Trolling motors are a great way to get around on a jon boat, but if youve never done it before, it can feel intimidating.
Fear not! Were here to help with a step-by-step guide on how to mount a trolling motor on your jon boat.
Well go through the materials needed for installation, how to drill the holes for the mounting bracket, how to attach the motor to the plate, how to secure and tighten the nuts and bolts, and how to plug the motor into the 12v power source.
Plus, well give you some tips on how to make necessary adjustments to the propeller and steering.
Lets get started!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Mounting a trolling motor on a jon boat involves securing the motor to the transom of the boat, attaching the power cables and connecting the foot pedal.
First, you will need to attach the mounting bracket to the transom.
You should use bolts and stainless steel washers to ensure a secure hold.
Next, connect the power cables to the battery and attach the foot pedal to the trolling motor.
Finally, make sure all connections are secure and that the motor is properly aligned before use.
Materials Needed for Installation
When it comes to mounting a trolling motor on a jon boat, there are a few materials you will need to have on hand.
To begin with, you will need to have a drill to make the hole in the stern of the boat for the mounting bracket.
You will also need a mounting plate, nuts and bolts, and a 12-volt power source.
Additionally, depending on the type of trolling motor you are using, you may need to have the manufacturers instructions handy for proper installation.
Lastly, its always a good idea to have some extra tools on hand such as a screwdriver, pliers, and a wire stripper in case you need to make any adjustments to the motor.
With all the necessary materials in place, youll be ready to begin the mounting process.
Drill Hole for Mounting Bracket
Mounting a trolling motor on a jon boat is an easy and straightforward process that can be completed in a few steps.
The first step is to use a drill to create a hole in the stern of the boat for the trolling motors mounting bracket.
Before drilling, make sure to measure the area accurately and mark the spot for the hole.
At this point, it is recommended to use a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the mounting bracket, as it will be easier to make the hole larger if needed.
This also reduces the chances of damaging the boats surface or creating a hole that is too large.
When drilling the hole, it is important to go slowly and use some lubricant to reduce friction and to ensure a smooth finish.
After the hole is drilled, it should be sanded down to eliminate any sharp edges.
Attach Mounting Plate to Bracket
Attaching the mounting plate to the bracket is an important step in the process of mounting a trolling motor on a jon boat.
The mounting plate is the foundation that will hold the trolling motor securely in place, so it is important to ensure that it is attached correctly.
To start, use a drill to make a hole in the stern of the boat for the mounting bracket.
Depending on the size of the trolling motor, the size of the hole will need to vary.
Be sure to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct size of the hole.
Once the hole is drilled, you can begin attaching the mounting plate.
Secure the mounting plate to the bracket using nuts and bolts.
Be sure to use the correct size of bolts and nuts, as the wrong size could affect the stability of the trolling motor.
Additionally, make sure to use a locking washer and a thread locker to ensure the bolts are tight and secure.
Once the mounting plate is attached, you can move on to attaching the trolling motor itself.
Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation and use the appropriate tools for the job.
It is important to ensure that the trolling motor is securely fastened to the mounting plate, as any movement or looseness can affect the stability of the motor and the safety of the boat.
By taking the time to properly attach the mounting plate to the bracket, you can ensure that the trolling motor is securely fastened and ready for use.
With a few simple steps, you can have your trolling motor mounted on your jon boat and ready to use.
Mount Motor to Plate
The next step in mounting a trolling motor on a jon boat is to attach the motor to the mounting plate.
You will need a drill to make a hole in the stern of the boat for the mounting bracket.
Once the hole has been made, it’s time to attach the motor to the mounting plate.
Begin by removing the mounting plate from the motor and then use the bolts and nuts provided to secure the mounting plate to the bracket.
Make sure to keep the bolts and nuts tight and secure to ensure a proper fit.
Once the plate is secured, you can attach the motor to the plate.
Use the screws provided to secure the motor to the plate.
Make sure to use the correct screws in order to ensure a proper fit.
Once the motor is securely attached to the plate, you can connect the motor to the 12-volt power source.
Secure and Tighten Nuts and Bolts
Once you have the mounting plate attached to the bracket and the motor itself situated, it is time to secure it firmly in place.
Use nuts and bolts to tightly fasten the motor and mounting plate together.
Make sure to use the correct size bolts and nuts for securing the trolling motor.
The size and type of the bolts and nuts you should use will depend on the make and model of the trolling motor, so it is important to check the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.
To ensure the motor is secure, use a wrench to tighten the nuts and bolts until they are snug.
This will help to ensure the motor does not become loose while you’re out on the water.
Plug Motor Into 12v Power Source
Once you have the trolling motor mounted securely, the next step is to plug it into a 12-volt power source.
This will provide the power needed to propel the boat and control the direction.
To do this, you will need to connect the trolling motor’s power cables to the 12-volt power source.
For this, you will need a 12-volt battery, which can either be a dedicated trolling motor battery or a standard car battery.
When connecting the power cables to the battery, it is important to ensure they are connected correctly.
The red cable should be connected to the positive terminal of the battery and the black cable should be connected to the negative terminal.
If these cables are connected incorrectly, it could cause damage to the trolling motor.
Once the cables are connected, you will need to make sure the battery is secure and properly connected to the mounting bracket that holds the trolling motor.
This will prevent the battery from shifting around while you are out on the water.
Once the battery is secure, you can now start using your trolling motor.
It is important to note that you should always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation and use of the trolling motor.
This will ensure that you get the most out of your trolling motor and that it will remain in good condition for many years to come.
Make Necessary Adjustments to Propeller and Steering
After the trolling motor has been securely mounted to the jon boat, it is time to make the necessary adjustments to the propeller and steering.
This is an important step in the process, as it ensures that the trolling motor operates safely and efficiently.
For the propeller, make sure that it is set to the correct pitch and depth for the best performance.
If the propeller is set too high, it will not provide enough thrust to push the boat forward, and if it is set too low, it could cause the motor to overheat.
The manufacturer’s instructions should provide you with the correct settings for your motor.
When it comes to steering, you should adjust the tension of the throttle cable so that it is not too tight or too loose.
If it is too loose, the motor will not react to the throttle quickly, and if it is too tight, it can cause the motor to overheat.
Again, the manufacturer’s instructions will provide you with the optimal settings for your motor.
Finally, check the motor’s power cord to make sure it is securely connected to the power source.
You should also inspect the mounting bracket and motor for any signs of wear or damage, and make sure that all the bolts and nuts are tight.
Once all of these adjustments have been made, you can now enjoy your newly mounted trolling motor on your jon boat.
With just a few simple steps, you can have your motor up and running and ready for your next adventure.
Final Thoughts
With this simple step-by-step guide, you’re now ready to mount a trolling motor onto your jon boat.
You have all the materials you need, so take the time to do the job right.
Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation and to plug the motor into a 12-volt power source.
Once you’ve installed the motor, you can get out on the water and start fishing with your new trolling motor!