jmr04
New Member
Posts: 320 
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Post by jmr04 on Jul 22, 2015 14:28:44 GMT -5
Motorguide Xi5 or Minn Kota Ulterra. I like the remote on the Minn Kota and the auto stow and deploy. However, the Motorguide links up with Lowrance which seems really cool. Anyone have any experience with either. Thanks.
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Post by mwardncsu on Jul 22, 2015 15:39:35 GMT -5
Minn Kota Ulterra is brand new - not yet proven regarding the deploy/retract mechanism - but pretty cool - oh, and they just announced a saltwater version of it the other week, along with a 72" shaft option.....
I think you can get it with iPilot (cellphone sized remote) OR iPilot Link (the version with the monster Home Theater style remote). I've heard of issues with that remote staying charged - has rechargeable internal batteries and you connect it via a USB port / charger.
My opinion, but the Motorguide's just don't seem to be built as sturdily as the MinnKota - they may be fine - just looking at them at the store a few things seem more flimsy. The networking option with Lowrance HDS units is kind of cool - though I'm not sure how useful for live-bait striper fishing. Could be useful for trolling - set it on a depth curve and let it work (though you still want to turn and sway to get the rigs and baits to rise & drop). Seems to be targeted to the Walleye crowd.
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Post by primetime on Jul 25, 2015 10:24:05 GMT -5
i have owned the xi5 and gen 2 touch about 2 months now. I really like both of these units separately. Both of them are networked together. The xi5 i own is the saltwater version and was manufactured in nov 2014. When I am using the autopilot with a clear path to satellites it has worked great without any flaws. However, if there is obstruction (clear path to satellites) where I am using autopilot, I have had times when the xi5 gets off course and goes into a different direction. I have talked with MG and Lowrance SEVERAL times to clear this up. I just received another update from MG and will let you know if it works any better. Please remember, it works great where there is no obstruction which is probably 99% of the lake. The 1% of where I fish has produced the most fish for ME and thats where there is obstruction. Also, if you want to follow a contour line say of 30 feet on your map you have to set waypoints for it to follow. You cannot just say follow this 30 foot contour line.
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