Pontoon upgrades ?? need advice.

[Owl Creek]

Ok I want to get a couple things for the old pontoon its a 18 footer. pretty sure I want a Helix 7 SI with DI to run off the back. some what affordable, but that thing looks amazing, just the basic stand alone unit not worried about networking. Si to find cover then DI it check it out up close. if I am way off let me know.

Then a TM. probably a Minn kota but open to suggestions I want spot lock that is a must!. no more than 24v , 12 if I could get by with it. I would think a 80 lb would hold it and to cruz docks. I dont plan to fish in high wind our lakes are 100 ac or less. so not really any crazy waves. I know they are not cheap and i dont need a tricked out unit. just basic but one that will do what I need. If they even make a basic one with spot lock?
I dont plan to run a fish finder off of it or anything fancy.
I will save that for the crappie/bass boat I hope to get in a few years.

My wife loves the pontoon and I call it her boat. but if i can set it up to have a good time fishing off of i will spend alot more time on it finding the honey holes and trying different things while she lounges around...LOL. But I think she would really get into crappie fishing. and once I get if figured out i want to take the grand kids.

SOOOO does this seem like a good plan? or is there better options for the same money?

I read that BBG is the place to call for packages.

Just need advice and direction to review so i dont jump off the deep end uninformed and spend more money to end up with less.

Thanks in advance!

[CrappiePappy]

The only thing I see that might be a problem is using the DI to "check it up close" (after finding it with SI) .... reason being your transducer will be in the back end of the pontoon, & so is your "DI" & that means you'd be fishing off the back end (unless you mark the spot with a buoy and turn the pontoon around & go back to it, unless there's visible cover above the surface you can relate to).

As far as BBG .... yeah, I'd talk to him & give him the lowdown on what you're wanting and how you'll be using it. He gives discounts to Crappie.com members, so you might want to PM him, first, just to let him know your member name (& real name) & then call if needed.

As far as TM's .... I believe the highest thrust 12v is 55# --- above that they're 24v (70#-80#) You'd have to ask Brian@BBG whether any 55# TM has Spotlock or not.

[slowhand]

Get the Minn Kota 24v Terrova or Ulterra with the built in Mega SI transducer. You will be able to scan from the front while sitting at the console, and then check out what's below under the front. You will steer with the remote.
If limiting yourself to only 1 graph, get the largest screen you can afford. Several mounts will allow you to swivel the graph around so you can see it from up front.
Keep us posted on your journey.
Brian is THE go-to guy.

[DockShootinJack]

My Terrova I pilot is 12 volt 55 pound. That being said I would go with the 80lbs 24 volt on the pontoon. When I upgrade boats I am putting an 80 on it. If you have to much motor you can always use at a lower setting. With less motor if you are maxed out and it is still not getting it done. It is time to load the boat

[Owl Creek]

Good morning folks, and thanks for the info!

Marking with a buoy was the original plan, got the square ones from BPS. But then I read on here I may be able to get a TM with transducer and a helix display package cheaper then doing it the way I was planning as stated above. Seeing in the front seems like a better option to fish and mark way points. A 7" screen may be all I can swing for now but I thought it should be enough to get me in the game but not struggle to see things.

The Terrova was the one I was looking at. But I dont know much so I was guessing, thats why I made this post i needed more info.

I didnt start Bass fishing till I was 50. never had anyone to show me. Had I knew how much fun it was ( when the bite is good) I would have learn sooner. I mainly use rubber worm while I troll by docks and go down the bank in a old 72 lowe aluminum bass boat.

Now at almost 55 I wanted to go after Crappie but didnt know any crappie masters. you dont normally run into crappie when out perch jurking with the wife and grandkids and now I know why, you have to fish the cover brush ,wood or man made. Hard to find that with out a unit to show you whats under the water. Then I see these new fish finders with mega imaging and I am like WOW you can actually see the fish stacked up thats way better than the red yellow and green lines on a white screen I didnt know they advanced that much. Then I stumble into this forum, I spend some time on here every day reading and watching you tube video's . I started gathering the tools and knowledge I need to give me a better chance to succeed.

I need to get new control cables on the boat, get this stuff ordered and installed hopefully by the end of Feb. Really looking forward to this new adventure. and I appreciate all the time and help you guys give to us rookies.

Have a great day.
Steve