Step by Step of How to Install the MotorGuide Xi3 Kayak Motor

If you want the ability to hold your place off shore and anywhere for that matter you can't beat the accuracy of the PinPoint GPS Anchor of the MotorGuide Xi3. In this video I give a step by step on how you install the trolling motor on the front of your kayak.
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For information on the MotorGuide Xi3 - www.motorguide.com/us/en/xi3-...
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One Objective Motor Mounting plate - bit.ly/3b9CL0w
TRC Wire Cover - bit.ly/31Fjilq
Fuse - amzn.to/2QDinvr
Plugs - Female Plug - amzn.to/3hHM9Lz
Male Plug - amzn.to/3bbI67R
YakAttack Through Hull - bit.ly/2EO7EvC
Kayak - Bonafide SS127
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[@TappadaraWest]

This was Awesome Gene! I can't wait to see the rest of the work, that you do on the Kayak!🥰

[@StevenJacksonDev]

I really appreciate good cable management.

[@ColsenTaylorFishing]

Hands down the best step by step trolling motor installation video on KZbin!

[@ThePikeHunter1]

Great video Flukemaster. My Motor Guide Xi3 for my Ascend 128X it's on the way. I just ordered all the accesories that i need to instal it. You gaved me great ideas how to do it, thanks for that. Keep up the good work!

[@lauratatsch1066]

Just took this out on my maiden voyage on biscayne bay. Have it hooked up to an intex excursion 5 and 100 ah battery. Easy to install. The height adjustment feature could glide easier but honestly no real complaints with this. Great product.

[@dustoff_fishing]

Thanks for making this video. Really great content.

[@connerlance289]

My dude had a whole bass fishing store at his house 😂 lucky

[@Flukemaster]

I've worked hard for all that and it takes a lot of tackle to fish over 200 days a year.

[@connerlance289]

Flukemaster yep

[@newportburn]

@@Flukemaster if I fished 200 days a year I’d catch like 10 fish and starve. lol

[@newportburn]

You’re the man, Gene.

[@eluna10841]

@@newportburn same here lol

[@CurrentJAM]

Thanks Gene, I was able to use some of these ideas. Thanks for sharing.

[@BassGeek]

That looks great man.

[@bucktalesoutdoors7566]

Great instructional video Gene, I just upgraded this summer to a Native Slayer Max with peddle drive, It am headed out to the garage to do a little measuring, maybe next year this would be another awesome game changing upgrade. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@RhinoJoeOutdoors]

Yeah I have the same kayak and this looks amazing. I need to get a big ole lithium battery too

[@bucktalesoutdoors7566]

I hear ya Ryan, that lithium battery will also keep my GoPros going a lot longer , tired of batteries dying at the most inopportune times.

[@RhinoJoeOutdoors]

Buck Tales Outdoors yeah running GoPros off a battery is the deal.

[@t-6273]

Awesome video! Word of advice though, you should put your fuse as close to battery as you can. That way if there is an electric short you don't have 10ft of cord energized in a potentially wet area.

[@timberwolf3781]

100% correct ...as close to the source as physically possible

[@davidsteffen3860]

@@timberwolf3781 I screwed my breaker to the top of the battery box. When I unplug the line from the back wiring outlet I can take battery box, breaker and all wire from the yak leaving it clean for kayaking without a motor when I might want to. Same for the front once I unplug the motor and remove it all kayak wiring is internal.

[@kevingonfishing6023]

But wouldn't it be better to have it the way he does since electricity travels from negative to positive?

[@marknel84]

I'm doing this install this off-season for 2021. I like how your cabling is done through parts that bonafide sells separately. Eventually you get a new ss127 and transfer the hatches,cover and mount and sell the older boat that only has 3 holes drilled for wiring in the hatch! Smart! I assume with the wiring routing you can no longer open the bow hatch the other way? I use mine to store rods in when I travel...

[@dansingletary7891]

Great video Mr Flukemaster, two thumbs up !!

[@FirstCatch]

THIS CUSTOM FABRICATION WAS AWESOME. THUMBS UP!

[@Flukemaster]

Thank you

[@garybaxter9466]

Awesome video, great for some of us to learn by. Thankyou.

[@Flukemaster]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@andyd834]

Cant wait, hopefully putting a xi3 on my topwater this year.

