Jon Boat: Mounting a Trolling Motor?

[Ronnie Hilton]

I have a Jon Boat without a front deck. The front seat is recessed in the boat about 4-5 inches. What is the best way to install a foot control trolling motor without adding a deck all the way across the front? Thanks.

[ted655]

My troll moror is the "pivit" mount type. It is held onto a flate aluminium plate that is set to the port edge of the bow. 4 # 10 ss screws on the port edge & 3 on the bow edge. The plate is 1/4" so is stiff enough that no leg was necessary down to the seat. Pull a pin & the whole troll motor comes off.

[Ronnie Hilton]

Thanks Ted! Where did you get that plate?

[ted655]

I made it. Around here, aluminium boats are being built at several places. AND, I have 3. Finding a chunk of 1/4" or 3/16" plate takes but a little effort. A rectangle of 6" W X 24" L should do. Have some idea of the pivot mount geomotry first. A grinder, then belt sander will round everything off smooth. ESPECIALLY the 1 corner that sticks over into the boat. Cut that corner at a 45, then round it good.