Motorguide Xi5 SW 55 w/gps

Need to upgrade my Pro Crappie trolling motor and depth finder. I’m liking what I’m reading about the Xi5. I want also to get it with the pinpoint GPS upgrade. What I’m not clear on is do I need to buy a Lowrance HDS 5 or higher to get the gps to work or is it just a compatible unit that would offer more abilities. I would drop in at a store but that’s not possible at the moment. Thanks for any help you can provide. Especially if your running one now.
If I need the lowrance that will overload my learning abilities. Thanks

I have the XI5 Saltwater 80lb on my boat. It is not linked to my Lowrance unit. The Motorguide units have 2 GPS recievers, 1 in base and 1 in head so the spotlock and everything else GPS driven is more accurate than the Minn Kota. You get 2 GPS locks at a time helping stay on point. Linking the motor to your Lowrance adds folowing a determined depth line on chart etc. or tracking to a waypoint. I love mine, can hold spot on over a reef in swells with wind or holding spot on in current during strong tide flow. Only downside to the Motorguide I have seen is not having a little screen on remote telling you what is going on.

And if you havent bought yet get in touch with Brian at BBG marine, he spanked every price I could find on them. He has posts in Member Sponsor classifieds section on here. Had motor at my door in 2 days.

http://www.crappie.com/crappie/-memb...0khz-699-00-a/

You'll need a lowrance gen2 or higher to link to xi5 also a nema 2000 starter kit and the motorguild gateway kit.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Central Minn

You'll need a lowrance gen2 or higher to link to xi5 also a nema 2000 starter kit and the motorguild gateway kit.

---

Yes if you want to link them, but not mandatory to run motor, just more options if linked.

Following this Post. I too am in the market for a Spot Lock or Pin Point Trolling Motor. Having a hard time because I would like to mount my Lowrance Elite DI Transducer to it. Any suggestions on this??

I have the xi5 I was going to mount a external transducer on it but after reading and looking at videos, there didn't seem like a real good way to deal with the transducer cable going from the down postion to the stowed postion, I end up making a transducer stick instead.I'm still tweaking it, but so far I like the adjustability (ram mount balls). I can move it in,out,forward or backward depending where I'm sitting when I'm jigging. I can sit on the bow or sit in the drivers seat with the rod just slipped past the full window...when it's windy and cold I'm always hiding behind the window fishing.:)

The XI5 is great, but if you are not linked to your Lowrance, you are not getting all the bang for your buck! I have mine linked to my Gen 3 touch. I simply touch the waypoint on the screen, say yes to Autopilot, the go to the back of the boat and make me a Sammich. When I get done eating, I'm anchored on the next brush pile, ready to fish!!!! I just bought a second boat with a MK Terrova with IPilot.....MK just ain't got there yet!!!!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Knot2Bad

Need to upgrade my Pro Crappie trolling motor and depth finder. I’m liking what I’m reading about the Xi5. I want also to get it with the pinpoint GPS upgrade. What I’m not clear on is do I need to buy a Lowrance HDS 5 or higher to get the gps to work or is it just a compatible unit that would offer more abilities. I would drop in at a store but that’s not possible at the moment. Thanks for any help you can provide. Especially if your running one now.
If I need the lowrance that will overload my learning abilities. Thanks

---

I have the Xi5 with pinpoint GPS. The Xi5 is a stand alone device that works great for basic functions ; anchor, jog, heading lock ect. If you link to compatible lowrance unit you can access all functions...