Minn Kota History
 
Anywhere. Anytime. For 75 Years.

2009 marks the 75th anniversary of Minn Kota® Motors. That’s 75 years of innovation. Of power. 75 years on the water, with the best-built trolling motors in the world. And we’re just getting started.

Where We’ve Been: The History of Minn Kota Motors

The Minn Kota electric trolling motor began its life in 1934 in Fargo, North Dakota. Mr. O. G. Schmidt, inventor of the trolling motor, was known to be a man of many diverse ideas. Prior to the trolling motor, Mr. Schmidt invented, produced and sold a copper soldering torch from his home in Wheatland, North Dakota. Due to its success, manufacturing operations were then moved to Fargo. Because of its proximity to the MINNesota – North DaKOTA border, Mr. Schmidt named the business The Minn Kota Manufacturing Company.

Since its founding, Minn Kota has led the way in product innovation and cutting-edge technology. Our list of Minn Kota “firsts” supports this commitment to trolling motor development and the fishing community.

1934
First electric gear-driven motor
1935
First electric flexible cable motor
1965
First electric motor with reverse switch
1968
First remote control adaptable to other brand motors
1985
First electronic speed control, sold as an accessory (Maximizer™)
1986
First built-in electronic/variable speed control
1987
First electric steer in commercial quantities
1987
First low-profile foot pedal in cable steer
1987
First compact bow-mount, built-in electronic speed control with first automatic electronic battery gauge
1991
First computer-controlled motor, first self-steering unit (AutoPilot™)
1991
First composite, energy-absorbing motor tube
1992
First completely weedless propeller (Weedless Wedge™) 
1995
First all-direction breakaway mounting system (Bowguard 360°™)
1999
First fully automatic trolling motor (Genesis™)
2001
First trolling motor with built-in sonar transducer compatible with all major fishfinders (Universal Sonar)
2002
First wireless remote that allows trolling motor control from fishing rod, wrist or belt (CoPilot™)
2004
First trolling motor 3:1 ratio articulated steering system (3X™ Steering)
2005
First trolling motor with gas-charged, spring-assisted stow and deploy (Lift-Assist on Maxxum Pro)
2007
First DualBeam integrated transducer - 83kHz/200kHz with temperature sensing (Universal Sonar 2)
2007
First injection molded composite Trim Tabs 
2009
First Mono-Arm bow mount trolling motor (Fortrex)
2009
First One-Hand Stow transom trolling motor (Traxxis)  

Copyright 2009 Johnson Outdoors Inc.
 


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