*This makes my old motor look like a toy **enjoyable.fishing** recommend it's well built. I haven't had it on the water yet, but I'm very sure it will perform just fine.*
2 3/8 at the 7:15 mark. Just realized your video is more than 8 years old... Great Mod either way. I just got my Colorado Classic today and I will be doing your modification for the front trolling motor mount ! Liked/Subscribed !
@Screww Googlle - Congrats on your new boat! I’m sure you will have a great time out there on the water. This video is 8 years old already? Damn I feel old now. I did do a “Version 2” of the front motor mount, which you may want to look into. Other people have also done some great mods of this design. Either way, I hope you have fun!
Wow thanks a lot for this video!! I just bought a pontoon yesterday and i want to buy a trolling motor and don't have any idea how to build this front mount now i know thanks to this video!
Thanks Nate, I just finished the pvc pipe set up with one added change which you could look into, it may improve the ride. I installed 1-1/4" T's into each side of the elbows which were exposed, but prior to inserting through the metal pipes I inserted soft foam tubing to cushion ( same used to cover pipes at home) you just have to trim off some of the foam fit it into the T's insert the pipe (metal) cut a 1-1/4 X 2" pvc and inserted into one end and push it into the elbow opening. this reduces free play on the front foot rest area and on the (metal) extension pipes. I also glued the pvc pipes together in order to make it more secure; but not the trialing pipes which come up into the extension, making it easy to remove on a later date if needed. I'll go ahead and turn the motor around as you say and wait for the week-end. Thanks again.
John, The trolling motor is a Minn Kota Endura Max 40lb thrust motor. The top speed on the water is about 3.6 Miles per hour (By GPS) . I thought about doing a swivel seat, but due to how the seat mounts to the frame, that seems to be a little bit tricky. Also, because of the way I have the six rod holders mounted to the basket behind the seat, if I swiveled, the seat would probably crush my fishing poles. I had considered it though. I'm located in Minnesota - The land of 10,000 Lakes
Nate great informational video ! that has to be the best pimped out inflatable i have seen on TH-cam! I just have a few questions when you have time to respond. 1) would it be possible to mount the stock motor mount where you have placed your upgraded mount? 2) The inflation adapter supplied with your pontoon tubes fit your air pump correctly? 3) I doubt that your motor would be in the way of your casting and retrieving because you can maneuver the boat with the trolling motor. 4) About how long will it take to charge the trolling battery? 5) What type of battery charger for the trolling battery is recommended? 6) in your State, once you mount the motor, does the craft then need to be registered, registration #'s mounted along with lights? I have a Colorado on the way,same frame as the Colorado XT, just trying to sort out a few things before hand. Again, very inspiring Video's Thanks, Charles
c shackleford, Thanks for your kind comments. There are some much more impressive customizations than my own. Check out the one by Mike C. That's my personal favorite. To answer your questions: 1) I suppose you could try the stock motor mount, but I think you would have to screw it into the PVC, which would probably make it a little less strong. One of the advantages of this setup is that the trolling motor mount can clasp on to the 1 1/4 PVC pipe for strength 2) It's not a perfect seal, but it gets the job done. I just use the smaller adapter on the airpump and put it into the clear tube attached to the inflation adapter. 3)The motor isn't in the way of the casting, but the supplied rod holder may get in the way of the paddles if there is a rod in there. 4) I think my battery takes about 6-8 hours to charge. I don't watch it really closely because I just plug it into the charger whenever I get off the water and it's ready the next time I want to go out. 5) I bought a Minn Kota portable battery charger for about $60. It's not awesome, but it's small. light and it gets the job done. 6) In Minnesota, I did have to register the boat when I decided to put the motor on. I am not going to put lights on it because I don't ever plan on being out after dark. Good luck with your boat!
Nate D Thanks for the information Nate. in a few days i should have the Colorado.i would like to mount a foot platform right before the modified motor mount,i would simply like to stand up every now and then,i am thinking that the float tubes should be stable enough for me to do this,as long as i can get the platform close to the seat it should have some balance. Thanks again Nate ! speak with you soon.
Nate, I'm not to knowledgable with wiring. What type of wire did you use to connect the trolling motor to your battery and what type connectors did use use. Enjoy your videos. Thanking You in advance, John P.S.
Nate, if you had to register your XT with the state because of the trolling motor being used, where and how did you place your registration numbers? Kip W.
