Engine mount trolling motors on pontoon boats?

[Tallykenj]

My boat is too big for a bow-mount trolling motor. Mine is 27' and about 5000lbs. I'm wondering about engine mount motors like what is found at http://www.minnkotamotors.com/products/ ... water.aspx. Minn Kota says these aren't recommend for pontoons because they don't plane. However, I'm able to get my cavitation plate high enough and plane.

I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts.

Thanks.

[Amosmoses33]

Good idea, but you have to be behind the wheel to steer, vs having a floor control anywhere on the boat or remote control. Only downside I see.

It would save fuel when going thru no wake areas around marinas etc.

[NH Tooner]

I have a minnkota 80# on the front of my 28' tri with 225 merc. Pushes it around ok. you can get a 100# The ipilot and remote are sweet.

[Tallykenj]

I have a minnkota 80# on the front of my 28' tri with 225 merc. Pushes it around ok. you can get a 100# The ipilot and remote are sweet.

That's encouraging. Thanks. Can you post a pic? I'm curious about how you have it on the mounted.

[JohnO]

Mine is a motorguide 74# with remote. It moves my boat at about 4mph at full speed.

I have it mounted out the front gate on a pad that sits above the front of my center tube. Unfortunately I don't have the pictures on this computer. I'll try to get them posted later.

[NH Tooner]

here is a couple pics

[NH Tooner]

the 80# is a 24 volt ant the 101 is a 36volt

[RJF]

The engine mount attaches above the cavitation plate. I don't think my 'toon sits low enough in the water for the prop on the troller to be underwater. On a vee-hull boat, at less than planing speed, the cav plate is well below the water line.

[BobG]

I really want a lenco joyride dual electric system.

http://u-fabboats.com/lenco/DualSpecs.pdf

[ishoot]

Minn Kota's Terova 101 lb. thrust motor will push your boat around easily. I have one on my 24' Manitou with a 250 H.P. outboard and it moves me around without issues. Mine is mounted on the bow with a quick release. I troll for salmon with it at 2.2 MPH for up to 5 hours at a whack. It will troll in excess of 3 MPH if you want but as with any trolling motor the faster you go, the faster you use up battery power. I also have the autopilot feature which is wonderful and also the small hand held wireless remote which works great!

Good Luck!

Dan

[Tallykenj]

I really want a lenco joyride dual electric system.

http://u-fabboats.com/lenco/DualSpecs.pdf

That's a very interesting design. I need to call the manufacturer to consider welding brackets to the back of my pontoons. I already have, however, brackets on each one that holds the live well pump and transducer. The motor brackets would need to clear the other brackets. I know this could occur with bigger brackets but I wonder if the props would be low enough in the water when extended.