Why a Trolling Motor Mount for Jon Boat Transforms Your Fishing Experience
A trolling motor mount for jon boat lets you attach an electric trolling motor for precise, quiet control on the water. This simple upgrade transforms your fishing experience, eliminating the struggle of paddling or using a loud gas motor near sensitive spots.
Quick Answer: Mounting Options for Jon Boats
- Bow Mount – Best for precision casting and holding position (requires a mounting bracket or platform).
- Transom Mount – Easiest installation, clamps directly to the back of the boat.
- Side Mount – An alternative solution for boats with limited bow or transom space.
Key Requirements:
- Marine-grade aluminum bracket (Standard: 7″ x 20″ or Wide: 9″ x 14″)
- Stainless steel mounting hardware
- Compatible with MinnKota, MotorGuide, Lowrance, and Garmin motors
- Adjustable height options for different deck configurations
Jon boats are simple by design and typically require a custom mounting solution. Fortunately, whether you’re fishing Lake Texoma in a Lowe jon boat or exploring Table Rock Lake in a Seaark, installing a mount is a manageable project. Boaters use everything from pre-made marine aluminum brackets to DIY platforms made of treated wood. The most important factors are choosing the right location and ensuring the bracket is secure.
This guide covers everything you need to select, install, and maintain a trolling motor mount for your G3, Lowe, or Seaark jon boat, helping you achieve quiet, precise navigation and catch more fish.
Choosing the Right Mount and Location
The first decision when outfitting your jon boat is where to mount the trolling motor. This choice impacts boat handling and control. Let’s break down the options for a trolling motor mount for jon boat.
There are three main mount types:
- Bow Mounts: Bolted to the front, these are the premium choice for serious anglers. The motor pulls the boat, offering superior control and maneuverability, which is ideal for holding position in wind. Many use foot controls, freeing your hands for casting.
- Transom Mounts: Clamped to the back like a small outboard, this is the most straightforward and affordable option. They are perfect for general trolling and use hand controls for steering.
- Side Mounts: A problem-solving option when bow or transom space is limited. Control is less natural, but they provide a solution for boats with pointed bows or unusual deck layouts.
Quality mounts use marine-grade aluminum (often .125″ thick 5052 alloy) for its strength, light weight, and corrosion resistance, sometimes with a powder-coated finish. While DIY options exist, commercial mounts rely on metal for durability. Your investment will depend on your boat and fishing frequency.
Ensure the mount is compatible with your motor brand, such as MinnKota, MotorGuide, Lowrance, or Garmin. Check your motor’s base dimensions, as some models (like MinnKota Terrova or Ulterra) require wider brackets (e.g., 9×14″) compared to standard ones (e.g., 7×20″).
Key Factors for Your Trolling motor mount for jon boat
Choosing the right trolling motor mount for jon boat requires considering several factors:
- Hull Type: Flat-bottom jon boats are stable in calm water, while Mod-V hulls, like some Lowe jon boats, handle chop better but may present different mounting challenges. A pointed bow on a semi-V requires special consideration for surface area.
- Deck Configuration: The layout of your bow—whether it’s open on your Seaark or has custom decks on your G3—determines if you need specialized or custom brackets. Some brackets offer adjustable heights for different deck levels.
- Trolling Motor Model: The mount must fit your specific motor’s base dimensions.
- Shaft Length: The propeller should be at least 12 inches below the waterline to prevent cavitation in chop without dragging in shallows, a common concern on lakes like Texoma or Table Rock.
- Thrust Rating: A 14-foot jon boat might only need 36 lbs of thrust, but a larger 17-foot Lowe or G3 loaded with gear will require 48 lbs or more to handle various conditions.
[TABLE] comparing Bow vs. Transom vs. Side Mounting
| Feature | Bow Mount | Transom Mount | Side Mount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Control | Excellent (pulls boat) | Fair (pushes boat) | Poor to Fair |
| Best Use | Precision casting, holding position | Trolling, secondary power | Workaround for bow issues |
| Space | Requires bow space | Minimal space needed | Can be awkward |
| Cost | Higher | Lower | Varies (often DIY) |
Step-by-Step Guide: Installing Your Trolling Motor Mount for Jon Boat
With the right mount selected for your G3, Lowe, or Seaark jon boat, it’s time for installation. The process is straightforward if you follow these steps carefully, prioritizing safety and precision.
