If you own a pontoon boat and enjoy fishing, you may be wondering if you can install a trolling motor on it. It can be difficult to choose the best trolling motor for your pontoon boat. There are so many variables to take into account, including thrust, battery life, and the number of speeds. Read the article and learn more about trolling motors on pontoon boats. We also list the 7 best trolling motors for pontoon boats.
What Is A Trolling Motor
A small electric motor known as a trolling motor is used to propel boats slowly. Because they allow the boat to move without disturbing the fish, trolling motors are most frequently used on fishing boats.
For serious anglers who need to move precisely while fishing, it’s fantastic. The fact that trolling motors can be used on kayaks and inflatable boats is fantastic.
An outboard motor is inferior to a trolling motor for the following reasons:
- You won’t scare the fish away because it is much quieter.
- It doesn’t emit any fumes, so you can use it while fishing.
- Compared to an outboard motor, it is much less expensive to run.
- Without having to worry about running aground, you can use it in shallow waters.
- Compared to an outboard motor, it is much simpler to transport and store.
Types Of A Trolling Motor
There are two primary categories of trolling motors: transom-mounted and bow-mounted. The back of the boat is where transom-mounted motors are mounted. The front of the boat is where the bow-mounted motors are mounted.
The amount of thrust that each type of motor produces makes up the majority of the difference between the two. Typically, transom-mounted motors produce more thrust than bow-mounted motors.
Size Of A Trolling Motor
Greater power is preferable for trolling motors. The strongest trolling motor you can afford is what you should purchase because having more power than you actually need is preferable to lacking it.
As an absolute minimum, for every 400 pounds of weight on the boat, you’ll need about 5 pounds of thrust to move it forward.
Trolling motor power, in contrast to the power of a typical outboard motor, is expressed in pounds of thrust. As you might expect, the more thrust pounds a trolling motor has, the more powerful it is.
Trolling motors are however also offered in a number of different voltages (12, 12/24, 24, and 36 volts), which can make things a little more complicated.
More usable power is available at the propeller to move your boat through the water, the higher the trolling motor’s voltage rating.
A 36-volt trolling motor with 90 pounds of thrust will therefore be much more powerful than a 12-volt motor with 50 pounds of thrust.
Where To Mount A Trolling Motor
To mount a trolling motor, there are three common locations: bow, transom (rear), or engine. The benefits and drawbacks of each of these places will be discussed in this article.
Due to their considerable steering control when you’re moving through the water, especially when compared to a transom (rear) mount, bow mount trolling motors are frequently the most popular.
This increased boat control is due to the fact that a bow-mounted trolling motor pulls the boat through the water as opposed to pushing it from behind.
That said, bow-mounted trolling motors often cost more than alternate choices and occupy more space on your boat than a transom or engine mount would.
Due to their simplicity of installation, reduced footprint, and lower price than bow-mounted trolling motors, transom mounts are quite common among small boat owners.
A plate must be drilled onto the front of your boat in order to mount a bow mount motor. Contrarily, you only need to clamp a transom and mount the motor to the stern of your boat.
However, depending on where you plan to use your boat, transom mounts provide less precision in maneuverability, which could be a problem.
Engine-mount trolling motors are the last option. An engine mount trolling motor, as you might guess from the name, mounts directly onto the engine itself—more specifically, to the cavitation plate.
The fact that these trolling motors don’t take up any space on your boat makes them incredibly convenient.
Read more: How To Anchor A Pontoon Boat?
Best Trolling Motors For Pontoon Boats
Newport Vessels L-series 86-lb
One of the most well-liked trolling motors available is the Newport Vessels L-Series, and for good reason.
This sturdy motor is made for saltwater use, making it a great option for pontoon boats that will be used in the ocean frequently. With variable speed control and a maximum thrust of 86 pounds, the L-Series allows you to adjust your speed to the circumstances.
Pros:
- Durable design
- Affordable
- Saltwater-resistant
- Variable speed control
Cons:
- Plastic gears may fail over time
Minn Kota Edge 45 Freshwater Bow-mount Trolling
For small pontoon boats, the Minn Kota Edge 45 is a freshwater trolling motor. It has a maximum thrust of 45 pounds and 5-speed variable speed control. It is installed with a latch and door bracket to provide you with a secure grip while moving.
A sturdy, corrosion-resistant 45-inch composite shaft is another feature of the Edge 45. For precise control, it comes with a heel-toe cable steer foot pedal.
Pros:
- Cable steer foot pedal
- Has a max thrust of 45 pounds
- 1-1/4 power prop
- Features a 45-inch composite shaft
- Comes with a two-year warranty
Cons:
- Does not come with a weedless wedge
Newport Vessels Nv-series 36-lb
A saltwater trolling motor made for small and medium-sized boats is the Newport Vessels NV-Series. It has eight speeds, a 6-inch ergonomic telescoping handle for better control, and a maximum thrust of 36 pounds. A 12V lead-acid deep cycle battery is included.
Pros:
- Ergonomic telescoping handle
- 30-inch composite fiberglass shaft
- Durable and corrosion-resistant
- Adjustable transom engine mount
Cons:
- Problems with battery draining fast
Motorguide Xi5 Wireless
A trolling motor made specifically for use in saltwater is called the MotorGuide Xi5. Its maximum thrust is 80 pounds, and its LED dashboard is simple to read. Simple trolling motor status checks can be done using the dashboard.
The 48-inch composite shaft on the Xi5 is also made to be sturdy and corrosion-resistant. Additionally, the trolling motor is wireless, allowing for remote control from any location on the boat.
Pros:
- LED dashboard
- Precise GPS
- 24-volt motor
- 48-inch composite shaft
Cons:
- Some users found the motor to be underpowered
- Problems with software updates
Aquos White Haswing 12v55lbs
The foot pedal and wireless remote control for the AQUOS White Haswing Electric Trolling Motor are included. It is a trolling motor made for use in both freshwater and saltwater. The engine has variable speed control and a maximum thrust of 55 pounds.
The 38.4-inch composite shaft on the AQUOS White Haswing also uses a sacrificial anode to protect metal parts, enhancing durability and corrosion resistance.
Pros:
- Sacrificial anode to enhance protection of metal components
- Limited warranty
- Variable speed controls
- Wireless remote control and foot pedal
Cons:
- Lack of factory and manufacturer support
Motorguide Xi3
One of the most well-liked trolling motors available is the MotorGuide Xi3, and for good reason. Suitable for use in freshwater, this sturdy motor is built to last. Another great option for ocean boating is this one.
A forward digital variable speed control and a maximum thrust of 55 pounds are features of the Xi3. Grass can be easily cut with the aid of a 3bl machete that is included. A 12V lead acid deep cycle or lithium deep cycle battery is included.
Pros:
- Forward digital variable speed control
- Secure step, easy storage
- LED dashboard monitor
- 12V lead Acid Deep Cycle
Cons:
- None to list
Techdorm Electric Trolling Motor
Designed to function in salt water, the Techdorm trolling motor. It has a telescoping handle and a kayak- and fishing-boat-specific LED indicator. It has an aluminum head and a copper core that guard against rust.
5 forward and 3 reverse speeds are available on the motor. Its 6-inch telescoping handle allows for a more controlled ride. The remaining power is displayed by 10 lights on the LED dashboard. Not included with the motor is the 12-volt battery.
Pros:
- Satisfaction guaranteed warranty
- Adjustable angle and depth
- Telescopic handle
- 10 LED light indicator battery indicator
Cons:
- Battery sold separately