[@figueroa2191]

This is what i pretty much just asked for awesome thanks man

[@bostonbasscompany3902]

Fancy seeing you here pal

[@slknic7]

I will be posting my install next week for my first video on youtube👍🏼🙏🏼 Added a little extra info do to the second battery for the pinpoint and to power up my Lowrance.

[@Preach3r23]

A bunch of my buddies and I run the same set up! One thing we did differently was another quick detach trolling motor plug from the battery to the rear access hatch so you can easily unplug the battery/trolling motor from the kayak when packing up.

[@jpoutdoors23]

Got any pics of how they did that? Did they use a battery box too?

[@salvadormarvin8522]

i guess im asking the wrong place but does anybody know of a way to log back into an Instagram account..? I somehow lost the password. I appreciate any tricks you can give me!

[@nathanlowran4526]

@@jpoutdoors23 same way you do in the front.

[@p4tx54]

Thanks for the video. OCD kicked in when you just eye balled most the mounting but looks good enjoy.

[@Flukemaster]

LOL. Yep, I used to measure everything but I've done it so much for so long that I can do it the fast way now.

[@thomasminarik9588]

Awesome & wall looks awesome too

[@Flukemaster]

Thanks a ton

[@yakbassin7196]

I ran 6 gauge through the hull on my ascend 133x. Marinco makes receptacles with adapters that accept 6 awg wire. The plugs themselves will only take 8 awg. Sure beats the 10 gauge plugs and wire ascend puts in their pre-wired kayaks. My xi3 is a custom 36 Inch kayak version.

[@marcustorres6744]

Fantastic and very informative video! What battery specs would you recommend for the Xi3 trolling motor? Everything I've read states that the trolling motor and finder shouldn't be run off the same battery.

[@tight-linesaustin1717]

Thanks for video Gene. I have SS127 and been considering this. Hasn't been long since I setup rear trolling motor...but that spot lock...game changer. I purchased 60ah lithium for my current unit. Do you think 60ah would work with Xi3?

[@robertvoelk4738]

Great video for installation. I would like to know how you raise or lower the xi3 while on the water. I just purchased one and have yet to find a graceful way of doing that without awkwardly crawling to front of my Kayak each time.

[@robbiejohnson3698]

That is the most diy video I have ever seen on you tube that makes me want to do a trolling motor thanks a lot . What would you think about the price of this project excluding the battery

[@davidcamp3697]

Thanks for informative video Gene. I just purchased a used SS127 and thinking about doing this. What battery should I Purchase?

[@t.j.hodnett9658]

Hey Gene, can you do a fall transition/ fall bank fishing video with baits and techniques?? Would love that right about now!

[@stevenayscue2650]

Love it!! Makes me want to power my yak!! (With a Pronav spotlock) The breaker should be as close to the battery as possible to protect the wire run, also. And some shrink wrap on the butt joints and ratchet crimp it if ya got access to some crimper. In salt water especially, it all would make a big difference in the corrosion factor.

[@Flukemaster]

Thanks man. You are right. If I was using 10 gauge I'd put it back there but with 15 years of running 8 gauge I've never had a problem with the run.

[@13jpnini]

Thanks for all the good advices. Do I need the 60A fuse if I'm using a battery box with built-in fuse ?

[@APFishingAdventures]

Dude thank you!!! You solved all my issues lol

[@Flukemaster]

Glad I could help!

[@RobertoGonzalez-xo9er]

Where I can buy motor guide xi3 for my Jackson coosa fd with mout plate & Quick release?? Awesome video man

[@RALgolf1953]

Gene. How are deploying and retrieving the motor without walking up to the front? I'm not a big standing up guy, so I'm curious. I basically did the exact same install on my Native Slayer 12.5 and wax curious. Thanks for your response.

[@ryanb4026]

Looks like you changed cables that run the length of the yak. You had the silicone 8 gauge red/black front to back, but the cable coming out through the access plate/Yak Attack wire guide was different and thinner. Was I seeing things?

[@genebishopsbassfishingadve6765]

🔥GREAT VIDEO, MAN🔥

[@Flukemaster]

Glad you liked it

[@drone1477]

Save a bunch of time (hammering/crimping etc) and get/learn how to solder. Also ensures a better electrical connection. Love the video!

[@ARJ11569]

Where do I need to go to order one of these trolling motors? Been looking all over.

[@mikefurness1598]

Great instructional video Fluke. I think the only thing I would have done differently is that the end get an above shot that just kind of ties everything together from stem to stern if you know what I mean. I am assuming you're going to mount the battery somewheres in the stern. I know the DL batteries don't weigh all that much so it's not a full offset of the weight of the trolling motor on the bow. But it would make sense.

