MotorGuide Xi5 in Rough Sea, Robalo R200

Using MotorGuide Xi5 (36v, 72", 105lb thrust) in 2ft wind chops and 20mph winds, on my Robalo R200 in Santa Cruz, CA, fishing on top of small reefs. The trolling motor is able to hold the boat stationary within a ~10ft radius. This allows us to locate the boat precisely along the edge of the reefs where the fish feed against incoming current.
Here's how I installed the trolling motor onto my boat: forum.robalo.co...

[@SaltyStrikes]

Finally did a install and review ua-cam.com/video/ClSkh77YM1I/v-deo.html

[@adventurefishing3190]

So without the rail its even better?

[@fishandrib8672]

Should be. The rails really get into the way. For a boat with high sides like the R200, the rails aren't really necessary for safety. If I were to do it again I would get one without the rails,

[@Do-iz6qd]

Thanks for the video appreciated, though where you say prop cavitation at 1:51 is your unit able to go deeper?

[@fishandrib8672]

If you look at around 0:08, I left about 10~12 inches at the top, mainly to avoid the head of the motor hitting my bow rail. So if you don't have bow rails, you can lower the motor even more.

[@SaltyStrikes]

Fish and RIB so a 60” shaft would work if you lowered it all the way?

[@fishandrib8672]

@@SaltyStrikes It probably will, if the water is calm. Here in California the water is usually rough so a 72" is a must.

[@laukwvu]

I’m thinking of putting a 72” on my maycraft 2550. How far is your bow to the waterline? I have a rail as well and my bow sits up pretty high.
Thanks

[@fishandrib8672]

@@laukwvu My bow (from the top of the gunwale, excluding the bow rails) is 40" from the waterline. If you want to cut your bow rails, you can see how I did it in the link posted under the video.

[@mobredick]

how has reliability been? looking to get the same motor

[@fishandrib8672]

I've had it since Oct 2018 and it's been holding up well. My only complaint is the quick-release mount is very wobbly under heavy seas. I'll probably convert to a permanent mount using a thick aluminum plate.

[@mobredick]

@@fishandrib8672 Gotcha. Good to hear the motor is holding up quite well. I pray I don't run into any problems. I am mounting my quick release onto a half inch thick aluminum plate for extra support. I have everything now, just waiting on the motor to get here on Monday. Super excited!

[@adventurefishing3190]

Where do the batteries go

[@fishandrib8672]

They are inside the console. See forum.robalo.com/index.php?/topic/5666-trolling-motor-install-on-r200/