20ft Pontoon Trolling Motor Suggestions

[jfunk88]

Good Afternoon,

I have a 20 ft pontoon with a 50 hp Yamaha motor, I am looking to buy a trolling motor so I can steer the pontoon from anywhere on the boat, use the anchor feature and to prevent running my Yamaha on low for long periods of time while trolling.

I was looking at the Minn Kota Terrova, 48 inch shaft, 80 lbs thrust

Does anyone have any experience with this trolling motor on a pontoon? Anything that is comparable?

Below is a link to my boat:
http://www.sylvanmarine.com/showroom/pontoon/mirage-fish/820-cruise-n-fish

I am a new boat owner and looking for some guidance from people with some experience! =)

Thanks,
JFunk88

 

[Silvertip]

I have a Minnkota 50# on an 18 footer and it does well. You will need to modify the bow gate if you have one (unless of course, there is ample room under the gate to clear the motor). 80# motors are 24 volts which require two big deep cycle batteries. You then need to consider how you intend to charge these batteries as they cannot be charged from the motor unless you ran wide open for a week straight. Most folks just add a two or three bank smart charger and plug in at the dock. And NO! A small solar panel is not the answer.

 

[jfunk88]

Silvertip,

I appreciate the advice, do you feel that Minn Kota is a good/reliable brand over a Motor Guide?

Also, do you think I should get a 60 inch shaft or a 48 inch shaft? I have heard both suggestions from boat shops...
The 48 inch shaft was suggested by a Minn Kota marketing and sales associate at a sportsman show I went to but a boat shop told me to look at a 60 inch because It will be higher in the air for me to see where the trolling motor is steering from the back of the boat.

Sorry for all the questions.
Thanks,
JFunk88

 

[Silvertip]

Don't need a 60 inch shaft. You can tell which way you are headed because you are driving!!!!! I won't start a brand war. I use Minnkota.