texasfishingforum.com logo
Main Menu
Advertisement
Affiliates
Advertisement
Newest Members
TraeMartin, Power-Pole CS, T-Rigger, JoeGoes, EcKo
119150 Registered Users
Top Posters(All Time)
hopalong 120,580
TexDawg 119,524
Bigbob_FTW 94,903
John175☮ 85,892
Pilothawk 83,264
Bob Davis 81,523
Mark Perry 72,297
Derek 🐝 68,312
JDavis7873 67,416
Forum Statistics
Forums59
Topics1,037,853
Posts13,935,641
Members144,150
Most Online39,925
Dec 30th, 2023
Print Thread
Page 1 of 2 1 2
Best Trolling motor for 18' Pontoon #13788501 11/29/20 04:44 PM
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 243
RandyD Offline OP
Outdoorsman
OP Offline
Outdoorsman
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 243
My Uncle's current motor is a very old big & heavy Minn Kota hand controlled; only slides up and down; Uncle is having a hard time adjusting it up and down due to the location and weight. Assuming Spot-lock (I_Pilot) is a definite "must-have"; what about the manual deploy versus the Ulterra?... 60" shaft versus 72"?

Looking for some suggestions from you experienced Pontoon / Crappie fishers! smile


Require a whole lot of luck...


Re: Best Trolling motor for 18' Pontoon [Re: RandyD] #13788532 11/29/20 05:17 PM
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,180
B
boocat Offline
Extreme Angler
Offline
Extreme Angler
B
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,180
I have the powerdrive pontoon 24v 68# 48 inch on my 18 Bass Buggy. Seems to be plenty of power so far. Not tried in high wind. No problem with the 48 inch, seems to be enough and does not take up as much room on the deck. Deploy seems ok once you get the hang of it and I did add the i-pilot, it was separate add on when I got mine. Easy to do. I think it may come with it already on now. amazing how maneuverable that boat can be with a good troll motor.

Re: Best Trolling motor for 18' Pontoon [Re: RandyD] #13788582 11/29/20 06:00 PM
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 762
J
justchillin Offline
Pro Angler
Offline
Pro Angler
J
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 762
I have a Minn Kota Powerdrive 70 Trolling Motor W/I-Pilot & Bluetooth - 24v-70lb-54" on my 22ft. pontoon and it does a good job keeping me spot locked. I do not get out in real rough water, but have been out in somewhat windy conditions and have not had any issues staying put on a spot

Re: Best Trolling motor for 18' Pontoon [Re: RandyD] #13788600 11/29/20 06:15 PM
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 952
Z
z289sec Offline
Pro Angler
Offline
Pro Angler
Z
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 952
I have a 16 XLS Bass Buggy. A 54 inch 12 volt 55 lb is all I need. Works perfect. Held spot lock with ease in 14-16 mph N wind this morning. And was able to maneuver through the stump fields no problem. I like the quick release bracket for Pontoons, if I'm not going to fish.

Last edited by z289sec; 11/29/20 06:16 PM.
Re: Best Trolling motor for 18' Pontoon [Re: RandyD] #13789035 11/30/20 01:43 AM
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 119
B
BassPontoon Offline
Outdoorsman
Offline
Outdoorsman
B
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 119
Like the other guys, I think you can go with a 54” or possibly even 48”. I don’t think you need to have 60 or 72” shaft for an 18 fter as I’ve got plenty left above the lock on mine. I use a Minn Kota Power Drive 60” shaft for my 24’ SunTracker. The auto deploy would be great for him but it’s quite expensive(I’m gonna upgrade to that later down the road too)... These newer trolling motors have a “deploy assist lever” that makes it much easier to manually deploy and stowing is pretty easy as well. Spot lock is definitely something to look for if you’re wanting to stay over a spot without working the trolling motor or toss an anchor out. I know quite a few people that are running 55 lb 12 volt trolling motors like z289sec and have no issues.

I also have a mounting system that gives you the benefit of a quick release AND keep the trolling motor out of the deck area to free up the space they have always taken in the past if you’re interested. Please shoot me a message and/or feel free to check out my website in my signature. Fine-toon.com. It’s called a Toon Troll SR and it’s made here in the USA! I’m now a representative for them.

Hope this helps!

Attached Files E702EDD4-B681-4460-9488-6935A07A8806.jpeg
Last edited by BassPontoon; 11/30/20 03:57 AM.

GR

SunTracker 24XP3 Fishin Barge, 150 Merc, Toon Troll mounted MK trolling motor.
Re: Best Trolling motor for 18' Pontoon [Re: RandyD] #13789476 11/30/20 03:08 PM
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 588
B
badgrandad Offline
Pro Angler
Offline
Pro Angler
B
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 588
I have the 18’ Bass. Buggy and upgraded from a power drive v2 (55 lbs thrust 12 volt) 54” shaft to a 60” shaft 80 lb thrust Terrova (24 volt).

The shaft length on the old motor was fine but on really wavy days it pulled out of the water. I could lower it some but the head of the unit would have been lower than the fence around the deck and hard to see what direction the TM was pointed.

The thrust amount was not enough on the old motor but I don’t know if there was something wrong with it or just my use conditions.

The longer shaft is nice and I can put it deeper and still see it above the rail. The extra thrust is great but the main reason was the spot lock.
The deploy on the Terrova is almost effortless compared with the power drive. The extra battery is extra weight but also capacity and time on the water.

I absolutely love this TM compared to the PowerDrive.


Just because you can, doesn't mean you should!
Re: Best Trolling motor for 18' Pontoon [Re: RandyD] #13789920 11/30/20 09:37 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 635
K
KEGracing Offline
Pro Angler
Offline
Pro Angler
K
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 635
I just recently put a new Motor Guide Xi5 on my 24' tritoon. Went with 60" and 36 volt - 105 ft lbs. Was out in the big rollers on Cedar Creek main lake yesterday for a while, 15+ wind. Worked great.

