MotorGuide Xi5 Trolling Motor Review

The MotorGuide Xi5 Trolling Motor has changed the way we fish. After a year of using it on our fishing kayak, we can’t imagine going back to manual control. The Xi5’s GPS-enabled features have made precise positioning effortless, even in challenging conditions. We’ve found ourselves spending more time casting and less time-fighting currents or wind.

Our experience with the Xi5 has been mostly positive, with a few minor hiccups along the way. This trolling motor has proven its worth time and again in calm lakes and windy bays. In this review, we’ll explain the Xi5’s performance and features usage to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your fishing needs.

MotorGuide Xi5 Trolling Motor Review By AguaPulse

The MotorGuide Xi5 is a GPS-enabled trolling motor designed for anglers who want precise boat control. It offers features like Spot-Lock anchoring, route recording, and wireless control options. The Xi5 comes in various thrust options and shaft lengths to fit different boat sizes and fishing styles.

Technical Specifications

The Xi5 has impressive technical specifications that contribute to its performance on the water. Here’s a breakdown of the key specs:

Pros and Cons of MotorGuide Xi5 Trolling Motor

After extensive use, we’ve identified several strengths and weaknesses of the MotorGuide Xi5. Here’s a comprehensive overview:

Key Features of the MotorGuide Xi5 Trolling Motor

The Xi5 is packed with features designed to enhance your fishing experience. Three standout features include PinPoint GPS Technology, Wireless Control Options, and Variable Ratio Steering (VRS).

PinPoint GPS Technology

PinPoint GPS is the heart of the Xi5’s advanced functionality. This system allows for precise boat positioning and navigation. We found the GPS accuracy to be impressive, typically holding our position within a few feet, even in windy conditions. The ability to maintain a fixed position has been invaluable when fishing structures or during periods of heavy boat traffic.

Wireless Control Options

The Xi5 comes with both a wireless foot pedal and a handheld remote. This dual-control system offers flexibility in how you operate the motor. We appreciated the ability to control the motor from anywhere in the boat, which is particularly useful when fishing solo or in tight spaces. The handheld remote has proven to be more reliable and intuitive than the foot pedal in our experience.

Variable Ratio Steering (VRS)

VRS provides responsive and intuitive steering control. This feature adjusts the steering ratio based on the motor’s speed, offering more precise control at lower speeds and quicker turns at higher speeds. We noticed a significant improvement in maneuverability compared to traditional fixed-ratio steering systems, especially when navigating around obstacles or positioning for the perfect cast.

Performance and Power of MotorGuide Xi5 Trolling Motor

The Xi5’s performance is a key factor in its appeal to serious anglers. We’ll break down its thrust options, battery efficiency, and quiet operation.

Thrust Options

The Xi5 offers multiple thrust options to suit different boat sizes and fishing conditions:

• Power conservation: Lower thrust settings extend battery life during calm conditions.
• Moderate power: Mid-range thrust options provide balanced performance for most situations.
• Maximum thrust: Higher settings overcome strong currents and winds effectively.

We tested the 80 lbs thrust model, which provided ample power for our fishing kayak and even larger boats we tried it on.

Battery Efficiency

One of the Xi5’s strengths is its efficient 12v battery for power usage. We consistently got full days of fishing on a single charge, even with heavy use of the GPS features. The motor’s ability to make micro-adjustments for position holding contributes to this efficiency. Smart power management algorithms seem to optimize energy consumption without sacrificing performance.

Quiet Operation

The Xi5’s quiet operation is noteworthy. When stalking skittish fish in shallow water, the motor’s near-silent performance was a significant advantage. We could approach fishing spots without spooking the fish, a feature that directly contributed to our catch rates. The low noise level also enhanced our overall fishing experience, allowing for a more peaceful time on the water.

MotorGuide Xi5 Trolling Motor’s Design and Durability

The Xi5’s construction and design elements contribute to its overall performance and longevity. We’ll examine its composite shaft, saltwater and freshwater models, and mounting system.

Composite Shaft Construction

The Xi5 uses a composite shaft that offers excellent durability and flexibility. We accidentally hit several underwater obstacles during our testing, and the shaft held up without any signs of damage. This resilience is crucial for longevity, especially when fishing in areas with submerged structures or in shallow, rocky environments.

Saltwater and Freshwater Models

MotorGuide offers both freshwater and saltwater trolling versions of the Xi5:

We tested the freshwater model, but the saltwater version’s additional corrosion protection is a valuable feature for coastal anglers who need extra durability in harsh marine environments.

Mounting System

The Xi5’s mounting system is robust and user-friendly. The stow and deploy mechanism is smooth, allowing for quick transitions between fishing spots. We appreciated the secure locking system that kept the motor in place during high-speed runs between fishing locations. However, initial installation can be challenging and may require additional brackets or modifications for some boat configurations.

GPS-Enabled Functions of MotorGuide Xi5 Trolling Motor

The GPS capabilities of the Xi5 are where this trolling motor truly shines. We’ll explore the spot-lock anchor feature, jog and heading lock, and route recording and playback.

Spot-Lock Anchor Feature

Spot-Lock is arguably the Xi5’s most impressive feature. It uses GPS to hold your boat in a fixed position, acting as a virtual anchor. We found it incredibly useful for:

• Precise positioning: Maintains location over productive fishing spots.
• Hands-free operation: Allows focus on fishing rather than boat control.
• Wind and current compensation: Automatically adjusts for environmental factors.
• Vertical fishing techniques: Ideal for drop-shotting or jigging over structure.

