Last updated on November 5th, 2022 at 07:44 am
Gone were the days when Pontoons were used only for pleasure cruising and water sports, people are now using pontoons for fishing but this boat is not primarily designed for fishing purposes. Therefore, having a trolling motor that can harness the full power of pontoon boats will benefit you immensely. Buying a trolling motor for pontoon boat can create a huge impact on your fishing and boating abilities. Plus with the best trolling motor for pontoon boat mentioned below, you can silently and effectively drag your boats and get a better catch.
Things to Consider Before Buying
You don’t have to worry if you don’t have much knowledge about trolling motors. After reading this buying guide selecting the right trolling motor for pontoon boat will become an easy task for you. Let’s get started.
1. Mount Location
The first thing you need to consider before buying a trolling motor is where you are going to mount it. Different models feature different places to mount the motor. the main mount options are bow, transom and engine. Each one of these mount regions has their pros and cons.
The best among the three of these is bow mount trolling motor, as with this motor you will be actually dragging your bait around the lake just by the power of your motor. Therefore, with the help of this trolling motor, you will not have to troll anymore and also the noiseless characteristic of this motor will not drive the fishes away. For fishermen, this trolling motor will be the best fit.
Also, to control the boat with a bow mount trolling is far much easier. But installing a bow-mounted motor can become a little tricky. Therefore, some anglers love the convenience that the engine mounted trolling motor offers.
2. Pontoon Boat Trolling Motor Shaft Length
A shaft length of appropriate length can make your trips comfortable and chaos-free. For most of the boats, choosing the shaft of right is not a problem. But for pontoon boats, you have to be very careful as they have high decks. Therefore, the best for you is to consider the length of the decks your pontoon boat has before making a purchase.
Many companies offer variable ranges of shaft length. So, finding the shaft of the right length for your pontoon boat will not be not so hard.
3. The thrust of Trolling Motor
Trolling motor with limited and low power will give you nothing but regret. Pontoon boats are larger than V-hull boats and do not have any hydrodynamic power features. Therefore, look for the highest thrust trolling motor.
There is a traditional method by which you can calculate the amount of thrusting your boat needs. For calculation of thrust, you need to divide the total weight of your boat in pounds by 100 and after that multiply the result by 2. The answer you will get is the amount of thrusting your boat needs.
This traditional method can provide you rough estimation, but better for you is that you don’t rely solely on this method. So, I’d recommend that you do as strong as you can. A thrust of 65, 70 or even 80 pounds will be enough to make you happier. When the thrust of this range will be coupled with a 24 or 26-volt battery system, then you will be trolling like you are in the air.
4. Advanced features
Do you want a trolling motor with some additional features? Well, who doesn’t? These features are not important but they can have a huge impact on your boat’s optimal performance. Following are some of the features:
- GPS capability
- Remote steering control
- Movable parts
- Variety of speed levels
- Corrosion resistance for saltwater fishing
Top 10 Best Trolling Motor for Pontoon Boat
1. Newport Vessels Kayak Series 36lb Thrust
Key features:
• Kayak shaft
• 24” shaft
• Battery indicator
• Extra long cable for flexible battery placement
• 1-year warranty
• Saltwater rated
This pontoon boat trolling motor is designed especially for saltwater use. This motor has a shaft of length 24” which offers variable depth placement. This shaft is made from fiberglass which is a durable material and offers quality performance.
With the 5 LED lights you can keep a check on your battery level. The motor has a speed range of 8 variables, 3 Reverse and 5 forward. It is made from stainless steel hardware and is an all-aluminum motor which provides it additional durability. Last but not the least, to ensure proper weight distribution 5’6 inches extra-long battery placement is also present. All these features make it the best transom mount trolling motor.
Customer Reviews:
Users have shown a positive response regarding this product. With a rating of 4.4 this trolling motor is definitely a people pleaser.
2. Cloud Mountain Electric Motor Pontoon Boat
Key features:
• Reinforced with Nylon, Aluminum and Fiberglass
• Durable and powerful
• Multiple thrusts
• Can be used in both saltwater and freshwater
• 1-year warranty
For your pontoon boat fishing set up, you need a high-quality trolling motor that will make your experience more enjoyable and professional. This trolling boat from Cloud Mountain is strengthened by the Nylon bracket, which has high resistance against abrasion. Because of this factor, this motor promises high strength and good stability for dimensions. Not only the motor, but its shaft is also highly durable as it comes with fiberglass composite. This fiberglass has resistance against high corrosion and provides tensile strength.