First, gather your tools: a drill, measuring tape, marker, wrenches, and safety gear. For hardware, use stainless steel bolts (typically 1/4 inch), nuts, and washers to prevent corrosion. Regular hardware will quickly fail in a marine environment. You will also need a marine-grade sealant, like 3M 5200, to create a watertight seal around drilled holes.
Pre-Installation Checks
A few minutes of preparation will prevent future headaches.
- Reinforce the Bow: If the mounting surface on your jon boat feels flimsy, add a backing plate (marine plywood or aluminum) underneath to distribute the load and prevent stress cracks.
- Check Wiring Access: Ensure a clear, protected path to run power cables from the battery to a bow-mounted motor. Avoid sharp edges that could chafe the wiring.
- Position the Mount: Place the trolling motor mount for jon boat on the desired spot. Deploy and stow the motor several times to check for clearance and obstructions.
- Mark Drill Holes: Once you’re confident in the position, mark your drill holes. Measure twice, drill once.
Securing the Mount to Your Jon Boat
Now, let’s attach the mount.
- Drill Pilot Holes: Use a drill bit slightly smaller than your bolts. Work slowly and keep the drill straight. For tricky pointed bows on some Lowe or G3 models, you may need a creative approach. See how others have tackled tricky installations for ideas.
- Apply Sealant: Apply marine sealant generously in and around each hole to ensure a watertight seal.
- Bolt the Mount: Insert stainless steel bolts through the mount, boat, and backing plate. Secure with washers and nuts, tightening firmly but without over-torquing, which can damage the aluminum. Backing plates are crucial for distributing stress on thinner hulls.
- Address Deck Variations: For multi-tiered decks on a Seaark or custom G3, you may need risers or an adjustable-height bracket to ensure the motor deploys correctly.
- Wire the Motor: Route power cables to the battery, securing them away from sharp edges. Ensure all connections are clean, tight, and protected from moisture for reliable power on Lake Texoma or Table Rock Lake.
Custom & DIY Mounting Solutions
Not every jon boat works with an off-the-shelf bracket. Whether your G3 has a pointed bow or your Lowe has a custom deck, a DIY solution might be the answer. Many of the best trolling motor mount for jon boat setups are homemade.
Popular DIY materials include treated wood (stacked 2x4s or 2x6s), aluminum plate, angle iron, and waterproof composite boards. For flexibility, some anglers create removable mounts by attaching the motor to a platform with hitch pins, allowing for quick removal after a day of fishing.
Adapting a Transom Mount for Bow Use
Can you use a transom-mount motor on the bow? Yes, and it’s a great way to save money. Most transom motor heads can be rotated 180 degrees by removing a screw, spinning the head, and re-securing it. This allows the prop to pull the boat correctly from the front.
The challenge is creating a transom-like surface on the bow for the motor’s clamps. You can build a block from treated wood or use a specialized bracket like the Trolling Motor Bow Mount Bracket for Transom Mount Motors. The main downside is that you’ll be using hand controls instead of the hands-free foot controls common on dedicated bow-mount motors.
DIY Trolling motor mount for jon boat: Ideas and Fabrication
When building your own trolling motor mount for jon boat, the goal is a level, secure platform strong enough for conditions on Lake Texoma or Table Rock Lake.
- Stacked Wood Platform: A classic approach using layers of treated wood bolted to the bow. This works well for the pointed bows on many Seaark or Lowe boats.
- Welded Aluminum Bracket: For maximum strength, weld a custom bracket directly to your boat. This is ideal for creating a compact platform on a G3 or Lowe.
- Offset Mount: If the bow is too narrow, simply offsetting the mount by an inch or two is a viable solution.
- Combined Materials: For semi-V hulls, a combination of a metal plate, an L-bracket, and a wood block can create a stable surface.
Regardless of your method, always use marine-grade fasteners and sealant. Your platform must be robust enough to handle the motor’s torque. Get more DIY ideas from the community to see what other jon boat owners have created.
Ensuring Durability and Longevity
A properly installed trolling motor mount for jon boat is an investment. To ensure it lasts for years on Lake Texoma or Table Rock Lake, follow these durability and maintenance tips.
