May 18 2008
pontoon power!
Well, I broke down today and purchased a electric motor for the pontoon boat (and canoe). Ended up getting the 30lb. thrust model – Rob bought the same one, and has found it more than adequate to move the pontoon boat around.
I’m still researching the battery. He bought a Kirkland deep cycle from Costco. It’s a $100. Walmart has an Energizer model, for the same price, and I believe that Canadian Tire’s Nautilus batteries are the same price as well. I’ll also need to get a charger – thinking that I’ll pick up the Minn-Kota portable charger ($60), or a Nautilus charger ($70).
Update: Picked up the Canadian Tire Nautilus battery. And began setting up the pontoon boat to how I think I want things positioned. I used a section of 2×4 about 60″ long, so that the 2×4 extends 6″ past each side. This way it can act as an oar rest if I want the oars right out of the water. A couple 1/4″ slots allow the board to sit nicely into the deck plate, and I’ve secured it with 3 lag screws and washers.
I’ve also reversed the head of the trolling motor. I think that it will be more comfortable trolling so that I sit and watch my line having the motor configured this way. It’s only a single screw and nut to put it back to normal, so we’ll see how it works out.
I’m also thinking about fashioning some sort of wheel system – and have a wheel on each side of the rear deck that can swing down for transport. Still working that out in my head.
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