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.