Which Motorguide XI5

I am trying to decide which motorguide xi5 to buy. Trying to decide if I should get the lower end one to start out with and add the pinpoint gps, remote, and other add on’s later or just take the plunge and spend the money right out of the gate and get the top of the line. For you guys that have them, what is your take? I have Lowrance HDS Gen 2 electronics and that is the main reason why I am looking at Motorguide xi5’s. Boat is a 2003 18 foot Lund Explorer with 125 HP motor.

I did the same thing a few years ago. Bought the base model Xi5, and added the Pinpoint GPS system a year or so later. I found a guy that had a NIB add-on for $200, couldn’t pass it up.

Of course, if you need the built-in transducer, that’s a different story.

HRG

Whhhhhhattt? You can add-on the GPS functions later? Anchormode, jog, etc?

nhamm wrote:

Whhhhhhattt? You can add-on the GPS functions later? Anchormode, jog, etc?

uh, yes. http://www.motorguide.com/store/accessory/pinpointgps

HRG

Is it the same cats meow as those units with it originally installed?

And is there any early model years which it’s not compatible with?

Great info thanks

Whats the deal/benefits of the built in transducer?

nhamm wrote:

Is it the same cats meow as those units with it originally installed?

And is there any early model years which it’s not compatible with?

Great info thanks

I would call MG and ask them. I’d hate to give out erroneous information.

http://www.motorguide.com/about/contact

HRG

Ny wrote:

Whats the deal/benefits of the built in transducer?

Having the builtin transducer will mean you are reading right from the trolling motor for depth if you have a unit mounted up front. There can be a big difference in depth changes from front to back of the boat so if you use a bow mount you really should get a unit with built in transducer so you can hook a unit up to it.

Personally I would go with the xI5 pinpoint right away with the GPS. It makes fishing so much easier having the features of the GPS built in that you would really appreciate it. You wouldn’t have to get the Pinpoint gateway kit right away and connect that to your HDS unit to control the trolling motor, but having the features of the remote for anchor, cruise, setting speed, etc is so much better having the Pinpoint model.

You will probably discover the anchor mode is your favorite feature like the rest of us. It really is worth every penny.

I would get it all at once (save for a while more if needed). The whole selling point of the xi5 is the anchor mode and jog feature. Without those features, it’s just another trolling motor, much like a terrova without i-pilot. I got the 80lb with Pinpoint and built in transducer when they first came out, and have zero regrets. The 80 would work perfect on your boat.

I can’t comment on the foot pedal, as I’ve had the trolling motor since the June of 2014 and have yet to use it. It just sits up in a front compartment taking up space. If you look around, there are some deals to be had.

MotorGuide Xi5 Freshwater Trolling Motor -80lbs-60in-24V

^ This one however doesn’t say if it has universal sonar or not, probably worth a call.

I have the 55 pound thrust model with all the bells and whistles and I wouldn’t go back. I do have one issue with it that needs some warranty work done to it but other than that I love it. The foot pedal does take some getting used to. But it does work well and the pedal and remote do work together if you wanted to use them at the same time.

Jeff how big is your boat with the 55 pound thrust model?

16.5′ alumacraft. I would go with an 80 pounder for anything bigger.

It is between the 12v 55 pound or the 24v 80 pound. I have always had only 12v powered trolling motors. How much of a difference is there between the 12v and 24v for power?

I had a 55 on my lund 17.9′. Move up to 24v and wouldn’t think of going back.
Keeping in mind I’m on the river with it’s current.

Ny wrote:

It is between the 12v 55 pound or the 24v 80 pound. I have always had only 12v powered trolling motors. How much of a difference is there between the 12v and 24v for power?

Since the 1800 Explorer has in-floor room for 2 batteries, I’d go with the 80# / 24V TM.

at 18′ long x 95″ wide, it’s a barge,,,,,,

HRG

I would definitely get the Xi5 with GPS. The majority of the features are in the GPS.

Also go with the 80lb 24 volt. Much easier on the batteries and motor.

now the question is – 54″ or 60″ shaft?

60″