Minn Kota's Innovation Timeline

Introduction

America’s heartland angler, Mr. O.G. Schmidt, loved to fish but hated boat control. Seeing well beyond the conventional gas-powered motor, he envisioned a new way to position his fishing boat with the first electric trolling motor for anglers. Quiet, rechargeable, small, and lightweight, Schmidt’s solution would profoundly change the way America fished.

1934: First gear-driven electric trolling motor

Minn Kota introduced the first gear-driven electric trolling motor, revolutionizing fishing with improved control and efficiency. The creation of the electric trolling motor marked a new era in fishing, allowing anglers to navigate waters unlike ever before.

1935 & 1965: First flexible cable motor & first trolling motor with a reverse switch

Many early iterations of trolling motors followed after 1934, the first flexible cable motor was built in 1935 and then came the first trolling motor with a reverse switch allowing anglers to position their fishing boat unlike ever before. 

1968: First foot-operated electric-steer remote control

Minn Kota debuted the first foot-operated electric-steer remote control, allowing hands-free operation for more convenience enabling anglers to focus on fishing while maintaining precise control of their boats.

1986: First built-in battery saving, fully variable speed control bow-mount trolling motor (PowerDrive^®)

The original Powerdrive^® was the first built-in battery-saving, fully variable speed control trolling motor was released, extending battery life and fishing time. The technology allowed anglers to adjust speed for optimal performance, enhancing the fishing experience and conserving battery power. Today, PowerDrive trolling motors have continued to evolve and are still part of the Minn Kota family.

1991: First microprocessor-controlled, self-steering trolling motor (AutoPilot^™)

AutoPilot^™ allowed for automated navigation, making it easier for anglers to control their boat hands-free and stay on fish.

1992: First Weedless Wedge^™ prop

The Weedless Wedge™ prop from Minn Kota, improved performance in heavy vegetation. The durable design reduced the frustration of weeds tangling in the motor, allowing for smoother and more effective fishing in weed-prone areas.

1995: First all-direction, impact-absorbing breakaway mounting system (Bowguard 360^™)

Bowguard 360^™ was the first all-direction, impact-absorbing breakaway mounting system. This system absorbed impacts and safely broke away, reducing the risk of motor damage and extending its lifespan.

2003: First trolling motor with wireless remote control (CoPilot^®)

The first trolling motor with wireless remote control was Minn Kota’s CoPilot^®. This innovation enabled anglers to control their motor from anywhere on the boat via the remote, enhancing convenience and ease of use while positioning the boat.

2003: First auto stow/deploy bow mount trolling motor (Genesis)

Genesis allowed anglers to automatically stow and deploy their trolling motor with the push of a button, streamlining the fishing process and enhancing overall efficiency on the water.

2007: First trolling motor with built-in sonar transducer compatible with all major fish finders (Universal Sonar 2)

Universal Sonar 2 was released and provided more detailed underwater information, than ever before using a built-in sonar transducer. This integration simplified, improved fish detection capabilities of Minn Kota trolling motors.

2009: First one-hand stow bow-mount trolling motor (Fortrex^®)

Fortrex^® was the first one-hand stow bow-mount design. This advancement greatly enhanced the ease and efficiency of motor deployment and storage for anglers.

2009: First one-hand stow transom trolling motor (Traxxis^®)

Traxxis^® was the first one-hand stow bow-mount design. This advancement greatly enhanced the ease and efficiency of motor deployment and storage for anglers.

2010: First wireless, remote-control GPS-based navigation system (i-Pilot^® with Spot-Lock^®)

Minn Kota introduced the first wireless, remote-control GPS-based navigation system (i-Pilot^® with Spot-Lock^®), revolutionizing trolling motor navigation. i-Pilot provided precise boat navigation along with a revolutionary GPS anchoring system called Spot-Lock, allowing anglers to pick a spot on the water and stay there without dropping an anchor.

2011: First auto-deploy/retract electro-mechanical shallow water anchor (Talon)

Talon shallow water anchors were the first auto-deploy/retract electro-mechanical shallow water anchors with electro-mechanical anchor deployment and retrieval. Talon shallow water anchors mounted on the transom and provided a quick and reliable anchoring solution in up to 15 feet of water.

2015: First auto stow/deploy bow mount trolling motor with integrated GPS navigation (Ulterra^®)

Ulterra^® was the first auto stow/deploy bow mount trolling motor on the market. This auto stow/deploy system allowed for easy deployment and retrieval from anywhere on the boat, making it easier than ever for anglers to manage their trolling motor.

2017: First cable-steer motor with Power Steering and i-Pilot/i-Pilot Link GPS capabilities. (Ultrex^™)

Ultrex^™ was the first cable-steer motor equipped with Power Steering and i-Pilot/i-Pilot Link GPS capabilities. This advancement combined the precision of GPS control with the responsiveness of cable steering, offering anglers precise and ease-of-use boat control.

2020: First shallow water anchor with adaptable intelligent automated settings (Raptor^™)

Raptor^™ shallow water anchors had adaptable intelligent automated settings called Active Anchoring. The feature enhanced the anchor system’s precision and reliability. This feature automatically adjusted to changing water conditions ensuring the anchor pole stayed in place.

2023: QUEST Series - Brushless Trolling Motors

Minn Kota’s QUEST Series is an all new take on our all-star bow-mount trolling motors with stealthy, powerful, and efficient brushless trolling motor technology. QUEST motors also includes fewer parts which leads to less deterioration, a longer life and a lot more time spent on the water.

Conclusion

Our history of innovation showcases our dedication to enhancing the fishing experience through advanced technology. From the first gear-driven electric trolling motor in 1934 to the QUEST Series Brushless Trolling motor in 2023, we've pushed the limits of what trolling motors can achieve. Our innovations improve functionality, durability, and precision, setting industry standards and meeting the evolving needs of anglers worldwide. As a trusted leader, we remain committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions for an exceptional fishing experience.