Please follow and like us:

Your ultimate guide to the 10 best pontoon trolling motors and the complete buyer’s guide for pontoon boat owners looking for quality trolling motors.

If you enjoy fishing, investing in a trolling motor for your pontoon boat can significantly enhance your fishing experience. Not only will it make your fishing adventures more fun and enjoyable, but it will also make catching fish easier and more convenient for you.

Now, if you have never purchased a trolling motor for your pontoon boat before, it might be challenging to find one. Since there are a number of brands and models of trolling motors on the market, it is difficult to choose the best trolling motors for pontoon boats.

But as experts, we are here to help you out. Whether you are looking to buy your first-ever trolling motor, or you may wish to update your current one, we can assist you with finding the best trolling motor for pontoon boats.

Since trolling motors can be a significant investment, it is crucial that you spend your money on the right one. Several features are taken into consideration to find the best trolling motors for pontoon boats.

In this article, we will guide you about the features you must look for when hunting for trolling motors. We have also curated a list of the ten best trolling motors for pontoon boats to narrow down your choices.

But before we get into the list, let’s start with the buyer’s guide, so you are aware of the features you require in a trolling motor for your pontoon boat:

Buyers Guide for the Best Pontoon Trolling Motors

Below is a list of important factors you should consider before deciding to buy a trolling motor for your pontoon boat. Let’s check them out:

• Mounting Options

Trolling motors for pontoon boats come with a variety of mounted systems. But if we stick to the most common ones, it will include transom, engine, and bow-mounted systems. Each of these systems offers different advantages, and you can only choose the right type for yourself if you are aware of their differences:

Transom-Mounted Systems: These are the easiest to install and are ideal for smaller boats. Using a clamp, you can easily attach these motors to your boat’s stern. Operating transom-mounted trolling motors is also quite simple, so they are usually a beginner’s go-to choice. Plus, since they do not have any complex features, they are typically more reasonable as compared to the other two mount systems.

Bow-Mounted Systems: These systems are more common for larger or medium-sized boats. Professional fishermen or advanced anglers are usually the ones that prefer bow-mounted trolling motors. The reason they are a better choice for large-sized boats is that they offer greater and more precise control. Unlike a transom-mounted trolling motor, these motors tend to pull your boat through the waves rather than thrust it from behind.

And bow-mounted motors also provide a range of other features, including a wireless remote, which expert anglers usually find more convenient. But if we look at the drawbacks, these systems are more costly and consume a lot more space than a simple transom-mounted trolling motor.

Engine-Mounted Systems: As the name suggests, these motor systems are affixed to the outboard motor’s cavitation plate. Engine mount motors only generate thrust, and because the trolling machine is installed directly to the outboard motor, it is used to navigate the boat, using either the hand or the wheel.

A wired remote is used to adjust the direction of the motor and the thrust settings. When a typical trolling motor cannot be installed on a multi-purpose boat, engine mounted-systems make a wonderful alternative. When the engine is off, the motor is submerged, and when the boat is moving quickly and on a plane, the outboard motor emerges from the water.

But, handling an engine-mounted system is far more challenging than operating bow or transom mount motors, despite the fact that they save a lot of space. Perhaps that’s the reason why these systems are also only used by experts or professionals. 

• Shaft Length

The shaft length of your trolling motor plays a crucial role in its performance. Hence, choosing the ideal shaft length is of utter importance too. For this, you need to first decide on a position where you will be placing your trolling motor. You will require a longer shaft if you position it on the bow. But if you place it on the rear of your pontoon boat, a short shaft length will work perfectly fine too.

The condition of the waters you usually fish in is another factor that needs to be considered. A shorter shaft length can be ideal for your pontoon boat if you only boat in calm waters like rivers or lakes. But if your fishing adventures involve rougher seas, choose a trolling motor that has a longer shaft.

• The thrust of the Trolling Motor

You need to have a motor with the ideal thrust in order to push your boat through the water at an optimum speed. Now, this is not rocket science, and a simple mathematical formula can easily calculate the amount of thrust you would require.

For this, all you need to do is calculate the weight of your boat in lbs. and divide it by a hundred. Whatever you get, simply divide the number by two to get your answer. This number is the ideal thrust for your pontoon boat, and this is what you should look for when searching for the best trolling motors for pontoon boats.

Considering these three simple features should be able to help you find the best trolling motors for pontoon boats without going through any hassle of pointlessly exploring different markets or websites.

Now that you are aware of the elements you need to consider, we will introduce you to the list of the ten best trolling motors for pontoon boats. All of the products mentioned in the list below are tried and tested by us. Hence, all the reviews are completely unbiased and honest.

