Best TM With Anchor Option

[bandchaser]

Im considering a change in trolling motors. Just started doing some trolling and will continue to single or 2 pole brush and stake beds. Even spider rig some structure as well.
But the key component that I would need is the anchor or lock option. I would like to stay in a particular spot or position and not fight the boat.
The rig is a 1860 G3 tiller set up. I currently have dedicated 24volt for my 75# thrust trolling motor now. I fish big, open waters like KY Lake and Lake Barkley. Also travel to Mississippi a couple times every year.
Any advise or comments are welcome. Im not brand specific.

Thanks,
Brian

[LowePro]

If your thinking about going big or go home.... Then go with the Ulterra.

If ya dont wanna spend that much, used terrova's are about to be priced "RIGHT" because of the introduction of the Ulterra. If u were planning on buying a new Terrova, Go ahead and spend the extra money and get the Ulterra.


I have an ulterra ordered and cant wait til that sucker comes in!

[IkenI]

I recently changed to a MotorGuide Xi5 PinPoint. My primary interest was in the anchor function. I took a chance because nobody around here had one I could check out. I had it out last week for 4 days in mostly windy conditions and I'm sold on it. Here's a excerpt of a post from my state forum about the Xi5. I'll get it out again early next week for about 10 days or so.

"BTW, I was just as pleased with the Xi5 trolling motor. The Pinpoint system makes it sing! I used the anchor function repeatedly during the trip in strong swirling winds and mild winds and it never failed me. Sat by one bush for almost 30 minutes in strong swirling winds. Another great feature for me is when I need to change terminal tackle I just park it and take my time. Easily done. Before I would have to move way out to open water or tie up somewhere to change. It was like having another person in the boat to take over the TM while I modified my equipment. I'm learning to use the foot control but a dislike (for me) is the fact I can't hear the on-off sound on the foot control. I have to check to see if it is actually working. I'm sure I'll leave it on someday and run the batteries down."

[Zippy]

I have a minnkota with ipilot. It's a great motor and very reliable. The spot lock feature works well but not perfectly. It's better in wind or current but works ok in all conditions. Will it keep you directly over a brush pile like your double anchored? No it won't, but neither will a single anchor. Im actually learning to like some of the pulsing and have successfully fished deep brush many times and am able to use jigging mode on my fishfinder without issue. When it doesn't seem to be working well enough I just anchor or tie off but that's pretty rare. I went with this motor over the motor guide because of the issues I heard and read about motorguide. Also figured there was always the possibility of a minnkota improvement that would allow me to upgrade to a more accurate control head.

[okhawg]

I'm for the Xi5. I agree with IkenI, a little wind and she holds even better. I really like the remote, thought I would prefer the foot control, but the remote is really easy to use. No more catching a fish and having the wind blow you 50' away as you unhook. The Xi5 is truly like having a fishing partner on board.

I'll also paste a quote from a previous post; "Last week I was on the lake and twice I monitored it intently. I parked by trees for reference and the Xi5 kept me within 2-3' for 10+ minutes both times. In playing with it, I marked a waypoint by another stump then fished away from it. When I told it to go back to that waypoint (probably 30 yds away), it got within 5 feet".

You can get the 24v Xi5 from Universal Mania for $1260 shipped.

[crappielimits]

I honestly can't see spending $2000 on an anchor when $10 of rope and a $20 anchor does the job. I do however, have a Minnkota ST with Ipilot and wouldn't own a boat without one. Minnkotas are best built, quieter, and best motors for multi poling direction and speed. Best customer Service and have been proven autopilots for over 25 years. The addition of the cruise control and anchor features just add to the icing on the cake. Plus, you can see your speed on their remote.

I personally, have no problem with the anchor feature on Minnkota doing as it was intended. Though, many will tell you the two GPS hold you better with Motorguide. I can be trolling on the flats casting bars and points for redfish and hit the anchor button in heavy tidal waters and be ready to cast back to spot after a 10 minute fight with a fish. Same in tail race below dam when striper fishing. Now on calmer conditions on lake I time cruise control against wind and use autopilot to keep the boat straight. If I am going to anchor on an open water spot I go up wind drop a real anchor and let out line until over the spot. I just don't believe in anchoring much. My uncle who taught me a lot about fishing always said " better to go to fish than wait on them to come to you". So I guess it has stuck with me. I usually spider rig brush and move on to next pile.

I would buy the Minnkota if spending my money every time. It is better built, proven and more versatile.

[okhawg]

I would buy the Minnkota if spending my money every time. It is better built, proven and more versatile.

Reason I went with MG, read where three MK users who had ridden in MG boats, say the Xi5 was quite a bit better than their MK's when anchoring. More versatile, better built, and proven? That's subjective.

You are right in that $30 worth of rope and anchor will do the job, but the anchor feature let's you stop at the drop of the hat. No figuring out how much line to hold me in 20' of water, etc.
The anchor feature has totally changed the way and ease of fishing for me.

[IkenI]

I don't have a real anchor in my Lund. And I went from a Minnkota to my Xi5. Choices.....guess that's the reason there's more than one made.

[crappielimits]

Reason I went with MG, read where three MK users who had ridden in MG boats, say the Xi5 was quite a bit better than their MK's when anchoring. More versatile, better built, and proven? That's subjective.

Proven: Minnkota developed the Autopilot and electric steer trolling motors over 25 years ago and crappie anglers have trusted it that long. Motorguide tried the pinpoint before and it was a disaster. Minnkota has had GPS trolling motors since 2006. Motorguide less than two.

Versatile: Minnkota offers many more features. Cruise control controls speed and speed is displayed on the remote. I link is offered with Minnkota which works with Lakemaster maps which includes Autocharts where you can map any body of water with your own data including side images. The I link is also rechargeable. The Minnkota autopilot offers the classic or advanced mode which is better for spider rigging and longlining. Maximized saves battery for all day trolling. Just to name a few.

Better built: Minnkota has a much better mounting base. Which is easier to deploy. The shaft is much stronger and durable. All control boards are protected and sealed better. You also have more options of motors at different price points, but the Terrova is a hoss compared to the MG. compare the same pound thrust MG next to a Terrova and the shaft , foot, mount, and even wiring harness are bigger/better made on Minnkota. Ultegra is new technology and will have hiccups as X5 but nothing is or will be in its class when all the bugs are worked.

You will always have some who like other certain products that others don't . To each their own. I have been blessed to have fished many products hard over the last 20 years. Spending a lot of money. Much of it early on was wasted on the next big thing or products meant to sell fishermen and not so much fish. Through that I have learned to be patient and wait on things to prove they are worth my dollar and will hold up. I try to give honest feedback and save someone the headache of a $2000 mistake. I hope everyone who buys the XI5 gets what they expect out of their motor and enjoy it. As far as an anchor goes MG maybe better at this time.

[IkenI]

oh......kay. I've used MinnKotas for years. They are a good motor. But, I like my Xi5 better for my type fishing. Are you on commission?