If you are looking for the best trolling motor for pontoon boat, you have come to the right place. Trolling motors enhance the control and maneuverability of pontoon boats and selecting the right model is important.
When it comes to finding a trolling motor, you should consider its thrust capacity, voltage, and ease of use. Furthermore, it is important to take into account the type of water you will be using it in as a freshwater trolling motor can’t be used in saltwater conditions.
Today, the market is flooded with trolling motors from different brands. These motors come equipped with a unique range of features that are ideally suited for use with certain types of boats. We have put together four of the very best trolling motors for pontoon boats and a comprehensive buying guide with all the information you require to make the right purchase.
What is a Trolling Motor?
A trolling motor is an electric type of motor that is built for use with watercraft including boats, canoes, and kayaks, among others. Typically, trolling motors are mounted on the back or front of the watercraft and are used for slow, precise boat maneuvering of the watercraft in the waters.
Powered by electricity, trolling motors are eco-friendly and quieter than traditional gas-powered motors. They provide ample power to tackle vast water conditions and currents with ease. As a result, your pontoon boat glides smoothly through the water, enhancing your control and maneuverability.
Furthermore, trolling motors operate quietly to maintain stealth as you fish. Besides, the advanced models come with cutting-edge features like GPS-enabled i-Pilot with spot-lock, which holds the boat in a specific position using GPS coordinates.
What Makes a Great Trolling Motor for a Pontoon Boat?
A great trolling motor for a pontoon boat is made of several features that include:
High Construction Quality
This is the first feature that makes a great trolling motor for a pontoon boat. All its internal and external components should be made from high-quality materials that guarantee durability and longevity.
Adjustable Depth
Many great trolling motors for pontoon boats have adjustable shafts that accommodate different water depths. This feature is important for maintaining the right depth for fishing.
Quiet Operation
Cool and quiet operation is what separates a top-tier trolling motor from a cheap one. With quiet operation, you can hardly spook the fish even when you are moving the boat in shallow waters.
Variable Speeds
It is also important for the trolling motor to have adjustable speed settings that you use to tailor it to blend with the water conditions and preferences.
Powerful Thrust
Furthermore, the best trolling motor for a pontoon boat should have a powerful thrust to propel your boat in any environment with ease.
Long Battery
Last but not least, a great trolling motor for a pontoon boat needs to have a high-capacity battery that offers many hours of continuous use. The motor should also come with battery efficiency features like a Digital Maximizer to enhance the battery life on a single charge.
Best Trolling Motors for Pontoon Boat
Irrespective of whether you use your pontoon boat for fishing or recreational boating, here are the best-performing trolling motors ideal for you. Let’s have a look.
1) MotorGuide Xi3 Wireless Freshwater Bow Mount Pontoon Trolling Motor
MotorGuide 940700210 Xi3 Wireless Freshwater Bow Mount Pontoon Trolling Motor is the Best Trolling Motor for Pontoon Boat. This trolling motor comes with a 48-inch shaft, 54-pound peak thrust, and a plethora of other quality features that make it the best.
It is built with an electric steer that adds simplicity and convenience to your days on the water. The high-tech features like integrated sonar, advanced precision Pinpoint GPS, and onscreen display make it easy to operate even in high tides or windy environments.
Another facet that makes the trolling motor stand out is battery life. It has a 12V battery with a digital maximizer system that enhances its battery life up to 5x on a single charge. Besides that, it operates quietly and smoothly to prevent spooking fish and other marine creatures.
What’s more, this freshwater trolling motor is built to last. It is crafted with a virtually indestructible composite shaft and a 3-blade machete propeller to cut through anything. Over and above that, it comes with a SecureStep system that makes stowing and deploying safe and easy.
To top off everything else, the MotorGuide 940700210 Xi3 Wireless Freshwater Bow Mount Pontoon Trolling Motor comes with a wireless remote control that you can use to precisely operate it from just about anywhere.
Specifications
- 12V battery
- 52 Amps maximum draw
- Peak thrust: 45, 55, 70 lbs
- shaft length: 36, 48, 54, 60 in.
- SecureStep system
- 3-blade machete propeller
- Easy-to-read LED dashboard
- Wireless remote control
- Freshwater rated
- Electric Steer
Pros
- Smooth, quiet operation
- Easy to deploy and stow
- Innovative
- Pinpoint GPS
- Easy to operate
- SecureStep system
- Easy-to-read LED dashboard
- 3-blade Machete propeller
Cons
- Can not be used in saltwater
2) MotorGuide X3 Trolling Motor with Digital Power Hand Control
MotorGuide X3 Trolling Motor is your ideal option if you are looking for a reliable trolling motor for a pontoon boat but tight on a budget. It offers several innovations including the best-in-class steering performance and variable speed control.
