I'm about to make a big investment in the next couple of months. Trying to decide which to purchase. I've heard a few problems from the Xi5, but haven't heard anything so far on the Ultrex because it's so new. Any opinions?

I will give my opinion Wednesday on ultrex, but guy who installed mine liked it a lot. He took it out to make sure everything was working. Did work on my Onix also. I am using mine to bass fish so that's why I got an ultrex. If I was just crappie fishing I might have gone with the xi5 due to its anchor capability and track record. I am just hoping the Ultrex is as advertised.

Jacob, I have the xi5. I like it.

However, I cannot comment on the new Ultrex. I haven't seen it in use. The claims are outstanding. I just don't know how well it works holding on a pile.

i have had several issues with my Xi5 since I bought it used and the MG customer service has been exceptional! I started having issues right after my warranty expired nd they are going to replace my GPS module and control board and still cover the cost even though it isn't out of warranty. Even with the bad luck thy I have had, I don't see myself changing manufacturers due to their customer service. I wish my motor would not have been having issues when we fished together so you could see it's true capabilities.

I went from a Fortrex to a Xi5 on my old boat and my new boat has a Fortrex. If it was me, and money wasn't an object, I would get the Ultrex. I never did like the way the Xi5 deployed. The base of the Xi5 is much smaller than the Ultrex , which uses the same mount as the Fortrex. It uses a foot pedal release also and I always felt uneasy stepping almost to the nose of the boat to release or raise the TM. Much rather have the traditional pull rope to raise and deploy and wiith the lift assist on the Ultrex, makes it pretty easy to use.

When you get it fixed up, I'd love to fish together again if it's before February to check it out. The price difference is significant between the two brands. Just wondering if it's worth it.

Jacob, it's a long drive, but you're welcome to check mine out.

Thanks man!

Mine will be fixed this month. The parts weren't available to ship for another week or so. It has been working lately, but when I take other people fishing is when it likes to screw up.

Mine freaked out one time, and I figured out I had moved some stuff on top of the foot pedal. That was sending crazy signals to it. I now keep that thing separate.

I have an Ulterra and love it. The power deploy and stow and power trim will spoil you.
The newest version of pilot is fantastic.
I've had three terrovas and now the ulterra. I don't know if I can go back to a manual deploy model

Also, I only have a 17' Triton. Right now I have a 55lb thrust minn Kota edge and it keeps up ok. Should I step up to a 24v system?

I would say yes.

Just got to figure out how much to ask for my old trolling motor now.

Jacob I have an 18'6" boat with 24vlt 45" shaft. My fortrex was the same size and my buddy had a similar boat with a 12 volt TM it worked in calm days or low current, but if I was gonna invest in a new trolling motor I would go 24volt if you have room for another battery but that also means you need a new charger.

My Fortrex is in nice shape and I sold it for half of what they are new.