Finding the best trolling motor for pontoon boats can be difficult, especially if you don’t know what to look for.
The average person looking to buy a trolling motor doesn’t know what they’re doing and will end up buying something that’s too big or won’t fit their needs.
We’ve reviewed all of the top rated trolling motors on the market today so that you don’t have to do any research yourself. We’ll tell you which ones are worth your money and which ones aren’t.
Our reviews cover everything from battery life, power output, speed control, warranty information and more! You can also read our honest opinion here as well before making your final decision about which one is right for you.
Our Top Picks
Looking for more trolling motors? You might want to check our other top picks:
Best Trolling Motors for Pontoon Boats
- Best Freshwater Bow Mount Motor with Pinpoint GPS – MotorGuide Xi5
- Best with Latch and Door Bracket – Minn Kota 1355970 Edge Trolling Motor
- Best Wireless Motor for Pontoon Boats – MotorGuide Xi3
- Best Electric Motor for Inflatable and Aluminum Boats – AQUOS HASWING Mount Trolling Motor
- Best Hand-steer Motors with Tilt Twist Tiller – Minn Kota Pontoon Bow-Mount Trolling Motor
1. MotorGuide Xi5
Best Freshwater Bow Mount Motor with Pinpoint GPS
- Pinpoint GPS is the industry’s most accurate GPS, provides…
- Motor is Pinpoint Gateway compatible to connect to Lowrance,…
- Operate from anywhere in the boat with standard Pinpoint GPS…
Key Features
- Features pinpoint GPS for better precision control
- Compatible with Pinpoint Gateway
- Comes with a Pinpoint GPS remote and wireless foot pedal
- Stow and deploy mechanism with corrosion-resistant construction
- With 83/200kHzsonar transducer
The MotorGuide Xi5 features a pinpoint GPS with 3 times better precision control and better hold on your anchor point.
It’s compatible with Lowrance, Simrad, Mercury Vesselview Displays for advanced navigation. The motor’s mount is non-corrosive, with a stow and deploy mechanism to help guide the motor in position.
This freshwater motor has a built-in 83/200 kHz sonar transducer for better clarity and detail of fish and other underwater structures. It consists of a composite shaft that’s 60 inches in length with a glass-filled propeller.
2. Minn Kota 1355970 Edge Trolling Motor
Best with Latch and Door Bracket
- 52″ Shaft, 24v, 70 lbs Thrust
- Latch & Door Bracket: This bracket gives you a rock-solid…
- Heel-Toe / Cable-Steer Foot Pedal: Get heel/toe control of…
Key Features
- Latch and Door Bracket for a more secure motor control
- Cable-steer foot pedal made with composite material for speed control
- Made with 5-speed settings
- With power prop
The Minn Kota Edge is a freshwater bow-mounted motor with a latch and door bracket, allowing you to control as you stow.
The heel-toe foot pedal is very responsive and accurately controls motor speed. You can dial the right speed you need when trolling with the 5-speed settings (forward and reverse speeds). Its power prop delivers extra push against heavy vegetation.
3. MotorGuide Xi3
Best Wireless Motor for Pontoon Boats
Key Features
- Wireless control with a compact remote and foot pedal
- Quiet motor operation for longer battery life
- Easily stow and deploy with MotorGuide’s SecureStep system
- Convenient large release lever
- With LED dashboard with battery meter
The wireless MotorGuide Xi3 operates more quietly compared to other motors mentioned. With its hand-held remote, you can easily control the Xi3 from anywhere in the boat.
The MotorGuide Xi3 also offers a MotorGuide’s SecureStep System to allow safe and easy stow and deploy mechanisms.
This Xi3 also has an LED dashboard with status indicators to help you monitor motor functions and marine battery life. It’s capable of functioning even at lower temperatures and severe conditions because of its smart safeguards.
4. AQUOS HASWING Mount Trolling Motor
Best Electric Motor for Inflatable and Aluminum Boats
- AQUOS Haswing Cayman B (NOT GPS) 12V 55LBS 48inch Bow Mount…
- The remote control fits into the palm of your hand easily or…
- Cruise control (NOT SPOT LOCK) keeps your boat at the…
Key Features
- Features a compact wireless remote control
- Quick-release bracket for easy installation and removal
- Cable-wired foot control for precise operation
- Great trolling motor for saltwater and freshwater
- Features an ergonomic lifting handle for better motor portability
- Cruise control (not spot lock)
The AQUOS HASWING motor is equipped with a 48-inch aluminum alloy shaft that allows easy switching of boats.
