motor mount on a 'toon

[bj70_guy]

Hi all. I just got a great deal on a mint 4 year old pre-IR Outcast Discovery 8'. This is my first pontoon boat and I'm psyched!
I think I'd like to have a try at using an electric motor, but the older Discovery doesn't come with a motor mount. Are there any options for adding one?

[macrib46]

there are always options, but it would be easier if you could post a pic of the rear frame work of your new ride. by the way congrats on your new acquisition.
you will really enjoy it.

dave

[bj70_guy]

does this help?


And thanks - I'm really looking forward to getting out of the cheerio!

[zugger]

This is an interesting idea that i have had floating around in my head for a while too.....but i was concerned that the added weight of the batter in the back might tip the thing over or cause the pontoon to float in a strange manner....not to mention the fact that when you propel yourself forward are you going to dip the tips of the pontoons into the water ? creating more drag and possibly tipping forwards?

anyone ever try this ?

[zugger]

This is an interesting idea that i have had floating around in my head for a while too.....but i was concerned that the added weight of the batter in the back might tip the thing over or cause the pontoon to float in a strange manner....not to mention the fact that when you propel yourself forward are you going to dip the tips of the pontoons into the water ? creating more drag and possibly tipping forwards?

anyone ever try this ?

maybe this could be modified to fit onto that metal grate in the back ?
http://www.powrtube.com/powrtub.htm

[bj70_guy]

Hmm, I don't know about that powertube - to start with it's over $150 more than I paid for the boat! Plus it would be a pile of work to mod it to fit - and you'd lose the storage on the deck. I'm sure there's an easier way.
I see that company has a pontoon motor with foot activated remote that's kind of interesting:
http://www.powrtube.com/powtoon2.htm

... but it still needs a motor mount.

[macrib46]

does this help?


And thanks - I'm really looking forward to getting out of the cheerio!

Actually that model would be quite easy to add a mount to, as it looks like a powder coated steel frame. If you have a wire feed welder or someone you know with one, stitch weld a 6" piece of 1/16th thick wall 1 1/2"X3" box tubing(with the ends capped for strength) to the deck. make sure it is also stitched to the rear bar. If you will not be using a foot steer model you will want off set the mount to the opposite hand that you cast with, otherwise the handle is very awkward to operate.
you will have to slide your seat forward to compensate for the added weight on the butt,otherwise the front of your pontoons stick way out of the water. We experimented with a buddies fishcat 8 and a 36lb thrust electric. On light ripple water he could actually opperate it wide open, he was chasing ducks.
your battery is your biggest issue, you will want to find lightest 12V supply,with a good amphour rating. which you can mount to the cargo deck in a plastic marine battery box to the rear deck. make sure you paint all metal and welds, and use stainless hardware to mount the box(rust factor.
If no welder is available you could bolt a piece of 2X4(wood) through the rear deck, with forward facing angle brackets for support, simple but functional. hope these ideas help, I'm sure there are more out there.

dave

[bj70_guy]

Thanks for that info Dave. It's supposed to be an aluminum frame, but I do know a couple of guys with the ability to weld aluminum. That's likely the route I'll take if I can't find a nice easy bolt on solution.

cheers.

[zugger]

i used to ride motorcycles and they had small batteries....dont know if it would work well in this application
1) not marine grade
2) smaller battery maybe less charge and less hours

but they are alot smaller..

anyone ever try that?

[eagledays]

Yes...I have a buddy that buys those small batteries out of those electric scouters that older folk use to get around.
Apparently they have to be changed out every two years.
He picks them up after the fact for $10 a piece.
He gets 6 hours trolling with a 30lb. thrust minkota.