Motorguide Xi3-55FW 36" Kayak Motor - 12V - Standard FOB

Imagine gliding silently across a misty dawn lake in your kayak, casting lines without the splash or whine of a disruptive motor. That's the everyday reality for anglers who trust the Xi3-55FW to elevate their freshwater pursuits. Tailored for kayak enthusiasts, this 12V bow-mount powerhouse delivers 55 pounds of thrust through a 36-inch shaft, blending precision engineering with effortless usability. Whether you're navigating tight coves or holding steady over a promising structure, it keeps you focused on the bite, not the boat.

Seamless Wireless Control for Hands-Free Fishing

Right from the start, the Xi3-55FW hands you full command via its included wireless remote—no clunky foot pedals or costly upgrades required. Picture this: you're reeling in a fighter while nudging your kayak into position with a simple thumb press. The intuitive controls handle speed adjustments, steering, and momentary power boosts, all from up to 150 feet away. Kayak anglers rave about how this frees up footwell space, letting you brace comfortably during those long sessions chasing bass or walleye.

Pinpoint GPS: Your Kayak's Smart Anchor

Upgrade to the optional Pinpoint GPS gateway, and suddenly your kayak becomes a high-tech fishing platform. Drop a virtual anchor that holds you rock-solid against wind and current, or engage heading lock to maintain your drift angle over schooling fish. Record routes for replaying those honey holes, and integrate with compatible chartplotters for layered navigation. In real-world tests on wind-swept ponds, users report spot-on accuracy that rivals bigger boat systems, minus the bulk.

Whisper-Quiet Operation That Won't Spook Fish

Noise is the enemy of stealthy kayak fishing. The Xi3-55FW runs up to 40% quieter than rivals, thanks to its brushless motor design and optimized gearing. That low hum lets you sneak up on bedding crappie or suspended stripers without sending them bolting. Pair it with the efficient 52-amp draw, and you've got all-day runtime on a standard 12V battery, even in challenging headwinds common to open-water kayaking.

SecureStep System: Stow and Go in Seconds

Transitioning from trolling to paddling shouldn't feel like a workout. The patented SecureStep makes stowing 50% easier, with a foot-activated lever that lifts the motor cleanly out of the water and locks it securely. Deploying is just as smooth—no wrestling with heavy shafts or fumbling pins. Kayakers transitioning from spot to spot appreciate how this saves energy, especially when portaging or chasing mobile fish in skinny water.

Built Tough for Kayak Demands

Crafted with corrosion-resistant aluminum and composite materials, the Xi3-55FW shrugs off freshwater splashes, UV exposure, and the occasional bump against rocky shores. The 3-blade Machete propeller slices through weeds and debris better than standard props, maintaining thrust where others bog down. Electric steering ensures responsive handling, mimicking the feel of a tiller outboard but with pinpoint control.

Enhance with Sonar and Beyond

Ready for electronics? Opt for the built-in 83/200 kHz sonar option to scan depths and mark fish directly from the motor head. It syncs seamlessly with popular fishfinders, overlaying motor data for a unified dashboard. Anglers often combine this with forward-facing sonar setups, turning their kayak into a structure-scanning machine for tournament-level precision.

Installation Insights for Kayak Owners

Mounting on a kayak is straightforward with the standard FOB setup. Secure the quick-release plate to your deck using through-bolts or heavy-duty adhesives suited for composites. Align the 36-inch shaft for optimal submersion—about 12 inches below the hull line—and route battery cables cleanly to avoid snags. Most setups take under an hour, and the compact footprint hugs the bow without cramping your casting deck.

Performance Tips from Seasoned Kayak Anglers

To maximize runtime, match your battery to the 52-amp max draw—Group 27 deep-cycle batteries shine here. In weedy bays, dial back to intermittent bursts to conserve juice. For GPS anchoring in currents over 1 mph, add a drift sock to fine-tune hold. Users note it excels on 10- to 14-foot kayaks, pushing hull speeds effortlessly while sipping power on low settings.

Long-Term Maintenance for Peak Performance

Keep it humming by rinsing with fresh water after every trip, especially in mineral-rich lakes. Inspect the prop for dings and grease shaft pivots annually. Store vertically to prevent seal flats, and update firmware via the app for the latest GPS tweaks. With basic care, Xi3 owners log thousands of hours without major issues, proving its reliability for dedicated kayak chasers.