Boating Innovations to Watch in 2011

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Electronic Anchoring
Innovation: GPS trolling-motor systems

How It Came to Be: The next phase of trolling-motor technology has arrived. Minn Kota’s i-Pilot system looks to be a winner and is most notable for its Spot- Lock technology (more commonly known as electronic anchoring), in which the trolling motor holds a boat stationary based on GPS coordinates. Constant speed and steering adjustments are made without any boater effort, holding a boat fast. This surely will be a boon for anglers fishing bottom structure in a strong wind or current. The system can even be purchased as an accessory to mount to an existing V2 or Terrova trolling motor, and it comes with a wireless remote with an LCD screen. Of course, Minn Kota isn’t alone in this game. Smaller companies, such as Rhodan Marine Systems and Watersnake, also are competing with GPS-based trolling motors of their own. All of them work well.

Why It’s Unique: It takes electronic maneuvering to a whole new level. The ability to hold stationary with no effort is a big-time breakthrough.