Is a Pontoon a "Tin Boat"?

If so, here's my contribution on how to better/modify one so that one can be manuvered in tight quarters.

A couple of months ago I decided to design, fabricate and install a Bow Thruster for my 28’ Party Hut Pontoon because it was very difficult to maneuver when the Delta wind kicks up, especially getting into the slip.

Here’s a short video of how it operates. Please note that with the exception of the new linerar actuator all the aluminum material was bought at a recycler yard and the MinnKota motor was bought off craigslist.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAbzk9YK044&feature=em-upload_owner


So today I brought the Pontoon back to the marina mid-morning but didn't get a chance to do "donuts" in the slough but will in the near future.

Here's a short clip of the Thruster used to turn the bow in order to back the Pontoon into the slip.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sxz2E0T9yrM&feature=youtu.be]

Nice one! Looks like it worked as designed.

great idea, you should be talking to Minn-cota about it..

surfman said:

great idea, you should be talking to Minn-cota about it..

Click to expand...

I did call a local MinnKota repair shop for wiring and switches info, and was told my idea will never work. He said many have tried using a trolling motor as a bow thruster with no success. Oh well :wink: .

If they made a double blade motor with props on both ends it would be a lot better, those props don't work as well in reverse but, they do work. a push pull prop arrangement would be a lot better. That rig looks like it works just fine though.