RACINE, Wis.–Minn
Kota has taken one of its most popular trolling motors ever,
PowerDrive, and made it even better. PowerDrive V2 has been redesigned
for enhanced performance and reliability. The electric steer bow-mount
motor features an improved deploy mechanism, new ergonomically designed
foot pedal and digital electronics.
“Our philosophy has always
been to keep making our great products even better through a process of
continual improvement and that’s what we’ve accomplished with
PowerDrive V2,” Minn Kota Brand Manager Joe Brown said. “The
enhancements on PowerDrive V2 are a direct result of angler input
allowing us to design a motor with the features and reliability anglers
want in a trolling motor.”
The new deploy-assist lever on
PowerDrive V2 keeps the motor securely stowed during rough water runs
and while trailering. When depressed, the power lock lever allows easy
deployment of the motor, greatly reducing the effort required to get
the motor in the water.
PowerDrive V2 comes standard with a
completely redesigned corded foot pedal, featuring new electronics for
improved functionality and reliability. Among the new features is a
speed control slide that offers easy access and more precise speed
selection. The momentary and constant on/off select switch has also
been relocated to eliminate potential nuisance tripping.
Also
available for PowerDrive V2 is an optional cordless foot pedal
accessory that utilizes the same reliable technology found on CoPilot
(also available as an accessory for PowerDrive V2). The cordless foot
pedal includes steer left/right, increase/decrease speeds and motor
on/off functions. The pedal operates on two AA batteries and can
operate in conjunction with CoPilot. Completely waterproof, the foot
pedal plug features the highest Ingress Protection (IP) waterproof
rating in the marine industry, IP68.
Another available option
on PowerDrive V2 is Minn Kota’s new Universal Sonar 2 that features
water temperature sensing and dual beam sonar capability. Universal
Sonar 2 has an integrated and protected transducer (compatible with
most major brands of fishfinders) in the lower unit. The transducer
cables are hidden and protected inside the shaft.
PowerDrive
V2 is also available with Minn Kota’s patented AutoPilot navigation
system. Simply point the motor head in the direction you want to travel
and AutoPilot automatically keeps you on that course.
PowerDrive
V2 comes standard with Minn Kota’s Digital Maximizer technology that
provides up to five times longer run time on a single battery charge,
the indestructible composite shaft (guaranteed for life), push-to-test
battery meter, Weedless Wedge 2 prop and a three-year warranty.
Offered
in 12-volt and 24-volt systems with thrust levels ranging from 40 lbs
to 70 lbs, PowerDrive V2 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
PowerDrive V2 ranges from $369.99 to $939.99.
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.