Troling motor on pontoon

[pikefisherman]

I have a Terrova 55 lb thrust trolling motor on a fishing boat, I would like to use it on a 20 foot pontoon for trolling or back up, Has any one used a set up like this or close? Wondering if the trolling motor will have enough thrust to pull the pontoon.

 

[dwco5051]

Re: Troling motor on pontoon

It will move you along fairly well as long as the wind isn't blowing. Pontoons have a lot of "sail area" and are more affected by the wind. Take a look at the side profile of a 20 foot bass boat and compare that to the same view of your pontoon.

 

[MaPaHa]

Re: Troling motor on pontoon

I use a basic trolling motor with a moderately long shaft that clamps on and it works fine, but I don't know what the thrust is sitting here. I keep it stored in my under floor storage on two hooks and bring it out and clamp it on when I want to fish. Pontoons move forward pretty easy but like stated, when the wind is gusty they get blown around. If you're fishing in calm to slightly windy conditions, it will do fine. The first time I sat on the front deck and skulled with a paddle I was amazed at how easy it moved around.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Troling motor on pontoon

It would beat a paddle.

 

[BOWMAKER1]

Re: Troling motor on pontoon

I have a 68lb thrust PD2 pontoon modle that is 24 volt on a Fisher 24ft boat and it works great. I use it to troll up to 2 mph or just control my direction while drifting. We are almost always moving while we are fishing. I don't think I used the anchor twice last summer. Try what you have, but get a quick release plate for it and if you find it just isn't enough you can always sell it and up grade.

 

[HarborRat]

Re: Troling motor on pontoon

I have a 55lb that I've used on every type of boat imaginable including a 24' toon. It will work fine without a lot of wind as others have said. It moved my 24'er about 2-3 mph, and got me home a couple miles when I had main motor problems a couple times. Bigger is better, but if ya got it, use it.

 

[pikefisherman]

Re: Troling motor on pontoon

Thanks guys, now if I had some open water to float the boats in.

 

[BigDfromTN]

Re: Troling motor on pontoon

I use a basic trolling motor with a moderately long shaft that clamps on and it works fine, but I don't know what the thrust is sitting here. I keep it stored in my under floor storage on two hooks and bring it out and clamp it on when I want to fish. Pontoons move forward pretty easy but like stated, when the wind is gusty they get blown around. If you're fishing in calm to slightly windy conditions, it will do fine. The first time I sat on the front deck and skulled with a paddle I was amazed at how easy it moved around.

Where do you clamp it? I have been thinging of doing the same thing but not sure how to attach. My thoughts are leaning toward a removable bracket mounted under the deck up front versus one on top thus becoming a toe catcher.

 

[richard.prince]

Re: Troling motor on pontoon

I have a 55# thrust and it seems to work fine with my 21'.

Where do you clamp it? I have been thinging of doing the same thing but not sure how to attach. My thoughts are leaning toward a removable bracket mounted under the deck up front versus one on top thus becoming a toe catcher.

My quick release is rounded and not metal so as not to rip your toes off (would only break it).

 

[BigDfromTN]

Re: Troling motor on pontoon

I have a 55# thrust and it seems to work fine with my 21'.



My quick release is rounded and not metal so as not to rip your toes off (would only break it).

LOL... That is what I would like to avoid.

Any one have pics of their mounts?
My fence goes all the way to the front of the deck so that complicates things a little.

 

[pikefisherman]

Re: Troling motor on pontoon

I will need to look when or if the temps come up and the snow melts around the boat. I was thinking maybe build up a spot with a board to mount the quick mount. And maybe make the board removable, my fence goes all the way to the front also.

 

[BigDfromTN]

Re: Troling motor on pontoon

I will need to look when or if the temps come up and the snow melts around the boat. I was thinking maybe build up a spot with a board to mount the quick mount. And maybe make the board removable, my fence goes all the way to the front also.

I have in mind to attach some sort of mount below the deck like one of the smaller receiver hitches. That way I can remove the motor and mount when not in use. I am also thinking of mounting it just off center to the left so as to clear the stop and ladder on the trailer. That way I can load on the trailer with out having to totally remove it. Just raise it and go.

Just my thoughts... What say others? Photos of any others would be nice.

 

[BatDaddy1887]

Re: Troling motor on pontoon

If you happen to have a small outboard in your garage not doing anything, then perhaps you could entertain the thought of mounting it to the back of your boat, as I have done. Works great and isn't too heavy. To control it, I use a 5ft. PVC pipe 2inch diameter and steer and throttle from the back seat position....works great You could also opt for steering brackets that turn it via your main motor. Although not the way I did it, photo 3 shows a really easy way to mount it.

