Do you have a Motorguide Xi3 trolling motor and are looking for a fish finder that will work with it? If so, you’re in luck! In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss what fish finders work with Motorguide Xi3 and provide you with a list of some of the best options on the market.
So whether you’re looking for a traditional sonar fish finder or something more advanced like GPS-enabled technology, we have you covered. Let’s get started!
What is a Fish Finder?
A fish finder is a device that uses sound waves to locate and identify fish underwater. Fishfinders can be used in both fresh and saltwater, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Some fish finders are designed for use on small boats, while others are made for larger vessels. There are also portable fish finders that can be used for ice fishing or kayak fishing.
How Fish Finders Work
Most fish finders work by using sonar technology to send out sound waves and then measuring the time it takes for those waves to bounce back. The speed of the waves depends on the density of the object they hit, so when the waves hit something as dense as a fish, they will bounce back relatively quickly.
By measuring the time, it takes for the waves to bounce back, the fish finder can determine how deep the water is and whether or not there are any fish in the area.
Types of Echo Sounders
There are two main types of sonar technology: traditional sonar and GPS-enabled sonar. Traditional sonar uses sound waves to create a picture of the bottom of the body of water, which can then be used to identify fish. GPS-enabled sonar, on the other hand, uses both sound waves and GPS signals to create a more accurate image of the bottom of the body of water as well as any objects that may be in it.
GPS-enabled sonar is generally more expensive than traditional sonar, but it is also more accurate.
There are four main types of fish finders: standalone fish finders, combination fish finders, fully networked systems, and multiple-display networked fish finders.
- Standalone fish finders are the most basic type of fish finder and usually just include a display unit.
- Combination fish finders include both a transducer and a GPS receiver,
- Fully networked systems also include a sonar module.
- Multiple-display networked fish finders are the most advanced type of fishfinder and can include two or more displays.
MotorGuide Xi3 Compatible Fish Finders
Now that we’ve gone over the basics of how fishfinders work and what types of echo sounders are available, let’s take a look at some specific models that will work with the Motorguide Xi3 trolling motor.
Garmin
The first fish finder on our list is the Garmin Striker Plus fourcv with Transducer, GPS Plotter, and CHIRP Traditional Sonar.
This fish finder is a standalone unit that includes a transducer, GPS receiver, and traditional sonar. It has a color display with a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels, and it comes with a built-in mapping system.
The Garmin Striker Plus fourcv also has an IPX seven waterproof rating, which means it can be submerged in up to one meter of water for up to 30 minutes.
Lowrance
Lowrance is a brand that produces high-quality fish finders. They offer several different models, all of which are compatible with Motorguide Xi3 trolling motors.
Lowrance’s HDS series is their top-of-the-line model and offers features like CHIRP sonar, side imaging, and down scanning. The Elite Ti is another great option from Lowrance, and it comes in at a lower price point than the HDS series.
Simrad
The Simrad GO12 XSE is a top-of-the-line fish finder that offers advanced features and functionality. If you’re an experienced angler who wants the best of the best, then this is the fish finder for you. The GO12 XSE comes with a built-in GPS receiver, CHIRP sonar, and downscan imaging, making it one of the most versatile and powerful fish finders on the market.
Simrad’s GO12 XSE is also one of the easiest fish finders to use, thanks to its intuitive touchscreen interface. The large 12-inch display makes it easy to see what’s going on beneath the surface, and the included sun cover protects the screen from glare.
Lowrance & Simrad: Required Equipment
If you want to use a Lowrance or Simrad fish finder with your Motorguide Xi3 series trolling motor, you’ll need to purchase the appropriate transducer adapter kit. The part number for the Lowrance adapter kit is 000-0127-57, and the part number for the Simrad adapter kit is 000-0127-58. You can find these kits at most marine electronics retailers.
Once you have the proper adapter kit, simply follow the instructions that come with it to install the transducer on your trolling motor. Once it’s installed, you’ll be able to view real-time sonar images on your fish finder display, giving you a big advantage when trying to locate fish in the water.
Humminbird
If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line fish finder that is compatible with the Motorguide Xi3 series, then you can’t go wrong with a Humminbird. Their units are packed with features and their transducers produce some of the clearest images on the market.
In addition, Humminbird’s customer service is excellent, so you can rest assured that you’ll be taken care of if you have any issues.