During installation, use stainless steel hardware with locking nuts (nyloc nuts) to prevent them from vibrating loose. This is a small detail that makes a huge difference on a G3 or Lowe jon boat.
Maintenance Best Practices:
- Regular Hardware Checks: At least once a season, inspect all bolts and nuts for tightness and corrosion.
- Prevent Vibration Damage: Ensure the mount is secure. Consider using rubber washers between the mount and the boat to absorb vibrations, which is especially important on aluminum Seaark models.
- Rinse After Use: After each trip, rinse the mount with fresh water to remove salt and dirt.
- Check for Corrosion: Regularly inspect for pitting, white residue, or rust. Address minor issues with marine-grade cleaners or touch-up paint.
- Lubricate Moving Parts: Periodically lubricate any adjustable components with a marine-grade lubricant to prevent seizing.
The Advantage of an Adjustable Height Bracket
An adjustable height bracket is a feature that significantly improves the performance of a trolling motor mount for jon boat. These mounts offer variable height options (e.g., short, medium, tall) to perfectly match your deck height.
Whether you have a Lowe with an open bow or a Seaark with a custom deck, an adjustable bracket lets you optimize motor depth. This is crucial for improved performance in chop, as it keeps the prop submerged to prevent cavitation (loss of thrust) without being so deep that it hits obstacles. On diverse waters like Table Rock Lake, this ensures consistent power and better boat control, letting you focus on fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions about Jon Boat Trolling Motor Mounts
We hear many questions from anglers visiting our locations near Lake Texoma and Branson, MO. Here are the most common ones about installing a trolling motor mount for jon boat on a G3, Lowe, or Seaark.
What is the typical cost for a jon boat trolling motor mount?
Costs vary widely. Pre-made marine aluminum mounts offer convenience and reliability, with prices ranging from basic plates to more expensive, adjustable brackets. A DIY project can save money, with costs limited to materials like marine-grade plywood, aluminum, and stainless steel hardware. For complex boat layouts, custom fabrication from a professional shop is the high-end option but provides a perfect fit and maximum durability.
How do I ensure my mount is strong enough?
A strong mount is critical for safety and performance.
- Material Choice: Use mounts made from .125″ or 5052 marine aluminum for the best balance of strength, weight, and corrosion resistance.
- Proper Hardware: Always use 1/4″ stainless steel bolts, locking nuts, and washers. Regular steel will rust and fail.
- Backing Plates: For the thin aluminum decks common on jon boats, use a backing plate (marine plywood or aluminum) under the deck. This spreads the motor’s stress across a larger area, preventing cracks and pull-through. Distributing the load is the key to a long-lasting, secure installation.
Can I mount a trolling motor on the side of my jon boat?
While possible, side-mounting is not ideal and is usually a last resort for boats with tricky bow designs. The main challenge is control. A motor mounted on the side pushes or pulls the boat at an angle, making precise positioning difficult and steering feel awkward.
However, it can work for smaller jon boats or for light-duty trolling. If you choose this route, you will likely need custom brackets to ensure a solid attachment. Before committing, it’s wise to read a discussion on side-mounting to understand the experiences of other boaters. A custom bow platform is often a better long-term solution for your G3, Lowe, or Seaark model.
Conclusion
Adding a trolling motor mount for jon boat is a transformative upgrade, giving you the quiet, precise control needed for serious fishing. You now know the difference between bow, transom, and side mounts, how to choose the right materials, and how to install it securely—even if it requires a custom solution.
The right mount means no more spooking fish or drifting past the perfect spot. It puts you exactly where you need to be, whether you’re on Lake Texoma or Table Rock Lake. Your G3, Lowe, or Seaark jon boat is ready for this upgrade. With proper installation and maintenance, your mount will provide years of reliable service, paying dividends on every fishing trip.
At Blackbeard Marine, we’re passionate about helping anglers get the most from their time on the water. Our team understands jon boats and can help you outfit yours for success. Whether you need advice on a mount, help with installation, or are ready to upgrade to a new Skeeter or Blazer Bay fishing boat, we’ve got you covered.
Find the perfect boat or get expert service for your project by visiting our locations near Lake Texoma in Kingston, OK, or Branson, MO, near Table Rock Lake. Let’s get your jon boat rigged right so you can spend more time fishing.