Johnson Outdoors' brands, Old Town and Minn Kota, partner to bring the Predator XL™ powered kayak to the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market Show
Old Town, Maine (PRWEB) July 27, 2015 -- The authority in personal watercraft, together with the leader in electric marine motors, have partnered to bring on-the-water enthusiasts the only boat of its kind: the Predator XL. The innovative watercraft features a powerful Minn Kota electric trolling motor console that gives solo boaters more access to remote waters, faster speed than paddling, and precise boat control for hands-free fishing.
At last year’s ICAST fishing tradeshow, the Old Town and Minn Kota partnership earned them the BEST BOAT and the prestigious BEST IN SHOW Awards for the Predator XL, where many dubbed it “the ultimate fishing machine.” Consumers agree with the acclaim. The powered kayak is extremely popular among anglers who own it as their only boat, and also for enthusiasts who already own gas-powered boats yet want access to remote waters that don’t always have boat ramps. Those waters receive very little boat traffic or fishing pressure, which makes them very desirable destinations.
To travel in a Predator XL, boaters simply snap in the removable Minn Kota trolling motor console, which takes just seconds. The motor delivers 45 pounds of silent, reliable thrust to effortlessly propel the 13-foot boat – even if it’s upstream in current. The 12-volt Minn Kota motor has forward, reverse and variable speeds. Steering is controlled with Old Town’s foolproof foot-activated rudder system.
If Predator XL owners wish to use the watercraft as a traditional paddling vessel, it’s as easy as removing the Minn Kota console and replacing it with either an optional utility console for storage or the Exo-Ridge console that creates a flat floor in front of the paddler.
“By partnering with the greatest name in trolling motors, and working together on design, we’ve created not only a one-of-a-kind watercraft – but an entirely new category in boating,” said Old Town’s Marketing Communications Manager Luke LaBree.
Old Town and Minn Kota pooled their extensive marine experience to give the Predator XL a long list of additional features including a stable tri-hull design that tracks straight; a large bow hatch with click seal cover for maximum storage capacity; and 6 removable mounting plates for affixing rod holders, sonar, slide tracks and other accessories without having to drill into the boat hull. For enhanced comfort and performance, Old Town outfitted the Predator XL with their innovative and adjustable Element™ seating system.
“We’ve taken the finest advancements from Old Town and combined them with an exclusive Minn Kota motor designed specifically for the Predator XL. The result is a boat that appeals to a wide range of anglers, nature photographers, and people who simply enjoy spending time on the water,” LaBree said.
JOHNSON OUTDOORS is a leading global outdoor recreation company that turns ideas into adventure with innovative, top-quality products. The company designs, manufactures and markets a portfolio of award-winning, consumer-preferred brands across four categories: Watercraft, Marine Electronics, Diving and Outdoor Gear. Johnson Outdoors’ familiar brands include, among others: Old Town® Canoes and Kayaks; Ocean Kayak™ and Necky® Kayaks; Carlisle® Paddles; Extrasport® Personal Flotation Devices; Minn Kota® Motors; Cannon® Downriggers; Humminbird® Marine Electronics; LakeMaster® Electronic Charts; SCUBAPRO® and SUBGEAR® Dive Equipment; Silva® Compasses; Jetboil® Outdoor Cooking Systems; and Eureka!® Camping and Hiking Equipment. Visit Johnson Outdoors at http://www.johnsonoutdoors.com
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Scott Mitchell, Johnson Outdoors Watercraft, http://www.johnsonoutdoors.com/paddling/, 218-838-1616, [email protected]
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