Motor Guide?

I’m going to be upgrading my electronics and trolling motor before opener.
I’m about 90% sure that I’ll be switching to a Motor Guide. I want to go to a 80#/24v and the feature I’m really looking forward to is spot lock /anchor.

I just get the impression that Motor Guide has surpassed Minnkota in quality with this feature in addition to reading about a poorly made Minn kota remote. Those two things are the driving force behind the change.

Would appreciate feedback from folks who have ran both brands or any experience actually.

As a side note I also plan to switch to Garmin graphs.

Thanks guys!

I had both and the anchor lock on the xi5 is far superior to the ipilot. It’s not even a competition, and the battery usage seems better too. I have no affiliation with motorguide, but live my xi5 that much. I would never go back.

I have the Xi5, one of the first ones out it has worked great very happy with mine, a couple software updates initially and all is good

I tested my xi5 out on pool 8 last week and to say I was impressed is an understatement. Strong current and a strong south wind and the anchor lock didn’t flinch. Didn’t even put much of a dent in the batteries either. I’ve never had an Minnkota ipilot but I don’t know how it could get any better.

Good post belletaine. I think i am going to go with the same setup as you in the near future. Be interesting to hear more reviews from others.

I also like that the foot pedal is wireless. It’s nice hearing such positive feedback from guy’s who I know hit it hard.

If anyone else is in the market for one there is a $100 rebate being offered now through June 1st. Basically equates to a free quick release mounting bracket which sells for $99.00

I have the Minnkota Terrova, been using it for two years ilinked to Humminbird Units. I also have a lowrance hds unit in my boat which is very nice. Never used the MG, Im sure they are great and do have better anchor locks according to all accounts. The MK anchor lock works fine for me, holds my boat within 10 feet of the lock. I dont use it alot, but does the job when needed. I have to say that the “follow the contour” feature has changed my fishing. The lakemaster high definition lakes are nats a$$ accurate, which allows for hands free trolling of tight breaks with crankbaits at exact depths on steep drops. This said, it is worthless on non-high definition lakes, so check the lake maps for the lakes you fish. Lowrance/Motorguide does not offer this. Just something to consider. Another feature offered by Humminbird is real time Lake mapping in the unit. You can make your own high definition maps on the water as you fish. Anyway, the “follow the contour” feature is now a must have for me, and prevents me from going with motor guide. It’s only offered by HB/Mk at this time.

Motor Guide does have that feature as well (might be new this year?) It’s called the pinpoint GPS Gateway kit. Works with Lowrance and allows to plot courses along contours, use the anchor function etc…from the Lowrance display via Smartsteer.

Basically their version of the Ipiolot link.

I love my Xi5. The best feature for me is the anchor mode jog function. You can move the boat five feet in any direction by pushing an arrow button. In windy conditions this is amazing, I pretty much just jog, jog, jog all day long.

The remote and foot pedal are not very impressive but the motor itself makes up for it imo. There is not a speed readout or speed level indicator on the remote. However, utilizing the cruise control button will put you at 1 mph and you can adjust from there.

I plan on ordering the 55 pound thrust version of this motor in the next day or so. Good to hear everyone loves it! I’m getting it mainly for the anchor mode and he jog function sounds amazing!

I share Phil’s comment above about the foot pedal. I came from a Terrova iPilot and the this foot pedal is very fast; I over corrected numerous times but will get used to it. The benefits as previously mentioned far out weigh this minor point. I’m neutral about the remote because I have my Xi5 linked to my Lowrance graphs. All MG function data is displayed in a ribbon at the top of the graph which I find easier to view since I’m looking at my graphs instead of my remote. Very impressed with this setup to this point.

Thanks for all the feedback guys, very helpful! All that’s left now is to buy it.

belletaine wrote:

I’m going to be upgrading my electronics and trolling motor before opener.
I’m about 90% sure that I’ll be switching to a Motor Guide. I want to go to a 80#/24v and the feature I’m really looking forward to is spot lock /anchor.

I just get the impression that Motor Guide has surpassed Minnkota in quality with this feature in addition to reading about a poorly made Minn kota remote. Those two things are the driving force behind the change.

Would appreciate feedback from folks who have ran both brands or any experience actually.

As a side note I also plan to switch to Garmin graphs.

Thanks guys!

I just installed mine two weeks ago and took it out Sunday for the first time. I previously had a MK cable drive. I also LOVE the spot lock. The first time i hit the anchor button, I was surprised how fast it locked on and held me tight. I have it hooked to my new Lowrance Gen 2 and I also used the feature where I sent over a rock pile that I saw on the graph. I touched the rock pile on the graph and pushed GOTO waypoint and the motor took me right back.

Since I had never had a wireless remote before I was having a bit of trouble with the foot pedal, but loved the hand held one. I don’t know if I will use the foot pedal now

I spent too much time playing with all with all the gadgets and did not really fish much. Hope to “test” it more this weekend.

I have a MK on my boat now, but after hearing the pros an cons of both. The X5 is on order now. … rrr