R ther Specific trolling motors for toons?

[Strucksylver]

hello to all!! brand new member today!

i'm looking into buying a 9ft inflatable pontoon.....i'm also thinking about buying a trolling motor for it...

my question is...do i need to buy a trolling motor specifically made for an inflatable pontoon? would i need to get a bow mount or a transom mount?

any websites/stores you folks recommend to get a trolling motor for a pontoon? and what should i expect to pay for a motor?

thanks for any input!!
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[flygoddess]

[quote Strucksylver]hello to all!! brand new member today!

i'm looking into buying a 9ft inflatable pontoon.....i'm also thinking about buying a trolling motor for it...

my question is...do i need to buy a trolling motor specifically made for an inflatable pontoon? would i need to get a bow mount or a transom mount?

Electric is the most popular basically because Gas you would need a very small Horsepower and the smaller motors lack features, like IDLE which means off or on. Gas motors are coming a long ways so there are more on the market everyday MADE for pontoons, but the price is going to be $500. and up.
Now back to electric. Motorguide or MinnKota. 30 lb thrust is plenty for a 9' boat.
Bow or transom is your choice. Myself and everyone I know put the motor on the back but turn the head so that it is facing the same direction as the prop. We steer with our feet/flippers.
Then there is the DEEP CYCLE battery. It must be Deep Cycle as it can take repetitive Charging. Motor, around $130. and battery around $60. But in most states, you will need to license it once you put a motor on. And ALWAYS remember to have a life flotation devise, whether you wear it or have it at reach, make sure you have one any time you are on the water. Rivers require you wear one.
Check out the Archives here, there is more than likely an answer for everything you want to know.




any websites/stores you folks recommend to get a trolling motor for a pontoon? and what should i expect to pay for a motor?

thanks for any input!![/quote]


Welcome to the Forum, glad you found us!
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[bigpikeguy]

Everything Flygoddess said is all you really need to know about trolling motors. I just bought a new trolling motor for my 9' toon and it works great. moves you around really good. I bought it bass pro shops, they have their own brand of motors. The more i looked at it at the store the more it looked like a motorguide. So before i bought it i asked the clerk if motorguide made these motors for them. He said that motorguide does make the motors for them and they added a few extra features and put the bass pro "prowler" name on it. This thing sells for $99.00!!!! thats a really good deal. Mine is the 30lb thrust which is plenty for me, but they do make them bigger if you feel the need.

Here is the link for the motor: [url "http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_98206_225001000_225000000_225001000_225-1-0"]Prowler T30[/url]
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[pontoonman]

If your pontoon is already set up to handle electric troll motor then your balance should be fine. But if you are tinkering and doing this on your own, watch that horizontal pontoon position is maintained, with or without the 80# of motor/ battery you will be adding. Also allow for other heavy gear to see if everything remains level.

Good luck and enjoy.

Pon
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[Strucksylver]

thanks for the info bigpikeguy and pontoonman!!! definitely helps.....one last thing..... do i need a bow mount, or a transom mount..?
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[pontoonman]

[quote Strucksylver]thanks for the info bigpikeguy and pontoonman!!! definitely helps.....one last thing..... do i need a bow mount, or a transom mount..?[/quote]

Don't quite understand your question. If you are buying a pontoon set up for a motor, it will have a motor mount or provisions for a motor mount already set up. Just about all of these use a transom clamp type motor which clamps to the motor mount supplied. If you are asking whether it is better to have the motor located on a transom or bow position, that depends on provisions that are made for steering, and what kind of clearances are involved. Motor in front is easier to set up for steering, but may be a hazard to your feet. Motor behind you means you will have to rig something so you can steer with your arm behind you. Or you can just put the motor in a fixed straight position behind you and steer with a rudder or even fins like flygoddess setup on her navi. Or you can by a remote wireless control motor and steer from anywhere, even while not on the boat depending on what the range of the wireless is. Generally a bow mount is used for big boats with a hard surface at the front end where it can be bolted, so it wouldn't fit most pontoon situations AFAIK.

I prefer a steering system that leaves both hands free to handle rods, working a fish, or whatever. Fins will do that, though maybe not as efficient as having the motorhead itself turn. My own system uses my legs or shins to turn the motor head, but there are many variations I have seen. Some use a leaning system of the whole body, cables controlled by feet, etc.

Hope this helps.

Pon
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[flygoddess]

FWIW, I have a friend that bought the Skykomish (so he could stand and fish) he then bought a motor with the remote in a little wrist band.
He thought he was all set. But AGAIN, pontoons do not have keels, and you can add a rudder but the fact remains they do NOT steer well.
No I am not sure if he was trying to steer while PUSHING or if the same results was in the PULLING mode.
I know Dave floats moving water while standing with his oars in the water next to the boat when he only needs to bump one oar to correct his float, but that is moving water.
You can steer a pontoon with a motor, but much more effective in the pull mode and you do need to be going a little faster which means less battery.

