Minn Kota’s CoPilot bestowed best-of-show honors by ICAST

Minn Kota's new CoPilot wireless remote system for trolling motors

July 25, 2002 • MLF • Archives

RACINE, Wis. – Judged for its innovation, workmanship and practicality, Minn Kota’s new CoPilot wireless remote system for trolling motors received overall best-of-show honors at the 45th annual International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trade (ICAST) trade show.

The award was announced at the Las Vegas Convention Center on July 17 in the new product showcase at ICAST. Nearly 1,000 new products including lures, rods, reels, fishing line, accessories and other angling equipment competed for best-of-show votes from industry buyers attending the event. Produced by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), ICAST is the nation’s largest sportfishing trade exposition with more than 320 exhibitors.

“CoPilot demonstrates our commitment to developing innovative, cutting-edge products designed to help angers catch more fish,” Minn Kota Brand Manager of New Product Development and Accessories Jeff Davison said. “This system is an affordable accessory that gives anglers the freedom to operate their trolling motors from anywhere in the boat without the hassle of cords or a foot pedal.”

CoPilot is a patented wireless remote control system designed specifically to work with Minn Kota’s electric-steer PowerDrive, PowerDrive with AutoPilot and Riptide with AutoPilot trolling motors. Sold as an accessory, the CoPilot system consists of a compact remote control unit (about the size of a vehicle keyless entry remote) and a receiver unit that easily attaches to the right side plate of the motor.

CoPilot comes with snap-lock mounting brackets that allow the remote control unit to be mounted on a spinning, spincast or baitcast rod for easy hands-on operation. The angler also has the option of attaching the remote control to his wrist or belt. The remote control unit is waterproof and floats so it can easily be recovered if dropped in the water. The remote has five control buttons: increase speed, decrease speed, steer left, steer right and propeller on/off.

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the Minn Kota CoPilot system (includes transmitter, receiver, three quick-release rod-mounting brackets and Velcro wrist/belt band) is $149.99 for the freshwater system and $169.99 for the saltwater system. Additional hand-held remote control units are available for $39.99 (MSRP) and a six-pack of additional quick-release rod-mounting brackets lists at $19.99 (MSRP).

For more information, contact Minn Kota at 555 Main St., Suite 022, Racine, WI 53403, or by calling (800) 299-2592. The Web site is located at MinnKotaMotors.com.

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 include Genesis, Vantage, Maxxum, All Terrain, PowerDrive, Endura, Riptide, Turbo and E-Drive models. Minn Kota motors are manufactured and marketed by Johnson Outdoors Inc.