This trolling motor is rated for freshwater use. It is built with an aircraft-grade extruded aluminum bracket to withstand the impact of boating and fishing. Furthermore, it runs for an extended period and delivers the ultimate precision control even when you are fishing in high tide areas.
Moreover, this trolling motor uses a 3-blade machete propeller to deliver both power and stealth. It cuts through anything and delivers a quiet operation to avoid spooking the fish, especially in shallow water conditions.
When it comes to use and handling, the motor comes with a twist handle that extends for improved control and ergonomic comfort. This is irrespective of the users’ height or boating position. Besides that, it boasts pinpoint GPS to aid in navigation and ensure that you have total control of the boat.
Specifications
- 3-blade machete propeller
- 55 pounds peak thrust
- 50-inch composite shaft
- Pinpoint GPS
- 12 volts
- Digital power hand control
- Locking bearing collar
- Freshwater use
- Twist, telescopic handle
- Aluminum anodized bow mount
- 2-year manufacturer’s limited warranty
Pros
- Easy to use
- Quiet operation
- Great value for the price
- Easy to stow and deploy
- Easy motor height adjustment and removal
- Stainless steel outer shaft
- Aluminum mount
Cons
- Some users have raised durability issues
3) Minn Kota Pontoon Freshwater Hand-Steer Bow-Mount Trolling Motor
Next up, we have the Minn Kota Pontoon Freshwater Hand-Steer Bow-Mount Trolling Motor. It gives a quiet, steady operation in all water conditions. This makes it an ideal choice for anglers looking to take their fishing to the highest levels.
The selling point of this bow-mount trolling motor is its ease of use. First and foremost, it is easy to mount and detach from the boat. Furthermore, it features an aluminum quick-release bracket that makes it easy to steer and control in tight spaces.
Another impressive thing about the trolling motor is the variable speed. It has five-speed settings for forward and three-speed settings for reverse. This gives you the flexibility to tailor the speed of the boat relative to your needs or water conditions. Besides that, this freshwater-rated motor features a tilt twist tiller and a latch & door design for easy depth adjustment and motor removal.
When it comes to construction, the trolling motor is built with a composite shaft that is stronger than steel. It is virtually indestructible and flexes on impact without breaking, bending, or corroding. The motor is also built with powerful props that cut through heavy vegetation without battery-draining chopping and hacking.
Specifications
- 12 Volts
- 52-inch shaft
- 55lbs thrust
- 5 forward and 3 reverse speed settings
- Indestructible composite shaft
- Latch and door bracket
- Limited 2-year warranty
- Tilt twist tiller
Pros
- Easy to operate
- Long battery life
- Whisper quiet operation
- Great features for the price
- Quick, straightforward installation
Cons
- None
4) Minn Kota 1355963 Edge Freshwater Hand-Steer Bow Mount Trolling Motor
Minn Kota 1355963 Bow Mount Trolling Motor marks our last recommendation of the best trolling motor for pontoon boat. It is built with ease of use in mind to fit all anglers and recreational boaters, even beginners.
This piece of equipment uses a manual cable to steer the motor. It is reliable, responsive, and ultra-tough. Furthermore, it is crafted with a composite shaft that is stronger than steel and nearly indestructible. It also features powerful props that cut through heavy vegetation without battery-draining chopping and hacking.
To complement the solid construction, this freshwater-rated trolling motor runs cool to enhance its lifespan. On top of that, it provides whisper-quiet operation to help you maintain stealth in the water.
Well, that’s not all. The trolling motor is built with a latch and door bracket that provides a rock-solid hold when you are stowing it. This bracket also makes for easy removal from the boat at the end of the day.
In addition to all these benefits, the Minn Kota 1355963 Bow Mount Trolling Motor has 5 adjustable speed settings for you to dial in the right speed control when trolling.
Specifications
- 52-inches shaft length
- 5-speed settings
- 55lbs thrust capacity
- 12 volts
- Brushed exterior
- Freshwater rated
- Indestructible composite shaft
- Latch and door bracket
Pros
- Ease of installation
- Cool and quiet operation
- Performance and Quality
- Easy to operate
Cons
- No battery indicator light
Read Also
- 8 Best Minn Kota Trolling Motors
- 6 Best Batteries for Trolling Motors
- 6 Best 24V Trolling Motors
- 7 Best Bow Mount Trolling Motors
- 6 Best Transom Mount Trolling Motors
How to Choose the Best Trolling Motor for a Pontoon Boat
The following are the key factors you should consider when looking to buy a pontoon boat trolling motor.