Pontoon or Float Tube is suppose to be a excersize. Granted putting a motor on eliminates movement so a little kicking is a good thing.[]

Plus when you are talking motors...they can and will have problems. Rowing or kicking is required at some point.
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[pontoonman]

Wonder how you are typically using your motor, flygoddess? Is there is something particularly delicate involved when flyfishing, that requires multitasking when sitting down doing a beautiful cast, I wonder... Can't think of anything as trouble free for what it can do as an e-motor.

For my e-pontoons, I do troll fishing, go distances that can't be achieved by oars or fins and do it faster. I can hold position in moderate wind/current conditions. I can follow and manuver hands free when tiring a large fish. E-pontoons are less trouble for me in most shallow water situations than the bigger boats I left behind. The water is warmer down south and I don't use backup oars, fins, or waders. I don't go out under 45 degrees air temp. I have done the flats at the coast and 300 yard shorelines on big lakes in my e-pontoon. I prefer rivers almost exclusively now where there is less exposure to wind, sun and thus fewer canceled trips. For deep sea or large dangerous lakes, there are quides. When I had my big boats, the non-electronic speed control type minn kotas held up to heavy use for over 15 years. Is there some other alternative that works as well at such low cost for these situations is the question....

Pon
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[bigpikeguy]

If you are asking what style of motor to get? Get a Transom clamp on style motor. There is no way a Bow mount Style motor will work unless your pontoon is really big, and it would still take up alot of space. The one in the link i posted above is a transom mount, thats the kind you want.

As for where you want to put the motor, that is up to you. My boat was already set up for a motor in the back. It already had the mounting plate and everything. However i seen alot of people on here and other places that do mount their motors in the front of the boat. I agree it would be much easier to steer that way, but at the same time it would constantly be in my way. So in other words mount your motor where you are most comfortable. I do recommend a rear mount just because most boats are already setup for that and it is tucked out of the way.
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[flygoddess]

[quote pontoonman]Wonder how you are typically using your motor, flygoddess? Is there is something particularly delicate involved when flyfishing, that requires multitasking when sitting down doing a beautiful cast, I wonder... Can't think of anything as trouble free for what it can do as an e-motor.
Pon[/quote]




Not sure what you mean by this. I use the motor to get from point A to B, I will even use it to troll to find fish, and of course to hold in wind.
But to be sure you can get a WHOLE day out of a battery does mean keep the motor low (as far as speed)
I use my fins allot. For one thing it is good exercise, and the other...I can get several days in remote camp sites on one battery.

MULTITASKING? I have no idea where that came from. But I am hands few at all times.
With a few dollar modifying of my motor I never need to turn around.

Again, I don't understand your comment.

You venture far off shore, it is SMART to have another source of propulsion other than just a motor. Flippers or Oars, or BOTH.

Even on a regular boat, you are suppose to carry an oar.
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[pontoonman]

[quote flygoddess][quote pontoonman]Wonder how you are typically using your motor, flygoddess? Is there is something particularly delicate involved when flyfishing, that requires multitasking when sitting down doing a beautiful cast, I wonder... Can't think of anything as trouble free for what it can do as an e-motor.
Pon[/quote]




Not sure what you mean by this. I use the motor to get from point A to B, I will even use it to troll to find fish, and of course to hold in wind.
But to be sure you can get a WHOLE day out of a battery does mean keep the motor low (as far as speed)
If you have a fuel guage display (watt hours are the best) you can get an idea of the amount of power left and you may not have to guess how low to keep the power. You can also go to more lead batteries or different chemistry batteries resistant to cold if range is a problem. Some of the new chemistry batteries are available as 12v or 24v paks for new e-bikes and scooters and use NiMH or Li batteries that are much higher capacity and weigh much less. If you can do a little tinkering to rig something up, that might help.
I use my fins allot. For one thing it is good exercise, and the other... That's great if your knees are in good shape and can handle the reverse pressure on the ligaments. I do the same thing with sandal clad bare feet to a much lesser degree. I can get several days in remote camp sites on one battery. There's flexible solar chargers you can roll in a tube, that are almost indestructible and waterproof that can be used in remote locations. I can power my pontoon at reduced speed on solar power alone if necessary.

MULTITASKING? I have no idea where that came from. But I am hands few at all times. Setting up a fly cast is difficult in a standing postion on shore for amateurs like myself. I would have to hold best wind position, not drift away from the fish, work from a sitting positon with apron in a confined seat area and prevent tangling while retrieving, all the while keeping an eye out for other hazards, like nearby fishermen, wakes, etc. That would be multitasking for me, anyway.
With a few dollar modifying of my motor I never need to turn around. I've hit stationary floating objects going full speed in the backward direction which have given me jolts even when no ones around, thats why I use a rear view mirror.

Again, I don't understand your comment.

You venture far off shore, it is SMART to have another source of propulsion other than just a motor. Flippers or Oars, or BOTH. Rivers you're never off shore much and I only go about 300 yards on large lakes which I know I can swim or remain afloat with a lifejacket in the presence of friends. Also I always go INTO the wind or current so that if everything goes dead, I will drift back to home base sans power. Regular boats would take much longer to drift back due to weight difference.

