Trolling Motor for Pontoon Boat

[OxMo]

I'd like to tap into the experience of 'toon owners who have installed electic trolling motors. Is there a "best way" to do this? Not having purchased the TM yet, I'm leaning towared a tiller control. I'll be fishing a mix of salt and fresh water. In that regard, I'm looking at a Minn Kota Riptide. I can't say I am a "bass guy", so using a TM will be minimal (as required). So, the big question, as I see it, is mounting the TM, and how not to have it be cumbersome when not in use. Also, where do most of you store the second battery? With a 16' 'toon, realestate is limited. If there is a next time, I'll go bigger. Appreciate any suggestions or insight you may have to offer. I saw a home-brew setup from another guy . . . it seems workable, just wondered about what others are doing.<br /><br />Gary

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Trolling Motor for Pontoon Boat

I like this mount from motorguide. Small footprint and out of the way. There are other mounts that you can remove, leaving only 2 small flat flush mount plates on the deck. I can't find them right now, but will post when I do. I have the standard mount right now and it does OK. Still in the way of the front doorway a bit, but liveable...<br /><br />Problem is, this one is about $90.00.. <br />

<br /><br /><br />Mine:<br /><br /><br />

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Trolling Motor for Pontoon Boat

This was the one I was thinking of getting:<br /><br /><br /> web page

 

[Holdimhook]

Re: Trolling Motor for Pontoon Boat

I have the same one that rickd suggested and am very well pleased with it.

 

[Raybon]

Re: Trolling Motor for Pontoon Boat

I have a 20ft. Playcraft with a small removable bow section of railing. I installed a MINNKOTA Powerdrive, 40 lb. thrust(on sale at Walmart for $311.00). Works great! I was even able to replace the removable rail section with the motor installed. Small foot print, pull the motor/shaft straight up to lock and it takes up no more space, and you can operate it from anywhere on the boat with the remote foot control. <br />I put my deep cycle battery in a battery box and set it in the front corner.

 

[Mark Wheeler]

Re: Trolling Motor for Pontoon Boat

If you do get one of those mounts, remember that the motorguide has a 1 inch shaft and the MinnKota is 1 1/8 inch..

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Trolling Motor for Pontoon Boat

i highly recommend a wireless remote control motor. i have one on my 20 ft pontoon. it has been on 4 different boats. will not go back to manual control.

 

[Jeff Walkowiak]

Re: Trolling Motor for Pontoon Boat

I have a 16 ft and just mounted a salt water series 40 lb thrust on a homemade offset bracket on the back deck,, don't use it a lot but it works fine when I need it, I also mounted 2 batteries in boxes on the back deck.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=282488

 

[Jeff-in-PA]

Re: Trolling Motor for Pontoon Boat

I took my 55lb Minn Kota and put it on my '24 Starcraft pontoon with a $40 mount.
mount link at cabela's

big pic if you want to see details
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/JRD77VET/vacation/Oct 2008/DCP_4049.jpg

The battery is in the far box and the depth finder with temp is sitting on the close box. Power for the depth finder is also from the trolling motor battery.

I purchased a group 27 AC Delco deep cycle battery and I've gotten five years out of it so far.

Jeff

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Trolling Motor for Pontoon Boat

mine is setup, very similar.