Terrova 80 or motorguide Xi5?

I have narrowed down my choices for a new trolling motor to the Minn Kota 80 Terrova w/ I-pilot or the Motorguide Xi5 80 with pinpoint GPS. I have read alot of feedback about the Terrova and most has been good. There is less info out there about the Xi5, but most is positive. There is only a $20 difference in price, so that is not a game changer. I’m sure that which ever I choose, I will love, but just looking for a little more feedback before pulling the trigger. Thanks for all the help IDO!

What kind of electronics do you plan to use? That could make a difference in which brand you go with.

What other electronics are you using.
Future upgrade compatibility may be worth considering.

Terrova-Hummingbird

Motorguide-Lowrance

They will both have similar systems and technology and have always “one upped” each other…I say competition is a good thing.

The Minn Kota has the screen on the remote to show if the prop is turning, etc. Motorguide does not. My personal experience is with Powerdrive V2’s, one with Co-pilot (no screen on the remote) and one with Ipilot (screen on the remote). With the Ipilot, I can see at a glance if the prop is on and set my speed with the cruise control. With the Co-pilot all you get is a beep when you adjust speed. I don’t know anything else about the Motorguide, but not having a readout screen on the remote is a big disadvantage. That’s my opinion, and you’ll probably get others who have a different opinion. Beware of advice from strangers on the internet.

Have you checked availability of the Motorguide? I had heard that Cabela’s had sold out and had no word on when more would be available.

I don’t run either of them yet, but the “jog” feature on the xi5 will be an awesome function to whoever goes motor guide. It allows you you to reposition 5 ft in any direction from a spot lock by hitting arrow keys one time. Imagine that on wingdams!

I’m in the same boat, but am probably going Terrova just because of the lack of screen. I have an ipilot now, and glancing at it to see the gps speed and what settings are on (record, autopilot etc…) is something I don’t think I could do without now.

I run Lowrance electronics, so that’s why the Motorguide is in the equation. The screen on the remote isn’t a deal breaker. I run a co-pilot now without issues. I’m sure its different if you rely on a screen and then don’t have one.

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The Minn Kota has the screen on the remote to show if the prop is turning, etc. Motorguide does not. My personal experience is with Powerdrive V2’s, one with Co-pilot (no screen on the remote) and one with Ipilot (screen on the remote). With the Ipilot, I can see at a glance if the prop is on and set my speed with the cruise control. With the Co-pilot all you get is a beep when you adjust speed. I don’t know anything else about the Motorguide, but not having a readout screen on the remote is a big disadvantage. That’s my opinion, and you’ll probably get others who have a different opinion. Beware of advice from strangers on the internet.

Have you checked availability of the Motorguide? I had heard that Cabela’s had sold out and had no word on when more would be available.

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remote with screen would b nice

My understanding is that the motorguide doesnt have a screen, because all the info will be on your Lowrance HDS Gen 2 unit. Also the anchor lock is suppose to be alot better then the terrova.

I just got one of these and have to say they hold the spot better than a i pilot. I fish the river and the +5 feature works awesome on the wing dams. sat side by side with a terrova and he was losing ground back and forth in the same current it is deffintely holds the spot better. There is a youtube link with it holding by a bouy on the river. I was at an outdoor show and was considering buying the ipilot and Hutch (hutch fishing tackle) didn’t bat an eye recommending this. With that being said i dont have good luck with stuff and right out of the box the gps didnt work. Called motorguide and the next day I had the new module at the door. (Great service on that) I also like the two year warranty. It has worked great ever since. Takes me alittle to get used to since I have had minnkota and a cable drive since I bought the boat. I think when i get to some lake fishing the spot lock feature might not be that big of deal but on the river it is huge.