Advice Needed

[flight2323]

I need advice on what kind of Electric motor would work for these specs...





Boat specifications:

8' slim pontoons

350 lb. capacity

River rating-Class 1

assembled size is 96" long x 54" wide x 32 high ( to top of seat )

Backpack containing boat, oars and foot pump weighs 42 lbs.

Is it even possible to add one?

[lape0019]

Are you talking about a 1 person float pontoon? If so, what model, I thin some of them are rated for trolling motors but you have to have space to load a 12 volt battery. You would not need a big motor. A 46 pound thrust will push a 15 foot aluminum with no issues.

[flight2323]

Are you talking about a 1 person float pontoon? If so, what model, I thin some of them are rated for trolling motors but you have to have space to load a 12 volt battery. You would not need a big motor. A 46 pound thrust will push a 15 foot aluminum with no issues.

It's an Arrow Backpacker ... 1 Person as well.. 350 pounds Max weight ... Class 1 for Rapids but I won't go in those no way LOL!!!

I think I would just have to make a motor mount that will fit nice and snug


Thanks Lape0019 for the advice I really appreciate it

I know it can be done I've see my model on utube with an electric motor which is pretty cool

[lape0019]

Nice little rig you have there. I thought about picking one of those up, but some how managed to convince the wife I needed a boat instead...

There doesn't seem to be much out there under a 30 pound thrust motor these days so I would look at a 36 to 55 pound thrust. The 55 should be able to get you out of trouble should the wind pick up and the water get pretty rough. The 55 is the biggest you can go with a 12 volt source. so if you want bigger, you would need two batteries. Is it overkill? Maybe, but the weight difference between the smaller ones and the 55's would be minimal so why not. It is you own safety after all.

As for mounting, I would imagine you would be looking at clamp style mounts for the trolling moter so it shouldn't be too hard to rig up. You biggest issue will be where to put the battery. Once that is figured out, you have to figure out if you want the trolling motor in front of you or behind you.

If you want it in front of you, look for a hand controlled bow mount. The handle of the trolling moter and the blades are pointed in the same direction so that it pulls the boat through the water. A transon mount will have the handle and the motor pointed in oppisite directions because it is designed for the back of the boat and to push the boat where you want to go. After that is all figured out, so simple wirining with an inline fuse and you are good to go.

For your wiring, most 12 volt trolling motor systems are wired with 8 guage. I imagine 10 would work because you are not going to be installing a huge length, but 8 would be better.

Adam

[unmanaged]

I use a 30lb on my 14' boat... works fine... 8 gauge directly to a battery when needed.

[flight2323]

Nice little rig you have there. I thought about picking one of those up, but some how managed to convince the wife I needed a boat instead...

There doesn't seem to be much out there under a 30 pound thrust motor these days so I would look at a 36 to 55 pound thrust. The 55 should be able to get you out of trouble should the wind pick up and the water get pretty rough. The 55 is the biggest you can go with a 12 volt source. so if you want bigger, you would need two batteries. Is it overkill? Maybe, but the weight difference between the smaller ones and the 55's would be minimal so why not. It is you own safety after all.

As for mounting, I would imagine you would be looking at clamp style mounts for the trolling moter so it shouldn't be too hard to rig up. You biggest issue will be where to put the battery. Once that is figured out, you have to figure out if you want the trolling motor in front of you or behind you.

If you want it in front of you, look for a hand controlled bow mount. The handle of the trolling moter and the blades are pointed in the same direction so that it pulls the boat through the water. A transon mount will have the handle and the motor pointed in oppisite directions because it is designed for the back of the boat and to push the boat where you want to go. After that is all figured out, so simple wirining with an inline fuse and you are good to go.

For your wiring, most 12 volt trolling motor systems are wired with 8 guage. I imagine 10 would work because you are not going to be installing a huge length, but 8 would be better.

Adam

Thanks for all the advice your awesome.. I will probably go with the 30 for sure, The thing that's great is I have access to all the parts because I'm a superintendent and have tons of supplies and tools... We have a shop where I can get all this done

I haven't even taken it out on the water yet I bought this yesterday for 125$ I think there worth a lot more than that.... My wife is super happy

[flight2323]

Nice little rig you have there. I thought about picking one of those up, but some how managed to convince the wife I needed a boat instead...

There doesn't seem to be much out there under a 30 pound thrust motor these days so I would look at a 36 to 55 pound thrust. The 55 should be able to get you out of trouble should the wind pick up and the water get pretty rough. The 55 is the biggest you can go with a 12 volt source. so if you want bigger, you would need two batteries. Is it overkill? Maybe, but the weight difference between the smaller ones and the 55's would be minimal so why not. It is you own safety after all.

As for mounting, I would imagine you would be looking at clamp style mounts for the trolling moter so it shouldn't be too hard to rig up. You biggest issue will be where to put the battery. Once that is figured out, you have to figure out if you want the trolling motor in front of you or behind you.

If you want it in front of you, look for a hand controlled bow mount. The handle of the trolling moter and the blades are pointed in the same direction so that it pulls the boat through the water. A transon mount will have the handle and the motor pointed in oppisite directions because it is designed for the back of the boat and to push the boat where you want to go. After that is all figured out, so simple wirining with an inline fuse and you are good to go.

For your wiring, most 12 volt trolling motor systems are wired with 8 guage. I imagine 10 would work because you are not going to be installing a huge length, but 8 would be better.

Adam

Thanks for all the advice your awesome.. I will probably go with the 30 for sure, The thing that's great is I have access to all the parts because I'm a superintendent and have tons of supplies and tools... We have a shop where I can get all this done

I haven't even taken it out on the water yet I bought this yesterday for 125$ I think there worth a lot more than that.... My wife is super happy

I weigh about 235 so I have to be careful about the weight of the whole thing... Water is cold right now I don't wanna fall in LOL