Old Town is thrilled to announce the AutoPilotTM, flagship model to the new Sportsman Line, has won Best Of Show at ICAST 2020. Showcasing the hard work and ingenuity of the Johnson Outdoors Watercraft team, the Old Town Sportsman AutoPilotTM beat out 30 category winners in the New Product Showcase to take home the top prize.
“Johnson Outdoors Watercraft has a proud legacy of finding innovative ways to help people enjoy fishing and the great outdoors. The Old Town Sportsman Line and the AutoPilotTM are the culmination of countless hours of hard work from our Watercraft team, from deep consumer insights through rigorous testing,” said Alex Sherbinow, Marketing Manager with Johnson Outdoors Watercraft. “We are honored to have this hard work recognized by our peers, but our work is not done. We continue to have a laser focus on what we do best: building the finest watercraft in the world!”
Available in two sizes, the Old Town Sportsman AutoPilotTM 136 & 120 are a result of countless hours of collaboration between the Johnson Outdoors Watercraft team and the engineers at Minn Kota Trolling Motors. The AutoPilotTM delivers the ultimate hands-free fishing experience, featuring a seamlessly integrated 45 lb thrust saltwater-safe electric trolling motor. Controlled with the touch of a thumb using the iPilot remote, this game-changing kayak uses autopilot technology and GPS Spot-Lock virtual anchoring to get anglers where they need to go and keep them affixed to their GPS coordinate, no matter the tide, current, or wind conditions.
Throughout the extensive development of the Old Town Sportsman AutoPilotTM, the Johnson Outdoors Watercraft team engaged high-level bass and saltwater anglers in the design process, continuously listening to their feedback and considering their wishlist of must-haves. The result– a platform packed with features for the tournament-style angler. Foot-brace steering allows for exceptional hands-free maneuverability, while a large open cockpit and aft tankwell provide a platform that’s easy to organize with plenty of room to fish. Premium seating with high or low position offers ultimate all-day comfort and EVA foam deck pads add traction for standing and casting. Two forward-facing and two rear-facing flush mount rod holders provide ample rod storage, while four 18” tracks and a universal transducer mount affords total customization for accessories.
Built on a legacy of quality and innovation, the entire Old Town Sportsman line is manufactured in Maine by hardworking Mainers. The AutoPilotTM comes with a lifetime hull warranty and a two-year motor warranty. To learn more about the new Old Town Sportsman AutoPilotTM, or any of the Old Town Sportsman line visit oldtowncanoe.com or demo one at an Old Town dealer near you.
About Old Town:
JOHNSON OUTDOORS is a leading global innovator of outdoor recreation equipment and technologies that inspire more people to experience the awe of the great outdoors. The company designs, manufactures and markets a portfolio of winning, consumer-preferred brands across four categories: Watercraft Recreation, Fishing, Diving and Camping. Johnson Outdoors’ iconic brands include: Old Town® canoes and kayaks; Ocean Kayak™; Carlisle® paddles; Minn Kota® fishing motors, batteries and anchors; Cannon® downriggers; Humminbird® marine electronics and charts; SCUBAPRO® dive equipment; Jetboil® outdoor cooking systems; and, Eureka!®camping and hiking equipment.
JOHNSON OUTDOORS WATERCRAFT RECREATION includes Old Town canoes and kayaks, Ocean Kayak, and Carlisle paddles. Old Town canoes and kayaks have created genuine watercraft with innovative designs for over 122 years.