I have more or less the same rig, and saw your video and I would like to make the same modifications, but how did you change or turn the head (control arm) towards you. Also I believe a small floor board should be added to protect your feet. But this is great. Pontoon companies see this, and they will be out with your idea soon. Thanks
Manny, I appreciate your input. There is a small screw near the head of the trolling motor which can be removed. You just remove that screw flip the head around and put the screw back. You need to be a little bit careful when you put the screw back in so you don't damage the wires, but the whole process takes about 5 minutes. I plan on making a video of this when I have a moment.
I Checked with my local sporting good store. He said you cannot reverse the head. You have to buy a special trolling motor for it. Said his brother tried it and the wires inside are not long enough.
Darrell Moyer reversing the head has worked for me without issue. I can’t speak for all trolling motors, but it certainly works on my MinnKota. The wires didn’t need to be any longer because the shaft just rotates 180 degrees around them. If they are trying to sell you a “special” trolling motor, you may want to consider looking elsewhere. Good luck!
That was the first thing I did too. ad design for a trolling motor. A front mount works much better. The second was to make a separate float for the battery. I believe they are manufactured but I did not trust my eighty dollar battery with that design.
Mary Vang You would have to check with your local government. I love just outside Minneapolis, and I needed to get tabs for my boat. I can't say that will or will not apply to everybody everywhere though. Good luck!
Im disabled and in my 50s and have just purchased this to get out on the water with my friend who like to kayak Is there any way one could make a conopy for this little boat?
Kelly, I don’t know about a canopy, but you may be able to use a “T’ type connector in place of one of the corners, which would allow for an open hole at the top. You could possibly put some sort of umbrella, or a beach umbrella in that spot. Take a look at version 2 of the motor mount. It’s easier to build and is a little more flexible as far as design options. I would be happy to help you in any way I can. Feel free to contact me if there is anything I can do. - Nate
*This makes my old motor look like a toy **enjoyable.fishing** recommend it's well built. I haven't had it on the water yet, but I'm very sure it will perform just fine.*
2 3/8 at the 7:15 mark.
Just realized your video is more than 8 years old... Great Mod either way.
I just got my Colorado Classic today and I will be doing your modification for the front trolling motor mount ! Liked/Subscribed !
@Screww Googlle - Congrats on your new boat! I’m sure you will have a great time out there on the water. This video is 8 years old already? Damn I feel old now. I did do a “Version 2” of the front motor mount, which you may want to look into. Other people have also done some great mods of this design. Either way, I hope you have fun!
Wow thanks a lot for this video!! I just bought a pontoon yesterday and i want to buy a trolling motor and don't have any idea how to build this front mount now i know thanks to this video!
Thanks Nate, I just finished the pvc pipe set up with one added change which you could look into, it may improve the ride. I installed 1-1/4" T's into each side of the elbows which were exposed, but prior to inserting through the metal pipes I inserted soft foam tubing to cushion ( same used to cover pipes at home) you just have to trim off some of the foam fit it into the T's insert the pipe (metal) cut a 1-1/4 X 2" pvc and inserted into one end and push it into the elbow opening. this reduces free play on the front foot rest area and on the (metal) extension pipes. I also glued the pvc pipes together in order to make it more secure; but not the trialing pipes which come up into the extension, making it easy to remove on a later date if needed. I'll go ahead and turn the motor around as you say and wait for the week-end. Thanks again.
John,
The trolling motor is a Minn Kota Endura Max 40lb thrust motor. The top speed on the water is about 3.6 Miles per hour (By GPS) . I thought about doing a swivel seat, but due to how the seat mounts to the frame, that seems to be a little bit tricky. Also, because of the way I have the six rod holders mounted to the basket behind the seat, if I swiveled, the seat would probably crush my fishing poles. I had considered it though.
I'm located in Minnesota - The land of 10,000 Lakes
Great video, I'm definitely doing this to my pontoon
where to you rest your feet? if you are using the foot pegs for the front mount?
Nate great informational video ! that has to be the best pimped out inflatable i have seen on TH-cam! I just have a few questions when you have time to respond.
1) would it be possible to mount the stock motor mount where you have placed
your upgraded mount?
2) The inflation adapter supplied with your pontoon tubes fit your air pump correctly?
3) I doubt that your motor would be in the way of your casting and retrieving because
you can maneuver the boat with the trolling motor.
4) About how long will it take to charge the trolling battery?
5) What type of battery charger for the trolling battery is recommended?
6) in your State, once you mount the motor, does the craft then need to be registered, registration #'s mounted along with lights?
