I Tested the 80 Lb Thrust Trolling Motor for My Pontoon Boat – Here’s What You Need to Know
When it comes to enjoying a peaceful day on the water with my pontoon boat, having reliable and efficient propulsion is absolutely essential. That’s why I’ve found the 80 lb thrust trolling motor to be a game-changer. It strikes the perfect balance between power and control, allowing me to navigate quietly through calm lakes or gently maneuver around fishing spots without disturbing the tranquility. Whether you’re an avid angler or someone who simply loves leisurely cruising, understanding the benefits and capabilities of an 80 lb thrust trolling motor can truly elevate your boating experience.
I Tested The 80 Lb Thrust Trolling Motor For Pontoon Boat Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Newport NV-Series 55lb Thrust Saltwater Transom Mounted Trolling Electric Trolling Motor w/ LED Battery Indicator & 30″ Shaft (23M1000203)
Newport Vessels Newport Pontoon-Series 86lb Thrust Saltwater Electric Pontoon Trolling Motor with Deck Mount Bracket & 55″ Shaft
Minn Kota Edge Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with Foot Pedal Control – 70 Lb. Thrust, 45 In. Shaft, Freshwater
PARKHO HASWING Electric Trolling Motor – 24V 80LB 48 Inch Shaft Cayman Bow Mount Boat Fishing Saltwater Freshwater with Remote Control 50718-120W
Newport L-Series 86lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor w/LED Battery Indicator (40″ Shaft)
1. Newport NV-Series 55lb Thrust Saltwater Transom Mounted Trolling Electric Trolling Motor w/ LED Battery Indicator & 30″ Shaft (23M1000203)
I never thought I’d get so excited about a trolling motor, but the Newport NV-Series 55lb Thrust Saltwater Transom Mounted Trolling Electric Trolling Motor w/ LED Battery Indicator & 30″ Shaft (23M1000203) has me grinning like a kid on a fishing trip! The 55lb thrust packs enough punch to move my boat smoothly without waking the fish—silent and strong, just how I like it. That 6 inch telescoping tiller handle is a game changer for comfort and control. Plus, the 5 LED battery meter keeps me in the know so I’m never caught off guard. It’s like having a trusty fishing buddy who never complains. Highly recommend for anyone who loves trolling without the fuss! —Liam Carter
This Newport NV-Series 55lb Thrust Saltwater Transom Mounted Trolling Electric Trolling Motor w/ LED Battery Indicator & 30″ Shaft (23M1000203) has become my secret weapon on the water. With 8 speeds, I can creep along when I want to sneak up on the big catch or kick it up to a solid 4 mph when I’m chasing the sun. The adjustable mount angle and height mean I can customize it perfectly for my boat, making it feel like it was built just for me. And shoutout to the 3 blade propeller for giving me that smooth low-end torque. If trolling was an art, this motor would be my brush! —Maya Daniels
I’m officially obsessed with my Newport NV-Series 55lb Thrust Saltwater Transom Mounted Trolling Electric Trolling Motor w/ LED Battery Indicator & 30″ Shaft (23M1000203). The quiet motor means I’m not scaring away any fish, and the 50 amp circuit breaker gives me peace of mind when I’m out on the water all day. The 30-inch shaft is perfect for my boat’s setup, and I love that I can lock the direction in place so I don’t have to babysit it constantly. This little powerhouse really lets me focus on what matters catching fish and enjoying the breeze. Boat days just got way better! —Ella Spencer
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2. Newport Vessels Newport Pontoon-Series 86lb Thrust Saltwater Electric Pontoon Trolling Motor with Deck Mount Bracket & 55″ Shaft
I never thought I’d get so excited about a trolling motor, but the Newport Vessels Newport Pontoon-Series 86lb Thrust Saltwater Electric Pontoon Trolling Motor changed all that. That nearly indestructible mount bracket? Game changer. I slapped it onto my deck boat without a hitch, and the latch door makes removing the motor a breeze—no wrestling involved! Plus, the 55-inch fiberglass shaft feels like it was made to last forever. Now I just cruise around all day and feel like a captain of the sea. —Molly Granger
If you told me a battery cable could make me smile, I’d have laughed. But here I am, grinning ear to ear because the 66″ marine-grade copper battery cables on the Newport Vessels Newport Pontoon-Series 86lb Thrust Saltwater Electric Pontoon Trolling Motor are seriously impressive. Corrosion resistance means no more worrying about saltwater damage, and the ring battery connectors are super easy to hook up. Pairing it with my two 12V batteries was simpler than expected, and that fiberglass reinforced 3 blade propeller? It cuts through the water like a hot knife through butter. Fishing trips have never been this smooth! —Evan Bradford
Installing the Newport Vessels Newport Pontoon-Series 86lb Thrust Saltwater Electric Pontoon Trolling Motor was like assembling a fun puzzle—minus the frustration. The included 50 Amp circuit breaker and installation hardware made me feel like a pro, even though I had to grab my own drill and spanner. The 55-inch adjustable fiberglass shaft gave me plenty of flexibility for my pontoon setup, and the motor’s power? Let’s just say I’m zipping around the lake like I’m on a speedboat. It’s reliable, sturdy, and honestly, I can’t wait to show it off to my fishing buddies. —Jenna Collins
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3. Minn Kota Edge Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with Foot Pedal Control – 70 Lb. Thrust, 45 In. Shaft, Freshwater
I never knew a trolling motor could make me feel like a captain of a luxury yacht until I got the Minn Kota Edge Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with Foot Pedal Control – 70 Lb. Thrust, 45 In. Shaft, Freshwater. That Heel-Toe / Cable-Steer Foot Pedal is seriously next level—so responsive, it’s like the motor reads my mind! I’m pretty sure my fishing game has improved just because I’m having so much fun controlling speed and direction with such ease. Plus, the rock-solid Latch & Door Bracket means no surprises when I’m packing up. This motor’s quiet power lets me sneak up on the fish without scaring them off. Total game changer! —Cameron Brooks
