trolling motor for a pontoon boat

I am purchasing a used 20' pontoon that will need a new trolling motor. We will use the boat for family trips as well as fishing, so I was thinking a transom mounted trolling motor would be my best bet.

I am interested to get your advice about size of trolling motor (I was thinking 55# thrust) and opinions about placement. I will mostly use the motor for trolling crappie or catfish.

I know it is fun to spend someone else's money, but keep in mind, I do not have an unlimited budget! Thanks in advance for your replies.

FTW,
I have a 21ft Pontoon that I put a 55# trolling motor on and imho it does fine so long as you are fishing on fairweather (Low wind) days but if you plan to fish on any days wind speeds get anywhere near 10mph you won't care too much for it. If your budget allows I'd go up to an 80# thrust which will give you plenty motor. It'll cost ya a lil more but I'd say it's what you need and really want. The problem with pontoons is they catch wind like a sailboat so it will be affected more than other boats will by wind hence larger trolling motor thrust needed to be able to control and troll well. Mine is mounted dead center at the front of my boat between the two fishing chairs and I like it there. Hope this helps... Tight Lines

PG24

i dont know how a troller would perform mounted on the back of a toon but id mount it on the front. id think it would be easier to pull a toon than push it, especially if theres any wind to contend with. unless you plan on fishing off the very front when you use it, id also get one with a remote control like the power drives or auto pilot that lets you control the boat without having to be at the front of the boat like youd have to do with a foot control unit.

I have a 55# on my 22' and I have to agree with everything PG24 said get a 80# if you can.

if you planning on using it for family outings to, ill look at gettin a quick release mount so it wont be in the way when playing.

too bad Fill the Well didn't guess the right pounds of fish in the contest. I hear the prize was a new 80# thrust trolling motor with auto pilot and quick release!

I have a 20 foot pontoon with a 55 mk pd works ok bigger would be better. I went with the 55 to stay with 12 volt for night fishing . MK has a 55 made for pontoons comes with quick mount just leaves a flat plate in the floor it was cheaper to buy together. The 55 works find for our family we use it the summer most of the time on the better days.

I have a 20' toon w/ a 55# TM. I agree 100% w/ PG24!. My next TM motor will be a 80# to fight the wind!.