Pontoons are not like your edgy-wedged fishing boat, rather they are different and offer a unique experience on the water. These are calm, flat, and bulky, and more like a recreational platform instead of a fast-acting boat. To run these boats fast on the water you need more power and thrust that is only possible with the help of the best trolling motor for pontoon boats. Just like the fact, all pontoon is not of the same size, structure, weight, and design, they may have specific needs of push force to keep them going on strong waves.
So, if you want to enjoy the full recreational package on your pontoon this spring season, you are going to have to take a look into these features, benefits, and the best options to understand these miracle motors better. best marine speakers
Things to Look for When Buying a Trolling Motor for Pontoon Boats
Table of Contents
The Reliable Brand
Due to the fact you have to stay away from worries and need a reliable trolling motor for your pontoon you have to consider reliable manufacturers that take pride in providing high-quality, reliable trolling motors for pontoon boats. You can search the market or check online and base your decision on the customer experiences and real, verified reviews.
What is the Best Trolling Motor for a Pontoon Boat?
The Size of the Pontoon Your Possess
As we said earlier, side imaging fish finders are different and come up with a different set of features and capabilities as compared to the down imaging fish finders so we have to make sure we get the best one. To let you know about the most important things that you should consider before you choose to use a side imaging fish finder, here are some points to consider:
Divide your boat’s weight by 100 and then multiply by 2. The answer will be the approximate value of thrust you should look for in a trolling motor for your pontoon.
Motor Thrust and Power
Since pontoons are not small boats and they don’t have a shape that can cut through the water pressure and waves, you should look for the powerful thrust and consider not to compromise by purchasing lower thrust and power.
Saltwater Motors vs. Freshwater Motors
Though any of the trolling motors would work in both kinds of water conditions if you pick a specific one that has been made to be used in freshwater or saltwater, you may notice that saltwater trolling motors are more resistant to corrosion and are sturdier as compared to the freshwater motors. But if you can take good care of the motor by cleaning it after using any of the motors would work fine with both water conditions. Learn more about minn kota endura c2 30 freshwater transom mounted trolling motor.
Customized Speed Settings
It is always a good thing to have customized speed settings because if you are running at a single speed with no control over it you will not be able to enjoy and roam through the water the way you need. For better control over movement and speed, customizable features are better options.
Extension Handle Installation
In some motors, you may get an option to add an extension handle. You might need this feature if you have to install the motor away from your access point.
Value-added Features
Some motors also offer some extra features like Autopilot, copilot, and wireless piloting. These features could be analyzed to see if you need them and benefit to make it easier to control and operate the boat.
Appropriate Shaft Length
The shaft length of the boat is also important because you should have a safe length to keep the pontoon safely running under any type of water condition. Mostly, when you look through the options available the shaft length is around 48-60 inches which are considered safe for average pontoon boats. For deeper water, you may need longer shafts.
In addition to these features, you should look for the charging and battery options and look if you could customize it using some add-ons like a Battery meter, rubber bottom, etc.
Top 5 Best Trolling Motor for Pontoon Boat for You to Buy
We have sorted a list of five most suitable trolling motors for the pontoon that you may see and compare and pick the right one without any trouble:
Newport Vessels 8 Speed 55 Pound Thrust Electric Trolling Motor
As its name depicts this tolling motor holds the power to create a 55-pound thrust to run your pontoon at an optimum speed. It also offers 8-speed options to help you customize the speed requirements and power as per the water conditions and your preferences.
It does not heat up and stays cool so that you can use it for a day-long trip in water. It is best for use in saltwater as the structure of the motor has been made of stainless steel and it will not corrode no matter how long you use it in water.
It comes with a 30-inch fiberglass shaft that is good for medium pontoons and a medium level of depth in water. The 6-inch handle that is extendable with 5 forward and 3 reverse level speeds provides full control on the motor positioning and speed for a smoother and stable ride across the water. Learn more about minn kota pontoon deckhand review .
It also offers 5 point battery meter LED so that you get instant charge reading of the battery.
