MotorGuide Trolling Motor Buyer’s Guide

The MotorGuide range of trolling motors are generally split into two groups – saltwater and freshwater models. In the freshwater range there are foot operated, hand operated and wireless motors, while the saltwater range has hand operated and wireless models.

There are also a range of sizes and this depends on how much thrust you want from your MotorGuide trolling motor, which depends on the size of boat.

MotorGuide X3

The MotorGuide X3 freshwater edition has been designed to deliver better performance and durability for anglers looking for the best value in the 40- to 70-pound thrust range. It is described by the manufacturer as ‘rugged’ and is made from durable components.

A lot of research and development has gone into this trolling motor and it is loaded with premium features, including MotorGuide’s Variable Ration Steering (VRS) technology.

The motor comes in foot- and hand-operated models, with available digital power management technology for smooth operation and longer battery life. There is also a saltwater version.

When it comes to steering performance, the MotorGuide X3 models have a dual cable pull-pull steering system designed to eliminate slack, while the innovative VAR reduces torque steer feedback and improves responsiveness. It is made to be reliable and durable, with an aircraft-grade aluminum mount, stainless steel bushings and outer shaft, and composite shaft with a lifetime guarantee.

Noise matters on the water and this MotorGuide trolling motor is described as being quiet on the water as it has fewer metal to metal interfaces, precision bearings, and new composite locking pins that reduce noise.

It is also described as being easy to stow and deploy and it is easy to adjust the height.

Shop for the MotorGuide X3 Freshwater Edition

MotorGuide Xi5

When it comes to the ultimate in trolling motors there is the MotorGuide Xi5 wireless range. According to MotorGuide, this model marks a milestone in the manufacture of trolling motors, and comes in a freshwater and saltwater version.

A lot of research and development has gone into this MotorGuide trolling motor and it is the culmination of a renewed focus and significant investment, to design, engineer, and manufacture what is being hailed at one of the best in class trolling motors.

It is described as being stealthy, quiet and ultra-responsive and as it is one of the very latest models, it is also described as being safer and easier to use, designed to exceed the expectations of today’s discriminating angler. It prides itself on being reliable every day and durable over the long term.

One of the things that makes this motor stand out is that its wireless capability means that anglers have a precise motor and have full steering control from anywhere on the boat due to its unique Pinpoint GPS module. This means you can focus on the fishing.

The freshwater models have a wireless foot pedal as standard and saltwater models come with a wireless hand-held remote and both have a sophisticated steering transmission with ball bearings that reduce friction and wear, custom seals that keep water and dust out, and an extra rigid shaft support tube.

The electronics are fully encapsulated in a high tech coating, making them impervious to water and dust and there is also a protection circuit that prevents lower unit damage if the prop is stalled.

According to the manufacturer, the new composite shaft can take on any and all obstructions that get in its way thanks to its two-blade propeller. It’ll bend, but won’t break and indeed, it is backed with a lifetime warranty.

The Pinpoint GPS works with the Xi5 to navigate your boat while you focus on fishing and comes with an anchor feature where you can lock in the GPS coordinate and remain within a few feet of a particular fishing spot even if there is a current or it is windy. Up to eight anchor spots can be saved for future use.

It also has a Jog feature to shift your boat’s position five feet in any direction, a heading lock which allows you to keep on a straight line course until it is released, the ability to record and store eight routes up to four miles long each and cruise control to maintain a constant boat speed. It even makes adjustments for wind and current.

The wireless pedal provides motor control from anywhere on the boat and the latest digital technology means the cooler running power electronics are 50% more efficient. They also capture and store energy that is typically lost as heat. This improved efficiency means longer run time and fewer battery charges.

Shop for the MotorGuide Xi5

MotorGuide X5

The new X5 cable steer motor is Motorguide’s most advanced tournament-caliber motor, engineered to deliver precise control, quiet operation, and rugged durability and comes in saltwater and freshwater versions.

Reviews suggest that this is one of the most innovative MotoGuide Trolling Motor options and the X5 has four power ranges and three shaft lengths, so there’s a model that’s ready for all sizes of boats.

This particular model has a quick-view LED directional indicator, oversized stainless steel outer shaft, two blade weedless propeller, a rigid aircraft grade aluminum mounting bracket, a wide mount with snap-back breakaway mechanism and an ultra-secure and easy to use mount door.

There are a lot of safety features, including a mounting bracket that is built tough with extruded aircraft-grade aluminium and the wide mount is stable and features a snap-back breakaway mechanism for added protection. And durable, tight fitting composite bushings in key wear points ensure quiet performance and durability, according to the technical details from the manufacturer.

It also points out that the new oversized stainless steel outer column is strong and corrosion-resistant and for even more protection, the inner column is made of a premium composite and it comes, of course, with a lifetime guarantee against breaking.

MotorGuide’s digital power management extends battery life up to five times and the technology features durable cooler running power electronics that are 50% more efficient. This improved efficiency means longer run time and fewer battery charges.

Shop for the MotorGuide X5

We are committed to finding, researching, and recommending the best products. We earn commissions from purchases you make using the retail links in our product reviews. Learn more about how this works.