Thread: What's your vote? Minn Kota Terrova w iPilot and Spot Lock, or Motor Guide Xi5?

Looked at putting an Xi5 on my base boat last fall. The Cabela's shop told me that I should see one attached first. They told me this trolling motor is very different in how it mounts. They even install some quick release on them so it can be removed and laid in the boat so you can put the cover back on. Apparently this mounting kit makes most boat covers no longer fit.

They had none on site for me to really get a visual of what he is talking about but it scared me enough to not buy until I can see this. Is it really like I'm describing for those who have one? Never seen it. Don't know if the guy was just trying to steer me away from motor guide or if this is really a valid concern.

Originally Posted by brosborough

Looked at putting an Xi5 on my base boat last fall. The Cabela's shop told me that I should see one attached first. They told me this trolling motor is very different in how it mounts. They even install some quick release on them so it can be removed and laid in the boat so you can put the cover back on. Apparently this mounting kit makes most boat covers no longer fit.

They had none on site for me to really get a visual of what he is talking about but it scared me enough to not buy until I can see this. Is it really like I'm describing for those who have one? Never seen it. Don't know if the guy was just trying to steer me away from motor guide or if this is really a valid concern.

Both by design have to hang over the front of the boat. So if you use a boat cover in most cases it won't fit over motor. If you have to park outside then quick release bracket is good investment.

Look at the New Minn Kota Ultrex. What impresses me is the same foot pedal as the Fortex, still able to use it as any other cable drive when it's required like fishing in a stump field, still runs a route or trail from your electronics as long as it's a bird or garmin. Same size as the fortex, has lift assist, and stores the same which doesn't require having the cover rebuilt. Yes I run Lowrance Electronics and I still will have one as soon as it's delivered to my dealer. It has a gps unit in the head of the unit which allows it to spot lock with either a button on the foot pedal or laynard controller. It will also follow depth contours without talking to the locator. I'm a minn Kota man like Lowrance from all the early and past experiences from the other manufacturers. Just something to think about. After talking with the minn kota customer service dept on numberous occasions the last month and my dealer as well they claim a +-1' on spot lock. That's very impressive. Stay tuned cause I will definitely have a review on the Ultrex very soon........Ranger

Great Mark... can't wait to hear your review!

Is the Ultrex Spot Lock upgraded from the current ipilot kit? I fished last week with a new ipilot with Spot Lock and it wandered consistently from side to side about 25' from the buoy. The wireless remote was great and the anchor mode would work really well for cast n drag but for vertical jigging a brush pile you better have a loooong rod! So- anybody know if the Ultrex is the same gps electronics? I've been waiting a long time for one that loads like the Ultrex but that's quite an expense if the anchor mode turns into a sight seeing adventure each time. Thanks.

I talked to Minn Kota several times. They said the Ultrex has a spot lock capability of plus or minus 1 ft. If that is true it will be worth the money. The foot control is like the fortrex but it's electric not cable driven. It has the spot lock on the foot control also. If it does what they claim it will be great. I will be interested to see how Mark's works out.

C2 let me get mine installed, and you can come try it out!!

Unless your powerdrive has bluetooth capabilities, you don't have the new ipilot.

Originally Posted by KCMasterpiece

So, as a somewhat frugal person, I decided to simply get the iPilot kit for my Power Drive. It was $500 and gives me spot lock (the new and improved), handheld remote, cruise control, etc. Looking forward to trying it out. Just couldn't get myself to spend that much to buy a new troller plus upgrade my front finder right now. The install was easy. Looking forward to trying it out one or two times this week.