Let’s dive in!

List Of The 10 Best Trolling Motors for Pontoon Boats

1. Newport Vessels Pontoon Series Pontoon Trolling Motor

Newport Vessels Pontoon Trolling Motor Review:

Are you looking for a trolling motor that is easy to install and offers extraordinary features too? We need you to check out this Newport Vessels pontoon trolling motor for the best experience!

The pontoon trolling motor by Newport Vessels is designed for usage on pontoon and deck boats. The motor comes with 66” Battery cable leads with ring connectors to reach the battery inside the fencing and also includes five forward speeds, three reverse speeds, and three-blade propellers, a combination of 10-point LED battery meters for all-day long power. 

To ensure a longer life span, all trolling motors by Newport Vessel are made of high-quality material, including salt water corrosion-resistant materials; these motors are designed to stand up to whatever you throw at them. 

If we see all the reasons why Newport Vessels trolling motor stands out, we can say it is definitely worth your money. Although, make sure to check the shaft length before deciding to buy.

Pros: 

• Easy to install.
• Comes with plenty of battery life.
• The remaining battery is displayed on an LED screen, eliminating the need to assume the remaining battery percentage.

Cons: 

• The head is not waterproof; heavy rain can cause damage. 

2. Minn Kota Pontoon Freshwater Bow-Mount Trolling Motor 

Minn Kota Pontoon Mount Trolling Motor Review:

If you are someone who is looking for an affordable trolling motor for your pontoon boat, then do not worry because this is the best trolling motor that you can get your hands on.

Minn Kota Pontoon Freshwater Electric-Steer Bow-Mount Trolling Motor is one of the staple designs in the fishing industry, and with its impressive features, it is now among the most popular ones.

The trolling motor by Minn Kota comes with a deploy-assist lever to make getting in and out of the water feasible. A digit maximizer is also installed, providing a five times longer run time on a single battery charge and letting you dial the exact speed while conserving your battery to full fishing day.

The presence of a side foot pedal makes it convenient to control the speed and steering and a power prop to deliver extra power push in heavy vegetation. The motor comes with a shaft of 48”, 24v, and 70 lbs thrust. We would definitely recommend this trolling motor by Minn Kota for your pontoon boats. 

Pros: 

• Affordable. 
• Comes with a quick disconnect bracket. 

Cons: 

• The foot control sometimes gives a hard time. 

3. AQUOS HASWING Mount Trolling Motor 

Aquos Hawsing Best Trolling Motors For Pontoon Boats Review:

Are you looking to install a trolling motor but confused about what would be the Best Trolling Motor for Pontoon Boats? Check out this review for the AQUOS HASWING mount trolling motor, and we are sure you are going to love it.

AQUOS HAWSING Mount Trolling Motor is one of the best we have tried so far because of its multiple features. The mount trolling motor by AQUOS HAWSING is made to deliver durability, precise control, and quiet operation. It is suitable for both; salt water and fresh water because of its length and load, which is 18ft/Max, 2750 LBS. The motor comes with a smaller wireless control that fits in your palm very easily or can be attached around your next for you to control the trolling motor. 

For pontoon boat owners, this trolling motor by AQUOS HAWSING is a great fit because of how budgets friendly it is. Pontoon boat owners no longer need the crazy features and sky-high costs in order to get the best trolling motor for their pontoon boat, at a great price. 

Pros: 

• Easy to use. 
• Responsive foot and remote controls.
• The battery works in the long term. 

Cons: 

• The raising and lowering of the trolling motor can be challenging at times. 

4. MotorGuide Xi5 

Motorguide XI5 Review:

In order to make your days on the water more convenient, Xi5 offers wireless operations. Experience the freedom of entire control with amazing options, which include advanced precision Pinpoint GPS, onscreen displays from brands like Lowrance, and integrated sonar. 

The most accurate GPS in the industry is Pinpoint GPS because it provides a tighter control on your anchor point and three times precision control. This pontoon boat trolling motor by Motorguide can be operated from the standard remote or the wireless foot pedal.

The trolling motor is constructed in a corrosion-resistant way. A built-in 83/200 kHz sonar transducer is installed to identify fish and other underwater structures in the water. The thrust peaks at 80 pounds, the shaft is 60 inches long, and a 24-volt motor with a maximum draw of 56 amps is installed.

Other than some very minor issues, all specs from this trolling motor are awesome. We recommend it as this is one of the best trolling motors for pontoon boats on the market today. 