Even on a regular boat, you are suppose to carry an oar.[/quote]

PON
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[flygoddess]

My motor has the gauge on top, but the fact remains...you have to pace your battery for multi day use.
We definitely fish different waters. I have floated rivers but for the most part stillwater.


as you can see, the chance of running into another boater is not an issue.
There is never that many people that concentrated.
A quick glance over a shoulder ONCE and I can cruise full speed and not hit anything, or anyone. And the beauty, I don't have to turn my body or head, one strong kick with one leg and I can make a beautiful circle.
When I am on the water I am in no hurry to go anywhere.
In fly fishing, standing is the preferred. Not to mention a little sight fishing.
I teach newbies to cast either sitting flat on the ground or from a chair, this way they get the feel of a toon or a tube.

Shore fishing is very easy. Practice casting into the wind, and once you get that down, you can handle anything.

Now, solar power...great idea, but not at a cheap price.
I will stick with the good old Marine Deep Cycle batteries, the hubby works on fork lifts and cranes all day and is not a big fan of those fancy batteries, for obvious reasons. Exercise is GOOD. I am not young, but I am in great shape. Ask Tube Dude about his scuba fins, he swears it is low pressure all the way. Tried his style this fall, and it works!

It is interesting to me that people have no problem spending $180.+ for a battery, $100. for a motor and then put it on a $150. toon. I guess it is all in Priorities.

As for the picture, We met up with some guys last year on this lake. They had there clothes on and cruised with the motor. The storm moved in slow and they had to turn the motor up a little higher to hold position. NO OARS. I heard one yelling for help....HIS BATTERY DIED and he couldn't get back to shore.
Plus here in UTAH (and parts of Idaho), the wind is famous for circling. You would have to be dang good or lucky to know when tide out and tide in was going to happen and what direction.

As you said, you fish rivers.
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[pontoonman]

[quote flygoddess]My motor has the gauge on top, but the fact remains...you have to pace your battery for multi day use.
We definitely fish different waters. I have floated rivers but for the most part stillwater.

[.IMG][url "http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f17/FlyGoddess/Daniels%202008/37400.jpg%5B/IMG%5D"]http://i44.photobucket.com/...2008/37400.jpg[/IMG][/url]
as you can see, the chance of running into another boater is not an issue.
There is never that many people that concentrated.
A quick glance over a shoulder ONCE and I can cruise full speed and not hit anything, or anyone. And the beauty, I don't have to turn my body or head, one strong kick with one leg and I can make a beautiful circle.
When I am on the water I am in no hurry to go anywhere.
In fly fishing, standing is the preferred. Not to mention a little sight fishing.
I teach newbies to cast either sitting flat on the ground or from a chair, this way they get the feel of a toon or a tube.

Shore fishing is very easy. Practice casting into the wind, and once you get that down, you can handle anything.

Now, solar power...great idea, but not at a cheap price.
I will stick with the good old Marine Deep Cycle batteries, the hubby works on fork lifts and cranes all day and is not a big fan of those fancy batteries, for obvious reasons. Exercise is GOOD. I am not young, but I am in great shape. Ask Tube Dude about his scuba fins, he swears it is low pressure all the way. Tried his style this fall, and it works!

It is interesting to me that people have no problem spending $180.+ for a battery, $100. for a motor and then put it on a $150. toon. I guess it is all in Priorities. Who does that? This is America with craigslist, ebay, etc. where hardly anyone pays retail prices. I use batteries from my Lithium cordless drill or camcorder that would sit idle otherwise. My homemade motor is based on the prophish trailing shaft style and cost $20 in parts, 12 years ago. Pontoon frames are quality, heavy duty, reinforced or homemade. All pontoons are quality and have been purchased as closeout discontinued like the solar panel, for pennies on the dollar in most cases. I don't consider cost of considerable tinkering time which is one of my passionate hobbies.

As for the picture, We met up with some guys last year on this lake. They had there clothes on and cruised with the motor. The storm moved in slow and they had to turn the motor up a little higher to hold position. NO OARS. I heard one yelling for help....HIS BATTERY DIED and he couldn't get back to shore. Wonder what became of those poor suckers.
Yes, some don't understand batteries and electrical systems and forget to charge batteries or test things before going out. I carry bear spray and a cell with removable chip on my outings programmed with game warden and sheriffs numbers when alone in remote areas. Also backup battery, motor, tools and parts if in unfamiliar territory. Always use a checklist and been lucky to never have a serious incident in 40 years, even have rescued a few.
Plus here in UTAH (and parts of Idaho), the wind is famous for circling. You would have to be dang good or lucky to know when tide out and tide in was going to happen and what direction. You obviously know what you like, and how to do it. So kudos, go for it, life is short!

Pon

As you said, you fish rivers.[/quote]
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[flygoddess]

True enough. I would love to see some of your inventions. For example your battery set-up...one that can power all day and in particular, this motor!!
The comment on the price of motor vs boat was just an observation and certainly not directed at you.

There is some great imaginations here...speaking of which, where is Shig Speed lately?
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