The fact that the pontoon trolling motors allow eight variable speed ranges which can be split into,3sp Reverse and 5sp Forward is the reason why people love this product so much.
This motor has some more features also, like the six-inch telescoping handle which allows control over the motor and the 10-LED lights that act as an indicator so that you can keep an eye on your battery easily.
Because of the nature of fiberglass that makes it very resistant against the corrosion, this trolling motor apart from freshwater can be used in salt water also. This feature makes this product an ideal choice, therefore, you can use it on all kinds of boats, kayaks, dinghies and pontoon boat.
Customer Reviews:
A rating of 4.2 is given by its users. The fact that the manufacturers have provided a warranty of 1-year to this trolling motor says that they are pretty confident in their product, so you can’t go wrong with this motor.
3. Newport Vessels Thrust 55-lb Electric Trolling Motors for Boats
Key features:
• 55lb thrust
• 30-inch composite fiberglass shaft
• 6” telescoping handle
• Saltwater compatible hardware
• 5-point LED battery
• Two-year warranty
The manufacturers have designed this motor uniquely and is manufactured with high-quality materials. This Trolling Motor with 55-lbs thrust is electrically engineered and provides durability and strength by its Stainless-Steel Hardware. The head of the motor is made from Durable Aluminum and the shaft with Composite Fiberglass.
If you’re looking for a motor with a long shaft, then this product is the answer to your prayer. Its shaft has a length of 30’’ and is adjustable as well. This trolling motor can run by any 12-volt deep Cycle battery or Marine battery, and will not produce any noise and excessive heat. This feature is the main reason why the users are highly satisfied with it.
Customer Reviews:
Because of its features like, easy to install, long battery life and most importantly low noise level people are deeply satisfied with it and has given this product a rating of 4.6.
4. Newport Vessels NV-Series Electric Trolling Motor
Key features:
• 36lbs thrust
• 30-inh fiberglass shaft
• 8 speed control system
• 12-volt battery
• 5-point LED meter
• 6-inch telescoping handle
The best electric motors pontoon boats are built in such a way that they can stay with you for a very long time. This durable motor with its 30-inch shaft can fit almost all kinds of boats. If you want to invest in a motor that will increase the reliability and performance of your pontoon boat, then consider this option as this motor provides speed and efficiency. It doesn’t create much noise so that you can do your work without getting disturbed.
Not only this, the motor comes with an eight-speed control system. This 3-reverse and 5-forward speed range can provide you a smooth and controlled ride. Also, the motor is powered by a 12-volt battery and to keep your motor in control it comes with a two-blade propeller.
Customer Reviews:
A rating of 5 stars by 79% of the people shows how greatly people are pleased by this trolling motor. because of its features and durable material this motor will not let you down.
5. Newport Vessels NV-Series Transom Mounted Electric Trolling Motor
Key features:
• Ultra-quiet and efficient motor
• 46lb thrust
• 30” fiberglass shaft
• Saltwater compatible hardware
• 2-year warranty
NV-Series has created many electric trolling motors for pontoon boats. This motor is electrically engineered and has a thrust of 46lbs. To make this motor durable and resistant to corrosion it is manufactured with aluminum. And the shaft is made of composite fiberglass with a 30-inch depth placement. All these factors are designed carefully so that the user can have ultra-quiet fishing experience.
The ergonomically designed 6-inch telescoping handle and eight-speed variable range will make your ride comfortable and the durable hardware material made from magnesium, stainless steel and zinc will provide strength for saltwater medium. All these features will turn your ride into a completely new experience and versatility. Last but not the least, a 5-point LED indicator is also present to give you the indications regarding battery life.
With all these features and benefits, your fishing boat with a trolling motor will help you to enjoy your boating and fishing trips.
Customer Reviews:
This trolling motor has received a rating of 4.6. Therefore, you can assume that how deeply satisfied people are with this product.
6. Minn Kota Edge Bow mount Trolling Motor
Key features:
• Indestructible Composite shaft
• Latch and door mount for easy removal
• Ergonomic cable-steer foot pedal
• 5 forward speeds
• Two-year warranty
This Minn Kota pontoon boat trolling motor comes with a latch door and bracket. This motor offers a thrust of 45lbs and its shaft lengths comes is different ranges. You can even have a shaft length of 36-inches.
This trolling motor is foot operated and is very resistant to corrosion. Its head is made from composite fiberglass and has marine-grade, ultra-tough anodized aluminum spine. With this sturdy and powerful motor your trips will become very enjoyable. Also, this product comes with a warranty of 2-years. Therefore, you don’t have to worry much about this motor.
