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Xi5 reviews.. #11662491 06/12/16 07:12 PM
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Redfoxone Offline OP
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As my cable steer is on it's last leg, I'm considering upgrading to the Motorguide Xi5. I've already read the MK vs MG topics and have narrowed it down to the MG due to better spot lock and Lowrance integration. For those of you who have been running one, how do you like it? Would you get another? Have any of you gone back to cable steer? Thanks. Andrew

Re: Xi5 reviews.. [Re: Redfoxone] #11662864 06/12/16 11:38 PM
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fe1 Offline
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I like mine. The anchor mode is excellent.
Just a word of caution, if you purchase one,physically check (measure) the shaft for the length you are wanting to purchase. I purchased one that was sold and advertised as a 48" shaft but was actually a 45" shaft. All the labeling and paperwork stated 48" but it measures 45" exposed shaft. If you contact MG customer service you will get conflicting results from different reps. I just gave up and kept the 45".
Also if possible get the dealer to confirm it has the latest software update.

Re: Xi5 reviews.. [Re: Redfoxone] #11662921 06/12/16 11:56 PM
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Txmedic033 Offline
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I don't see myself ever owning another boat without one. I sold my iPilot to buy the Xi5. They are perfect for the type of fishing that I do. I hit anchor and don't leave that area for hours at a time. I couldn't be more pleased.

Re: Xi5 reviews.. [Re: Redfoxone] #11663121 06/13/16 01:37 AM
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Redfoxone Offline OP
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Yeah, I'm looking at the fact that also I can hopefully spend more time helping my sons fish instead of always having to be on the front with my foot on the pedal.

Re: Xi5 reviews.. [Re: Redfoxone] #11663164 06/13/16 02:13 AM
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fe1 Offline
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Yes, just set it and forget it!! Except when fishing under structure. It has to receive satellite signal.

Last edited by fe1; 06/13/16 02:15 AM.
Re: Xi5 reviews.. [Re: Redfoxone] #11663552 06/13/16 12:42 PM
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I've been running my for 2 years now and love it. Anchor mode is excellent. I don't k now bout the I-pilot.
Make sure you check what shaft length you need first. My 48" is not anuff . Works but wish it was longer. The Xi5 has a built in transducer also. Work for Lowrance and Garmin. The only thing tho--- is mount a extra transducer. Can't or I haven't been able to. Why ___ the xi5 slides through the main bracket and there's no gap.
So when I did mount a transducer I had about 4' of loose cable and it was hitting the prop on the bottom end. The Ipilot has a grove cut out and seen a video of them taking the I-pilot apart and glueing the cable to the grove and putting it all back together. Looked factory. The built in transducer works great on the Xi5 , I just want sidescan and down scan up front. PS I had to replace my remote already. There not water proof and 150 bucks later good to go.

Last edited by Truston Hibdon; 06/13/16 12:43 PM.
Re: Xi5 reviews.. [Re: Redfoxone] #11664780 06/13/16 08:36 PM
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Redfoxone Offline OP
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Wow, can't believe the remote isn't waterproof. Not deal breaker for me but you'd think they would have thought about that.

Re: Xi5 reviews.. [Re: Redfoxone] #11666172 06/14/16 01:58 PM
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I love my Xi5 and would not use anything else. I fully recommend them to anyone who are considering them and have sold a few units to those who didn't know they needed one until they saw mine in action.

There are some possible issues with mounting them and them possibly hitting your trailer when unloading because of the required overhang. I damaged my TM before I took care of the issue myself (see link).

http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/11664834/'LiftSaver'_Trolling_Motor_Mou#Post11664834

I also have a fix for the transducer cable that Truston mentioned. I'll get pictures posted up tomorrow but essentially it is the air hose trick, a cable guide and a spring to add slight tension on the cable when deployed.


LiftSaver Trolling Motor Mounting Bracket - Patent Pending and LiftSaver Transducer Pole Mount
www.liftsavertmmount.com
[Linked Image][Linked Image]
Works with MG Xi5, Xi3 and MK Terrova, Ulterra, PD V2 and Riptides as well.

Re: Xi5 reviews.. [Re: Redfoxone] #11666751 06/14/16 05:43 PM
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Redfoxone Offline OP
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Awesome, thanks for the reply's guys.

Re: Xi5 reviews.. [Re: Redfoxone] #11667632 06/15/16 12:50 AM
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Best money I ever spent on the Xi5. Love it and was able to install DI transducer with a little extra effort. I never use the foot pedal only use the remote. Fished Fork Saturday night and had a bite on a good drop set the anchor and was able to fish the heck out of it with good success.

http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbt...st#Post11586358

Re: Xi5 reviews.. [Re: Redfoxone] #11668486 06/15/16 01:44 PM
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Here is what I did on my boat because I ran the transducer cable up to the head and back down through the coiled wire.

I used the air hose with 3 1/2 wraps.


Ran the cable along the upper shaft and made a little cable holder (eye bolt welded on to a washer). This keeps the cable from being caught on the collar knob.


Used a spring up at the head to keep tension on the cable so it doesn't want to fall.


LiftSaver Trolling Motor Mounting Bracket - Patent Pending and LiftSaver Transducer Pole Mount
www.liftsavertmmount.com
[Linked Image][Linked Image]
Works with MG Xi5, Xi3 and MK Terrova, Ulterra, PD V2 and Riptides as well.

Re: Xi5 reviews.. [Re: Redfoxone] #11669064 06/15/16 04:57 PM
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Redfoxone Offline OP
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Interesting, thanks for the photos.

So, you guys running Xi5's, I'm assuming you don't need power poles/talon's when using them? I was thinking about those as well but if the spot lock is that good then I prolly don't need poles.

Re: Xi5 reviews.. [Re: Redfoxone] #11669905 06/15/16 10:41 PM
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I have power poles as well. I think the trolling motor spraying mud in every direction is not conducive to good fishing in shallow water. I also tight line for blues with 16 or more rods at once in the shallows and use the power poles for that too. Any depth over about 7' I use the Xi5.

Re: Xi5 reviews.. [Re: Redfoxone] #11670218 06/16/16 01:18 AM
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Redfoxone Offline OP
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Good point

Re: Xi5 reviews.. [Re: Redfoxone] #11670297 06/16/16 01:57 AM
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fe1 Offline
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Yea when fishing the spawn the anchor mode would most likely blow or wash fish off their nest but you could always maneuver manually. Always worked before anchor mode came along.

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