[@Flukemaster]

I was thinking the same thing but I figured I'd do that when I'm completely finished with the rigging.

[@rdo6566]

Nice job on the install. You may want to consider using shrink speed style but connectors where you make splices. They have them at most auto parts stores and will keep the water out of your splices.

[@Flukemaster]

I agree. I just got some in the mail last week and will be switching over.

[@mesa620]

@@Flukemasterwhich ones did you end up getting

[@linetherapyfishing]

What are you using as far as the battery box. Would like to here you thoughts and battery or even see it.

[@Austin_Torres]

Can you do a video on how you use it on the water? Example how you deploy into the water and how you get it back in position? Thanks

[@papaduck2443]

Gene, you make this look so fast and easy and I hate you for that! Lol!!!!! Just kidding brother! You do make it look easy though. Great job with the mount bro! And that wall of baits behind you is very impressive. That is no over night collection. That stuff is expensive and it takes time to build up a supply like that. I know because Im doing it right now. Everytime I go to the store I buy a few here and a few there and add to the stock because when ya need it ya dont always have time to wait for it to show up in the mail or to run to the store to get it. Great content my friend! Keep up the great work! God bless you and your family!

[@Flukemaster]

Thanks brother

[@BASSnBEER]

Hey Gene can the battery not be put in the front hatch? Or did you just want to keep that space a little more open and thats why you ran the battery to the back of the kayak?

[@scottgilreath4256]

That is an absolutely great video and I will be modeling it for my RS 117. Thanks, keep up the good work, we will surely follow!

[@freakfiveoh]

Haven't been able to finish the video yet, but do you know if they're working on a saltwater version of this motor?

[@ARJ11569]

I have a pa14 and fixing to buy a RT178. I want to buy the xi3 48 inch shaft to use on both kayak and boat. Do you think 45 inch shaft is too long for a kayak?

[@geneahn427]

I know this is late, but for a bow mounted trolling motor, how do these fellows transport their kayaks from the truck to the water? The front handle is blocked. Asking cause my motor is on the way and I just realized this after I ordered it!

[@marknel84]

Hey Gene, did you hook your motorguide with nmea 2000 to your fishfinder?

[@PROXCOOPER]

If I wanted to run a fish finder and trolling motor, could I run them with separate batteries and still have spot lock and gps with the xi3? That may be a stupid question, I just wasn’t sure if you could use separate batteries

[@shootincoyotes]

I was thinking of installing one on the rear of my outlaw 11.5. Are there any issues with rear mount? I thought if I hit a submerged log or obstruction while drifting with current it could pivot up and back instead of jamming into the front.

[@robertrichter2982]

An aluminum plate for your trolling motor plug extended on one end would give a place to mount the fuse without drilling through the lid again so it would clean up the top of your lid

[@adrianmedvec7380]

Hi Gene, thank you for sharing your knowledge, I was just wondering, maybe you can anwser, do you think that I can mount Xi3 on my Feelfree Lure 11.5? I am not sure if it can handle weight on the bow. Thank you

[@poeticadventures5073]

I have the Feel Free Lure 11.5 and I just bought this trolling motor. I'll let you know how it goes once I have it mounted but I think the Feel Free will hold the weight just fine on the bow. I should have the motor within a few days, I'm will be taking it on a trip next week. Hopefully you got your answer to this question by now, though. Good luck!

[@curtbutts8734]

Just bought bonafide p127 putting on a troller i fish where there is alot of current is an 80# too much on the front? What is your suggestion?

[@chicagoangler]

Does the breaker have to be close to the motor side of the kayak in the front? Or can we put it in the battery box closer to back of kayak?

[@kylebuschfan3228]

How does this compare against a stern mount for fast current and many obstacles that can hit the front

[@sirwilliam7988]

Mr. I use to work on electrical stuff back in the day didn’t use any heat shrink over his connectors either. Teaching them bad habits. Lol

[@michaelpesenti7748]

so i can search for a kayak i really like and works for me and throw this Xi3 on it huh? i was looking at the old town auto pilot but this opens up a lot of options

[@marcwilkinson4817]

How do you think this would work mounted on the back of a kayak?

