03-26-2009, 01:30 AM
Creed,
As far as size, 30 is just fine. I had a 30 for many years till it finally died last spring. I have since kicked it up to a Maxxum 40. Is there a difference? Not in speed, they have the same size prop. The bigger motor is a little less taxing on the battery, that is all. The one nice feature on the Maxxum, is it the control is more a reostat. Turn it just a little and the prop barely turns.
I agree that there were times my 30 felt a little too fast, but I also figured out that by pointing my toes/flippers straight down, it would slow me down (like trolling plates)
I have two pontoons I use a motor on. One is a 9' and the other is an 11 1/2'. Both are set up for the motor on the back. The thing is, when you buy the motor, loosen the head and turn it so the handle is facing the same direction as the prop. It is easier on the motor and the battery to PULL then it is to push. There is no keel on a pontoon so it does not push well.
By turning the head and mounting it to the back your 5 forward controls now pull you. the 4 reverse now push you. You steer with your feet/flippers. HANDS FREE. Most boats are set up with motor mount on the back.
Now by mounting it on the front, you wouldn't have to change the head, and you could get by without ever putting you feet in the water, but you are at the mercy of your motor. The motor will be off set to make room for your feet and you have a motor there if you want to land a fish in front between your legs. Plus the coming into shore thing.
I like it behind me.
[signature]
As far as size, 30 is just fine. I had a 30 for many years till it finally died last spring. I have since kicked it up to a Maxxum 40. Is there a difference? Not in speed, they have the same size prop. The bigger motor is a little less taxing on the battery, that is all. The one nice feature on the Maxxum, is it the control is more a reostat. Turn it just a little and the prop barely turns.
I agree that there were times my 30 felt a little too fast, but I also figured out that by pointing my toes/flippers straight down, it would slow me down (like trolling plates)
I have two pontoons I use a motor on. One is a 9' and the other is an 11 1/2'. Both are set up for the motor on the back. The thing is, when you buy the motor, loosen the head and turn it so the handle is facing the same direction as the prop. It is easier on the motor and the battery to PULL then it is to push. There is no keel on a pontoon so it does not push well.
By turning the head and mounting it to the back your 5 forward controls now pull you. the 4 reverse now push you. You steer with your feet/flippers. HANDS FREE. Most boats are set up with motor mount on the back.
Now by mounting it on the front, you wouldn't have to change the head, and you could get by without ever putting you feet in the water, but you are at the mercy of your motor. The motor will be off set to make room for your feet and you have a motor there if you want to land a fish in front between your legs. Plus the coming into shore thing.
I like it behind me.
[signature]