The MotorGuide Xi3 Trolling Motor For Fishing Kayak has become a popular choice for anglers looking to upgrade their kayak fishing setup. This GPS-enabled motor promises to extend your range on the water and keep you in those fish-filled spots longer. But does it live up to the hype? We’ve put it through its paces to find out.
What’s in the Box?
When you unpack the MotorGuide Xi3 Trolling Motor For Fishing Kayak, you’ll find:
- The trolling motor unit
- A wireless remote control
- Mounting hardware
- User manual
The motor comes in different thrust options (45, 55, or 70 pounds), so you can choose the one that best fits your kayak size and fishing style.
Key Features
The MotorGuide Xi3 Trolling Motor For Fishing Kayak comes packed with features designed to enhance your fishing experience:
- GPS Spot-Lock: This GPS-enabled feature acts like a virtual anchor, holding your kayak in place even in wind or current.
- Wireless Remote Control: Control your motor from anywhere in your kayak, adjusting speed and direction with ease.
- Multiple Thrust Options: Choose from 45, 55, or 70 pounds of thrust to match your kayak and fishing conditions.
- Quiet Operation: The motor runs quietly, helping you sneak up on wary fish.
- Easy Deploy and Stow: A simple mechanism makes it quick to set up and pack away.
- 12V and 24V Compatibility: The motor works with both 12V and 24V systems, offering flexibility in your power setup.
- Variable Speed Control: Fine-tune your speed for precise control in different conditions.
- Heading Lock: Keeps your kayak moving in a straight line, even in crosswinds.
- Jog Function: Make small position adjustments with ease.
- Battery Level Indicator: Keep track of your remaining power to avoid getting stranded.
MotorGuide Xi3 Trolling Motor For Fishing Kayak Review
Power and Speed
The MotorGuide Xi3 Trolling Motor For Fishing Kayak provides ample power to move most kayaks efficiently. We tested the 55-pound thrust version on a 14-foot kayak and found it had no trouble propelling the boat, even against moderate wind and current.
At full throttle, we reached speeds of about 3.5 mph in calm conditions. While that might not sound fast, it’s more than enough for most fishing situations and significantly faster than paddling.
Spot-Lock Performance
The spot-lock feature is one of the main selling points of the MotorGuide Xi3 Trolling Motor For Fishing Kayak, and it generally works well. In calm conditions, it kept our kayak within a 5-foot radius of the locked position.
However, in stronger winds or currents, we noticed some drift. The motor would correct course, but there was a bit of a “bounce” effect as it moved back and forth. It still kept us in the general area, but don’t expect perfect stillness in challenging conditions.
One issue we encountered was GPS signal loss in heavy cloud cover. It didn’t happen often, but when it did, the Motorguide Xi3 spot lock feature became unreliable. If you frequently fish in overcast conditions, this is something to keep in mind.
Battery Life
Battery life with the MotorGuide Xi3 Trolling Motor For Fishing Kayak varies depending on usage. On average, we got about 8-10 hours of use at moderate speeds. However, if you’re using spot-lock frequently or fighting strong currents, expect that to decrease.
The motor draws up to 52 amps at full power, so a high-capacity deep cycle battery is recommended. For all-day fishing trips, consider bringing a spare battery or portable charger.
Ease of Use
The MotorGuide Xi3 Trolling Motor For Fishing Kayak scores high points for user-friendliness. The wireless remote is intuitive and responsive, allowing you to control speed and direction without reaching for the motor.
The deploy and stow mechanism is simple and quick to operate. We could set up or pack away the motor in under a minute, which is handy when you’re moving between fishing spots or dealing with changing weather.
However, we did encounter an issue with the remote control battery life. In some cases, it seemed to drain faster than expected, even when not in use. Keep spare batteries on hand to avoid being caught out.
Durability and Build Quality
After several months of regular use, the MotorGuide Xi3 Trolling Motor For Fishing Kayak held up well. The construction feels solid, with no signs of corrosion or wear on the main components.
The shaft and propeller withstood encounters with underwater obstacles without damage. However, as with any marine electronics, proper care is crucial. Always rinse the motor with fresh water after use, especially if you’ve been in saltwater.
Regular checks of the propeller, shaft, and mounting hardware are recommended to catch any potential issues early.
Installation and Compatibility
Installing the MotorGuide Xi3 Trolling Motor For Fishing Kayak is relatively straightforward, but the process can vary depending on your kayak model. If your kayak has pre-drilled mounting points for a trolling motor, installation is a breeze.
If not, you’ll need to install a mounting plate. This isn’t typically difficult, but ensure it’s securely attached and doesn’t compromise your kayak’s integrity. If you’re not comfortable with DIY modifications, consider professional installation.
The Xi3 is designed to work with a wide range of kayaks, but always check the specific requirements for your model before purchasing.
Price and Value
The MotorGuide Xi3 Trolling Motor For Fishing Kayak sits in the mid-range price bracket for kayak trolling motors. While not the cheapest option, it offers features typically found on more expensive models, representing good value for money.
Prices vary depending on the thrust option and retailer but expect to pay between $700-$1000. Given its performance and features, many anglers find the investment worthwhile for the enhanced fishing experience it provides.
Pros and Cons
Here’s a quick summary of the main advantages and drawbacks of the MotorGuide Xi3 Trolling Motor For Fishing Kayak:
| Pros | Cons |
| Effective spot-lock in most conditions | GPS signal can be affected by heavy cloud cover |
| User-friendly wireless remote | Issues with remote battery drain |
| Good value for feature set | Lacks some advanced features of top-tier models |
| Quiet operation | Spot lock may “bounce” in strong winds/currents |
| Multiple thrust options | |
| Easy to deploy and stow |
Ratings
- Performance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
- Ease of Use: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
- Durability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
- Features: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
- Price: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Final Verdict
The MotorGuide Xi3 Trolling Motor For Fishing Kayak offers a solid blend of performance, features, and value that will appeal to many kayak anglers. Motorguide Xi3 spot lock feature, while not perfect, can significantly enhance your fishing experience by keeping you in productive spots without constant manual adjustments.
The wireless remote and easy deploy/stow mechanism make it user-friendly, which is crucial when managing a kayak solo. The quiet operation is a bonus for stealthy approaches to fishing spots.
However, it’s not without drawbacks. The potential for GPS signal loss in heavy cloud cover could be frustrating in certain conditions. The issue with remote battery drain, while not universal, is something to be aware of and prepare for.
In terms of durability, the Xi3 seems to hold up well to regular use, but like all marine electronics, it requires proper care and maintenance.
For the price, the MotorGuide Xi3 Trolling Motor For Fishing Kayak offers excellent value. It provides many features found on more expensive models at a more accessible price point. For many kayak anglers, it represents a significant upgrade that can extend fishing range, increase time spent actually fishing, and open up new possibilities on the water.
Whether you’re fishing from a sit-on-top kayak or a more traditional model, chasing bass in lakes, stalking redfish in flats, or hunting for trout in rivers, the MotorGuide Xi3 Trolling Motor For Fishing Kayak could be the upgrade that takes your kayak fishing to the next level.
Remember, the best trolling motor is the one that fits your specific needs, kayak, and fishing style. While the MotorGuide Xi3 Trolling Motor For Fishing Kayak is a strong contender, consider your individual requirements when making your decision. Happy fishing!