Best Trolling Motors for Pontoon Boats (2026)
The best trolling motors for pontoon boats in 2026, with thrust and shaft sizing for heavy, high-deck pontoons, plus GPS anchoring picks for fishing in wind.
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The short answer
Pontoons are heavy and catch wind, so most need at least 80 lb of thrust and a long shaft. A GPS bow mount like the Minn Kota Terrova QUEST or Garmin Force Kraken with a long shaft is the best fishing upgrade. For a lower cost, a 24V transom-style motor like the Minn Kota Traxxis 80 on a pontoon bracket works on calm lakes.
Our top picks
- Best GPS bow mount: Minn Kota Terrova QUEST — Spot-Lock and remote steering. Check price on Amazon
- Best long-shaft premium: Garmin Force Kraken 75-inch — brushless with a long shaft for high decks. Check price on Amazon
- Best budget pontoon motor: Minn Kota Traxxis 80 — 24V, 80 lb thrust. Check price on Amazon
- Best for salt or brackish pontoons: Minn Kota Riptide Terrova 112 lb, 72-inch shaft. Check price on Amazon
| Model | Mount | Thrust | Shaft | Voltage | Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minn Kota Terrova QUEST | Bow | Varies by model | Multiple lengths | 24V/36V | Fresh |
| Garmin Force Kraken 75 in | Bow | High thrust | 75 in | Per model | Fresh |
| Minn Kota Traxxis 80 | Transom style (bracket) | 80 lb | 42 in | 24V | Fresh |
| Minn Kota Riptide Terrova 112 | Bow | 112 lb | 72 in | 36V | Salt |
How we built this guide
We used manufacturer thrust and shaft specs, mounting guides, owner reports from pontoon anglers and long-term reviews. We did not test motors on our own pontoon, so we rely on published specs and owner feedback.
How much thrust does a pontoon need?
Pontoons are heavy and have a lot of surface area. Many owners find 80 lb is the practical minimum, and 100 lb or more is common on 20 foot and larger pontoons.
Use the loaded weight: hull, engine, fuel, people and gear. A 20 foot pontoon can easily top 3,000 lb loaded. Wind matters even more than weight on a pontoon, because the fence acts like a sail. See what size trolling motor do I need.
What shaft length does a pontoon need?
Pontoon decks sit high, so long shafts are needed. Many bow mounts on pontoons use 60 to 72 inch shafts or more.
Measure from the mounting point to the waterline. Add enough length to keep the prop well under the surface in chop. Owners commonly say they wished they had gone longer, not shorter.
Minn Kota Terrova QUEST
The Terrova QUEST is brushless with Spot-Lock, which is ideal on a pontoon because it holds the boat over a spot in wind. Check shaft length options for your deck height.
Check the Minn Kota Terrova QUEST on Amazon →
Garmin Force Kraken 75-inch
The 75-inch Force Kraken suits high-deck boats. It is brushless and quiet and links with Garmin chartplotters for anchor lock.
Check the Garmin Force Kraken 75-inch on Amazon →
Can I use a transom motor on a pontoon?
Yes, with a pontoon trolling motor bracket that mounts to the deck or front rail area. It is cheaper but you lose spot-lock and steering is by tiller.
Minn Kota Traxxis 80
The Traxxis 80 is a 24V motor with 80 lb thrust. With a suitable pontoon bracket, it is a budget way to add quiet trolling on calm lakes.
Check the Minn Kota Traxxis 80 on Amazon →
Minn Kota Riptide Terrova 112 lb, 72-inch
For saltwater or brackish pontoons, the Riptide Terrova adds saltwater protection, i-Pilot Link GPS and a long 72-inch shaft.
Check the Minn Kota Riptide Terrova 112 lb on Amazon →
Who it’s for / who should skip it
- A GPS bow mount is for: pontoon owners who fish, especially in wind.
- A bracket-mounted transom motor is for: calm lakes, light fishing and budgets.
- Skip a trolling motor if you rarely fish from the pontoon. Your outboard handles cruising.
What actually matters when buying
- Thrust: 80 lb minimum, more for big or windy pontoons.
- Shaft length: long enough for a high deck.
- Mounting: pontoon-specific brackets or a reinforced deck plate.
- Voltage: 24V or 36V for pontoon-size motors.
- Marketing noise: fast deploy features matter less than a solid mount.
Watch-outs
- Cutting the front gate or deck area may be needed. Use a pontoon-specific mount.
- Long cable runs to the bow need heavier gauge wire.
- Multiple batteries add weight. Place them for balance.
- Always install a breaker sized for the motor. See our wiring guide.
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Terrova QUEST if you want Spot-Lock in freshwater.
- Choose the Force Kraken 75-inch if your deck is high and you run Garmin.
- Choose the Traxxis 80 if you want a budget option on calm water.
- Choose the Riptide Terrova if you fish salt or brackish water.
Common questions
Where do you mount a trolling motor on a pontoon?
Most are mounted at the bow using a pontoon bracket, often through or beside the front gate. Some use deck plates on the front corners.
Is 55 lb thrust enough for a pontoon?
For most pontoons, no. Owners often report 55 lb struggles in wind. 80 lb or more is a safer choice.
Can a trolling motor push a pontoon?
Yes, at slow speeds. It is for positioning and slow trolling, not cruising.
How many batteries for a pontoon trolling motor?
A 24V motor needs two 12V batteries, and a 36V motor needs three, unless you use a single 24V or 36V lithium.