Depends on how you fish. Guys who have the Xi5 like it for holding a spot. Think the minkota is better for spider rigging and trolling. Kinda depends on how you fish and what you require of the motor. I know the Terrova is built a whole lot more sturdy. The Ulterra should be great if you need the automatic stow and deploy. My Terrova is a couple of years old and not noise to me. If that is only problem with yours I think I might take drive cover off and clean and lube it. Bet that would help some. If you look to the future as far as following contours you can do that with Humminbird and IPilot Link. And if you like the XI5 think I would suffer and hold off cause I really expect they will be out shortly with one that will do the same thing with the Lowrance units.
Proud Member of Team Geezer
Charlie Weaver USN/ENC 1965-1979