MinnKota

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)

2010

First wireless GPS trolling system (GPS controlled trolling motor navigation (i-Pilot)

2011

First automatic electro-mechanical Shallow Water Anchor (Talon)