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.

Nat

As far as deploying and retract, as far as the terrova, I think it is. The weight will pretty much carry it forward on deployment. To retract, you just grab the head and pull back. The higher out of the water that you lock it at, the easier it is. Compared to my older tm pulling the cable to unlock and pulling it up seemed to require more force and more of a jerking motion.

NATDOG01. I bought a new Minn Kota Ulterra self deploy and stow . It replaced a 2 year old Minn Kota Terrova 80 LB 60 in US2/I -Pilot . The only reason to get the new was I wanted the 112 LB thrust for my 22 ft center consol. I will sell the Terrova for $ 700.00 . It includes 2 remotes .and the foot control . The deploy and stow of the Terrova is a piece of cake. If interested ....I live in Waco , my cell number is 254-230 - 4165

TROLLING MOTOR SOLD !

Wish I hadn't missed that deal

Me too lol and I'm local.

I like to crappie fish so I like how the Xi5 stays on a spot better. I had a MK and the first time I threw a marker on a pile I quickly realized just how much the MK wandered. Put the Xi5 on and am quite impressed so far.

http://s1080.photobucket.com/user/rdbassing/media/20150703_073214_zpsyyamiwlp.mp4.html

http://s1080.photobucket.com/user/rdbassing/media/20150718_100932_001_zpsxcupaf5i.mp4.html

I've had my Xi5 for a year and no issues so far.

Ron

Wasn't able to view the videos you provided, but thanks for the positive feedback on the Xi5. It seems to be superior to the MK.

Love the I-pilot had 2 not an issue with either.
Johnny

Used xi5 anchor mode over brush piles on LBJ last weekend and it performed flawlessly.

First video was of us staying on a stump within a foot or so in a 20+ mph wind. My partner's shirt was whipping in the wind at the end.

Second video is anchored up in the middle of the Toll bridge that crosses over Lewisville. I stayed within a foot of that column for better than a half hour and caught fish. I have also done it on the 720 bridge. The MK would never do that. You just need to be ready in case you do lose signal because it will kick around looking for a signal (just hit the anchor button once and it will stop.)

The only downside is it is a little slower if you are moving from one spot to another. I also wish they had a digital display on the remote. A little trick is to set the foot remote on and adjust the speed on the dial knob so when you turn on the prop with the hand-held remote, that will be the speed it will turn at.

I forgot to add that they are both equal to deploy and stow in my opinion.

All is not lost. I also have a MK Terrova with US2, iPilot, remote and foot pedal available. Loved using it especially the lock and auto pilot features. Spoils you. Used less than a year. Was keeping it as a spare for my Ulterra but may want to sell to make room in my shop. If you have any interest just call my cell phone, 713-962-1862

Appreciate everyone's input. I ended up pulling the trigger on the Xi5, installing it this week and hoping to use it this weekend.

Thanks again.