MinnKota

The toughest, most corrosion-resistant saltwater trolling motors on the market are much easier to stow and deploy with the introduction of Minn Kota’s new Riptide Pro with Lift-Assist.

With Riptide Pro the effort to stow and deploy the trolling motor is effectively reduced by 50 percent because of Minn Kota’s exclusive Lift-Assist, a heavy-duty, gas-charged spring incorporated into the motor’s mount. Introduced to the freshwater market a year ago, the Lift-Assist feature has redefined the standard for professional bass anglers and will do the same in saltwater.

“I spend hours upon hours on the water either fishing in tournaments or just for fun, and fatigue can be a real factor,” said Captain Blair Wiggins, a popular TV show host and successful redfish tournament pro. “I lift my trolling motor in and out of the water dozens of times a day and the Riptide Pro with Lift-Assist is going to save me a lot of energy.”

Especially designed for rugged saltwater environments, Riptide Pro is made with premium-grade marine alloys, including aluminum upper arms that are impervious to rust. Metals undergo a rigid multi-step cleaning process before being anodized or coated with a special zinc dichromate armor plating. All components are finished with a durable, 5-mil polyester, powder coat paint.

“I think of using the Lift-Assist feature on Riptide Pro like opening and closing the liftgate on a SUV, and I know that’s easy,” Wiggins said. “Just as important to those of us who do a lot of inshore fishing is the fact that with the soft deploy, this motor will go into the water much quieter. And that means you won’t spook fish.”

As with all Riptide motors, the two new Riptide Pro models have an indestructible composite shaft that is stronger than stainless steel, does not contribute to galvanic corrosion and is guaranteed for life. All Riptide models also have fully encapsulated electronics for maximum protection from saltwater, a sacrificial zinc anode that protects the motor from galvanic corrosion and come with a three-year warranty.

Available in 80 and 101 pounds of thrust, both Riptide Pro models have Minn Kota’s popular hand controlled Tilt Twist Tiller. Also included is Maximizer technology that provides up to five times longer run time on a single battery charge.

In addition to having the Lift-Assist feature, the mount on the Riptide Pro models is Minn Kota’s exclusive Bowguard 360° breakaway mount. With the Bowguard 360°, the motor breaks away on impact to prevent damage and then automatically resets itself and keeps on running.

For more information contact Minn Kota Motors, P.O. Box 4008, Mankota, MN 56002, 800-227-6433.

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