Customer Reviews:
This great motor has received a rating of 5 stars by 69% of the people .
7. Minn Kota Maxxum 80 Bow Trolling Motor Mount for Pontoon Boat
Key features:
• 52” shaft length
• Variable speed motor
• 80lbs thrust
• Bowguard 360 degree
• Indestructible composite shaft
• Push-to-test battery gauge
• Digital maximizer
This 80-pound thrust trolling motor is well-known for its 360 mount Bowguard and it is perfect for large boats that weigh up to 4,000 pounds. The unique wheel handle will make the navigation and tilting incredibly easy, while with the help of hand level motor speed can be easily maintained. Thus, this trolling motor for pontoon boat will make your ride reliable and comfortable.
The precise steering wheel and the motor will run easily even in the harsh environment. This product comes with a lifetime guarantee of the motor shaft and a two-year warranty of other components.
Customer Reviews:
This Minn Kota 80lbs trolling motor really lives up to the expectations of its users and has a rating of 4.0 on amazon.
8. Minn Kota Endura C2 50 Transom-mount Trolling motor
Key features:
• 5 forward speed and 3 reverse speed for maximum control
• Reliable performance
• Flared blades
• Available in 30, 40 and 50 thrust models
• Unique bearing system
• 2-year warranty
This Minn Kota Pontoon Trolling Motor will provide you added value and high performance because of its exceptional built features. This trolling motor for small boat comes with larger brushes, commutators and windings that will result in the reduction of noise. By this feature you don’t have to worry about scaring away the fish.
Because of the high-efficiency motor operation, it will not overheat and produce excessive noise. This in return also helps to conserve the battery life, resulting in extended battery time. With the 6-inch telescoping handle you can have the pleasure of comfortable steering and with 50lbs sustained thrust you will get to enjoy more time in the water.
Customer Reviews:
This trolling motor is from one of the best pontoon boat brands and it ticks all the major boxes. With a rating of 4.7 this motor is ranked number 1 best pontoon trolling motor.
9. Motorguide 80FW Xi5 Trolling Motors for Pontoon Boats
Key features:
• Low profile mount
• Available in 55, 80 and 105lbs thrust
• Variable speed motor
• LED light indicators
• Two-blade prop
• Composite shaft
• Shaft length of 45”, 54” and 60”
This Xi5 model is the only model of Motorguide that offers GPS. Not only this, it is the best GPS trolling motor. Also, this trolling motor also features a range of thrust options like, 55, 80 and 105lbs. so, that you can choose the thrust level according to your need. Normally, for boats that weigh 4000 pounds 80lbs is recommended. But for larger pontoon boats 100 pound thrust trolling motor will be needed.
This new quiet model from Motorguide runs smoothly over the water and it can also work in saltwater environment. With LED light you can easily determine the battery power you are left with. It is installed with wireless pedals that are standard with freshwater and its hand remote is standard with saltwater models.
This Motorguide pontoon trolling motor Xi5 model also has the following updates, you can have a look at them to see what kind of update you want.
- Pinpoint GPS
- Advanced GPS powered boat control
- Sonar: built in transducer
Customer Reviews:
Here I what one customer had to say about this amazing product, “Fishing was already fun, but now with this trolling motor it’s even more relaxing and productive.”
10. Minn Kota Endura Transom Mount Trolling Motor
Key features:
• 12-volt motor
• 30” shaft length
• Variable speed motor
• Additional components
• 6” telescoping handle
• 2-year warranty
This trolling motor under $100 has all the features that costly trolling motors contain. This motor has a variable speed range of eight, 5 forward and 3 reverse. With 12-volt battery and 30-inch long shaft, it can provide you the pleasure of comfortable ride during fishing.
Its motor system is ultra-quiet and cool, because of this feature fishes will not drive away. It has extended battery life and contains some additional components that will prove beneficial to you, such as, prop pin, prop nut and prop washer. And you can also install your inflatable pontoon boat with a trolling motor like this.
Customer Reviews:
This trolling motor has a rating of 4.7 dur to its following features like, easy to install, value for money, extended battery life and low noise level.
Conclusion
The best trolling motor for the pontoon boat does more than just increasing the power of the boat. It makes the fishing and trolling process easy and enjoyable. We hope that our list of top 10 trolling motors and analysis on different aspects that you need to consider before buying will help you in choosing your ideal trolling motor.
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