Due to the damage on my MG Xi5 and bow roller when launching/loading and tying off to docks, I searched for a mount that would safely and conveniently move my Xi5 out of harm�s way. Not finding anything that suited my requirements, I invented my own mounting bracket.



(These are pictures of the proto-type and some minor improvements have been made to the final product. I should have video and better pictures by next week.)

It lifts the MG Xi5 (also works on MK - Terrova) up 4 inches and back 7 inches thus eliminating the possibility of hitting the bow roller and causing damage to both units. It also keeps my MG Xi5 from �banging� into the dock while I am pulling up or tied-off to a dock.

Some of the other features include a Quick Disconnect feature (Optional) for those that store your boats outside or need to remove the trolling motor for overnight trips or taking the trolling motor in for service. The larger mounting plate allows you to use the existing holes from your old trolling motor, adjust the position of the trolling motor to best suit your boat and most important, to provide a greater surface area to mount your trolling motor to distribute the mounting forces on your bow (especially when running in rough water).

It locks in the �Up� position and �Down� position with threaded thumb bolts for safety and to provide a solid mount during fishing, running or trailering. All components are Aluminum and hardware is Stainless Steel for corrosion resistance.

The unit is �Patent Pending� and I am doing the final product testing on a couple of boats before offering them for sale. I should have a website soon but you can pm me for more information and me or David from Shut Up and Fish should be able to start taking orders by next weekend.

Good idea Ron - keep us updated.

+1

Glad I am not the only one this is happening to. I was going to fabricate my own, the mounting on these units is horrible. However the xi5 is the best money I have spent. Will be watching for these.

I just messaged David about something like this a few minutes ago. I NEED this for my minn kota!

Nice job on that mount !

David,

You are correct. The new MotorGuide mount is primarily for changing out an electric steer with a cable steer motor.

Some of my customers that have purchased the Xi5's are using the Minn Kota MKA-47 quick release bracket. Here is some pics from one of their installs.

I believe the bracket Brian mentions above will not allow the XI5 to slide back do to the nose overhang on the XI5. It may very well slide back for other models but not including the XI5.

Gentlemen,

The following picture shows that the nose of the Xi5 would hit my boat with only 2 3/4" of travel (keep in mind that the height is similar to the slide bracket and block that is pictured above).

Note the scraped nose on the left and broken cover plastic from motor hitting the bow roller.

This picture shows the other side which would still hangout more than 4 1/2" 'after' sliding the unit back the 2 3/4". This would still leave the tm significantly exposed to incur damage from the trailer and docks.


The following picture shows how the Lift Saver completely retracts the trolling motor over the bow thus reducing expensive damage to your trolling motor.

Also note the damage to this side of the tm from hitting the trailer and docks before I developed the 'Lift Saver'.

I also looked at purchasing the MK-47 ($149.99 Cabela's), purchasing the additional MK RTA-17 ($99.99 Cabela's) blocks, purchasing another 1/2" plate of Aluminum ($45.00 local fab shop) and then having to put all these components together to lift the motor up higher so I could slide the motor back. My issue was the cost ($294.98) and it would still not pull my Xi5 all the way back over my bow (BBG - did you measure the overhang in the middle picture? Looks to me like there is still 4"+ sticking out after it was retracted which was similar to what I would have ended up with which would have still hit my trailer and during docking thus causing continued damage.)

The other thing that was a big concern on my part was that the motor base would have to be lifted (with the blocks and shims) a total of 3 1/2" to clear and allow a full retraction which was aesthetically ugly to me and would be a safety concern with the tm blocking my sight towards the front of my boat. Also the higher you go to gain clearance, the more force will be applied to the mounting surfaces. The Lift Saver only adds 1" in height in the down position and is much more appealing in my eye. Keep in mind that you are only going to use the unit twice during a 'typical' day of fishing (unloading/loading) so I wanted to make it low profile for safety and appearance reasons. The price will also be less than combining various components and will come fully assembled and ready to mount to your boat/trolling motor.

For the Minn Kota units, you can remove the side brace and it will lay completely flat on the opposite side so it effectively pulls your motor back nearly eight inches.

Ron,

Looks like a great design. I hope you do well with your mount.

Brian

Good product, works like he says. Recommend to anyone. Great customer relations.