MotorGuide Xi3-55SW 36" Kayak Motor - 12V - GPS - FOB

Unlock Effortless Kayak Fishing with Advanced Bow-Mount Power

Imagine gliding silently across the water, positioning your kayak exactly where the fish are biting, without constantly battling wind or current. The Xi3-55SW transforms kayak angling from a workout into a precision sport. Its compact 36-inch shaft fits perfectly on narrow hulls, while the featherlight build—under 25 pounds—means you can mount, maneuver, and manage it solo. Kayak anglers rave about how this motor lets them cover more water, stay on productive spots longer, and focus on the thrill of the catch.

What sets it apart? A blend of user-friendly engineering and cutting-edge tech tailored for real-world fishing conditions. From dawn patrols in foggy bays to chasing reds in tidal flats, this 12V powerhouse delivers reliable thrust without draining your battery prematurely.

Pinpoint GPS: Your Anchor in the Chaos

GPS isn't just a gimmick here—it's a game-changer for solo kayak trips. Hold your spot steady over submerged structure, even when crosswinds push at 15 knots or currents try to sweep you away. The system drifts less than a boat length, giving you confidence to cast aggressively without resetting position every few minutes.

Key modes include rock-solid anchoring, heading lock to maintain your drift angle, and route recording to retrace hot patterns from previous outings. Pair it with compatible chartplotters for overlaid waypoints, and you're essentially running a mini command center from your kayak seat. Anglers switching from manual poling often say it cuts repositioning time by half, letting them fish twice as many spots per trip.

Stealth Mode Activated: Whisper-Quiet Runtime

Fish spook at the slightest ripple or hum— that's why this motor's 40% quieter profile matters. Digital power management minimizes vibration, so you can idle over bedding bass or finesse crappie without alerting them. Paired with the three-blade Machete propeller, it slices through weeds and murky water with minimal splash, powering a fully loaded kayak at speeds up to 4 mph on a single charge.

Pro tip: In shallow flats under 2 feet, the breakaway mount flexes on impact, protecting the shaft while you back off logs or oyster bars effortlessly.

SecureStep: Stow and Go Without Breaking a Sweat

Stowing a motor from a kayak seat used to mean awkward lunges and strained backs. Not anymore. The SecureStep reduces deployment effort by half, with a cam-over lever that locks securely every time. Deploy in seconds, even in choppy water, and stow just as fast when paddling to the launch. This feature shines during multi-spot days, saving energy for casting and fighting fish.

Built Tough for Saltwater Warriors

Salt spray, brackish marshes, and relentless sun demand corrosion-resistant components. Sealed electronics, stainless hardware, and a rugged composite shaft shrug off the elements. The saltwater-rated design extends lifespan in harsh environments, with anglers reporting years of service after proper rinsing. Add the optional wireless foot pedal for hands-free control during drift fishing or flipping jigs.

Maximize Performance: Kayak-Specific Tips

• Battery Setup: Pair with a deep-cycle Group 27 for all-day runtime; monitor voltage to avoid deep discharges that shorten motor life.
• Mounting Hacks: Use a transom wedge for better thrust angle on flat-bottom kayaks; track-mount for quick removal at crowded ramps.
• Prop Tweaks: Swap to a higher-pitch blade for speed on lighter loads, or stick with stock for torque in heavy grass.
• Range Extension: Leverage GPS route playback to hit honey holes efficiently, stretching limited thrust into marathon sessions.

Real kayak captains emphasize dialing in trim angle for optimal efficiency—slightly bowed down in current keeps you planted without excess draw.

Why Kayak Anglers Choose This Over the Rest

In a sea of budget motors that whine, wander, or wear out fast, the Xi3 stands out for intuitive controls and dependable tech. Wireless remotes feel natural after one outing, and GPS precision rivals bigger boat setups. It's not the cheapest upfront, but the time saved and fish caught make it a smart long-term play for serious pursuits.