and remote access for precise positioning.
Who this is best for: freshwater anglers who need automated spot-lock and remote navigation. Why selected: combines Terrova’s GPS control with 112 lb thrust for strong performance. Caution: GPS-based features rely on compatible accessories and may be limited by environmental signal conditions.
Minn Kota Ulterra 112 Lb, MEGA Down Imaging
Better for anglers who want integrated MEGA Down Imaging with a bow-mount, along with Auto Stow & Deploy and Power Trim for one-touch operation via remote, foot pedal, or app. It includes a sophisticated GPS system (Spot-Lock and Jog) and multiple navigation modes to maneuver precisely in difficult water. This model is ideal for deep-water fishing where imaging and automated positioning provide a clear advantage.
Who this is best for: freshwater or brackish water anglers who prioritize imaging clarity and automated control. Why selected: delivers MEGA Down Imaging directly through the motor and robust stow/deploy features. Caution: higher complexity and cost may not be necessary for casual anglers.
Minn Kota Terrova 112 Lb, MEGA Down Imaging & i-Pilot Link GPS
Best for anglers who want automated boat control integrated with i-Pilot Link GPS. Features include fall-away ramps for easy water entry, Lift-Assist, and Spot-Lock with path retrace, speed and steering control. The MEGA Down Imaging provides deep-water visualization, making this model a strong all-around choice for serious freshwater fishing and boat control systems.
Who this is best for: those who want GPS-driven features and imaging without extra add-ons. Why selected: combines Terrova’s GPS with MEGA Down Imaging and Link compatibility for advanced navigation. Caution: feature-rich package may require a compatible display system and setup time.
Minn Kota Ultrex 112 Lb. MEGA Down Imaging
Best for anglers who need a Lift-Assist bow-mount with MEGA Down Imaging and precise GPS control. Features include the patented Lift-Assist design for easier stow/deploy, built-in MEGA Down Imaging for deep-water details, and a GPS system with Spot-Lock and Jog. The deeper shaft and integrated imaging make this a powerful choice for hard-fighting conditions and deep-water structure fishing.
Who this is best for: anglers who want top-tier imaging and automated positioning on freshwater boats. Why selected: blends lifting ease, imaging clarity, and precise GPS control in one package. Caution: advanced technology may require more setup and maintenance than simpler motors.
Buying Guide
What matters most when choosing a 112 lb thrust trolling motor:
- Environment: Saltwater vs. freshwater. Saltwater models emphasize corrosion protection and rugged mounting; freshwater models emphasize imaging and advanced GPS features.
- Mount type: Bow-mount offers precise control and ideal fish-fighting angles; transom-mount can be easier to install on smaller boats or when bow mounting isn’t feasible.
- Control features: Wireless remotes, GPS Spot-Lock, and auto-deploy features reduce hands-on operation and increase fishing efficiency. Consider i-Pilot Link or One-Boat Network compatibility if you use compatible fish finders.
- Imaging and sonar: MEGA Down Imaging provides substantial underwater visibility; check whether imaging is integrated into the motor or requires a separate transducer.
- Build quality and maintenance: Lift-Assist, corrosion protection, and robust brackets reduce fatigue during frequent deployments and stowings.
- Length of shaft: Longer shafts are better for deeper water or higher platforms; check your boat’s bow height and trolling motor mounting height to avoid prop depth issues.
FAQ
- Q: Which 112 lb trolling motor is best for saltwater? A: Fortrex Bow-Mount and Riptide Transom-Mount are designed with saltwater protection and corrosion-resistant housings for coastal or ocean work.
- Q: Do all 112 lb motors come with GPS? A: No. Some models include Spot-Lock and GPS features, while others focus on imaging, control, or basic stow/deploy. Check each model’s features.
- Q: Is MEGA Down Imaging available on all 112 lb motors? A: No. MEGA Down Imaging is featured on select Terrova, Ulterra, and Ultrex models, typically at higher cost or in combination with i-Pilot Link.
- Q: What shaft length should I choose? A: Consider boat height and water depth. A longer shaft (e.g., 72 inches) helps in deep water; a shorter shaft (52-60 inches) suits shallower or lower bow profiles.
- Q: Are lift-assist features worth it? A: Lift-Assist reduces stow/deploy effort and helps with handling heavy motors, especially on windy days or when solo.
- Q: Can I mix imaging with GPS features? A: Many models pair imaging with GPS, but ensure your boat electronics are compatible with the control system you choose.