Would someone school me on the MotorGuide Xi5?

I'm seriously thinking about taking the plunge on a MotorGuide Xi5 80lbs 24V. I'm tired of spending more time fighting the wind than fishing. It's an expensive upgrade from my current Minn Kota 65 lb.

I've not been around these and want to make sure I don't buy something I'll regret. The one I'm looking at is a 24 v, 80 lb, 45" shaft (current trolling is around 43"). Shows to be Sonar GPS and Pinpoint GPS. I would also like to hook this into my Elite 9 at some point.

Can someone help out the ignorant? Just want to make sure I purchase the right thing the first time.

Thanks in advance.

I’m thinking along the exact same lines. My plan is to call Brian @ BBG Marine and pick his brain. First off, I am looking to upgrade my boat.

I have one. Love it. Best investment I've made for fishing, hands down. Have a 24v, 80lb on a 17' Lund deep V. Takes the work out of boat control. Just recently linked it to an HDS 12 Gen3. Only have had it on the water once with limited time. Seems great so far.

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Originally Posted by Stainless

I'm seriously thinking about taking the plunge on a MotorGuide Xi5 80lbs 24V. I'm tired of spending more time fighting the wind than fishing. It's an expensive upgrade from my current Minn Kota 65 lb.

I've not been around these and want to make sure I don't buy something I'll regret. The one I'm looking at is a 24 v, 80 lb, 45" shaft (current trolling is around 43"). Shows to be Sonar GPS and Pinpoint GPS. I would also like to hook this into my Elite 9 at some point.

Can someone help out the ignorant? Just want to make sure I purchase the right thing the first time.

Thanks in advance.

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45" inch,80lb, 24 volt pinpoint gps is part number 940800270. This will get you started, you'll have anchor lock,heading lock,cruise control, record and store up to 8 separate trails and store 8 anchor spots. In the future if you decide to integrate with your Elite 9 you'll need a nema 2000 starter kit and a Motorguide gateway kit.

If I had to do it all over again I would never buy an xi5. Bought it in Nov of last year nothing but trouble!!! It did work for 3 hours one day.

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Originally Posted by Stainless

I'm seriously thinking about taking the plunge on a MotorGuide Xi5 80lbs 24V. I'm tired of spending more time fighting the wind than fishing. It's an expensive upgrade from my current Minn Kota 65 lb.

I've not been around these and want to make sure I don't buy something I'll regret. The one I'm looking at is a 24 v, 80 lb, 45" shaft (current trolling is around 43"). Shows to be Sonar GPS and Pinpoint GPS. I would also like to hook this into my Elite 9 at some point.


Can someone help out the ignorant? Just want to make sure I purchase the right thing the first time.

Thanks in advance.

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I recommend putting a handle on it and getting the 60" shaft to save your back; you have to reach all the way down to put it in and take it out of the water...

I just bought one from a Brian at BBG Marine. Haven’t installed it yet.

Ive had one for 2 years now. Have had two issues. 1st issue is when trolling at whatever speed the motor will all of the sudden jump into "Jackrabbit" speed until I turn the prop off. 2nd problem is for no reason under the sun it will power off completely.
After several calls to MG they finally had me take it to an authorized dealer for repair under the 2 year warranty.
Have not tried it since I got it back from "Repair".
I can deal with the Jack rabbit and stopping issues. However, two friends of mine have the same issue.
Works awesome with Lowrance HDS units.

PM sent

Wanted to follow up with this. I purchased the Xi5 and took it out this past Saturday and it worked great. It was so nice to have it on a windy, no gas engine lake. I ran this thing all day and it kept me everywhere I wanted to stay. I just sat back and used the hand controller.

I also want to thank Jigsoaker for all of his help. True gentleman here. Helped me through all my questions very thoroughly. Made it a lot easier to understand specifics about how the unit operates. I'm very satisfied and as I told Jigsoaker, this is a game changer for me.

Glad to lend a helping hand!!!

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Originally Posted by Stainless

Wanted to follow up with this. I purchased the Xi5 and took it out this past Saturday and it worked great. It was so nice to have it on a windy, no gas engine lake. I ran this thing all day and it kept me everywhere I wanted to stay. I just sat back and used the hand controller.

I also want to thank Jigsoaker for all of his help. True gentleman here. Helped me through all my questions very thoroughly. Made it a lot easier to understand specifics about how the unit operates. I'm very satisfied and as I told Jigsoaker, this is a game changer for me.

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Your gona love it ! Just curious ; what length shaft did you go with? I have seen cable lifts for them but haven't heard much about them.

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Originally Posted by IceNitro

Your gona love it ! Just curious ; what length shaft did you go with? I have seen cable lifts for them but haven't heard much about them.

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I went with the 45". Probably should have went a little longer to make it easier to grab but it's not that big of a deal.

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Originally Posted by IceNitro

I recommend putting a handle on it and getting the 60" shaft to save your back; you have to reach all the way down to put it in and take it out of the water...

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Here's my handle. Attachment 297337 <*)}}}><

Sweet handle....ok give it up. Where do i get one?

There are many types ; just depends on how much you want to spend. Its just a bike handle. Search the internet for bike accessories or you can make your own.

Saw a picture of one and took picture to local bike shop parts department. Within minutes I had this. Grip was extra. <*)}}}><

Hey chat why did you go with the mg?

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Originally Posted by tim

Hey chat why did you go with the mg?

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Lowrance, and 'spot lock'. <*)}}}><