Motorguide Xi5 Trolling Motor

Wanted to start this thread to release a bit of what I have known about the new line of Motorguide Xi5 wireless trolling motors.  Back in September, I was asked to help Motorguide in some product testing of a "top secret" trolling motor up at Folsom lake.  Jumping at the chance to play with something not yet disclosed, I agreed to allow my boat to be a test subject.  Two new batteries, a thermal breaker, some large wire & 4 holes in my boat later, I had the test subject ready for a run.

The audience that we were to demo the motor & it's prototype features for were scheduled to arrive just hours after we had the boat in the water, with the untested motor.  With low lake levels even then, we were able to spend the entire day floating the boat thru a bit of a rock garden.  I even managed to plow the motor right across a boat sized bolder while in autopilot mode.  Guess that was one way to demo the composite shaft feature.

Being that this was still in the prototype phase, there were a few minor programing kinks that needed to be addressed but I was simply AMAZED at it's performance nevertheless.

Available in 12, 24 & 36v versions to handle fresh or saltwater.  Wireless footpedal is standard or purchase with optional wireless GPS remote or Pinpoint GPS remote module.  We were able to record routes, set waypoints & return to these spots/courses with precision of 6' (prototype).  They tell me now that the positioning is better!  It also featured an 'anchor' mode which held my pontoon boat in a stationary position despite wind by proportioning speed & direction as needed to lock the motor in 1 spot.  We tested by pulling up to a rocky point with the fishing rods, setting the 'anchor' mode & fishing away despite the stiff breeze.  With the click of the remote, we were "unlocked" from the anchored position & off to fish the next point.  LOVE that Pinpoint GPS module.  I'm told that the Pinpoint GPS can be added later for those who decide to "upgrade" their Xi5 as needs/wants increase by the buyer.

Also available with optional transducer.

http://www.motorguide.com/store/product/xi5
http://www.motorguide.com/introducing-pinpoint

I'm OVERLY excited because I just received a package from Motorguide with MY VERY OWN Xi5 motor so stay tuned for more updates on how the finished product performs! 

Looks like, as of right now, most of these new motors are bing shipped with the Pinpoint GPS module pre-installed thru Bass Pro.  The demand is far higher than the production so it might take a bit to get your hands on one but it is WORTH THE WAIT!  I loved it that one day I got to demo simply for the ability to use the 'Anchor' function.  We fished & played that whole day & didn't drop an anchor once.  The ability to store tracks is great too so you can focus of fishing a pattern or area without worying about steering .... just watch for other boaters! 

Whats the difference between these and MK ipilots?

First and foremost is the noise.  The M.K. Terrova sounds like a bunch of ball bearings in a blender when turning.  The steering response is also greatly faster.  The Xi5 also features 2, yes 2 GPS modules on board for increased accuracy.  Few other things include efficiency & the future of integration with LOWRANCE units!!!!!!!!!! 

I was thinking the same thing--sounds like the Minnkota iPilot system that came out ~4 years ago. But it has a more accurate GPS and better steering? I know dudes have been outfitting their yaks with the iPilot recently. Do you think people will begin using the Motorguide wireless trolling motors on their kayaks? Because it seems like the Xi5 series costs more than I've ever paid for an actual kayak...compared to the iPilot.
I would love to hookup a trolling motor to my Ultra 4.7. 

Forgot to add link to a Jackson Coosa with the iPilot system:

I don't see this as a kayak target market for this product.  This is, mainly, a bass boat target item (freshwater) & maybe flats fishing (saltwater), though it would work for just about anything.

Pricepoints between the iPilot & Xi5 are starting around $1200 & comparable to each other price wise (with GPS).  Th Xi5 w/o GPS starts under $800 with the ability to add the GPS later if you want to.

The Motorguide has the better steering & better GPS (2 of 'em).

I should have a complete run-down of all the differences shortly.

Motorguide has been quiet for the past few years with no new motors on the market so this was their debut to the market again.  Trolling motors, ulike electronics, is not something you fine a new model each year.  What would happen if Apple took over the fishing industry .... we'd have to upgrade everything every 6 months.

.... and Motorguide will interface with Lowrance units so there will be much more to come as both companies continue to add new things to their product lines, the integration will be limited only by the software developers capabilities, within reason.

Got a little further information sent to me about the differences of Minn Kota iPilot vs. Motorguide Xi5 Series /w Pinpoint GPS.  Loos like, as I cruised thru Bass Pro website, that the pricepoint on the Motorguide is equal to or lower, in most cases, than the Minn Kota.  Having run both, I can attest to a VERY noticeable "quietness" difference; Motorguide is FAR quieter in steering & running.

Tested GPS Accuracy:  The Motorguide came in ~10' where the Minn Kota tested at ~25'.  Both featured an 'Anchor Mode'; Minn Kota has 6, Motorguide has 8 PLUS the ability to 'jog' in 5' distances from within Anchor mode making the ability to reposition while fishing very easy.  Both feature 'Routes Memory'; Minn Kota has 6 @ 2 miles each, Motorguide has 8 @ 4 miles each.

Integration:  Minn Kota integrates with H-Bird where Motorguide integrates with Lowrance BUT the built in transducer/temp sensor can integrate with all the popular brands thru use of an adapter cable.

Hope some of this info helps.

If all goes well, I will bring the boat up to the O'Neill F&C in 2 weeks to pilot it on the water for the day.

~Bill