Pros
- Stainless steel, zinc, and magnesium materials
- Corrosion-resistant
- Suitable for saltwater/freshwater
- 5 forward 3 reverse speed action
- 6-inch handle
- 30-inch fiberglass shaft
Newport Vessels Saltwater NV-Series 36 lb. Thrust Transom Mounted Electric Trolling Motor
This saltwater trolling motor is perfect for small or medium sizes pontoons. This one comes with a 36-pound thrust so it would be enough to push a pontoon weighing around 1800 pounds-2200 (estimate based on the rule of thumb discussed above).
It comes with a 30 inches shaft made of composite material fiberglass with a nylon mount for heavy-duty performance. The motor offers 8 different speed levels that include 5 forward and three reverse speeds for better control and speed customization.
Newport Vessels Saltwater NV-Series 36 lb. Thrust Transom Mounted Electric Trolling Motor
The battery meter is also there with 5 point measure to assure on-time replacement or charging of the battery.
The motor is perfect for use in saltwater conditions as well as in freshwater because of its sturdy structure made of stainless steel.
Pros
- Suitable for saltwater/freshwater
- 30 inches shaft
- 36-pound thrust
- Battery meter
- 8-speed levels
Motorguide 80FW Xi5 Trolling Motor
This smooth digital technology trolling motor is perfect for pontoon boats. It works quietly and comes in both saltwater and freshwater versions. The Xi5 is designed to provide maximum control through the remote/wireless pedal. The composite shaft and 80-pound thrust make it perfect for moving your pontoon at a higher speed. It reflects the next generation of digital technology that goes beyond the expectation of the users.
Pros
- 80-pound thrust
- Wireless control
- Easy, low-profile mount
- Digital technology
- Reliable and durable
- Suitable for saltwater/freshwater
Minn Kota Powerdrive V2 Pontoon Boat Trolling Motor
Minn Kota is one of the best trolling motors available on the market providing smooth 68-pound thrust, high power, and quiet trolling with a sturdy motor. It comes with a 48-inch shaft that provides better control in deep waters.
The easy release lever is there for the fast motor start and sidewise steering pedal. The pedal provides speed control with precision and accuracy with the help of a speed knob for better and accurate control. The digital maximize feature assures better and longer battery performance. The motor comes with a 3-year warranty.
Pros
- Bearing system for reduced friction
- Durable motor
- Longer battery life
- 68-pound thrust
- Speed control knob
MinnKota Maxxum 80 Bowmount Trolling Motor
Minn Kota comes with variable thrust levels ranging 80 pounds, 70 pounds, and 55 pounds providing the maximum performance for better control. Both the foot pedal and the hand control are there for you to use so that you can easily control the motor as per your needs. The composite shaft offers power and is durable enough to withstand enough force underwater.
The motor stays cool despite you are going to use it for a long haul. The weedless Wedge Prop assures better performance with lesser hassles. It offers Bowguard 360 bracket for easier clamping and release. The tilt tiller provides maximum control on the handle. The motor features 8 speeds including 5 forward and 3 reverse speed options. It comes with a 2-year warranty for better customer satisfaction.
Pros
- Easy motor detachment
- 2-year warranty
- 52 inches sturdy shaft
- Does not heat up
- 8-speed options
- 80, 70, and 55 pounds thrust
FAQ’s
Get The Trolling Motor For Your Pontoon Boats Now.
Ever heard of a trolling motor? If not, defining it is not so easy. In general terms, a trolling motor is a self-contained unit including parts such as an electric motor, controls, and propeller, and controls. The trolling boat is a means of secondary propulsion and is used in fishing. It provides auxiliary power for the precision of the boat. It enables the angler to cast the bait in the exact location of the fish. Such trolling motors are mounted in the bow.
The pontoon boats generally don’t come with a trolling motor installed in them unless it was designed specifically for anglers. So, if this is not the case, you need to choose your trolling motor and add to your boat the Best Trolling Motor for Pontoon Boat. Fortunately, it is easy to find the right trolling set up for your pontoon boat. All you need to do is a little bit of research so that you exactly know what that you want for your motor. Here are the most frequently asked questions
What Is The Brand That I Should Go For?
The brand of the motor is extremely important as it is the brand that determines the quality of your motor. Reputed brands will offer better services than the less reputed ones. The good brands also offer a long time warranty and hence are better security for your money.
Should I Go For Gps? Is It Worth The Money?
Yes, definitely. Gps feature helps in tracking the fishes in a much effective way and hence will help you get better results and is worth the price.
