Sportshow ? on Xi5

[Fishaholic2011]

I'm considering purchasing a Motorguide Xi5 bowmount. Having used only cable drive motors and from reading reviews I'm concerned about slowly working structure in big wind or strong currents. Some reviews state you can't control the motor with your foot constantly on the foot pedal but instead tap the pedal to make slight adjustments with the speed on constant. So the question is it likely that Motorguide would have one on display that is connected to batteries so your actually able to try the foot pedal? It's the only reason I would go to the show.

Thanks

[leechlake]

If I had only one call to make on this question I would call up to Reeds in Walker and ask if they will.  

[delcecchi]

I have used Minnkota with auto pilot and with ipilot.   They go a long way to dealing with your concern.  It is different than a cable drive where your foot position points the motor.  With the power drive you move the motor with the foot pedal, ie it stays pointed in a given direction either compass direction or relative to the boat until you use the pedal to turn it.  The foot pedal has a turn motor left/turn motor right/leave motor alone switch, basically. 

So, they don't work the same as a cable drive.  I find I really like the autopilot function since I can set it and forget it until maybe I have to give it a tap to point in a different direction.  

It's a little hard to explain, I hope this was clear enough to help. 

 

[Fishaholic2011]

I'm heading to the show. I found out they do have a Xi5 hooked up to batteries at the show.

Thanks for your responses

[delcecchi]

Let us know what you think.