Choosing a high-quality pontoon boat trolling motor is essential if you love to fish. A trolling motor gives you the freedom to explore the waters without attracting the attention of fish. You’ll catch more fish and enjoy your hobby or fishing job much more! Most pontoon boats do not come with a trolling motor.
But the good news is that finding the trolling motor you need is no problem. Here’s a complete guide on choosing the best trolling motor for a pontoon boat and what to look for when buying one!
Buyer’s Guide: Trolling Motor For a Pontoon Boat
Decide on the make and model.
When looking for a trolling motor for your pontoon boat, you’ll notice that there are many options. The choice is even easier if you also use a fish finder. You’ll want to find a trolling motor compatible with your fishfinder.
Preferably, consider looking at the manufacturer of your fish finder to see what they offer. The electric motor and fishfinder will work as a team for your fishing pros. If you don’t use a fish finder, the motor you choose should go with your boat. But that leaves plenty of products to consider, so you’ll have to do your research.
Choose the right accessories.
Accessories are just as essential as the other features that come with the motor. You should use a deep cycle battery because it will not drain the battery as quickly. Also, try to get a charger designed for marine use.
Chargers should be set to accommodate the number of batteries you will be using. Consider that you must charge your batteries at home to be ready for your fishing adventure.
Choosing the correct shaft length
The height of the deck makes it more difficult to choose the right electric shaft motor for the pontoon boat. The math once again saves the day when you make this decision. Measure the distance from the top of the deck to the water and add about 20 inches. The result will be the length of shaft you need.
If you mount the engine in a different location, apply the same formula. As a general recommendation, a shaft length of 60 inches is a size that works. This means about 152 centimeters. Remember that choosing the wrong shaft length can lead to many cons. So it’s worth paying attention to this aspect of your fishing experience.
Price and budget
When it comes to price, you can find an option for every budget. Trolling motors come in many models and use different technology, directly impacting price. While the most expensive choice isn’t always the best, you don’t want to look at the cheapest either.
Trolling motors are available for hundreds of dollars, and many motors are in the thousands of dollars range. For starters, setting a budget is the best way to approach price research.
Consider the size and weight of your boat when choosing the best trolling motor thrust.
The type of boat you use is also an important consideration. Not all trolling motors work the same way for all types of pontoon boats. If your motor is not the right size, you may not be able to use it at all. There is a mathematical formula to help you find the suitable motor for your pontoon boat.
All you need to do is consider the weight of your boat in pounds (with passengers and gear on it) and divide it by 100. After that, multiply the number you get by 2. The final result will be the thrust your trolling motor should have, and you’ll have fewer options, saving you a lot of time.
Where do you want to mount the motor?
You’ll find a trolling motor for your pontoon boat that can go on the bow, stern, or motor mount. To achieve the main pros of a trolling motor, you should consider buying one that mounts on the bow. It will help you drag fish bait using the trolling motor efficiently and powerfully.
Their noise is minimal so that the fish won’t be spooked by them either. These types of motors also make it easier to manage your boat. The only significant Cons with a bow-mounted motor is that it becomes tricky to install on the boat. You may have to adapt the front door of your pontoon boat to add the trolling motor. That’s why many choose the motorized style.
Additional features to consider
In addition to the functional aspect of a pontoon trolling motor, some models offer other options. If you’re not a novice angler, you might be tempted to take your shopping a little further and consider things like:
- The different speed settings the trolling motor might have.
- An excellent autopilot or co-pilot feature
- A wireless option that allows you to control the motor from anywhere on your boat
- A saltwater fishing option that will add to its overall strength and increase its lifespan
While these features are excellent, remember that they are not essential for successful fishing. However, they are great bonuses that can significantly enhance your adventure on the water.
Conclusion
Finding the best pontoon boat trolling motor is a concern for any fisher. But once you decide and invest in a motor, you’ll be amazed at the results! This guide helps you narrow down your options and narrow your search to the essential aspects.
Now you know exactly what to look for and how to choose the right one for you. Don’t limit your search to what others recommend because your needs may differ! Overall, you should enjoy the performance of your trolling motor and catch more fish!