Motorguide XI5 side plates

[parmo]

Has anyone had a problem with there side plates snapping off?
I was in the boat the other day and when i took of the right side plate landed on my deck, i noticed there was still two small pieces of plastic under the screws so the plastic has snapped where the lugs that the screw bites on are.

Then today i took the other side plate of and only one of the two screws was doing anything. the second screw had the piece of plastic snapped of aswell.
I do go pretty hard on the boat in some crap conditions but really didn't think this would happen.

Just looking to see if its a common thing so i have some idea when i try and get it fixed, hopefully under warranty but not holding my breath

[Nimbin157]

Seems to be a common problem with both major brands . Just recently purchased an Xi5 so i guess time will tell. You will notice there is some play when the motor is stored in the up position which may be slamming the bottom of the motor back into the top of the cradle on the side plates cracking them. I pull it up hard and secure it with the collar when underway on rough waters. Replacements shouldn't be to expensive considering 2 MK ones are around $70.

[CK]

Geez that aint good at all.
Will be watching here with interest as to what the cause is.

[parmo]

yea ill keep it updated, will ring where i bought it on monday and see, doesn't affect the performance without them.
Cant really fault the motor otherwise, still prefer it over my minn kotas.

[wizard]

I have never broken a side plate on a MK in 10 years....

[parmo]

i would prefer my motor guide without side plates or a foot pedal or a prop than another minkota

[Stephen Wilson]

I will say the same about MK never had a side plate break

[shappy]

Did have that happen to one of the mounts on the one side, I thought it was caused by me lifting it in an out of the boat between usage and storage. I super glued it and hasn't happened to any others yet and the repaired one has stayed put for months now