We fish, we explore, and we relax on our pontoons, but finding the right trolling motor can be challenging. If you’re tired of struggling with underpowered motors or fighting against currents, you’re not alone. We’ve tested dozens of models to identify the three best trolling motors that deliver exceptional performance for pontoon boats. Let’s discover which options will keep you gliding smoothly across the water without draining your battery or your wallet.
Pontoon-Series 55lb Thrust Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor
- 55lb Thrust Trolling Motor
- 55 Inch Long Fiberglass Shaft
- 66" Battery Cable Leads w/ ring connectors
- Durable Deck Mount Bracket (Pontoon Trolling Motor Mount)
- 50 Amp Circuit Breaker
For pontoon boat owners seeking reliable power in saltwater conditions, the Pontoon-Series 55lb Thrust Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor offers impressive versatility and strength. We’ve found this Newport Vessels model delivers consistent performance with its 12-volt system and 5 horsepower capability.
The 55-inch fiberglass shaft and 10-inch propeller provide excellent maneuverability, while the 8-speed control system (5 forward, 3 reverse) lets you adjust to changing water conditions. We love the convenient 10-point LED battery meter that helps prevent unexpected power loss during your outings. With a 4.2-star rating from 177 customers, it’s proven reliable for most users, though some report quality concerns.
Best For: Pontoon boat owners who need a powerful, versatile motor for saltwater fishing trips or leisure cruising in coastal environments.
Pros:
- Robust 55lb thrust with 5-speed forward and 3-speed reverse capabilities provides excellent maneuverability in various water conditions
- Extra-long 55-inch fiberglass shaft is ideal for pontoon boats that sit higher in the water
- 10-point LED battery meter helps prevent unexpected power loss during extended outings
Cons:
- Some customers report quality control issues and malfunctioning units
- Customer service responsiveness has been criticized in negative reviews
- At 18.96 pounds, the unit is relatively heavy and may require additional assistance during installation
Newport Vessels 86lb Thrust Saltwater Electric Pontoon Trolling Motor
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The Newport Vessels 86lb Thrust Saltwater Electric Pontoon Trolling Motor stands as a powerhouse option for serious pontoon enthusiasts who regularly navigate saltwater environments. We’re impressed by its nearly indestructible mounting bracket that you can position anywhere on your pontoon or deck boat. The easy-access latch door makes removal a breeze when needed.
With a 55-inch fiberglass shaft and reinforced 3-blade propeller, this motor’s built to handle tough conditions. It comes with 66-inch battery cable leads made from marine-grade copper with tin coating to fight corrosion. You’ll need two 12V deep cycle batteries in series (not included), and we’re glad to see it includes a 50 Amp circuit breaker for safety.
Best For: Pontoon and deck boat owners who need a powerful, corrosion-resistant trolling motor for regular saltwater fishing and extended trips.
Pros:
- Nearly indestructible mounting bracket can be positioned anywhere on the pontoon or deck boat
- 55-inch fiberglass shaft and reinforced 3-blade propeller designed for tough saltwater environments
- Includes corrosion-resistant marine-grade copper wiring with a 50 Amp circuit breaker for safety
Cons:
- Requires two 12V deep cycle batteries (not included), adding to the overall cost
- Installation requires drilling and tools (spanner) that are not included
- 86lb thrust motor consumes more power than smaller motors, potentially requiring more frequent battery charging
Minn Kota Pontoon Freshwater Trolling Motor with Bow-Mount Bracket
- Latch & Door Bracket: This bracket gives you a rock-solid hold while stowing your trolling motor and makes for easy removal at the end of the day
- Tilt Twist Tiller: Get hands-on control of your motor with our Tilt Twist Tiller. Its ergonomic grip provides easy, responsive control of speed and steering.
- 5 Fwd/3 Rev Speed Settings: Five speed settings for forward and three speed settings for reverse
- Power Prop: For 3-1/4" motor diameters, this prop delivers extra power to push throw heavy vegetation. Includes prop pin, nut and washer
- Indestructible Composite Shaft — Guaranteed for Life: At the core of your Minn Kota trolling motor is an indestructable composite shaft. It's a Minn Kota exclusive, and we guarantee it for life
Serious pontoon enthusiasts will appreciate Minn Kota’s Freshwater Trolling Motor with Bow-Mount Bracket, a standout choice for lakes and calm waterways. With its Latch & Door Bracket system, this motor offers secure stowing and easy removal when needed.
We love the Tilt Twist Tiller that gives you hands-on control with an ergonomic grip, plus the 5 forward and 3 reverse speeds for precise maneuvering. The Power Prop handles heavy vegetation well, while the indestructible composite shaft comes with a lifetime guarantee.
Installation takes just about 15 minutes, and users report excellent maneuverability in tight spaces. While most praise its performance, be aware that some customers have reported quality control issues.
Best For: Pontoon boat owners looking for reliable freshwater trolling in lakes and calm waterways who need precise control and easy installation.