One downside of Humminbird units is that they can be on the pricier side. However, when it comes to fish finders, you get what you pay for. If you’re serious about fishing and want to up your game, then spending a little extra on a Humminbird is worth it.
Raymarine Axiom
The Raymarine Axiom is one of the most popular fish finders on the market. It is compatible with the Motorguide Xi3 series trolling motors. The Raymarine Axiom has a built-in GPS receiver and chart plotter.
This fish finder also has CHIRP sonar technology which gives you crystal clear images of fish and underwater structures. The Raymarine Axiom is a great choice for anglers who want a top-of-the-line fish finder that is compatible with their Motorguide trolling motor.
Fish Finders Features
There are a variety of features to consider when purchasing a fish finder. Some features, like GPS and navigation, are essential for any angler while others, like bottom discrimination and chart plotting, might not be as important.
What’s most important is finding a fish finder that has the features you need to make your fishing trips more successful. Here’s a list of some of the most popular features they offer:
- GPS/Navigation.
- Satellite Radio.
- Chart Plotting.
- StructureScan.
- Bottom Discrimination.
- AutoChart
- SwitchFire.
- Post-Gain Processing.
- History Scroll Back.
- Split-Screen.
- Four-Way Viewing.
MotorGuide Built-in Transducers
If you have a MotorGuide trolling motor, the chances are good that it came with a built-in transducer. These models are designed to be easily installed and they offer reliable performance.
The only downside is that they’re not always the most accurate or powerful transducers on the market.
If you’re looking for an upgrade, there are plenty of options available that will work with your Motorguide Xi3 trolling motor.
Additional Transducers to Access More Features
If you want to access the advanced features of Motorguide Xi3 Series trolling motors, like CHIRP sonar, Down Imaging, or Side Imaging, you’ll need to purchase an additional transducer.
The good news is that Humminbird and Lowrance produce a variety of compatible models that will work perfectly with your trolling motor.
Mounting a Transducer on Your Trolling Motor
Most trolling motors come with a built-in transducer mount. If your trolling motor didn’t come with one, or you’re looking to upgrade, you have a few options.
You can get a clamp-on transducer mount that attaches to the trolling motor shaft, or you can get a through-hull transducer mount that goes directly into the hull of your boat.
If you decide to go with a through-hull transducer mount, make sure to pick the right size and style for your boat hull. There are two main types of through-hull mounts: flush mounts and speed/temperature sensor mounts.
Flush mounts sit flush with the hull of your boat and are less likely to get caught on obstacles. Speed/temperature sensor mounts stick out from the hull of your boat and are more likely to get caught on obstacles.
Once you’ve picked out the right amount, you’ll need to install it. Make sure to follow the instructions that come with your mount carefully. Incorrectly installed transducers can cause serious damage to your boat and trolling motor.
How to Prevent Sonar Interference?
One of the main ways to prevent sonar interference is by using a transducer shield.
A transducer shield is a device that helps to deflect or absorb the sound waves that are emitted from your fishfinder. This can help to reduce the amount of noise that is sent out into the water, and ultimately make it easier for your fishfinder to work properly.
Another way to reduce sonar interference is by using a frequency shifter. A frequency shifter helps to change the frequency of the sound waves that are emitted from your fishfinder. This can help to make it easier for your fishfinder to pick up on signals, and ultimately make it more effective at finding fish.
Finally, you can also try to reduce sonar interference by using a noise-canceling fishfinder. A noise-canceling fishfinder helps to reduce the amount of background noise that is present in the water.
This can help to make it easier for your fishfinder to pick up on signals, and ultimately make it more effective at finding fish.
Conclusion
If you have a Motorguide Xi3 Series trolling motor, then you’re in luck. There are plenty of great fish finders on the market that will work perfectly with your trolling motor. In this guide, we’ve taken a look at some of the best options out there so that you can make an informed decision about which fish finder is right for you.
If you’re looking for a top-quality fish finder that is compatible with your Motorguide Xi3 trolling motor, any of the above models should serve you well. Do your research and pick the one that best suits your needs and budget.
We hope that this guide has been helpful and that you now have a better understanding of What Fish Finders Work with Motorguide Xi3 Series trolling motors. As always, if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to us via our contact page and we’ll be happy to help. Thanks for reading and happy fishing!