Its wireless remote fits perfectly in anyone’s palms and allows you to control speed effortlessly. This electric trolling motor works greatly both in fresh and saltwater; its construction is corrosion-resistant.
The motor’s stow and deploy foot pedal allow easy transitioning between the water or on the boat. Because it has an ergonomic lifting handle, you can remove and transport this trolling motor easily.
5. Minn Kota Pontoon Bow-Mount Trolling Motor
Best Hand-steer Motors with Tilt Twist Tiller
- Latch & Door Bracket: This bracket gives you a rock-solid…
- Tilt Twist Tiller: Get hands-on control of your motor with…
- 5 Fwd/3 Rev Speed Settings: Five speed settings for forward…
Key Features
- Features a latch and door bracket
- Tilt Twist Tiller for easy hands-on control
- Five forward speeds settings and three reverse speeds
- Equipped with a power prop
- Composite and long-lasting trolling motor shaft
The Minn Kota Trolling Motor is a hand-steering motor equipped with a latch and door bracket for easy motor installation and removal.
It features a tilt twist tiller with an ergonomic grip for better responsiveness, speed, and steering control. The power prop gives the motor extra power to push against heavy vegetation.
Pontoon Trolling Motor Buying Guide
Having a trolling motor is a great way to fish, but not without some good old-fashioned knowledge!
To make sure you’re buying a quality product, let’s look at some of the most common features to help you choose the trolling motor for your pontoon boat.
How to choose a trolling motor?
When selecting the best electric trolling motors, you should take note of the different features you need to consider. These features will give you a better boating experience when you go angling.
Thrust
Pounds of thrust refer to the amount of force your boat needs to move on water. Generally, 2 pounds of thrust is needed for every 100lbs of boat weight. A good trolling motor thrust will stabilize your motor’s performance; it also helps regulate speed.
Motor Control
Choose motors with easy and efficient control. Some motors offer wireless control, while others provide tillers and foot pedals. Wireless control allows you to control your motor from anywhere on the boat.
Durability
These motors have to be made with durable and heavy-duty materials to control and operate your boats efficiently.
When they are durable, they will be long-lasting and save you the money of buying them again after only a short time of using them.
Shaft Length
Proper shaft length allows your propeller to stay submerged no matter what the water and weather conditions are.
To calculate the right length, measure the distance from your mounting location down to the water; and add 20 inches of 50cm.
Where to mount it on my pontoon?
There are three different mounting locations for pontoon trolling motors. These are the bow mount, transom mount, and engine mount. Let’s discuss all these one by one.
Bow Mount
Bow mount trolling motors allow easy maneuverability of boats because pulling is easier than pushing, especially during windy conditions.
The best location for bow-mounted motors is in front of the boat’s gate.
Engine Mount
Engine-mounted motors are remotely-controlled; you don’t need to stow and deploy them. They are securely attached to the cavitation plate of an outdoor motor.
Transom Mount
Transom-mounted motors are cheaper alternatives; they can also steer together outboard motors. Most anglers prefer transom mounts because they are simpler than other mounting locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size trolling motor does a pontoon boat need?
The right size is based on the shaft length and amount of thrust you need, which depends mainly on the weight of your pontoon boat. When your boat weighs at least 100lbs, you need 2 pounds of thrust.
Do trolling motors work well with pontoon boats?
Yes, they work well with most pontoon boats as long as you select the right one for your boat. The right one depends on two factors: the right shaft length and the right amount of thrust.
Where do you put the trolling motor on a pontoon boat?
The trolling motor is commonly placed on the bow or the stern. When you see them on the bow, it’s probably because the stern has an outboard engine.
Find the Unrivaled Trolling Motors for You!
Versatile motors will provide better control for your pontoon boats. We hope this review guide has helped you choose the trolling motor for your boat! What do you think? Let us know!
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