BOW MOUNTED TROLLING MOTOR ON JON BOAT

[LAURASDAD]

Hello all,

My fishing buddy and I have an old jon boat; sort of narrow but works OK.  We currently use a transon mount trolling motor; the type that clamps on the transom.

Is there a way it can be modified to mount at the bow?  It is obviously easier for boat control with a bow mounted trolling motor.

thanks for your help

Larry

[JayDub]

Could you describe the front of your jon boat... or even better show us a pic?

[LAURASDAD]

Lets see if this works:

Well, I was able to attached a pic of a jon boat. It is very similiar to the one in the pic.

thanks

Larry

[IneedAnewScreenName9886691]

laurasdad,

I had the same problem. I purchased an aftermarket deal for deep v boats to attach a transom trolling motor (think it was in Bass pro). I took it and made some adjustments so it would mount on the flat bow of a jon. Then took the handle (top) off my transom mount TM and spun it so it was facing the oppisite direction so it would be easier to use.

I have also seen a plastic piece that looks like it wedges in the handle up front on a jon boat - looks simplier than what I did but my handle is missing.

Found this - this is the plastic one that wedges in the handle -http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?id=0023818016806a&navCount=1&podId=0023818&parentId=cat21380&navAction=jump&cmCat=MainCatcat21276&catalogCode=IG&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat21380&hasJS=true

Something like this would work if you don't want to take the top portion of your tm apart.  http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=1208&hvarDept=200&hvarEvent=&hvarClassCode=2&hvarSubCode=4&hvarTarget=browse

Hope this helps.

[JayDub]

You could mount something (like a 2x4) on the front and then just mount the motor to it, i've seen that done.

[Rattlinrogue]

In the past,I've just cut a piece of 3/4 plywood to fit the bow of the jon boat.Add some carpet on it,bolt it on the bow of the boat,and mount the TM on it.

[cody_ia]

a 2x4 mounted on the bow works great.

[Mo_Tick]

on the Jon i had, i used the Plastic Wedge that fit into the front Handle!!  what a piece of Junk, as soon as i turned the Motor up to get along prety good, the dang thing was slipping up and out from the trolling Motor pressure.

took it back to BPS. use a 2x4, much more safer.

[Fisher of Men]

Can't agree more Mo tick!!  What a piece of junk!!  I got mine at Cabela's with a gift card, so it didn't cost me anything.  I've modified mine a little and still use it with some Qik-clamps.  It looks awful, but works OK.  I'm going to go with the 2X4 or something else soon.