I am interested in purchasing one of the trolling motors mentioned, and am hoping for some feedback to help in the decision. I hear the Xi5 holds on spot better, but the i Pilot seems to be more durable. Fishing out of a 17.5' boat and am looking to get something that will hold me on a spot when windy. Fish shallow mainly, but not interested in a shallow water anchor. Having a TM that is compatible with my electronics is not a must.

Also, are they easy to deploy and retract without the pull cord? Thought about the Ulterra, but seems like a lot of money for the option of auto-deploy.

Would appreciate any feedback you can offer.

Xi5 is the only choice if you want to anchor and stay put. The iPilot does not even come close to holding the boat still. It also turns slower. I'm not sure what makes the minnkota more durable? I would strongly recommend getting what is compatible with your electronics or you will be wasting a ton of features that you will be paying for on these motors. I just sold my Terrova and bought an Xi5. No regrets here.

I have an Ulterra on the way and will have a 106 lbs 36 volt Terrova for sale.
I have never used the motorguide but have had a Terrova for about as long as anyone probably. The spot lock keeps you in about a 15 foot area. For bass fishing it is great for deep water fishing.
I doubt you can go wrong with either brand.

I have an ipilot and the spot lock sucks.

I've had both. Xi5 definitely holds you tighter in anchor mode. The only other difference I can see are the pedals. I HATE the xi5 pedal. I'm actually on my second one in just over a year. I had 2 springs break in the first one. Also it's cordless which means you have a battery to worry with replacing. Being that most of us screw our pedal down in the recessed tray, it's a pain to change the battery (because it's done from the bottom side).

As far a deploying/stowing - they both are about the same to me. They definitely aren't as easy as handle as the ones with a rope. Honestly, in rough water, I suggest you be very careful, especially stowing it. One little tip is the deeper you have it in the water the more difficult it is to stow. Unless you're in rough water, keep the collar adjusted to only about 1/2 way down. It sure makes it easier to pick up because of the leverage it gives you.

I purchased an Xi5 80lb last year for my 19' Xpress. If you mainly fish shallow I am not sure you will like it. It shines on holding a point. I don't even use the foot control as it is frustrating. I use the wireless remote. When I fish shallow I am not near as happy with it as when I fish deep or want to hold on a specific spot. In some ways I think it has made me a better fisherman to lock on a good spot and work it through versus pounding the bank. I have had it in winds up to 25 and it has held within feet to the marked spot. You can also use the remote to move in a particular direction. As far as durability the Xi5 has a composite shaft and has held up through one year very well.

Never tried the Xi5 but have heard good things about the spot lock on it. I have Terrova and am happy with it. I think people expect too much or of the spotlock plus you have to match the tm to the boat. Having too much or too little power effects the spotlock accuracy.

If it were me, is but whichever worked with my electronics. You are giving up a lot of functionality not connecting to your ff. I'm assuming that you haven't had much experience with either at this point so don't expect to use one function and think you'll never want to use the others.

Is there a difference in the noise? I've always found Minn Kota to be much quieter than motorguide. I'm running the I-pilot now with Lowrance. I bought all my stuff before the x 5 came out

Would you say that your Terrova is quite when it turns? I'm starting to think I catch less fish when in shallow water with its rrrrrrr, rrrrrrr, rrrrrrrr,rrrrrrrrrr. I try to micro turn but that doesn't always work.



The only feature I like about mine is the auto pilot heading feature, point it and it says that direction.

I have a 24V 80# Terrova I-Pilot w/USB 2 built in transducer,52" shaft with a SlideMaxx plate. It was used about 12x's last spring it has the foot control & remote on neck lanyard, all paperwork & extended warranty. I will take $1300.00 cash if meeting ftf. I'm in Granbury. I have $2000.00 in it. PM me if interested or call at 325-998-6077. You won't find a better deal than this for a new trolling motor.

I have the xi5 on my Triton and I'm very pleased, fished with a I-pilot owner this weekend in my boat and he was impressed with the speed of turning and the quiet turning motor.

I have it hooked up into my Lowrance and it's the coolest feature ever to hit a way point and have the motor take you there and lock on that spot....saves tons of time.

The remote is pretty easy to use, so easy in fact I haven't used the pedal.
So far I'm pleased and don't plan on going back.

I have an 80 lb Xi5 on an 18.5 ft Ranger and after some engineering to mount a downscan transducer I am extremely happy with mine. I can not speak on the MK but I can not imagine the anchor lock is any better in the wind. It will hold my boat within a foot or two of where I want to be. I did not link mine to my electronics simply because for me I can't really see a benefit. It has a heading lock on the wireless remote that will keep you trolling down the bank in a straight line. Hope this helps

Something nobody has mentioned is the mounting of both units. The way it has to mounts SUCKS. It has to stick out over the front of your boat (unless you buy the sliding mount). If you launch/load at a steep ramp, you will hit it on the front roller if you aren't very careful.

I appreciate the response everyone has provided. I'm starting to lean towards the Xi5 based on the fact that the spot lock feature seems to hold better than on the i-Pilot. I don't have great electronics and I'm not sure I will spend the money upgrading, so tying it in isn't a main concern. My son and I fish shallow mostly, so was hoping this would help us to hold a line as we fish the bank, or to even spot lock on an area within 20-25' of the bank so we can work it a little more without being pushed around by the wind, being as we are in a smaller Ranger. Will I be ok with an electric steer TM when fishing shallow?