 

[BigDfromTN]

Re: Troling motor on pontoon

If you happen to have a small outboard in your garage not doing anything, then perhaps you could entertain the thought of mounting it to the back of your boat, as I have done. Works great and isn't too heavy. To control it, I use a 5ft. PVC pipe 2inch diameter and steer and throttle from the back seat position....works great You could also opt for steering brackets that turn it via your main motor. Although not the way I did it, photo 3 shows a really easy way to mount it.

My thoughts on this thread have been centered around and electric motor on the bow.

BUT... You got me thinking. If we decide to do some trolling for Crappie etc. a kicker motor would be handy. Also brought to mind the inlaws have(or had) a small outboard in their shop out back. Some where around a 6hp as I recall. I may have to check that out and study on that a bit. Your set up looks like it would work!

Back to the electric motor. I did purchase a 42" shaft transom mount motor and did some looking at my toon. Decided to return it and get the "Pontoon" version with a 52" shaft. Since my fence goes all the way to the front of the deck and I do not wish to block any of the door way with any "Toe Catchers". I got a 2 foot long and 6 inch wide piece of aluminum plate. My plan is to bolt that to the under side of the deck into the front "C" channel, and then back into the first 2 "Z" bars. I then will attach the motor mount upside down to the aluminum plate. The Minn Kota Pontoon version has a swing open clamp for easy removal of the motor when not in use. the bracket will be down underneath the deck out of the way and will only stick out past the rub rail enough to clear the shaft. Due to the stop oh my trailer being center I will have to set the trolling motor to one side or the other of center by about 6-8 inches. Just ordered the motor from here on IBoats last night. Paid just a little more than I could have gotten one from Flea Bay, but felt it worth it to deal with a reputable company and support these forums! Also was still cheaper than buying local and having to pay the Sales tax.

I plan to take some photos and report back when done in a couple of weeks.

 

[BatDaddy1887]

Re: Troling motor on pontoon

Cool. How many batteries will you employ for that set-up and what are your ideas for storing/recharging them?

 

[BigDfromTN]

Re: Troling motor on pontoon

Cool. How many batteries will you employ for that set-up and what are your ideas for storing/recharging them?

My toon has a storage box in the front corner for a single battery and a plug in the side of the box. I plan to use a single battery at this time. IF needed later I will add a second battery in parallel in the other front corner. Charging in the beginning will be via charger at the camp site. I can leave boat in water and carry battery (or have son do it...) to camper.

Use of this is projected to be minimal and mostly while setting and running catfish lines. Possibly also for some fishing back in creeks. May also use it while drifting to stay off the bank or move aside while a barge passes.

I feel like a single battery will work fine for me. Guess I could run a "Charging" wire from the engine/cranking battery to the front to keep it charged while running. With that I think would be best to put a diode of some sort to avoid ever draining the cranking battery.

 

[BatDaddy1887]

Re: Troling motor on pontoon

Yeah, I guess you would want a trolling motor in the back creeks....can't really scare 'em away. For the charging wire, search the forum to see what others have done in that circumstance. Remember, each inch of wire robs charge and will increase charge time. Might be better to charge in the stern and hand-carry to bow when needed.

Our happy fishing grounds are about 11 miles out from the dock so we opted for a kicker motor to get us home in case we lose use of the 115. I don't think 1 or 2 batteries would have enough juice to get us all the way back........

 

[HarborRat]

Re: Troling motor on pontoon

...
I feel like a single battery will work fine for me. Guess I could run a "Charging" wire from the engine/cranking battery to the front to keep it charged while running. With that I think would be best to put a diode of some sort to avoid ever draining the cranking battery.

Single batt should be fine for you, but don't try and charge it with the engine....you'll probably kill your little alternator. Just charge it back at the dock/home overnight. You could add a solar cell to keep it charged up, but would only be worth it if you don't use the boat much...the little ones will not charge a low battery but will keep it topped off.

 

[BigDfromTN]

Re: Troling motor on pontoon

Single batt should be fine for you, but don't try and charge it with the engine....you'll probably kill your little alternator. Just charge it back at the dock/home overnight. You could add a solar cell to keep it charged up, but would only be worth it if you don't use the boat much...the little ones will not charge a low battery but will keep it topped off.

Thanks for the info. I will skip the charging cable. I can always add a second battery if needed.

 

[MaPaHa]

Re: Troling motor on pontoon

Sorry I missed this.

I just clap it on the front deck. My front deck is open and the clamp just barely goes over the thickness of the front rail around the deck (about 3 inches or so). Come to think about it, it's locked in what would be the "out of water" position so when it's clamped on the deck it goes straight into the water but it doesn't flip up. I just take it off.

I run mine from a #10 (maybe #8) wire running to the front with a plug. I use two interstate 29 series batteries (big ones) with a switch that goes from 1 or 2 to 1+2 to off. I usually leave it on 1+2 and run dual batteries. If I think I'm running them down I'll switch to one only so I don't have to paddle back because of a dead cranking battery. Like camping over night and running a fan or lights all night long.

Mark