We have an 8' pontoon boat, and am thinking about getting an electric motor for small lakes. 2 questions:
1. How much thrust?
2. What problems might I encounter?

(3. Any other thoughts would be helpful!)

Thanks!

i have a 9' pontoon boat and i use a minn kota with 52 pounds thrust, i am usually in rivers though, if your gonna be in a lake most the time i would use somewhere in a mid 30 to mid 40, whatever you can get away with using only one battery, the only problems i.ve had is being a little heavy in the back(because of gear+battery, for long trip)and having the battery stay in the right place, you'll be fine though

You didnt say what pontoon you have? But a 8' toon will only need 25lbs max. A good group 24 deep cycle batt should give you a full day of power on a lake. But what are your hopes for this combo ? Also how do you plan to use it and where?

Saw a 109 lb thrust motor recently. 24 volt. Bet you could get up on a plane!

Troutmaster, thanks for your reply. We plan to mostly use it to save our arms from rowing too much (no fun looking at a 15 minute row, when a touch of a button can do it effortlessly.) Mostly just to get from one fishing spot to another on small lakes...not for trolling, particularly. Your thoughts?

I saw in some fishing magazine recently a 10 HORSEPOWER electric motor. It uses five 12 volts. Hang on to your wallet cuz it will cost you $4400.
Probably a little more than what you are looking for.

DaleD, I think the small thrust 12v will work fine for the lakes. I have an older about 10 years now Motorguide 18 lb thrust motor. It would push my alum 11 boat around most of the day when I used it for that. I may some day put it on my southfork pontoon, Havent decided yet on that.
So i think if you went with a 25 or lower thrust motor you should be fine. A group 24 deep cycle is what you will need. Get a box for it and screw the box to a board or alum deck so it wont slide around. Good luck, if I see someone a shooting rooster tail off the back of their pontoon I will know it's you.