Wireless Trolling Motor - Like it or hate it?

[JoeFD]

I just installed a motorguide xi5 with wireless pedal. I took it out and hated it. Its just not intuitive and have to pay far more attention to the motor head than i ever had to with the cable steer.

My question is, for those who have switched, do you get used to it and all is good...Or is this something that is going to plague me until i replace it?

What are your opinions of the system in general?

 

[Lx545]

I had the same feelings about my ulterra on the first use. The second and third I have gotten used to it. I can see where if you are banging docks all day it could be slower to react than a cable steer. I have gotten used to mine. In fact I love it. Give it more time I say.

 

[captain kirk]

I have the xi5 and I don't use the pedal. Using the remote has become second nature for me. Love it.

 

[Lx545]

The only thing I dont like about my remote is I dont believe it has momentary on.

 

[churly]

I have a minnkota ultrex and I love it and the remote. Ive never been a fan of motorguide.

 

[JoeFD]

Hopefully it grows on me. The biggest frustration so far is that you have to stop in the middle if changing direction otherwise it just keeps spinning and spinning in the same direction. Guess it just takes some time

 

[Jpull]

I've run an Xi5 for two years now and at first it was a love hate relationship. The wireless foot pedal sucks. Slow to react and then it overreacts. Another problem I've found is even if you turn the foot pedal power off, the batteries will invariably be dead the next time you try to use it. Read on a Motorguide forum that this is a common problem and most folks take the batteries out between uses so that's what I do. Having said that, I love the remote and its various functions, especially both the anchor and heading features. I use the remote about 90% of the time and the pedal mostly just for minor course corrections. I also hang the remote on my belt. Didn't like it flopping around when i hung it around my neck.

 

[JoeFD]

Its hard to manage when you can't fish and move at the same time having to use your hands to control the remote. The problem with the pedal is i had to put it in a new tray because it didn't fit in the one molded in the fiberglass, and had to put a riser in it so it sits at the right level. So it is anchored down. What a pain to have to take that out every time i use it.

I'm really hoping it grows on me. Going back out tomorrow so hopefully gets better. Hope i didn't make a 2K mistake!

 

[Jpull]

Given time I think you'll learn to really like the remote. It becomes second nature once you get use to it.

 

[captain kirk]

I found some good tutorial on the xi5 on you tube. Will probable be a lot of help.