MotorGuide Xi5 80Lb 72" Trolling Motor

Motorguide Xi5 80Lb trolling motor - Head assembly - cracked plastic – Purchased a Motorguide Xi5 80lb 72 inch in February 2023. I have had the unit back to the rep a number of times for cracked plastic components. The main problem is with the plastic head assembly on the motor. The head assembly was most likely cracked before the point of sale. From March 2023 till August 2023, I have had 3 head assemblies crack and will require a fourth replacement.

The third head unit replaced by the Motorguide dealer has cracked again at the same location near the retaining bolt. Please refer to the attached images.

Usage. -This trolling motor has been used twice since I've had it. Calm conditions -The boat has not been trailered on rough roads -After the third head unit I started to store the motor in the deployed position and down. This was to ensure there was no pressure on the head unit from the curly power cord. -The unit has never been lifted or deployed by handling the plastic head unit. I only used the metal column. -The boat is always stored inside a garage and has no direct sunlight. -Motor has been cleaned in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. -A Trailblazer trolling motor supports the motor's column when the motor is not deployed. -The curly cord has never been overly wrapped around the metal column.

So what is wrong with the motor that is causing the problem? -Poor design and manufacture? This is a given. (Have a look at the difference between a Motorguide and Minn Kota head assemblies) -Is there a dodgy batch of plastic components? (Probably, but the design of the attachment is poor to start with. It was designed to fail). -Is the column diameter smaller than the head unit plastic? (will find out) -Is the column head out of round or squashed? (Will find out. This might occur if the bolt was over-tightened) -Was the bolt over-tightened? (Other plastic comments on this unit were cracked from the factory. If the bolt was over-tightened, then it was before the point of sale) -Is there too much pressure exerted on the head assembly from the curly cord? (Maybe...The fulcrum is positioned a fair way from the centre of the column. Other brands of trolling motors have the power cord mounted closer)

It is interesting that the Motorguide Manual for this product never mentions that the unit can be deployed, rotated or stored by handling the head assembly. It only mentions that the 'column' is used for these functions. Minn Kota specifically states that these functions can be done by using their head assembly. Makes total sense that the motor should be handled via the head assembly. In this instance, a slippery wet column is not a good thing, especially if your hand slips and the head assembly falls off. (yes, a slight pun)

I'm happy to work with the Motorguide dealer, but we can't keep persisting with the same problem on this particular motor. The warranty on this motor is slipping away and I'm worried that I will be stuck with a lemon and no recourse.

Images

First Head Unit (Image 3/04/2023) 20230403_134641_1st_Head Unit.jpg 20230403_135441_1st_Head Unit.jpg

The first head unit direct from the purchase was cracked on both sides where the attaching bolt is. Notice the amount of thread visible from beyond the nut.

The second head unit (Image 6/04/2023) 20230406_122706_2nd_Head Unit.jpg

The second head unit also cracked at the same location near the mounting bolt. Notice that the amount of thread is similar to the original images (03/04/2023). This head unit also split with the head unit cover coming away from the base.

The third head unit (Image 12/08/2023) 20230812_113632_3rd Head Unit.jpg 20230812_113649_3rd_Head_Unit.jpg The crack is worse than in previous assemblies.

I'm waiting to hear back from the dealer to see what the next course of action will be.

Update: 23/0/2023. Motorguide - Mercury Marine Australia has responded with this: Suggestions to prevent re-occurrence. -Ensure the cross bolt is not over torqued -Ensure the customer is not using the head as a handle to stow and deploy the unit. -Ensure the shaft is well supported with a RAM mount or Lecky leg to prevent excessive bouncing and vibration in transit on the water or road.

My response. -The head was cracked at the point of sale and cracked after repair by a marine mechanic. If the bolt was any looser it would fall out. The problem is clearly the poor design. -Using the head unit to deploy and stow the motor. I knew Motorguide would throw this rubbish into the mix. I have never used the head unit to deploy or stow the motor. This being said. Motorguide instructions do not specifically state that the head unit cannot be used for this purpose, they only say to use the shaft. This is a ridiculous cop-out by Motorguide. The competition 'Minn Kota' specifically states that the head unit can be used to stow and deploy the motor, it even has ribs on the plastic to assist with grip. I bet most Motorguide owners have no idea that they can use the head unit to stow and deploy. -I have used a Trailblazer trolling motor support since the motor was installed.

Looks like I will have a battle on my hands to get a refund for this substandard product.