Best Trolling Motor Mounts for Pontoon Boats: Secure, Simple Solutions
Answering the need for a sturdy, easy-to-install trolling motor mount on pontoons, this guide compares five reliable options. Ideal buyers include pontoon owners seeking deck-ready, corrosion-resistant mounts, and those who want fast setups for storage or travel. The list includes deck and transom mounts designed to fit common shaft sizes and mounting surfaces. Below is a quick summary table of the featured products to aid quick comparison.
| Product | Best For | Fitment Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Deargooday Universal Trolling Motor Deck Mount | Pontoon and deck boats needing a compact, centerline-friendly mount | Shaft 1.15″–1.25″ diameter; hand-control motors only |
| Newport Pontoon Trolling Motor Mount | Pontoon boats with 1.15″–1.25″ shafts | Includes mounting hardware |
| HLOGREE Universal Trolling Motor Mount Bracket | Small boats and kayaks with flat sterns | Suitable for 3 HP motors; nylon/plastic combo |
| Intex 68624EP Motor Mount Kit | Inflatable boats needing a quick, portable mount | Mounts to rear of inflatable boats; up to 3 HP |
| Pro Controll EZ Mount | Jon boats or gunnel-bow installations under 3″ width | No drilling required; bow mount |
Deargooday Deck Mount for Newport Pontoon Bracket
The Deargooday deck mount is designed to attach a trolling motor to a pontoon or deck boat surface. It supports shafts between 1.15″ and 1.25″ in diameter and accommodates hand-control motors. This mount minimizes deck footprint, enabling easy installation and removal for storage or security. The kit includes mounting hardware and installation instructions. Best for pontoon owners who want a compact, secure centerline mounting option. A potential limitation is the need for a compatible shaft size and a powered motor with a hand control.
Newport Pontoon Trolling Motor Mount
The Newport Pontoon Trolling Motor Mount is built for reliability on pontoon decks. It specifies compatibility with shafts measuring 1.15″–1.25″ and is described as heavy-duty with included mounting hardware. This option suits pontoon owners who want a straightforward, sturdy attachment with hardware included for quicker setup. A caveat is that installation requires a drill and a 9/32″ bit, so basic drilling is necessary.
Universal Transom Trolling Motor Mount For Kayaks
Apaspoil’s universal transom mount is designed for electric trolling motors on flat stern boats, including kayaks and small boats. It emphasizes a universal fit and a heavy-duty steel construction with corrosion-resistant coating. Best for boaters who need a versatile mount that handles salt and freshwater with durable hardware. It’s not suitable for outboard engines, and its bolt-pattern compatibility (two screw sizes) is a minor setup consideration for precise mounting.
HLOGREE Universal Trolling Motor Mount Bracket
The HLOGREE mount is a heavy-duty, black nylon bracket designed for clamp-on electric trolling motors on kayaks and small boats with flat sterns. It uses stainless steel hardware and a nylon body to resist corrosion and water intrusion, making it suitable for long-term freshwater and saltwater use. It’s best for boaters who value corrosion resistance and simple installation, though it is not compatible with outboard engines and is optimized for clamp-on motors up to 3 HP.
INTEX 68624EP Motor Mount Kit
The INTEX motor mount kit provides a quick setup for inflatable boats with rear-mount fittings. It supports motors up to 3.0 HP and uses a heavy-duty composite mount with aluminum arms for durability. This option is ideal for inflatable pontoon setups where portability and rapid deployment are priorities. A limitation is dependency on compatible inflatable models and rear-mount fittings, which may not align with rigid pontoon decks.
Pro Controll EZ Mount – Universal Trolling Motor Mount
The Pro Controll EZ Mount is designed for jon boats and gunnels under 3″ wide, offering a no-drill bow installation. It provides a universal fit and claims easier, tool-free mounting for bow positions. This makes it attractive for temporary setups or boats without railing modifications. Limitations include a bow-only stance and potential fit issues on broader gunnel designs.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For Pontoon Mounts
- Deck space and mounting surface: Pontoon decks vary; choose a mount that minimizes footprint while aligning with the motor’s shaft diameter.
- Fitment compatibility: Confirm shaft diameter (commonly 1.15″–1.25″ for pontoon motors) and motor type (electric, clamp-on, or bow mount).
- Material durability: Corrosion resistance is essential for saltwater use; look for stainless steel hardware and nylon or treated plastics.
- Installation effort: Some mounts require drilling, while others advertise no-tools installation. Consider your comfort with hardware and mounting steps.
- Portability and storage: If you store the motor often, choose mounts designed for quick removal and compact storage.
- Mount type: Deck vs transom vs bow mounts offer different control dynamics. Deck mounts are typically centered, while transom/bow mounts may suit specific boat layouts.
- Best use case: Identify whether you need a permanent mount, a temporary setup, or a versatile option for multiple watercraft.
FAQ
- What type of trolling motor mounts work best on pontoon boats?
Deck-mounted, centerline-compatible mounts are often preferred for pontoon boats to balance handling and storage. Look for mounts that support the common shaft sizes (1.15″–1.25″) and offer corrosion resistance.
- Is drilling always required to install a pontoon trolling motor mount?
Not always. Some mounts advertise no-drill installation (bow mounts), while many require a drill for deck or transom mounts. Check the product details for installation requirements.
- Are metal mounts better than nylon for pontoon use?
Metal mounts with stainless steel hardware offer high strength and corrosion resistance, while nylon-based mounts can resist salt and moisture and reduce weight. Choose based on your environment and durability needs.
- Can I use a kayak mount on a pontoon?
Mentioned mounts are often designed for flat sterns and may fit pontoon applications if the deck geometry allows. Confirm compatibility with your pontoon’s deck layout before purchasing.
- Do these mounts support high-thrust motors?
Most mounts in this guide support up to 3 HP or equivalent thrust. Verify the mount’s maximum load before pairing with a motor.
- What maintenance is required for these mounts?
Regularly check fasteners and hardware, inspect for corrosion, and re-torque mounting screws as needed after exposure to water and vibrations.