Because its a Motor Guide!

Lots of folks run different ducers on the Xi5. With all due respect to TFF, the better place to learn about this is BBC. There are forums there dedicated to this subject and plenty of people run LSS ducers on their Xi5s.

The foot pedal is fine, I just like the remote better, even for fishing brush/stumps. That's my preference. If you are a die hard pedal user and like the cable steer feel, you may not like the Xi5 pedal. It's got a different feel to it. When I jump on my buddies boat with a Fortrex, I don't like the way that steers but I'm not used to steering with a pedal so there is some "what are you used to" problems when making a change. Again, I fish stumps in Fork and open water and for both I find myself using the remote and not the pedal. The pedal works just fine though, it just isn't a cable steer pedal and people don't like change.

For the motor head, there are some ram mount options that people use to secure it. The thing is, the head is pretty light. The bulk of the weight is in the motor itself which doesn't bounce at all. This makes deploying and stowing it easier. I was going to secure mine but honestly it hasn't been an issue so it just hangs out there without any bracket or brace. I thought for sure it would slap against the top cap but never has. I drive pretty fast on big water but I don't fish Rayburn, so there's that. To me it again is a non-issue.

Good luck!

yes

I have one on my new Bug, and I am glad I got it

quiet.. powerful, easy to stow... and now they come with a metal cable... so no more breaking the chords.. :-)

Do you have the Skeeter Custom Cover and can you tow the boat with the cover on with the Ultrex in there?

If your flipping timer etc you will like the Ultrex better, it's like a normal pedal but with the electric assist is like having power steering. No delay whatsoever but I will say the xi5 has very little to no delay but as you rest your foot on it it will spin like hell if you don't pay attention. It will take you some getting used to. There is a slot on the Ultrex to run a second cable and transducer so that's not an issue. Regarding the rough water when the Ultrex breaks over to stow it self locks in my opinion. I had the xi5 pop out and come down at Amistad once in rough water and that's why they say to slide the stop down while running. Had both xi5 is a good trolling motor but the Ultrex is the best IMHO.

I also have had 2 xi5s. Why 2? Because the first one didn't last but about 18 months. I've also been through 3 pedals in that time frame. They were a good tool when there was nothing better out there, but now that the Ultrex is out, there is no comparison. I've had my Ultrex for about 2 months now. It deploys and stows MUCH easier. The mount is much sturdier. I wish it would've came out 4 years ago, and it would've saved me the hassle of going through the xi5s.

ultrex lives up to the hype, mine has worked perfect. and by the way it ways 55lbs, 36v 52" shaft and i put it on all by myself which i don't recommend but was more excited than a kid at Christmas. i 'm out on the lake 2-3 times a week. get one you'll be glad you did!

no comparison between motorguide an the ultrex. motorguide has a weak mounting system an you are relying on a less than strong gearbox minnkota is way ahead on this deal. it would be great if they could get more of the product to retailers.

Donald,

The fact that they can't produce them fast enough should be all the info you need As too which is better.
The mount, the gear box, the OS are in a different universe. Motor guide isn't even on the same planet right now

I have a Skeeter now with the custom cover that was designed for a Maxxum....I have an Ultrex and the cover does fit. I just have to rotate the motor so the head faces inwards and it fits. Slightly higher on the side than normal, but very doable and trailer with it on the boat without issues.

"bout time you got a real boat....what model?

I am the proud owner of a 190TZX with a 4stroke Yamaha. Not too big, not too smal.....and runs 60 fully loaded. Bought it from a forum member! The boat is literally like new.

Just an FYI everyone.

Post an alternate means of contact in your ads for folks like me that get put in "timeout" on occasion. If this seller had not posted his phone number, I would not have been able to buy it and mount my Ultrex on it (<<<staying on topic )

The Ultrex is truly a game changer and has gobbled market share from motor guide. Go to the bassmaster elite page and look at the anglers boats. It's 8 to 1 Minn Kota to Motor guide. And I'm talking about die hard Mercury guys (which mercury owns motor guide) and now they run Minn kota. Aka Edwin Evers, Aaron Martens etc.

First run Minn Kota motors have been known to have a few bugs. The Ultrex has a Foot Pedal issue. Minn Kota has been taking care of them no questions asked, but there are some delays. I've owned 2 Terrova I-Pilots there are some problems with the collar breaking and the release sticking. That said, I'll be buying my Ultrex when the next model comes out.