I recently bought a lightly used 21' Lowe fishing pontoon boat. I would like to hear from others with pontoons and what they opted for on #thrust for a trolling motor. I would specifically like to hear from those with a 55# motor and how it handles. I am looking at the minn Kota terrova with I-pilot (I want the spot lock mainly).

The boat I have is pre-wired for a trolling motor, but because they put a built in tackle box in the same storage area as the trolling motor battery, there is only enough room for one battery. I don't want to cut the tackle box out (more aesthetics than function), and I've heard of voltage drop problems with batteries being apart. A typical day on the lake for me might be 5-8 hours chasing striper and sand bass, or possible 5-8 hours bass fishing. In general I'm ok with being strategic about battery usage (I.e. Choosing direction so I am not fighting wind). But, I would be upset if I find a feeding school and I can't stay on the school in average wind conditions (<15 mph). I understand the principal that no one is ever upset they have too much power, but would also prefer the simplicity of one battery and no modifications to the boat. Just hoping to hear some real world experiences. Thanks.

I have MotorGuide 55lb but on a 16' deep v - love it, but a 21' toon would be a different story. I can tell you this; I have seen the 24 volt MinnKota on a toon (while fishing on it) and the spot lock for MinnKota seems to not be nearly as good as MotorGuide - takes a long time to "find" your anchor spot. I suggest you check out what Earnest Paty has posted on the subject - he's on a toon.

I have a 18' toon and I started out with 55#-12V and it was tough. After working with it for a couple
of years I swaped over to a 80#-24V with I-Pilot.Fish all day, wind or no wind. On windy days the
I-pilot will keep you close but not dead on. Hope this helps.

I have a 20 foot pontoon and found the 55 lb thrust 12 volt to be way under powered. My advise is to find a storage place in the back that will hold 3 30 series agm batteries and run 6 gage wire to the receptical in the front. I have a 36 volt Terrova Ipilot 60 inch shaft and it works great . It will troll the pontoon boat at 3.2 mph. Since you asked I will tell you that anything less will be short changing yourself . The wind will blow you around more than you think especially if you have your top up for shade. I can spot lock for hours and have never run short of battery power. I am waiting to pick up my new ulterra 36 volt self deploy 112 lb thrust and will be selling this 101 lb thrust soon. You could save a lot of bucks and will be glad you made this post.

I just put a 55lb Minn Kota hand control on my 22' Berkshire pontoon. In heavy winds it struggles a bit. If you are planning on fishing in winds up to about 15mph for 5-8 hours I would definitely get a 24v. It is not going to have to work as hard to hold you in the wind and your batteries will last all day. A 12v would probably hold you, but it would eat up the battery real fast.

^^^^this
We all try at times to get by with as little as possible because of one reason or another.
Do yourself a favor and go at least 24 volt. You will regret not doing so at some point.
It's better to have a little too much than not enough when you need it.

I want to add to my reply to help you enjoy your new boat . The type of fishing you want to do will in many instances require precise boat control especially bass fishing. Pontoon boats are comfortable fishing platforms but, the wind will ruin your day if you don't make the right decision now. Go as big as you can! Give up some storage area to store the batteries (big Agms) . Don't forget batteries and battery care are very important. A minn Kota 3 or 4 bank charger will insure the batteries are ready to go. Learn from my mistakes go 36 volt , do it right the first time , you will never regret it.
You will love spot lock not only for staying on fish but it comes in handy when landing a fish, changing lures, retrieving a hung up lure, or just taking a break for lunch. I hope you enjoy your boat as much as I do mine.

I have a 70# thrust PowerDrive V2 with Ipilot on mine. works wonderful

Guys,
I really appreciate all the input. Sounds like everyone agrees I would be happier to make room somewhere to at least have the 80# (the next size up in Terrova) Looks like you saved me from myself...

Buzzard, I searched some of Ernest's posts. I didn't find anything where he directly compared them, just the he preferred the MG. But, everyone seems to be real happy with their Minn Kotas too. For whatever reason, at least in the 55#, I could find the terrova with I-pilot about $250 cheaper than the Xi5 with the GPS/remote. Not sure if that holds true now that I'm looking at 80 up.

thanks everyone again for your input. Collectively, you saved me from probably making a dumb mistake.

Just ordered a 112 # thrust Terrova with ipilot link for 20' pontoon.
No matter what you decide to get call or look online at bbgmarine.com they had the best price I could find.

I my opinion there are two things on a boat you can never have to much of, a trolling motor and a bilge pump.

Shiner in Texas.........sent you a PM, I have a Terrova 80 lb thrust I used on my 22 ft. tri-toon for sale.

bigger is better,,,