Pros:
- Quick 15-minute installation with secure Latch & Door Bracket system for easy mounting and removal
- Versatile performance with 5 forward/3 reverse speeds and vegetation-cutting Power Prop
- Lifetime guaranteed indestructible composite shaft for long-term durability
Cons:
- Some users report quality control issues with units arriving broken
- Mixed reliability reviews suggest potential performance inconsistencies
- Limited to freshwater use only, not suitable for saltwater environments
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Trolling Motor for Pontoon
Now let’s look at what factors matter when choosing the perfect pontoon trolling motor for your boat. We’ll consider essential elements like thrust capacity, shaft length, saltwater vs freshwater compatibility, battery requirements, and mounting options. These key considerations will help us match your specific pontoon needs with the right motor features, ensuring you get the best performance out on the water.
Thrust Capacity
Determining the right thrust capacity stands as perhaps the most crucial factor when selecting a trolling motor for your pontoon boat. We’ve found that the general rule is to have 2 to 5 pounds of thrust for every 100 pounds of fully loaded boat weight. This guarantees you’ll have enough power to navigate effectively, especially against wind and currents.
For most pontoons, you’ll want at least 50 to 100 pounds of thrust, depending on your boat’s size. Don’t skimp here—an underpowered motor will struggle with maneuverability and positioning, particularly during extended use or in challenging conditions.
When calculating your needed thrust, consider not just the boat’s weight but also your typical water conditions and passenger load. The right thrust capacity makes all the difference between a frustrating day fighting your motor and smooth, controlled trolling.
Shaft Length Considerations
Choosing the right shaft length for your pontoon’s trolling motor might seem technical, but it’s actually quite straightforward once you understand the basics. Your motor’s shaft needs to be long enough to keep the propeller fully submerged—typically 12 to 24 inches below the waterline.
For pontoons with higher mounting points (freeboard over 20 inches), we recommend going with longer shafts in the 48 to 60 inch range. This guarantees ideal performance even when conditions get choppy. Remember that waves and boat load can require an extra 5-10 inches of length for reliable operation.
Don’t undersize your shaft—being more than 10 inches too short can dramatically reduce efficiency and increase motor wear. Standard options range from 30 to 72 inches, so measure carefully before making your choice.
Saltwater Vs Freshwater
The saltwater versus freshwater environment creates one of the biggest decision points when selecting your pontoon’s trolling motor. While freshwater motors can use standard materials and components, they simply won’t hold up in saltwater’s harsh conditions.
Saltwater motors are built with enhanced corrosion-resistant components like sealed electronics and marine-grade materials that combat the accelerated degradation salt causes. Without these protections, a freshwater motor’s lifespan could be cut in half when used in saltwater! Plus, saltwater motors are designed with greater thrust efficiency to handle stronger tidal currents.
If you’ll be boating in salt water, you’ll need a motor with tin-coated wiring and protected circuit breakers. Don’t forget that saltwater motors require regular rinsing after use, while their freshwater counterparts need less maintenance due to the gentler environment.
Battery Life Requirements
Power demands for your pontoon’s trolling motor directly impact battery choices, making this a crucial consideration for any boat owner. We’ve found that most pontoon trolling motors operate on either 12V or 24V systems, with higher voltage options delivering more thrust for larger boats.
When we’re out on the water, we need to remember that these motors can pull up to 50 amps under load, which quickly drains batteries at higher speeds. That’s why we recommend deep-cycle batteries with at least 100 Ah capacity for decent runtime.
We always suggest monitoring your battery levels using the LED indicators that show remaining charge. By running your motor at lower speeds when possible, you’ll extend your time on the water substantially – giving you those extra hours to land the perfect catch!
Mounting System Options
When mounting your trolling motor to a pontoon, where you place it makes all the difference in performance and convenience. We’ve found that deck mounts work wonderfully for pontoons, as they’re specifically designed for flat surfaces and provide the stability you’ll need out on the water.
Many boaters prefer bow-mount systems with their helpful latch and door mechanisms that make stowing and removing your motor a breeze. These systems aren’t just convenient—they’re built to last, often made from reinforced composites that stand up to harsh weather and regular use.
Installation is typically straightforward, requiring just basic tools like a drill and spanner. What we love most about modern mounting brackets is their flexibility, allowing you to position your trolling motor in various spots based on your pontoon’s design and how you use your boat.
Speed Control Features
Once you’ve secured your mounting system, selecting the right speed controls for your pontoon trolling motor becomes your next focus. We recommend looking for motors with multiple forward speeds—typically five settings—which allow you to adjust your thrust precisely based on conditions.
Don’t overlook reverse capabilities! A good trolling motor should offer at least three reverse speeds for maneuvering in tight spots. These incremental adjustments help you match your motor’s output to environmental factors like wind or currents, saving power when you don’t need full thrust.
We’ve found that motors with clear LED indicators help you monitor performance while operating your pontoon. By choosing a motor with versatile speed options, you’ll extend battery life substantially. You can cruise at lower speeds for longer adventures, then kick into higher gear when needed.