Is the Ultrex really needed if I am not trying to hold on brush piles for crappie? I would use the anchor mode to help position the boat for schooling fish and would prolly link to electronics eventually. But $1000 more for the Ultrex? I already am hesitant to upgrade from my autopilot just to get the spot lock!

I believe the biggest advantage to spot lock is in heavy winds and big waves. Without it you can drift way off your spot with one fish catch. If you mainly stick to fishing shallow or wind protected areas then you may not use it as much. Don't get me wrong, its still very applicable in all situations, but like I said in my opinion the biggest advantage is in those heavy winds.

Do you own an Ultrex? I talked to a guy at Fork who had one and he said it would not hold him in heavy winds or big waves?

Do you own an Ultrex? I talked to a guy at Fork who had one and he said it would not hold him in heavy winds or big waves?[/quote]


I have the XI5 and I'm very pleased with it, it has held me fine in 20 mph wind. I also got a great price on one, check with David at Shut up and fish, and he can get you set up.

I am currently running a Xi5 24v 45"shaft on a 21 ft boat paired with a Point 1 antenna including NMEA backbone and HDS..wind ..no wind (not saying 25+)..no problem. Actually took a nap 20 mins. on a point woke up haven't even moved. Dont think I have moved over 2-3 ft of where I set the spotlock. More than impressed with this TM. Then when I take someone out I fish in the back more than the front. If this TM was a 1000 higher still would have bought ,after what I know now. Increased time of line in the water has to be 200% just my
Heard the Ultrex is great unit as well..Get one or the other and it will change your Fishing Wolrd.
Went with 24v after research and asking around..24v plenty of power..no 3rd battery..spotlock on a Hour at a time even.

***Sorry Tournament Anglers ..I usually dont't mess with Unders***

i run the 36v xi5 and love it the only thing i wish they would do is make a slot in the shaft so you can run wires up and down it and make the foot pedal work just like a cable driven one so it would not just keep turning and wrap wires around the head and then you would have the perfect trolling motor. but i could never go back to a plain trolling motor now im spoiled lol

I second the Xi5. I have one and it definitely makes it easy to hold on a position. You can take fish off,change baits, or whatever and not lose position. Definitely worth the money and I also got mine from David at Shut up and fish.

I have a 24v 80# X5i on a 22' bay boat. This past weekend the wife and I went to Travis lake just to relax and have a good time on the lake. We stopped in Devils Cove and instead of anchoring I dropped the TM and set it in anchor mode. 15-20mph winds and boat wakes and I had no issues what so ever. Had it on for about 5-6 hours and the boat never moved. Still showed almost a full charge at the end of the day as well.

I don't own one, just fished with people that do. I have never fished with the Xi5 so I can't compare them.

Will a xi5 mount in same holes as x5?

I'm guessing with xi5, you lose si and di and have to use internal transducer for 2d? Will it work with HB Helix units?

I have had the XI5 and now have the Ultrex and IMO the Ultrex is all around better. As far as how well does the anchor work, I fished a media tournament here at Ivie in 30-40moh north wind, waves come over the bow all day long and never moved. Had guys asking me how in the hell I stayed out here and now they have have made the switch. Best piece of equipment on my boat.

You can use Humminbird but will need to mount ducer external. I run a DI unit on mine. Google search images on how to mount transducer on a xi5. I used the blue air hose to coil around the shaft. Works flawless. The picture is actually my install on my champion boat.

Guess that is what is extra $1200 is for ..those who fish 30 mph + winds. That Ultrex looks like a beast too.
***Sorry Tournament Anglers ..I usually dont't mess with Unders***

I removed the factory installed ducer and put a HDI on. As stated above you can externally mount whatever you want.

The advantage of the Ultrex is the cable steer for all other applications other than sitting in one spot offshore