Jog and Heading Lock

The Jog feature allows you to move the boat in 5-foot increments from the Spot-Lock position. This fine-tuning ability was invaluable when we needed to make small adjustments to our fishing position. Heading Lock maintains a straight course, which we found particularly useful when trolling or covering long stretches of shoreline. It significantly reduced the fatigue associated with constant steering corrections.

Route Recording and Playback

This feature allows you to record and save up to 8 routes of 4 miles each. We used this to retrace productive fishing paths and navigate complex shorelines consistently. The ability to replay these routes hands-free allowed us to focus more on fishing and less on navigation. It’s particularly useful for trolling or when fishing in unfamiliar waters.

Top Alternatives to the MotorGuide Xi5

While the MotorGuide Xi5 is a powerful and feature-rich electrical trolling motor, it’s always good to consider alternatives. Here are some top competitors in the GPS-enabled trolling motor market:

Minn Kota Ulterra

The Minn Kota Ulterra offers GPS features similar to those of the Xi5, including spot-lock and autopilot. Its standout feature is the automatic stow and deploy function, which can be a game-changer for solo anglers. The Ulterra also integrates well with Humminbird fish finders.

Lowrance Ghost

Lowrance’s Ghost trolling motor is known for its quiet operation and impressive power efficiency. It offers precise GPS anchoring and integrates seamlessly with Lowrance fish finders. The Ghost also features a unique brushless motor design for improved durability.

Garmin Force

The Garmin Force is a relative newcomer to the market but has quickly gained a reputation for its powerful thrust and excellent battery life. It offers similar GPS features to the Xi5 and integrates well with Garmin electronics. The Force also boasts a unique gesture-based remote control.

MotorGuide Xi5 Trolling Motor User Reviews

Here are some reviews from users that we found out that sum up this trolling motor:

1. Overall, it’s a great trolling motor. Works as advertised. Has a bit of a learning curve not found in standard cable type motors. Limits are programmable. GPS anchor is awesome.
2. While the Terrova worked fine and was the cats meow when it came out, I think the Xi5 is much improved. First off is how quiet the motor is.
3. Incredible GPS features, excellent warranty (a lifetime warranty on the composite shaft), tons of options, powerful, easy to install (for a bow-mount trolling motor).
4. The Xi5 isn’t quite as quiet as other models like the Lowrance Ghost—though the motor is obviously quieter if you’re trolling at a lower speed.
5. Xi5 features a standard wireless GPS remote and foot pedal for operation from anywhere on the boat. With quiet, responsive electric steering and 50% faster steering rotation, it adds control to an otherwise unpredictable sport.
6. The wireless operation of Xi5 adds simplicity and convenience to your days on the water. Experience the freedom of total control with high-tech options like integrated sonar, advanced precision Pinpoint GPS and onscreen control displays.
7. The first thing to go wrong was the rubber coating on the power and gps wiring flaking off. Call for a new power cord and was told you have to buy the whole unit.
8. Having owned most brands I recommend Motorguide. Mine have all been reliable. They have a broad range of units at a variety of price points.
9. Pros: Anchor Lock, minimal battery usage, quiet, and much faster turning speed compared to my powerdrive I formerly owned. I do like the wireless remote.
10. I run a motor guide Xi5, 36v. I have 2, 36v impulse lithiums 60amp. I’ve run them all day and have never seen them below 88%. I freakin love them.
11. The Xi5 features an improved, low-profile mount. The base uses corrosion-resistant anodized aluminum and the hardware components are stainless steel throughout, including the durable linkage.
12. The unique stow and deploy mechanism aligns and guides the motor into the stowed position and secures it in place. For added safety, a secondary lock prevents unintentional deployment and potential damage.
13. The new composite shaft is so capable of managing any obstructions – it will bend but won’t break – that it is backed by a lifetime warranty.
14. Depending on the model you’ve purchased, the Xi5 can weigh up to about 50 lbs. That’s not the heaviest trolling motor we’ve ever used, but stowing and deploying it can be a bit of a pain—there’s not much in the way of lift assist on this model.
15. To stow or deploy the motor, you’ll have to loosen one knob, then slide a collar, then tighten the knob, then press down on a lever, then manually pull and tilt the motor while rotating the motor or the depth collar around.
16. The controls are fantastic, and the price is better than most motors in this category. The only real drawbacks to this motor are its (relative) lack of networking features, its louder-than-some-models motor, and the lack of easy-to-use stow and deploy features.
17. PinPoint GPS anchoring uses the motor’s GPS to automatically correct your boat’s location—the motor will turn, and the propeller will activate and deactivate to maintain your position, allowing you to pick a fishing spot and stick to it, even in choppy conditions.
18. The Xi5 features an easy-to-read LED dashboard that lets you quickly check the status of key functions in any light conditions, including: Power ON/System Ready; Propeller ON; Pinpoint GPS System Active; and three levels of battery life.
19. The built-in 83/200 kHz sonar transducer delivers industry-leading clarity and detail, so you can identify more fish and structure. It has an integrated temperature sensor and epoxy-potted nose cone for maximum protection.
20. Digital variable speed control enables exceptional low-speed trolling capability and longer run time.