Motorguide Xi5- If you can't beat 'em try copying them.

[Princeton_Man]

I found this while looking around for Lowrance's entry into the market.  I haven't explored much yet but I'm guessing the Xi5 PinPoint may end up being tied to Lowrance. Google found the first reference to Pinpoint in a strange Lowrance news release. When I pulled it up it was blanks. The interesting stuff begins 2:05 on the video. They don't say anything about a link to fish finders.

[Oldfart9999]

It's tough playing catch up.
Rodney

[Princeton_Man]

It's tough playing catch up.
Rodney

Yup and I don't think their wireless control will be able to compete with Minn Kota's Hybrid. I did a little more digging and it looks like Lowrance has something called SmartSteer that can be purchased for a TM or for the big motor. Can you imagine turning your boat over to your Lowrance at 70mph?

[Oldfart9999]

Yup and I don't think their wireless control will be able to compete with Minn Kota's Hybrid. I did a little more digging and it looks like Lowrance has something called SmartSteer that can be purchased for a TM or for the big motor. Can you imagine turning your boat over to your Lowrance at 70mph?

My boat hits a whopping 32 and I wouldn't let ANY sonar unit take it over, if we're going to crash I'm the one who's going to have the pleasure of causing it.
Rodney

[SteveTX]

Why gee wiz I just don't know why anyone wouldn't want to have a self driving boat. I mean Tesla has been crashing and killing people since they started that dream.    If you cant get it right on a solid fixed surface what on this earth made anyone think some fish finder company would on a ever changing liquid. I am being sarcastic. 

The stupid is real in America these days. But hey for now we have the freedom to be stupid and do these things. People should really stop putting safety things in place so nature can go ahead and cleanse us of these idiots. And I m not being sarcastic now. 

As bad as I need a TM I would gladly take a Xi5 just wouldn't ever hook it up to steer my big motor.

[cojab]

I found this while looking around for Lowrance's entry into the market.  I haven't explored much yet but I'm guessing the Xi5 PinPoint may end up being tied to Lowrance. Google found the first reference to Pinpoint in a strange Lowrance news release. When I pulled it up it was blanks. The interesting stuff begins 2:05 on the video. They don't say anything about a link to fish finders.

Im not sure what your saying here. Are you referring to MotorGuide copying the Ultrex?
That video was from 2014. I dont think the Ultrex released until 2016 or so. If I remember right the Xi5 was really competing with the Terrova when it came out.
The Pinpoint GPS doesn't control the big motor but it does link to Lowrances with a NEMA connection. It will auto pilot to waypoints if connected and it also has bluetooth capability. It basically has the same features as the Ultrex. It has spot lock, auto pilot, jog feature, recordable tracks, and the GPS corrects for wind, waves, boat wakes etc on auto pilot. Its actually a pretty good TM with great features.

When I got my current boat it had a Foretrex on it. I switched my Xi5 on to it for those features I mentioned. I would like to convert to the Ultrex at some point for the steering feel and I believe it is quieter but the Xi5 works well with the same features so I cant justify the money right now.

[Oldfart9999]

Cojab, good to hear from you, how you be?
Jim and I were referring to MG trying to catch up to MK, it wasn't about the quality of the unit. It gave a choice to go with MG and link to Lowrance or go with MKand link with Humminbird. Now both MG and MK are going to be chasing the sonar folks who are bring out their own high tech trollers. I f you stand still somebody blows by you. All I know is this stuff is getting too darned expensive. I'd love a new MK, the Ultera but good grief, paying to add on the 'Bird link, the different transducer options and all that stuff would put the cost up in the 3,000$ range, then the sonar to go with it, I could by a nice boat for that.
Again, good to hear from you, thought you might have moved in with a bighorn or something.
Rodney

[Princeton_Man]

I certainly wasn't addressing quality. MG and MK have been competing neck and neck for a very long time in all facets of the TM technology race. IMHO Minn Kota pulled out in front with the Ultrex's hybrid steering system.


Since I started this thread there are two new entries in the race with Garmin's and Lowrance's new TMs. Brushless motors that are quieter than the traditional brush driven motors and the option of upping thrust by merely adding a 3rd battery, could mean the race having a new leader.

If MG and MK go brushless my relatively new Ultrex could become obsolete very quickly.

[BarryFL]

MK just released the Tour Pro 24 or 36 volts. $2299 and $2399, respectively. Built in interface with Lowrance HDS and Elite Ti2 units via NMEA 2000. Dont think they are brushless but do have aluminum foot pedals. Mike Icanelli did a demo video for iCast.

~Barry~

[Princeton_Man]

MK just released the Tour Pro 24 or 36 volts. $2299 and $2399, respectively. Built in interface with Lowrance HDS and Elite Ti2 units via NMEA 2000. Dont think they are brushless but do have aluminum foot pedals. Mike Icanelli did a demo video for iCast.

~Barry~

Support for more than their own is going to be a must for all of them to survive I believe.

[BarryFL]

Just received an email that Russel Marine has 36v 45in/112lb thrust Ultrex on sale for $2000.

Let the pricing wars begin.

~Barry~

[cojab]

Just received an email that Russel Marine has 36v 45in/112lb thrust Ultrex on sale for $2000.

Let the pricing wars begin.

~Barry~

Wow, they're starting to come down a bit.

[cojab]

Again, good to hear from you, thought you might have moved in with a bighorn or something.
Rodney

Oh, and good to read your voice too sir.
Moved in with a bighorn, no. A bigfoot maybe.........

[SteveTX]

Just received an email that Russel Marine has 36v 45in/112lb thrust Ultrex on sale for $2000.

Let the pricing wars begin.

~Barry~

Man that kind a surprises me, that was fast. Not that I am against it I may get my hands on one sooner than later if they will fight a little more. 

Honestly for me over $1000 for a TM is a bit much. Fishing for fun I want the features but do not have to have them. Maybe one day I will get me one once they get all the bugs worked out in about 5 years these things will be like Alexa you can have a conversation with the TM to pick your bait, its color, have it cast, and reel the fish in for ya. 

[Oldfart9999]

Just received an email that Russel Marine has 36v 45in/112lb thrust Ultrex on sale for $2000.

Let the pricing wars begin.

~Barry~

Is that with all the goodies like Link and built in transducers?
Rodney

[Oldfart9999]

Oh, and good to read your voice too sir.
Moved in with a bighorn, no. A bigfoot maybe.........

Rodney

[BarryFL]

Is that with all the goodies like Link and built in transducers?
Rodney

I dont know because I'm not in the market. Just got a new boat 6 weeks ago.

~Barry~

[Princeton_Man]

Is that with all the goodies like Link and built in transducers?
Rodney

I've already delete the email but I believe that was for the 112/45 with the Universal Sonar transducer and iPilot without Link.