On the 18' boat, you might not need the 105 ft lbs, but would get at least the 70 ft. lbs motor. Also, 60" shaft is not always needed, but on rough days it is nice and also you can adjust it so head is up, and you can see what way it is pointed if you are on other end of the boat. Spot Lock is great! Hand remote controlled motor is wonderful! Pay the extra money for the hand remote. Especially on the pontoon, where you are walking everywhere, it is worth it! I also have the quick disconnect mount, and have motor on the front end. Pull the pin and leave the motor at the house if out with the wife and kids tubing instead of fishing.

Spend a little more now if you can. Makes it much easier.

Good luck.

Ken


2014 Premier Alante 235 RF tritoon. Momma's boat. But I get to fish on her.

A country boy will survive... but those who cross him?

Cedar Creek personal best:
Blue Cat 31.55 lbs
Hybrid 6.2 lbs
Crappie 2.1 lbs
Re: Best Trolling motor for 18' Pontoon [Re: RandyD] #13789932 11/30/20 09:44 PM
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 243
RandyD Offline OP
Outdoorsman
OP Offline
Outdoorsman
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 243
Outstanding suggestions... exactly what I was hoping to see.... Leaning towards this -> "60” shaft 80 lb thrust Terrova (24 volt)".
Thank you!


Require a whole lot of luck...


Re: Best Trolling motor for 18' Pontoon [Re: RandyD] #13789954 11/30/20 10:05 PM
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 119
B
BassPontoon Offline
Outdoorsman
Offline
Outdoorsman
B
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 119
Originally Posted by RandyD
Outstanding suggestions... exactly what I was hoping to see.... Leaning towards this -> "60” shaft 80 lb thrust Terrova (24 volt)".
Thank you!


Sounds like you’ve got a plan, hope you and the uncle enjoy!


GR

SunTracker 24XP3 Fishin Barge, 150 Merc, Toon Troll mounted MK trolling motor.
Re: Best Trolling motor for 18' Pontoon [Re: BassPontoon] #13790198 12/01/20 01:10 AM
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 243
RandyD Offline OP
Outdoorsman
OP Offline
Outdoorsman
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 243
I checked out "Fine-toon.com". Nice mount, I will do some checking to see if it would work for him.
Thanks


Require a whole lot of luck...


Re: Best Trolling motor for 18' Pontoon [Re: RandyD] #13790332 12/01/20 03:03 AM
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 119
B
BassPontoon Offline
Outdoorsman
Offline
Outdoorsman
B
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 119
Originally Posted by RandyD
I checked out "Fine-toon.com". Nice mount, I will do some checking to see if it would work for him.
Thanks


Sounds good, please let me know if you guys have any questions. Glad to hear you like it!


GR

SunTracker 24XP3 Fishin Barge, 150 Merc, Toon Troll mounted MK trolling motor.
Re: Best Trolling motor for 18' Pontoon [Re: RandyD] #13791344 12/02/20 01:07 AM
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 50
S
Scotty B Fishin' Offline
Outdoorsman
Offline
Outdoorsman
S
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 50
Chris Webb’s guide service on Facebook. May have ulterra for sale. Mark Standridge shared it earlier today.


Hebrew 12:1b let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Re: Best Trolling motor for 18' Pontoon [Re: RandyD] #13792090 12/02/20 05:53 PM
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,975
C
CCBIRDDOGMAN Offline
TFF Celebrity
Offline
TFF Celebrity
C
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,975
I would buy the one From Chris Webb if I didn't already have one. I love my Ulterra on my 24' toon


2 Bedroom Lake house on CC for rent. P.M. me!
Re: Best Trolling motor for 18' Pontoon [Re: RandyD] #13821718 12/28/20 03:26 AM
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,210
B
bullcrappie Offline
Extreme Angler
Offline
Extreme Angler
B
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,210
The xi5 with a 50 inch shaft will pull into a strong wind and hold my fully loaded ( I mean 3- 29D batterys,2 built in tackle boxes 5 swivel chairs with a n Lrg. stoarge box,26 gallon tank one bench seat and a cooler seat also a large danforth anchor plus coolers,cast nets and fishing gear.) its a Lowes 25.7 ft pontoon very well it will hold it in a wind that puts waves over the front if your fishing up there, holds on spot lock with wind over 20mph easy and long enough to stay in water easy.. runs all day on 2 - 29 series batteries I have never lost more than one light on TM bat. gauge except when I had a dead cell show up in one battery.

Only con I can complain about is the prop running light is on the mounting base it should be up on the top of the TM head where you can see it from anywhere in boat many times I think I turned off motor only to see I did not..

Last edited by bullcrappie; 12/28/20 03:29 AM.

..The Original old style Side imaging sonar..
With 360* degree side scanning.
[Linked Image]
"
Re: Best Trolling motor for 18' Pontoon [Re: RandyD] #13822393 12/28/20 09:57 PM
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 7,332
ERNEST PATY Offline
TFF Celebrity
Offline
TFF Celebrity
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 7,332
I have two toons , on the 18' I have an Xi5 and on the 20' I have the Ulterra. Both do a good job but I really miss the self deploy feature on the 18' If doing it again I would go with Ulterra on both. 60" shafts on both.

Call me if you need more info.


Last edited by ERNEST PATY; 12/28/20 09:58 PM.

Ernest Paty 214-202-7866
catchcrappie@aol.com

Page 1 of 2 1 2
Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread

© 1998-2022 OUTDOOR SITES NETWORK all rights reserved USA and Worldwide
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.3