Looking for a new bow mount trolling motor for my kayak. 

 

Leaning towards 55lb MotorGuide Xi3 with the Pinpoint GPS. Looks like they made an offering on these models specifically geared towards the kayak people. I like the fact that they come in 36" shaft and from what I am reading are easier to deploy and stow away.

 

Now, a little bit ago I almost pulled a trigger on a 55lb 46" Xi3 saltwater with Pinpoint GPS. Mainly I was looking for a saltwater option since Im in the brackish area with equal opportunities to fish purely freshwater and brackish. But now, I dont think I would ever use it purely on saltwater flats or anything like that.

 

With that said, I am wondering if an upgrade to the saltwater model is wort the price. Like I said its mainly freshwater and brackish water fishing in a tidal area for me with a good rinse after the motor is out of the water.

 

Also how would MotorGuide compare to Minn Kota offering for the similar options. I am looking at Powerdrive/Riptide line with iPilot but looks like they don't come with 36" length shaft and people comment that they are somehow not as smooth to deploy/stow.

 

Any advice?

Looks like the specific product number I am looking for is MotorGuide 940700280. Also about $200 cheaper base price than the "regular" 55lb Xi3 GPS enabled  in 48" length.

 

Anyone running this specific model? Can not find it readably available from anywhere but it is listed on the MotorGuide site.

I got the 48” 45lb MG three weeks before the kayak version came out. No big deal I just cut the shaft down to 36”. Get the motor you want and cut it to 36”

@GTN-NY Yeah I was planning on customizing the length. But looks like I could save $200 for going with the shorter version and put it towards a better battery.

 

Also what battery you running it with? I am tempted to get one group 31 for it but also mulling the idea of giving an arm and leg away and jumping on much lighter lithium options.

 

I know A LOT of guys running the cut down version of the Xi3 and they all love it, raving about the dependability and Spot lock. 

You may be in for a bit of a wait on the kayak version, every vendor seems to be out of stock. 

I’m using a amped outdoors 60ah lithium for my 45lb MG. They are always sold out. As fast as they get them they sell out. 
check Nucanoe they had the 36”

2 hours ago, GTN-NY said:

I’m using a amped outdoors 60ah lithium for my 45lb MG. They are always sold out. As fast as they get them they sell out. 
check Nucanoe they had the 36”

Would you mind sharing what performance are you getting out of this battery. Whats the optimal time on the water? How is it with the motor at full power and heavy load? How long does it take to charge? Did you notice any concerning heating during heavy load or charging? Thanks.

10 hours ago, cascade said:

Would you mind sharing what performance are you getting out of this battery. Whats the optimal time on the water? How is it with the motor at full power and heavy load? How long does it take to charge? Did you notice any concerning heating during heavy load or charging? Thanks.

Unfortunately I can’t give you a lot of help. Trolling motor and battery were installed last end of Sept. I might have used it 4-5 times for a few hours each time. 
I went with Amped Outdoors because they come highly recommended on all the kayak pages. I also have one of their 12ah lithium for my depth finder. I goes for 3 trips (12-15 hrs total) before needing a charge. I did have a 12ah battery go bad, but he shipped a new one out right away. Their customer service is great