How to Make a Trolling Motor Mount for a Jon Boat

Trolling motors are an invaluable tool for getting to fish quietly. The only quieter alternative is polling or paddling, but these activities can be not only time-consuming but also tiring. The alternative is the trolling motor and this article will discuss how to build a deck to mount a retractable (non stationary) trolling motor to a jon boat.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Marine grade 2x2 lumber Marine-grade 5/8-inch plywood Tape measure Saw Drill with screw tip bit Screws Indoor/outdoor carpet Glue

Directions

1. Figure out how much room will be needed to accommodate the length of the retracted trolling motor, foot pedal and yourself. This is accomplished by lying the motor and pedal on the ground as they will be mounted, standing as you would stand for operation and using the tape measure, measuring from front to back making sure to give yourself enough room to move comfortably. Also, measure the boat interior for height and width.

2. 
    
   Framing

   Using the measurements obtained in step one, construct a frame inside the front of a boat. Use the drill and screws for this.

3. 
    
   Adding the deck

   Cut the decking for the boat from the marine plywood to size and hammer to the frame.

4. Cut the carpet to cover the deck and glue to the now-mounted plywood deck.

5. 
    
   The finished product

   The motor can now be mounted to the deck using whatever screws or hardware came with the motor.

Tips & Warnings

• As an alternative to standing, this deck can also allow a swiveling marine chair to be mounted. This deck also provides an under-deck storage area that actually gives you more room on the boat.
• Be sure that your marine batteries are placed at the rear of the boat so that the weight of the deck is somewhat counter-balanced.

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