MinnKota

Minn Kota introduces Riptide ST, a new, revolutionary electric steer trolling motor formulated by three years of consumer research and product development.  Riptide ST provides anglers unparalleled design and saltwater performance, along with digital electronics.  Additionally this new line of electric steer motors offers up to an unprecedented 101 pounds of thrust for saltwater anglers seeking maximum power.

“When it comes to a bow-mount electric steer motor for saltwater, Riptide ST is the most advanced trolling motor we have ever offered,” Minn Kota Brand Manager Joe Brown said.  “This is the perfect motor for saltwater anglers who demand the highest level of performance and reliability from their equipment.

Riptide ST showcases a breakthrough stow and deploy mechanism featuring fall-away ramps that effortlessly deploy the motor into the water along with a balanced motor design that greatly reduces stowing effort.  In addition, Riptide ST includes an exclusive feature that automatically turns off power when the motor is stowed.

A new CoPilot wireless system comes standard with Riptide ST offering two new features, an AutoPilot on/off button as well as high speed bypass.  By pressing the high speed bypass or “rabbit” button, the motor immediately operates at the highest speed, which is invaluable for quick boat positioning changes or for moving from one location to another.  By pressing the rabbit button a second time the motor reverts to the previous speed.  The new buttons are in addition to the standard increase/decrease speed, on/off motor, and steer left and right buttons.

An all-new ergonomically designed corded foot pedal is an optional accessory for Riptide ST.  Its low-profile design puts less strain on the foot and ankle, and offers anglers the best of both worlds in steering options – heel-to-toe or left/right steer buttons.  Included on the foot pedal is an AutoPilot™ on/off button as well as LED indicator lights.  One LED light illuminates when AutoPilot is on and the other illuminates when the motor is in constant-on mode.  Completely waterproof, the foot pedal plug features the highest Ingress Protection (IP) waterproof rating in the marine industry, IP68. 

The innovative electric steering platform for Riptide ST has been engineered to provide incredibly responsive and precise steering with resolution of less than one degree.  Anglers can also choose to add Minn Kota’s patented AutoPilot feature to Riptide ST.  This popular automatic navigation system has been enhanced for even more precise tracking and performance.

Riptide ST comes standard with Minn Kota’s Digital Maximizer technology that provides up to five times longer run time on a single battery charge, an indestructible composite shaft (guaranteed for life), push-to-test battery meter, Weedless Wedge 2 prop and three-year warranty.

Riptide ST is engineered to last in a harsh saltwater environment.  All electronics are fully encapsulated.  Premium-grade metal alloys along with a sacrificial zinc anode and 5-mil TGIC polyester, powder coat paint provide for advanced corrosion protection.

Offered in 55-lbs (12 volt), 80-lbs (24 volt) and 101-lbs (36 volt) thrust levels, Riptide ST will be available to consumers beginning in October of 2006.  Depending on thrust level, shaft length and optional feature selection, the manufacturer’s suggested retail price for Riptide ST ranges from $849.99 to $1,519.99.

For more information contact Minn Kota Motors, P.O. Box 4008, Mankato, MN 56002,  800-227-6433.  Or, check out the Web site at www.minnkotamotors.com.

Minn Kota is the world’s leading manufacturer of bow- and transom-mount trolling motors, and offers a complete line of battery chargers and marine accessories.  Trolling motors in the Minn Kota line include Maxxum Pro, Maxxum, PowerDrive V2, Terrova, Edge, Vantage, Vector, Endura, Riptide Pro, Riptide, Riptide SP, Riptide ST, Engine Mount and E-Drive models.  Minn Kota motors are manufactured and marketed by Johnson Outdoors Inc., headquartered in Racine, Wis.