Power Poles vs Xi5

[FindFish.co.za]

Busy deciding if I should get some power poles for my boat, or just get a motorguide xi5 with anchor facility?

You know what it's like, wind pumping and need to re-tie etc...would be great to drop the power poles and anchor

2 problems, expense....looking at around R55k for 2, and get in the way of guys fishing at the back of boat

Xi5 cheaper, but not sure if I like the idea of losing the flexibility of my normal minnkota being up to lift it in shallow conditions, as well as my foot cable control currently?

Any advice?

[Riprap]

I had the privilege this past weekend on Groenvlei of using an Xi5 for the first time on another guys boat. The anchor and remote feature is very nice and practical but it can chew your batteries when the wind is up! Shallow water lift could present a problem so either your get your ##### wet or it's quite quick to adjust the motor up.

[Toadee]

What I've read:
1. The Xi5 / Terrova motors move left and right abruptly. If you have the power turned up and hit left or right the boat turns RIGHT NOW!! Some people have almost been tossed overboard.
2. Powerpoles / Talons are heavy and have a very significant effect on holeshot. The also take some thought when parking the boat in a carport / garage. Talons do have a nice breakaway mount.

I would go for Talons if my motor (and pocket :blue-cry allowed. I'm not sold on electric-steering (and neither are any of the pros in the States)

[Navrik]

Anchor feature works great if you fishing a windy bank. I fished on one last year at Clan.

Better not fight the fish around the trolling motor as the abrupt start can cost your a fish like it happened to one of our boats last year at the Vaal Interprovs.

[Riprap]

Better not fight the fish around the trolling motor as the abrupt start can cost your a fish like it happened to one of our boats last year at the Vaal Interprovs.

I'm just curious Nav; the carrot year!? :roll: :lol:

Still cheaper to just chuck out a pick..........

[Navrik]

I'm just curious Nav; the carrot year!? :roll: :lol:

Still cheaper to just chuck out a pick..........

Jip, that was the one before Border most graciously decide to walk away with carrot honours this year.

[Bassmar]

Xi5 (autopilot) if fishing deep and/or open water

Power poles / Talon for shallow water and fishing in thick cover / trees etc.

Anchor if you live in Eastern Cape. :blue-badgrin:

[zulu66]

I love the Xi5, use it all the time and doesnt chew batteries. I have used it fishing on the okavango river delta, it stops me dead in 6km/hr flow of water. the product is amazing and the jog function means you easily move 1m across or forward.

my fishing is so much easier since using this product. i have also connected to my lowrance gen 2 and lets me control full paths to where i want to fish. So i can make my own little slow trolling map with specific way points.

I have no issues regarding it not keeping to a point, it locks in very accurately.

also whats great is the remote control to manage the Xi5, just press anchor and your achored. the wireless foot pedal is great too, as you can always change your body position to fish differently and just move the foot pedal, vs secured foot pedals. i have 2 people on front deck and take turns to control via pedal.

[Riprap]

Ja jongh Bassmar, what options did we all have before tallons & trolling motors. :lol:

[Bassmar]

Ja jongh Bassmar, what options did we all have before tallons & trolling motors. :lol:

Bushgrip?? :lol:

[smurf]

I have not seen anyone using a powerpole down here except to park at the side !I am sure they do have their uses in shallow water,but it adds heaps of weight to the rig.
The Xi5 is a brilliant piece of equipment,and that anchor feature alone will outperform the powerpole.There is software available to slow the turn when using the foot pedal.And the Xi5 is lighter that a comparable Fortrex.

[FindFish.co.za]

so far the responses have been in favour of xi5, was my thinking too. Just hope I can get used to looking at the head unit, as opposed to my foot feeling the way in terms of direction. I also really rely on the cord to get through the shallows etc

How have you guys gotten around cabling for transducer mounted on xi5, have an HDI on there currently

[zulu66]

yes, there is 2 cables you can connect, one for direct to Lowrance to use the built in transducer and 2nd connection to go to your fishfinder, to control and use the xi5. also know its easy to adjust the height of the xi5, takes 2 secs if need it to be shallow.

just get the 24V system...works a lot better.

controlling this is very easy....i can control it just via the remote around my neck, when i need to....at the back of the boat.

[FindFish.co.za]

yes, there is 2 cables you can connect, one for direct to Lowrance to use the built in transducer and 2nd connection to go to your fishfinder, to control and use the xi5. also know its easy to adjust the height of the xi5, takes 2 secs if need it to be shallow.

just get the 24V system...works a lot better.

controlling this is very easy....i can control it just via the remote around my neck, when i need to....at the back of the boat.

100% is HDI or down imaging built in to head unit, or only 2D? I think only 83/200 available?

[zulu66]

its just a 2d transducer built into trolling motor. it is the Lowrance® 83/200kHz transducers used in the motor.