How to determine the thrust required for the boat?
The best way to determine this is to divide the weight of the boat by 100 and taking the answer and multiplying it by two. This will give you the approximate thrust required and thereby allow you to select the best motor for yourself.
What gauge wires do I need to use?
Most motors use 10 gauge wires of 3 to 5 feet, but if you wish to go for longer runs, you’ll need to use something heavier.
What special features should I consider while getting my new Trolling motor?
There are many special features but a few of the most important ones are:
1. The durability of the motor during saltwater fishing
2. The feature to vary the speed judiciously.
3. These may also include the copilot and autopilot features which are very helpful.
4. The piloting capabilities with a wireless system to be used anywhere onboard.
What Size Trolling Motor for 24′ Pontoon Boat?
Below you can find some essential info to consider before you buy, including some FAQs that were sent to me via Facebook, where there could be some additional considerations. You want a 24-volt motor that comes with about 80 pounds of thrust, the Minn Kota Terra Nova being the recommended one. But before you buy though, here are some questions and considerations that should be taken into account. Figuring these things out is essential to making certain that you pick the best trolling motor for your pontoon.
How to choose a trolling motor?
There are many different types of motors available for boats. Some motors are made specifically for fishing, while others are designed for general use. Motors come in many shapes and sizes. A few important features include thrust, controls, durability, and size.Variable speed motors are used to make boats move forward and backward.
Do I need a professional to install a trolling motor?
Trolling motors are fairly simple but require some knowledge about how to use them. You may need help installing them. They can be heavy, so they might be hard to lift.
Do I need to buy batteries?
Trolling motors don’t come without batteries. You need to buy them first before connecting them to your trolling motor, and this VMAX battery will do the job perfectly.
Can I use a trolling motor as my only engine?
A small boat needs to be powered by an outboard motor or a trolling motor. Most kayaks are made for people who want to paddle around lakes, rivers, and oceans. Kayakers tend to use small boats because they are easy to maneuver and control.
Where on the boat does the trolling motor go?
The bow is usually the front part of a boat, and the stern is usually the back end of a boat. You usually see boats with an outboard motor at the stern, and most boats have two engines.
Why You Need a Trolling Motor on Your Pontoon?
Trolling motors are great ways to fish. They help you stay in place while fishing. There are many different types of trolling motors available. Some are more affordable than others. You should choose what works best for you.
Where Do I Mount It on My Pontoon?
You have three different locations and corresponding trolling motor types: bow mount. Transom mount engine mount. Bow mount trolling motor is very popular on pontoon boat because pulling rather than pushing make the boats easier to maneuver in windy conditions. If you do choose a bow-mount trolling motor then the best location on your pontoons is right in front of the gate. If you’re searching for a cheaper option or you don’t want to put something on your bow, transoms mount trolling motors can be a great choice. Many fishermen like them for simplicity since they steer in a similar manner to outboard engines.
Engine mount trolling motors are fixed on the cavitation plate of an outboard motor. You don’t have any need to stow or deploy these. They are remotely controlled together with the outboard motor.
What Size Trolling Motor Do I Need?
Pontoon boats require more than half horsepower to move them around. You should get a motor that provides at least twice the required horsepower. However, if you’re going to use the pontoon boat as an accessory, you’ll need a smaller engine.
Where is the Best Place to Install a Trolling Motor on a Pontoon?
A bow-mounted pontoon trolling motor is the perfect choice for most people. You get better control and easier access to the water. You also get better visibility and better maneuverability.
What size trolling motor do I need for my kayak?
A trolling motor should be powerful enough to get you moving quickly, but not so powerful that it causes problems. You don’t want to use up too much battery charge or else you’ll run out before you reach your destination.
We have discussed here some of the best trolling motors for pontoon so that you get an idea of which features would be helpful and how you are going to make the most out of your trolling motor on the pontoon. Among the listed five options the Minn Kota and Motorguide offer better features along with better speed control and durability as well as performance in different water conditions and depth.
Though Newport Trolling motors also offer better features and facilitate pontoon enthusiasts to get the most out of their pontoon adventure. Just try to choose the one that matches complies with the weight of your boat so that the speed and performance are not compromised in any water condition.
