Got a new 20ft Lowe brand Pontoon from Cabela's. Going to put a trolling motor on the front...Motorguide Xi5 80#. Any recommendations on shaft length? 54" or 60" shaft? Thanks!!
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Got a new 20ft Lowe brand Pontoon from Cabela's. Going to put a trolling motor on the front...Motorguide Xi5 80#. Any recommendations on shaft length? 54" or 60" shaft? Thanks!!
Curious myself. Want to mount an Xi5 on my 22' South Bay. Dealer told me either would work, but that the 60" would be their choice because it would be easier to deploy/stow due to extra shaft length. Makes sense I guess.
Either shaft will do. And that's a plenty strong trolling motor, as most use 50# units.
What's difficult is finding a late model pontoon that has enough room for a trolling motor on the front end. Many companies are building the fencing closer to the front end. Bennington has a optional door that allows the trolling motor to lay flat and the door fits over the top.
i use the wireless 50 lb Motorguide, i believe it is a 54 '' shaft.
I have a 80lb thrust Terrova with 54" (I think) shaft on my 24' Xcursion. It came off of my crappie boat. Works good but would be better to have more head to pull it up with. Trade off is that the shorter shaft doesn't stick as far in to the boat when pulled up, which is good. Trolling motor works good pulling crankbaits for crappie.
54 is plenty anymore is really overboard.
Put a 54 inch Xi5 on my 22ft Sun Catcher G3 and it's length is way enough. It turned my pontoon into a great fishing boat with the anchor mode. Make sure your trailer bow pad bracket doesn't hit the trolling motor. Some pontoon trailers have bow pad brackets that will not allow trolling motors that stick out beyond the bow rim like the Xi5 does.
Guess I went 'overboard' and got a MinnKota RipTide 80 pound thrust for my Sylvan. It has the remote control and the "anchor" function is amazing.
Get a 'quick release bracket' - MinnKota has them, not sure on Motor Guide. The quick release mount allows easy removal of the trolling motor when you have a
boatload of people onboard for a boat ride. It's lockable too...
the quick release is nice
i have a 55# tm om my 18 pontoon,need more as if any breeze kicks up it just don't work
I have a 20' Sylvan and did some research on how many pounds of thrust would be needed for a trolling motor on my boat. 80 pounds was the number... Problem is the extra expensive of two battieries for the 24 volts it needs. Glad I got it but, wow - those trolling motors get pricey!Quote:
Originally Posted by hermanp
I use a 52 on my 24' Fisher!
The problem is there's not much room for it to stow without hanging over the side! If it's moved to the middle then it's always in the way loading and unloading!