I am new to crappie fishing. I recently purchased a Humminbird 1199 and I want to upgrade my trolling motor. I am looking for recommendations on a unit that will work well to hold my location when fishing brush piles. I currently have a 17' Alumacraft but would like a big enough to trolling motor that I could mount on a new boat when I upgrade. I thinking my next boat will be an aluminum 20' center console. Thanks for your help!

I put a MK Terrova 80lb with Ipilot on my 18 foot Express and love it. I know a bunch of the crappie guys will disagree that spot lock will not hold you on a brush pile. This is true in some instances but I've done very well with it. If i need to be dead on the pile i can use my remote or the foot control. Its nice to be able to hit spot lock when in need to rig up a different jig or take care of a fish.

Fortrex. Nothing out there will hold up like a Fortrex.

Better yet call a TM repair shop and ask them.

The Motorguide xi5 has shown to hold you spot on and has my interest. The only thing holding me back is the clean install I am looking for when running my transducer cable down the shaft which can not be done on the Motorguide xi5. The option to hold anchor in the wind to re-tie or cull fish is a plus.

80lb minimum, it'll run longer. Welcome to The TFF hand

I like my Xi5 for some things and wish I had a fourtrex for others! Maybe I need a TM off both sides of the bow and use the one I need at the time!! Still kinda new with the Xi5. Haven't used the foot pedal yet but holding position w the remote on timber and bridges is tough. Brushpiles and docks it's awesome!! I've ben using a brush clip for timber.

+1

P.M. sent

I have the MK w/Spot Lock on my Bay Stealth. I wouldn't purchase it again. If you are going to fish brush, DON'T buy the MK!!! I met Gonzz at Bardwell Sunday, and he has the MG xi5. I was trying to stay on a brush pile when he pulled up. I was drifting 15-20 feet off the pile while he was locked on and didn't move a foot! That sold me. I'll be changing as soon as funds will allow.

Minn Kota Fortrex....period. I have an 80# MK and it holds my big Lund in any fishable wind.

Xi5 all the way!!! Need proof? See below.

[img]http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j327/rdbassing/th_20150703_073214_zpsyyamiwlp.mp4[/img]

[img]http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j327/rdbassing/th_20150718_100932_001_zpsxcupaf5i.mp4[/img]

And I came from a Minn Kota I-Pilot and a cable steer that were interchangeable on the mount I had and the Xi5 was the only thing that got used.

I also like the variable speed control. If the wind is blowing 7or 8mph you can set it on 22% and match the wind speed to stay right on your spot.

The new trolling motors don't drain batteries the way the old ones did either, Fortrexx can go all day & still have battery power left at the end of the day!

Totally agree with Guy. Exactly the same setup I have and love it.

Blake: First welcome to the TFF! Lots of knowledge here, and many will share it with you willingly.

Big question here is whether you are planning to couple your electronics to your trolling motor (tm) to use "Spot Lock" or "Anchor mode"!

Since you have Humminbird - if you are planning to hook it up to your tm then I think you are limited to Minn Kota. I have not heard many good things about how well the Minn Kota holds on structure using "Spot Lock". So, if you are mostly crappie fishing structure - AND you are planning to couple your electronics with your tm, then you are locked into MK.

But, if you are considering switching to Lowrance, then the Motor Guide Xi5 is the way to go! I've seen it in action and it holds on "target" the way you would want!

So, good luck with your search - and enjoy the learning process!

Thanks guys!