Minn Kota History

Anywhere. Anytime. For Over 75 Years.

2009 marked the 75th anniversary of Minn Kota® Motors. That’s over 75 years of innovation. Of power. Over 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 injection molded composite (Trim Tabs)
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)