Pros: 

• The electronics are fully protected and sealed with corrosion protection. 
• 5x longer battery life. 
• Monitor motor functions containing LED dashboards. 
• The anchor lock works great.
• Easy installation process. 

Cons:  

• No indicator that the motor is on. 

5. Minn Kota 1355970 Edge Trolling Motor

Minn Kota 1355970 Edge Trolling Motor Review: 

Don’t let this trolling motor’s size fool you. The Edge trolling motor by Minn Kota is constructed with extruded, anodized aluminum. It is one of the best trolling motors for pontoon boats so far we have reviewed. The Minn Kota Edge Trolling motor is a bow-mounted motor used in freshwater with latch and door brackets, which allows you to control as you stow. 

The Edge trolling motor by Minn Kota comes with a 45” shaft, 24v, and 70lbs thrust. Latch and door brackets are given to make the removal process easy, giving a rock-solid hold when you slow your trolling motor. For speed control, a composite material cable-steer foot pedal is installed.

While trolling, you get a 5-speed setting from which you can choose the right speed control and adjust according to your preference. A power prop is also given for the extra push against heavy vegetation. 

Looking at the good features the Edge Trolling Motor by Minn Kota offers, we recommend this.

Pros: 

• Plenty of power. 
• Performs perfectly. 
• Foot operation works great.

Cons: 

• Expensive. 

6. Minn Kota Pontoon Bow-Mount Trolling Motor

Minn Kota Best Trolling Motors For Pontoon Boats Review: 

The Minn Kota Trolling motor is an amazing option for easy motor installation and removal because it is a hand-steering motor equipped with a latch and door brackets. 

Our Tilt Twist Tiller can control the motor the way you want. Its grip provides responsive, feasible control of speed and steering. Five forward speed settings and three reverse speeds are provided in this trolling motor.

The trolling motor by Minn Kota is equipped with a power prop, which includes a prop pin, nut, and washer and helps against the heavy vegetation. A long-lasting motor shaft is guaranteed for the trolling motor by Minn Kota. We can assure you that this is among the best trolling motors for pontoon boats because it provides amazing features any pontoon boat owner would love.

Pros: 

• The lower unit runs in order to extend the trolling motor life. 
• Amazing durability. 
• Work perfectly. 
• Pulls the boat effortlessly. 
• Comes with mounting hardware. 

Cons: 

• It is a little on the expensive side. 

7. MotorGuide R5 Best Trolling Motors For Pontoon Boats

Motorguide R5 Review:

The MotorGuide R5 offers the most power in a transom mount the motor so that you can fish with a whole new attitude. This is one of the best trolling motors for pontoon boats because of its promising features. So if you are looking for trolling motor with greater flexibility and adaptability, you should consider spending your hard-earned money on MotorGuide R5.

The MotorGuide R5 has a twist-tiller operation equipped with a 3-blade Machete propeller. The battery life is ideal as the digital power management technology extends the battery life up to 5 times. The main feature of this trolling motor is its flexibility and adaptability because of the tough aluminum 7-position mount. 

The MotorGuide R5 is worth the money. Consider buying this trolling motor for your Pontoon boat; if you often go freshwater fishing, we 100% recommend this. 

Pros: 

• Affordable.
• It consists of digital power management.
• Have seven positions mount. 
• The lower unit is of solid steel and aluminum. 

Cons: 

• The shaft is comparatively shorter.
• Mounting a pontoon trolling motor is sometimes difficult. 

8. Minn Kota 1358790 Trolling Motor

Minn Kota 1358790 Review:

If you are someone who wakes up every day ready to fish, make sure your trolling motor is ready. To make your fishing exciting, the trolling motor by Minn Kota is a very good option for your pontoon boat. It comes with outstanding features which are worth your fishing routine. 

The trolling machine by Minn Kota has a 48” shaft, 12v, 45 lbs. thrust, and is provided with a deploy- assist lever, making the in and out of water uncomplicated. Digital maximize is installed, which provides up to 5 times longer battery run, helping you conserve your battery all day long and, at the same time, let you select as much speed as you want. 

An electric foot pedal side-to-side is given to control the speed and steering. It is waterproof and features an 18’cord but does not come with i-pilot models. One of the most trusted props in the fishing industry is the weedless wedge two props. The Minn Kota offers this to power through anything without the battery being drained.

We must say, Minn Kota offers the best trolling motors. Get your hands on the best trolling motors for pontoon boats by Minn Kota and enjoy fishing with its outstanding features.

Pros: 

• Works great. 
• Trolling motor can be controlled from anywhere in the boat. 
• Easily installed. 

Cons: 

• The electric foot does not come with i-pilot models. 