Boat Size
First and foremost, consider the size and weight of the boat. The larger the pontoon boat is the bigger the trolling motor should be in terms of voltage, thrust power, and shaft length. That way, it can propel it with ease no matter the water conditions.
Thrust Power
The next thing to consider is thrust. Big and heavy boats require a trolling motor with a high thrust capacity. With sufficient thrust power, the trolling motor will propel the pontoon boat seamlessly irrespective of the obstacles it encounters in the water. The general rule of thumb is to get at least 1 lb of thrust for every 100 pounds of your boat weight.
Battery Voltage
Battery voltage in trolling motors varies from one piece of equipment to the other. Typically, 12V trolling motors are ideally suited for small pontoon boats while the large counterparts require a higher battery capacity of 24V or 36V.
Construction Quality
The best trolling motor for pontoon boat is made with durability in mind. It comes with high-quality internal and external components that guarantee durability. Furthermore, it is wise to pick a trolling motor that comes with powerful props and a virtually indestructible shaft. With such a trolling motor, you will be able to propel the boat in any vegetation without battery-draining chopping and hacking.
Length of the Shaft
It is also important to take into account the shaft length of the trolling motor. For proper immersion and performance, you should get a trolling motor with the right shaft length.
Over and above that, the shaft should be long enough to ensure that the propeller submerges sufficiently in the water without being too deep. To determine the right shaft length, measure your boat’s freeboard which is the distance from the waterline to the topmost of the boat.
Freshwater Vs Saltwater
Trolling motors are rated for either freshwater or saltwater use. If you go fishing and boating in saltwater conditions, pick a trolling motor that is saltwater-rated. It will come with corrosion-resistant internal and external components to keep salt and rust at bay.
Noise Level
Next, consider the noise level. The best trolling motor for pontoon boat is one that is made with quiet operation in mind. It should provide a whisper-quiet, seamless operation even in shallow water conditions. With the quiet propulsion, you can maintain stealth and avoid causing any disturbance to the fish and other marine creatures.
Extra Features
It is also important to pay attention to the extra features the trolling motor comes with. The more features the motor incorporates, the better. It will enhance your overall fishing and boating experience and give you greater value for your money. Such features include but are not limited to i-Pilot GPS, Spot-Lock with Jog, variable speed control, and battery efficiency features.
Mounting System
Take a keen look at the mounting system of the trolling motor and ensure that it is compatible with your pontoon boat. Most trolling motors come with adjustable mounts for mounting utility. They fit a variety of boats with ease and provide a system that is robust and secure.
The other important thing to consider is the type of mount. Transom mount trolling motors are popular for pontoon boats, given their versatility, ease of installation, and user-friendliness. However, bow mount motors are also a great option for this kind of boat as they offer better control and maneuverability.
How to Care for a Pontoon Boat Trolling Motor
Proper care and maintenance of trolling motors is important as it enhances their performance and longevity. Here is how to care for your pontoon boat trolling motor.
- Regular Lubrication
Lubricate the moving parts regularly to prevent corrosion-causing rust and ensure seamless performance.
- Rinse after Use
Once you are done fishing, wash and rinse the pontoon boat with clean water. This helps remove the dirt, dust, and any other debris that might have been trapped inside the boat.
- Secure Installation
Ensure that the trolling motor is securely installed on the boat before you head into the waters. Tighten the loose bolts and screws and ensure that there is no movement or play in the mounting system.
- Proper Battery Maintenance
A trolling motor is just as good as its battery. So, take proper care of the battery to enhance its optimal performance.
- Avoid Overloading
Whether you use the trolling motor for fishing or recreation boating, don’t overload it beyond its recommended capacity. Overloading can cause premature wear of the motor and overheating.
FAQs
- Can you put a trolling motor on a pontoon boat?
Yes. You can put a trolling motor on a pontoon boat for precise control and maneuverability. Trolling motors are one of the fastest-growing equipment in the boating industry and are suitable for use with pontoon boats.
- What size trolling motor is needed for a pontoon boat?
It depends mainly on the size of the pontoon boat. The larger the boat, the bigger and more powerful the trolling motor should be. On average, the motor should have a shaft length of about 48”.
- What type of battery is best for a trolling motor?
Deep cycle batteries are by far the best batteries for trolling motors. Ensure that you pick a battery whose voltage complements the size and weight of your trolling motor.
Final Words
In conclusion, investing in the best trolling motor for pontoon boat is key to making the most out of your fishing and boating. The trolling motor will keep the pontoon boat running at a consistent speed in all water conditions. Hopefully, this article has steered you in the right direction.