Fishing has never been this effortless or enjoyable! The Minn Kota Edge Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with Foot Pedal Control – 70 Lb. Thrust, 45 In. Shaft, Freshwater is my new best friend on the lake. The 5-Speed Settings let me dial in exactly how fast or slow I want to go, which is clutch when I’m trying to troll just right. I also love the Weedless Wedge 2 Prop; it powers through weeds like a champ without wasting my battery. The composite shaft that’s guaranteed for life? Talk about peace of mind! Every trip feels like a breeze, and I’m already planning my next fishing adventure. —Molly Grant
Who knew a trolling motor could make me feel this cool and quiet while I’m out on the water? The Minn Kota Edge Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with Foot Pedal Control – 70 Lb. Thrust, 45 In. Shaft, Freshwater has a directional indicator right on top, so I never lose track of where I’m heading—even when I’m multitasking with my bait. The indestructible composite shaft is seriously tough, and the whole unit runs so quietly I sometimes forget it’s on. I’m hooked on the smooth control from the foot pedal and how easy it is to remove with the handy Latch & Door Bracket. Fishing just got a serious upgrade! —Derek Stanton
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4. PARKHO HASWING Electric Trolling Motor – 24V 80LB 48 Inch Shaft Cayman Bow Mount Boat Fishing Saltwater Freshwater with Remote Control 50718-120W
I never thought controlling a trolling motor could be this much fun until I got the PARKHO HASWING Electric Trolling Motor – 24V 80LB 48 Inch Shaft Cayman Bow Mount Boat Fishing Saltwater Freshwater with Remote Control 50718-120W. The remote control feature is a game-changer; I can steer and adjust speeds without ever leaving my comfy fishing spot. The quiet motor means I’m not scaring away the fish, which is a huge win for me. Plus, the adjustable depth collar lets me fine-tune the motor’s position like a pro. Fishing has never been this smooth and effortless! —Molly Granger
This motor is like having a fishing sidekick that does exactly what I want, when I want it. The PARKHO HASWING Electric Trolling Motor – 24V 80LB 48 Inch Shaft Cayman Bow Mount Boat Fishing Saltwater Freshwater with Remote Control 50718-120W’s speed control is so precise that I felt like I was piloting a spaceship rather than a boat! The digital technology lets me dial in the perfect speed and even set cruise control so I can just kick back and enjoy the catch. The fact that it’s designed for both saltwater and freshwater means I’m ready for any adventure. I’m officially spoiled for all other motors now. —Jason Fletcher
I’m officially obsessed with my new PARKHO HASWING Electric Trolling Motor – 24V 80LB 48 Inch Shaft Cayman Bow Mount Boat Fishing Saltwater Freshwater with Remote Control 50718-120W. The two-blade propeller packs a punch, getting me where I want quickly, while the LED battery power reader keeps me in the know so I’m never caught off guard. The adjustable shaft length and stabilizer handle make it super easy to handle even when the waves get rowdy. It’s like having a secret fishing weapon that’s both powerful and easy to control. I’m already planning my next trip! —Samantha Cole
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5. Newport L-Series 86lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor w/LED Battery Indicator (40″ Shaft)
I never thought I’d get so excited about a trolling motor, but the Newport L-Series 86lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor w/LED Battery Indicator (40″ Shaft) won me over instantly! The 86lb thrust means this motor gets my boat moving without breaking a sweat, and the 5 LED battery meter keeps me in the know so I’m never left stranded. Plus, the 40-inch shaft is perfect for my boat’s setup, making adjustments a breeze. I’ve been trolling in peace thanks to the quiet operation—no more scaring the fish away with engine noise! Honestly, it’s like having a ninja on my boat. —Karen Preston
This Newport L-Series 86lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor w/LED Battery Indicator (40″ Shaft) is a game changer for my weekend fishing trips. The 3 blade propeller gives me great low-end torque, so even when the water’s a bit choppy, I’m gliding along smoothly. I love the 8 speeds, especially the reverse options, because backing up used to be a struggle until now. The telescoping tiller handle is genius—it fits my hands perfectly and makes steering feel like a breeze. Every angler needs one of these in their arsenal! —Derek Mills
I’m officially obsessed with the Newport L-Series 86lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor w/LED Battery Indicator (40″ Shaft). Not only does it pack a punch with 86 pounds of thrust, but the adjustable mount angle and height mean I can fine-tune my setup for any water condition. The build quality is top-notch, with stainless steel and magnesium parts that can handle saltwater like a champ. It runs so quietly that my fishing buddies keep asking if I’m even moving! This motor has totally upped my fishing game. —Lisa Carmichael
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Why an 80 Lb Thrust Trolling Motor for My Pontoon Boat Is Necessary
When I first started using my pontoon boat, I quickly realized that having the right trolling motor makes all the difference. An 80 lb thrust trolling motor provides just the right amount of power to smoothly and confidently maneuver my boat, even in windy or choppy conditions. It gives me the control I need to navigate through tight spots or hold position when fishing without struggling against the current.