[@davidsteffen3860]

WS ride 135 kayak. used motor guide quick mount, I attached a black HDPE panel 12x12x1/2 to attach the quick mount (QM) base to. I used the existing 1/2 handle holes and handle washers to facilitate attachment. I used small rubber thin washers between HDPE and kayak. I added two holes 1/2 inch behind and outside the QM to get side to side stability. I filled the gap between the yak and HDPE on the new holes with a 1/2" thick large diameter rubber washer. Inside the new holes I used a thin large diameter rubber washer and a steel washer to distribute force and seal. It is solid. I used silicone around holes in Yak.

[@davidsteffen3860]

The front handle hole was just ahead of the quick mount base. I countersunk it some and hollowed the overlying plastic that seated there to receive it. The back handle hole was beneath the QM. To be able to use it to mount HDPE I bought a stainless T nut countersunk it an 1/8" into HDPE and drove it in. I bought a shorter 1/2 stainless bolt and washers to screw into the T nut that is covered by the QM base. The two back lateral stabilizing nuts protruded some so I drilled out a notch for them in the QM portion attached to the XI3. For the release I drilled a hole for the cord and attached a thick rubber washer. I used an eye bolt drilled into the QMXi3 portion as a pulls for the release. I sued a Garmin LVS12 Trolling Motor Shaft Mount 010-12846-01 to tie a cord to the top of the motor shaft for launch and retrieve from the seat. I could get everything from Ace hardware or Amazon.

[@xjonathanx79]

Minnkota power drive I pilot on Hobie PA14 - similar set up ?

[@bobdavis7853]

Hi Gene Thanks for instructional video. You think you have enough baits behind you? What a back drop. Lol Also braid on a baitcaster. Do you use a mono back fill on your spool?

[@Flukemaster]

Yes, I use a back fill to save money on braid.

[@seanlee9348]

Is the mounting plate needed or can you just use the quick release and mount that to your kayak?

[@MrBumbles2]

2 yrs later and what's your thoughts on bow mount on the ss127?

[@Rustico62]

Is there a mounting kit for and old town predator pdl?

[@YakJones]

I see people putting the fuse on a battery box in the back? Is that better or no big deal? And 60 amp for 6 gage? Not sure

[@stephenpetersen354]

If you have over current protection at 60 amps you should have 6 gage copper. 8 gage is for a 40 amp ocp. But maybe in a marine setting the temp derating is in your favor, what do I know.

[@philipdean1614]

I believe you are right. I just got done setting mine up with 8 gauge after watching this. Then found out it should be 6 gauge. Thanks for the confirmation

[@timrhodes9407]

Do they have a plat adapter for a 135 radar wilderness kayak ??How can I or who can I contact for info.So I can put a trolling motor on my kayak. Any help is greatly appreciated 🙏 🙂 Thanks Tim

[@oboys1502]

Do you have a follow up video when battery came in?

[@albertgarcia2885]

Cool vid. What kayak tournaments you fish where they allow motors? You know of any in texas?

[@Flukemaster]

I fish KBF tournaments.

[@LSMasonFoundas]

Great video...If my battery is gonna be right up in the bow with the motor do I need all the extra wiring or is it ready to be connected to a battery? TY

[@Flukemaster]

Just connect it to the battery but put the fuse on it as well.

[@dconcountry]

Do you have a link for the quick release bracket?

[@Mattnewell95]

I bought 10ft of wire like recommended and its not reaching far enough. Did he use 12ft?

[@matthewcompton9774]

How much space is needed on the bow to mount that motor?

[@jonathanwhite9051]

Great video! Gene, forgive me if this question is silly. I’m confused on my Motorguide Xi3 36” shaft there is a sticker on the wires coming from the motor (The ones you cut) that says use 6 gauge wire. The plug in your link is an 8 gauge plug. I search for a 6 gauge female plug and couldn’t find one. I’m confused as to wiring in this manner is okay. I’m definitely not saying it’s wrong, I just don’t want to damage my motor wiring it wrong. Any advice would be great! Thanks!

[@Woutdoorsy]

Im having the same thought .. what did you do?

[@seanycha]

Does 60amp breaker still work with 100AH batteries?

[@xeStingx]

Hello. I just recently installed the motor. I have power to everything and spot lock works but propeller isn’t moving when I’m testing it. Has anyone had this issue ? Does the propeller only work when it’s in water? Or do I need to call customer service and get another motor ? Thanks for your help

[@OhKee12]

Get ya an Old Town Sportsman Autopilot, comes with the motor installed already 😏💪💪🎣

[@Flukemaster]

Not the same quality as this kayak

[@rockyesan7029]

Hello very nice where do you get you kayak I want it red like you I hate painting.