9. Newport Vessels L Series

Newport Vessels L Series Trolling Motor Review:

If you want a good quality trolling motor that fits in saltwater, then L-series by Newport Vessels is the one you should look for. It is constructed with high-end materials, the reason why it is a little more expensive than others, but the quality is not compromised. 

The trolling motor comes with a shaft of 40 inches and is highly resistant to corrosion and rust. You can choose from the 8-speed set, 5-forward, and three reverse. In order to provide the perfect steering, the shaft is operated through a telescope. A 10-point LED battery indicator is installed to measure the battery level. 

The bigger thrust provides high performance with fewer vibrations as you go through strong waves and current. 86lb thrust, and 24v electric trolling motor provides efficient power all day long without overheating. 

All the good features prove that trolling motor L-series by Newport Vessels is the Best Trolling Motor for Pontoon Boats.

Pros: 

• The performance is high-powered.     
• 10 LED battery meter is equipped in this trolling motor.     
• Rugged components are made of aluminum and steel.       
• Warranty of 2 years. 

Cons:       

• Expensive. 

 10. Watersnake Geo-Spot GPS 65lb Bow Mount Motors

Watersnake GEO-SPOT Watersnake Pontoon Trolling Motor Review:

If we talk about the trolling motor world, The Watersnake Geo-Spot Bow Mount Motor is the best trolling motor for pontoon boats because of its features, including pilot mode, anchor mode, cruise mode, and navigation mode.

The bow mount motor works on a 12-volt battery and has a thrust power of 44 pounds which helps you go faster. The design of it is weedless, has a 3-blade propeller, leaving no chance of obstacles, and helps you move freely in the water. The mounted motor controls the direction and speed of the boat with a sensor touch of your foot. The foot control is extremely simple; the models are made corrosion-free using stainless steel. It has a potted circuit board which is waterproof.

All the features Watersnake Geo-spot offers show that they always come up with innovative and smart products, and Bow Mount Motors is one of them. 

Pros:

• A long-lasting 12V battery. 
• An amazing thrust output. 
• Outstanding value. 
• Constructed with high quality. 
• Affordable. 
• Very easily installed. 

Cons: 

• The bracket and battery are not included.

Our Conclusion On The Best Pontoon Trolling Motors

As we conclude our exploration of the Best Pontoon Trolling Motors, it’s clear that these motors are more than just accessories; they are integral components that significantly enhance the boating experience.

The right trolling motor can transform your pontoon into a versatile and efficient boat suitable for various aquatic adventures.

Understanding your specific needs is the key to selecting the best pontoon trolling motor.

Whether you’re an avid angler seeking stealth and precision or a leisurely cruiser prioritizing ease of use and quiet operation, there’s a trolling motor designed to meet those requirements.

The variety available in the market ensures that there is a perfect match for every pontoon and every boater.

One of the most significant advantages of these motors is their quiet operation.

This feature is particularly beneficial for fishermen who need to approach fish without causing disturbance.

But it’s not just anglers who benefit; anyone who enjoys the serene environment of the water will appreciate the peacefulness that a quiet trolling motor provides.

Durability is another crucial factor. The best pontoon trolling motors are built to withstand various aquatic environments, from saltwater challenges to freshwater adventures.

This durability ensures that your investment is not only for the short term but will continue to provide value for many years.

The integration of technology in modern trolling motors cannot be overlooked.

Features like GPS and autopilot bring a level of convenience and precision that was once unimaginable.

These features not only make navigation easier but also enhance the safety of your boating experience.

Ease of installation and use is another important aspect.

Many of the top models are designed with user-friendliness, ensuring that even those new to boating can operate them confidently.

The controls are intuitive, and many models offer remote operation for added convenience.

In terms of power and thrust, there’s a wide range of options to suit different pontoon sizes and weights.

Choosing a motor that provides adequate power for your specific boat is essential, ensuring efficient and effective operation.

Finally, the environmental aspect should not be overlooked.

Electric trolling motors are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional gas-powered motors, reducing noise and water pollution.

This makes them a good choice for the individual boater and a responsible choice for the environment.

In summary, the Best Pontoon Trolling Motors blend performance, durability, and innovation.

They enhance your boating experience, whether it’s through quiet operation, ease of use, or the integration of advanced technology.

By carefully selecting the right trolling motor for your pontoon, you’re ensuring many enjoyable and efficient trips on the water, creating memorable experiences for years to come.

15 Best Tents For Stargazing [2022 Buyers Guide] (jaysonlinereviews.com)

Best Pontoon Boat Trolling Motors Buyers Guide and Helpful Video