I have a Colorado on the way,same frame as the Colorado XT, just trying to sort out
a few things before hand.
Again, very inspiring Video's
Thanks,
Charles
c shackleford, Thanks for your kind comments. There are some much more impressive customizations than my own. Check out the one by Mike C. That's my personal favorite. To answer your questions:
1) I suppose you could try the stock motor mount, but I think you would have to screw it into the PVC, which would probably make it a little less strong. One of the advantages of this setup is that the trolling motor mount can clasp on to the 1 1/4 PVC pipe for strength
2) It's not a perfect seal, but it gets the job done. I just use the smaller adapter on the airpump and put it into the clear tube attached to the inflation adapter.
3)The motor isn't in the way of the casting, but the supplied rod holder may get in the way of the paddles if there is a rod in there.
4) I think my battery takes about 6-8 hours to charge. I don't watch it really closely because I just plug it into the charger whenever I get off the water and it's ready the next time I want to go out.
5) I bought a Minn Kota portable battery charger for about $60. It's not awesome, but it's small. light and it gets the job done.
6) In Minnesota, I did have to register the boat when I decided to put the motor on. I am not going to put lights on it because I don't ever plan on being out after dark.
Good luck with your boat!
Nate D
Thanks for the information Nate. in a few days i should have the Colorado.i would like to mount a foot platform right before the modified motor mount,i would simply like to stand up every now and then,i am thinking that the float tubes should be stable enough for me to do this,as long as i can get the platform close to the seat it should have some balance. Thanks again Nate ! speak with you soon.
Gracias por la idea ( Thanks for the idea )
Nate, I'm not to knowledgable with wiring. What type of wire did you use to connect the trolling motor to your battery and what type connectors did use use. Enjoy your videos. Thanking You in advance, John P.S.
Nate, if you had to register your XT with the state because of the trolling motor being used, where and how did you place your registration numbers? Kip W.
Nate, how many pounds thrust do you use ? Have you looked into a higher swivel seat ? Thanking you again, What part of the USA do you hail from ?
Do you still have this? If so how do you like this boat
NICE JOB
I have more or less the same rig, and saw your video and I would like to make the same modifications, but how did you change or turn the head (control arm) towards you. Also I believe a small floor board should be added to protect your feet. But this is great. Pontoon companies see this, and they will be out with your idea soon. Thanks
Manny, I appreciate your input. There is a small screw near the head of the trolling motor which can be removed. You just remove that screw flip the head around and put the screw back. You need to be a little bit careful when you put the screw back in so you don't damage the wires, but the whole process takes about 5 minutes. I plan on making a video of this when I have a moment.
I Checked with my local sporting good store. He said you cannot reverse the head. You have to buy a special trolling motor for it. Said his brother tried it and the wires inside are not long enough.
Darrell Moyer reversing the head has worked for me without issue. I can’t speak for all trolling motors, but it certainly works on my MinnKota. The wires didn’t need to be any longer because the shaft just rotates 180 degrees around them. If they are trying to sell you a “special” trolling motor, you may want to consider looking elsewhere. Good luck!
That was the first thing I did too. ad design for a trolling motor. A front mount works much better. The second was to make a separate float for the battery. I believe they are manufactured but I did not trust my eighty dollar battery with that design.
hey nate d would i need to buy a tab for my pontoon if i was using a trolling motor
Mary Vang
You would have to check with your local government. I love just outside Minneapolis, and I needed to get tabs for my boat. I can't say that will or will not apply to everybody everywhere though. Good luck!
Does inflatable pontoons need to be registered like kayaks/canoes/boats?
Only if you put a trolling motor on it
what are the siz e of the pcv pipe
Im disabled and in my 50s and have just purchased this to get out on the water with my friend who like to kayak
Is there any way one could make a conopy for this little boat?
Kelly,
I don’t know about a canopy, but you may be able to use a “T’ type connector in place of one of the corners, which would allow for an open hole at the top. You could possibly put some sort of umbrella, or a beach umbrella in that spot.
Take a look at version 2 of the motor mount. It’s easier to build and is a little more flexible as far as design options. I would be happy to help you in any way I can. Feel free to contact me if there is anything I can do.
- Nate
@@nated2951 thank you so much!! I'm going to try this as soon as it gets here! :)
I did tjis to oawsome
how much do you weigh dude?
Check out my trolling mount I'm working on. Let me know what you think.
#1 the unit will not fold unless you don’t run enough air pressure. Mine rides high and straight with 2.5 lbs of pressure.