Trolling motor mount jon boat

[sil]

I've just bought a new polar kraft dakota 1043 and want to install a bow mount minn kota.

I was going to bolt it to the front seat but can't get access to the underside due to a big block of foam under the seat. Does any one know the best way to mount the motor on these boats?

[k4phd]

Hi, I hope you can get  more ideas, but one option is to get a piece of plywood and cut it to the size of the seat and mount it by using sheet metal screws around the perimeter so to take advantage of the strength of the bends near the edges of the sheet metal, then mount the trolling motor mount to the plywood directly. I believe mounting directly to the sheet metal with it being as thin as it is could cause flexing and maybe later have to be repaired. The foam is flotation for safety, but I have read where some remove the foam. I have a 14 ft. Crestliner jon boat I purchased new and the dealer told me that the weight ratings on the tag on the boat was misleading. He said that with the flotation foam in place that the boat full of water would still support the weight that your boat was rated for. I think your polar kraft is rated for 325 lbs., so it would still support that much weight full of water.  Good luck and enjoy your new boat.

Jim

[71Rig]

one option is to get a piece of plywood and cut it to the size of the seat and mount it by using sheet metal screws around the perimeter so to take advantage of the strength of the bends near the edges of the sheet metal, then mount the trolling motor mount to the plywood directly. I believe mounting directly to the sheet metal with it being as thin as it is could cause flexing and maybe later have to be repaired.

I second that.  I built a small "box" on the front of my boat to mount the trolling motor to.  It gives me the extra height needed to clear the front lip and makes taking the motor on and off easier.  It also makes a nice neat mounting place for the plug (if you are using one).  Easy to make out of plywood and 1x1 stock once you have your measurements.