[@Diegox479]

Can i do this using a minn kota ipilot? Great video

[@Flukemaster]

Yes but I heard that rigging the button to pull down is a little more difficult

[@darcdiego14]

How did you do the wiring to lower and raise the motor do you have a video for that as well

[@markconboy8366]

He has a video. He has a string tied to the head of the motor basically and another one that is hole punched into the foot pedal. There are many videos that show it. It just allows you to pull the trolling motor and lock it in place from your seat

[@rowchavalgeolin2108]

Nice set up! Where did you get your 8 gauge wire?

[@Flukemaster]

Amazon

[@charlesbeard954]

Why didn’t you mount the fuse by the battery?

[@trycatchangler]

Was a kit put together for all this?

[@Fishnfatman]

😎👍👊 good stuff

[@slknic7]

I really like the One Objective trolling motor mount. Wish I seen this before I mounted mine. 🙁 Hey Gene, I have question and maybe you will have an answer. Since I mounted the Motorguide Xi3 on my Bonafide. I notice it has pitch.. kind of leaning forward. Does the shaft have to be straight/vertical level when deployed?

[@dcgo44r]

I can answer that! And it's: yes! The shaft should be plumb. Now if anything it can be trimmed to fore (angle forward) so it will help your bow going up or at least staying level. Assuming you have it bow mounted. If on the contrary the motor points down, it will brings the bow down.. No bueno! More water resistance and possibly waves flooding your yak!

[@dcgo44r]

So I think you are good!

[@HUDY_95]

Hey gene got a question for ya! How long should I make the TRC cover if I am rigging up my bona fide SS 127 the same way you are?

[@Flukemaster]

I'm not sure. I usually measure the length that I need after installing and then let them know. They usually ship within a week. They also sell a standard size that should be pretty close.

[@punkinfingerz7439]

Just got an Xi3 secondhand, she's in fantastic shape and I have THIS piece @ <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="440">7:20</a> but I don't have the puck, the flat rectangle piece....I'd rather not have to buy the whole bracket set again anyone know where I can get only that piece?

[@SuperBoyd]

Bro you made it look easy and I'm not an electrician at all. Question though, you said offshore? Do you fish in saltwater because that look like a freshwater trolling motor.

[@billwiley7216]

He means offshore as in fishing weeds, rocks out in deeper water away from the shallow water near the bank where holding the boat in position over the area you are fishing cannot be done with something like a power pole. This is where the anchor feature comes in handy.

[@fiSHINsanity]

Greatness!

[@SpotlockBros]

If my battery box has a circuit breaker, do I still the fuse?

[@64c10shortstep]

Has anyone put together a kit to buy with everything you need yet. What does something like this cost to do.

[@xersrta890]

Hey flukemaster I recently purchased a xi3 55lb on the warning label for the battery wire it says motorguide recommends 6ga but I bought the 8ga like you said what’s the difference?

[@G_The_Fishing_Reel_Tor]

6ga minumum. OYu are using 8 is good

[@harahara10]

Thank you for this video. It really helps. I do not have any of the kayaks that One objective is currently making a mounting plate for and my kayak (ATAK 140) has a limited bow space. Is there any way you could possibly share the dimensions of the inside piece of the quick release bracket and the base of the XI3 trolling motor? Thank you again!

[@jamesdeml2995]

Good video. Noticed you did not seal any of the holes you drilled, are you not worried about water getting inside.

[@Flukemaster]

Not worried at all.

[@taggartcrenshaw4370]

Do you have a link to the cable that you used for the wiring?

[@Flukemaster]

You can find it on Amazon. There's several

[@linetherapyfishing]

What's your opinion on front mount trolling motor vs rear mount.

[@Flukemaster]

I want both.

[@fryeguy9939]

Hey Gene ... How much does how much does this motor weigh ... Motor, wire , battery, plate ?? With all the things I have added plus myself .. I am worrying about weight as I have the SS 107 ...

[@tysonholman3898]

I would also like this info. Thinking of doing the same with my 107.

[@paulburkhardt9405]

Same!

[@kevinlangdon6557]

Any reason this motor could not be mounted on the rear of a Kayak?

[@kevingonfishing6023]

How fast can you get with this?

[@jefferybarron929]

Nice job but I have to say the fuse could have been straight and the pigtail you connected to the trolling motor, shrink wrap on those unions.