Overview

The MotorGuide Xi5 is a bow-mount trolling motor family with electric steering, wireless control, and Pinpoint GPS options for holding position and working structure with less fuss at the bow. Across the range you can match thrust and power system to your boat: 55 lb models run on 12 V (up to 52 A max draw), 80 lb models run on 24 V (up to 56 A), and 105 lb models run on 36 V (up to 41 A), with shaft lengths from 48 in to 72 in.

Freshwater Sonar/GPS versions add a built-in 83/200 kHz 2D sonar transducer in the lower unit, along with Pinpoint GPS functions such as GPS-assisted anchoring, jog, heading lock, cruise control, and route record. A handheld wireless remote is part of the control package across the range, and freshwater versions also include a wireless foot pedal with heel-toe steering.

The mount sits low on the bow and guides the motor into the stowed position, then secures it with a secondary lock. The base uses anodized aluminum with stainless hardware, the electronics are encapsulated, and a protection circuit helps reduce lower-unit damage if the prop stalls. The composite shaft flexes under impact and is backed by a lifetime warranty on the shaft.

Key features

• Bow-mount electric steering with wireless control for steering and speed changes from different spots on the boat
• Thrust and voltage options: 55 lb (12 V), 80 lb (24 V), 105 lb (36 V)
• Shaft lengths offered across the line: 48 in, 54 in, 60 in, and 72 in
• Pinpoint GPS functions on GPS-equipped models, including GPS anchoring, jog, heading lock, cruise control, and route record
• Sonar/GPS freshwater variants include a built-in 83/200 kHz 2D sonar transducer in the lower unit
• LED status indicator dashboard for quick checks of key functions and battery level
• Low-profile mount with guided stow/deploy and a secondary lock to help prevent accidental deployment
• Encapsulated electronics with a protection circuit that helps when the prop is stalled
• Composite shaft that flexes under impact

Variants

This Xi5 range is offered in multiple configurations that change the shaft length (48, 54, 60, or 72 in) and thrust rating (55, 80, or 105 lb). Those choices also set the required battery system voltage (12 V, 24 V, or 36 V), which matters for battery count, wiring, and breaker selection.

In this set, freshwater variants are listed as Sonar/GPS and include the built-in 83/200 kHz transducer along with Pinpoint GPS control. The saltwater variants here are GPS-only, keeping the Pinpoint GPS control package without built-in sonar.

Compatibility and fit

Pick shaft length based on your bow height and the water you normally fish. The practical goal is keeping the lower unit submerged when the bow lifts in chop, without ending up with a shaft that is awkward to stow or interferes with your bow layout.

Thrust selection is tied to boat weight, wind, and current. Once you choose 55, 80, or 105 lb, plan your battery bank around the matching 12 V, 24 V, or 36 V requirement so you are not reworking the electrical system later.

Installation and setup

Bow-mount installation typically needs a flat mounting surface with access below for backing hardware and cable routing. Leave clearance for the motor head to rotate and for the shaft path in the stowed position, especially if you have a bow rail, cleats, or an anchor locker hatch nearby.

After mounting, cycle the stow and deploy motion on the trailer and confirm the secondary lock engages cleanly. A quick check now helps avoid surprises at the ramp.

Electrical and system integration

Xi5 uses digital variable speed control for smooth low-speed adjustments while trolling. GPS-equipped variants add Pinpoint GPS operation through the handheld remote, which is useful when you are moving around the cockpit or fighting a fish away from the bow.

If you want motor control from a compatible display, the Xi-series gateway can tie the system into an existing NMEA 2000 network for touchscreen integration with compatible Lowrance and Simrad units, as well as Mercury VesselView displays.

Use on board

For bass boats, multi-species rigs, and freshwater skiffs, the Sonar/GPS variants make sense when you want GPS anchoring plus a built-in 2D sonar source on the trolling motor. For bay boats and inshore saltwater skiffs, the GPS-only variants fit crews that rely on position hold and jog while dealing with spray and frequent rinsing.

Maintenance and care

Rinse the mount, shaft, and lower unit after each trip, especially on saltwater installations, and keep the stow/deploy pivots free of grit. Periodically check mounting hardware for tightness and inspect the prop area for fishing line buildup.

Compliance and notices

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information, visit P65Warnings.ca.gov.