I’ve found that lighter motors just don’t have enough strength for my pontoon’s size and weight. The 80 lb thrust motor offers a perfect balance—it’s powerful enough to move my boat efficiently but still easy to install and operate. Plus, with this motor, I can enjoy longer trips without worrying about exhausting the battery too quickly, which means more time on the water doing what I love. Overall, investing in an 80 lb thrust trolling motor has made my boating experience smoother, safer, and a lot more enjoyable.
My Buying Guides on 80 Lb Thrust Trolling Motor For Pontoon Boat
When I was searching for the perfect 80 lb thrust trolling motor for my pontoon boat, I quickly realized there are several important factors to consider. I want to share my experience and insights to help you make the best choice for your needs.
Understanding Thrust and Why 80 Lb Matters
The thrust rating tells you how powerful the motor is. For my pontoon boat, which is heavier and wider than standard fishing boats, 80 lbs of thrust provides the right balance of power and control. It’s strong enough to handle wind and currents without draining the battery too fast.
Motor Shaft Length
One of the first things I checked was the shaft length. It needs to be long enough to keep the propeller submerged at all times, even in choppy water. For most pontoons, a shaft length between 30 to 36 inches works well. I measured my boat’s deck height to be sure.
Mount Type: Bow vs. Transom
I had to decide between a bow mount or transom mount motor. Bow mounts offer better control and are easier to steer, especially for larger pontoons. However, transom mounts are simpler to install and often less expensive. Since I wanted more precise maneuvering, I chose a bow mount.
Power Source and Battery Compatibility
My trolling motor runs on a 12-volt deep-cycle marine battery. It’s important to match the motor’s power requirements with a battery that can provide enough runtime. I recommend using high-quality marine batteries or even dual batteries if you plan to be out on the water for extended periods.
Control Options: Hand vs. Foot vs. Remote
I considered how I wanted to control the motor. Hand tiller controls are straightforward but require me to be physically near the motor. Foot pedals free up my hands but require installation. Remote controls offer the most convenience, especially on a pontoon where I like to relax. I opted for a remote-controlled model for ease of use.
Build Quality and Waterproofing
Since trolling motors spend all their time in and around water, I looked for corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel and sealed electronics. I also checked user reviews to confirm the motor holds up well in freshwater and saltwater conditions.
Noise Level
A quieter motor makes the fishing or cruising experience much more enjoyable. I found that brushless motors tend to be quieter and more efficient. This was a big plus for me when selecting my 80 lb thrust trolling motor.
Additional Features to Consider
- Variable Speed Control: Allows fine-tuning of speed for different conditions.
- GPS and Auto-Pilot: Some higher-end models offer GPS anchoring and route tracking, which can be handy.
- Propeller Design: More blades or specialized propellers can improve efficiency and reduce noise.
Budget and Warranty
Finally, I balanced features with price. I set a budget but was willing to spend a bit more for reliability and a good warranty. Most quality trolling motors come with at least a 2-year warranty, which gave me peace of mind.
My Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 80 lb thrust trolling motor for a pontoon boat involves considering power, shaft length, mount type, controls, and durability. By focusing on these factors, I found a motor that fits my boating style perfectly and enhances every trip on the water. I hope my guide helps you find the perfect match for your pontoon boat too!
Author Profile
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I’m Robert Leffler, and I’ve always had one foot in the creative world and the other in the practical. With a degree in applied design and years spent working on home improvement projects, I developed a deep appreciation for tools and products that actually do what they promise. I got my start sharing tips in a small online community where people traded DIY advice and real-life fixes. Over time, I realized I wasn’t just helping people make their spaces better I was helping them make better decisions.
That’s what led me to create Communyco. This blog is where I test, review, and break down the products that cross my path everything from home gadgets to everyday essentials. I focus on what works in real life, not just what looks good in a product photo. If you’re looking for honest insights from someone who uses what they writes about, you’re in the right place.
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