My Pontoon Boat Is Now Complete

[Marc Martyn]

Well, kind of, minus the microwave oven.

After 13 years of kicking and rowing around, I decided to add a motor. Kind of my 60th birthday present to myself.

[The Quadfather]

Nice looking setup you have Marc. Just curious regarding how it is operating the tiller? Is it an optical illusion from the photo.. but it looks like it sits directly behind you, so I am wondering about how you reach it. If you just use it to motor from place to place, then no problem. If you wanted to troll, then I wasn't sure of the how you reach it comfortably.
Looks like you've got about all you could ask for.

[sellis_414]

Very nice set up Marc! Now to make it even better, add the co-pilot to your electric motor so you don't have to reach around to steer!

[TomD]

And add a mini-downrigger and you have a sweet little kokanee machine!

[Marc Martyn]

Well, reaching back to the handle is awkward. Going forward, I throw my feet up on the right pontoon, sit at an angle and then I can reach it easier. For trolling, I go backwards with my feet in the water and steer with my fins. That is real easy.

I was thinking it would be nice to have a steering lever mounted on the right side of the frame. Similar to a small boat throttle lever. That way, I could sit straight forward with my feet on the foot rests. I haven't given up on that idea yet, I'll have all winter to think it through. I think that something could be rigged up.

It is pretty slick. Yesterday I covered all of Williams Lake (about 4.75 miles) and still had 2/3 battery charge left. It is sure going to help on windy days[thumbsup]

[Marc Martyn]

Very nice set up Marc! Now to make it even better, add the co-pilot to your electric motor so you don't have to reach around to steer!

If I am thinking of the same thing as you, the accessory mounts on the deck of a boat and rotates the shaft. No room to mount that.

[G-Man]

Looks great Marc, but is any boat ever "complete"? Your spot on regarding the wind issue, the motor will make a huge difference when the wind picks up.

[fishnislife]

stylin'






fishnislife

[Anonymous]

like playing golf and using an electric golf cart. nice set up :-)

[VooDuuChild]

Can we see a pic of the battery/size of battery? I've talked to some people who've tried electric motors and even speed one is too fast...you must've found a nice ballance. I think if someone comes out with an electric motor/battery combo specifically for toons, THEY'D MAKE A MINT!!

[saltyseadog]

my toon ( or the one i traded on CL#-o steered like crap with a 30 pound moter very very touchy:batman:

[Marc Martyn]

my toon ( or the one i traded on CL#-o steered like crap with a 30 pound moter very very touchy:batman:

Yes, it is very touchy, but I wouldn't say that it steers bad. I think that a person has a tendency to over steer. Wind will also have a big effect on the handling. For trolling, reverse is pretty good because you don't have to steer with the tiller. All of your steering is done with your swim fins.

I had it up at Marshall Lake today. There was a light breeze on the lake and I didn't really have any problems. I covered the entire lake, where before I wouldn't have even attempted that with my fins and oars. At times the wind can come up and getting back to the launch can be a work out. I covered the 189 acres with great ease.

[Marc Martyn]

Can we see a pic of the battery/size of battery? I've talked to some people who've tried electric motors and even speed one is too fast...you must've found a nice ballance. I think if someone comes out with an electric motor/battery combo specifically for toons, THEY'D MAKE A MINT!!

I'm just using a deep cycle 12 volt with 550 cold cranking amps.

If you are talking about a very slow troll speed, reverse is better to use than forward for a pontoon. Reverse #1 is quite slow. I use it sometimes to assists my kicking when I am trolling into the wind with sinking line. It is just enough thrust to keep you moving with light kicking. It sure saves the legs![wink]

[Mike Carey]

nice, good deal.

[Lotech Joe]

Nice setup Marc. I've seen the kind of work you do, and I'd expect nothing less. I'm surprised how level your boat sits in the water. Kudos.

[Blackmouth]

Congrats on the 60th bday and the new motor. Looks like a slick little pontoon for ya...

Thanks for sharing

[Splitshot]

I like it!

Remeber Marc, 60 is the new 40.