Ask any jon boat owner what annoys them about a transom-mounted trolling motor and you get the same answer: it puts 30 to 40 pounds of motor and battery right where the boat is already lightest. Full-size adult jon boats squat, track poorly, and bow-steer worse every trip because of it.
That is why the mount matters more than the motor on this hull. The best trolling motor mounts for jon boats decide whether weight stays on the stern or moves forward, whether you can steer with a handle or a remote, and whether the plate under your bow survives a season in stump water. Our team pulled spec sheets, fastener types, and owner feedback on ten mounts, then cross-checked them against what jon boat builders actually report in the forums.
We earn from qualifying purchases, which never changes what we rank. How we evaluated: we weighed each mount on four things – material and plate thickness, thrust rating against jon boat motor weight, how well the bolt pattern matches common motors, and how the hull brand fit works when the gunnel is under 3 inches wide. Durability complaints carry more weight than marketing language, because a plate that cracks at the bend is the one thing you cannot ignore on a thin aluminum hull.
If you want the short answer first, the Pro Controll EZ Mount is the one most jon boats should end up with. The rest of this guide covers when a different mount makes more sense, how to install one, and the four ways these mounts fail.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Trolling Motor Mounts for Jon Boats
Pro Controll EZ Mount
- No-drill clamp-on bow install
- Marine-grade aluminum
- Fits gunnels under 3 inch wide
Brocraft Removable Deck Mount
- Marine-grade aluminum deck plate
- Removable nylon motor bracket
- Compact 3 pound footprint
besttruck Universal Transom Mount
- Rated to 3 HP and 80 lb thrust
- Stainless hardware with nylon body
- Four-hole installation
Best Trolling Motor Mounts for Jon Boats in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Pro Controll EZ Mount Universal Bow Mount |
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Check Latest Price |
| Brocraft Removable Aluminum Deck Mount |
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Check Latest Price |
| besttruck Universal Transom Trolling Motor Mount |
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 Newport Vessels Transom Motor Mount |
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 NyVoozy Heavy Steel Transom Motor Mount |
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 Deargooday Cast Aluminum Quick-Release Mount |
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Check Latest Price |
 HLOGREE Universal Bow Mount Bracket |
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Check Latest Price |
 Apaspoil Marine-Grade Steel Transom Mount |
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Check Latest Price |
 usvehj 6mm Aluminum Transom Motor Mount |
|
Check Latest Price |
 FEIMIRE Aluminum Mount for Jon Boats |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. Pro Controll EZ Mount Universal Bow Mount – Best Overall
Pro Controll EZ Mount – Universal Trolling Motor Mount for Jon Boats | Bow Installation | No Drilling Required | Fits Gunnels < 3" Wide | Easy to Install
Marine-grade aluminum clamp
Mounts to bow in minutes
Fits gunnels under 3 inch wide
12 x 9 x 9 inches
Pros
- No-drill clamp-on install
- Built specifically for jon and utility boats with narrow gunnels
- Marine-grade aluminum resists corrosion
- Light and portable between boats
Cons
- Gunnel must be under 3 inch wide and 1 inch deep
- Needs a narrow gunnel to grip at all
The EZ Mount is the bracket in this roundup designed around the jon boat problem rather than adapted to it. It clamps onto the bow gunnel instead of bolting through the skin, which means a full restoration leaves the hull untouched.
Install takes minutes with no tools once the gunnel width clears its spec. That spec matters – the clamp fits gunnels under 3 inches wide and 1 inch deep, so measure your hull before you order.
What struck us most in the owner feedback is how consistently the no-drill aspect comes up as the deciding factor. People who had drilled out a factory plate on their hull came to this bracket specifically to stop damaging aluminum that is already thin.
The aluminum is marine-grade, so it holds up in brackish marsh and tidal water where cheaper plated steel starts weeping rust. At 12 x 9 x 9 inches the whole assembly stays compact enough that bow weight increase is modest on a 12 to 14 foot hull.
Who this mount fits best
This is the one for 12 to 16 foot jon boats with narrow gunnels, particularly owners who do not want to drill their hull or who have already ruined a factory plate drilling new holes. It suits anyone who fishes saltwater or brackish marsh, since the marine-grade aluminum is the point.
It also suits owners who move motors between boats. The whole assembly lifts off, so a second hull costs nothing extra.
Where it falls short
Measure your gunnel first. Anything approaching or exceeding 3 inches wide will not clamp, and no adapter in this guide changes that. Boatdesign.net contributors solving the same problem describe bolting a flat aluminum plate to the port edge of the bow with four #10 stainless screws as the fallback when a clamp will not grip.
It also carries a higher price than most plates here, and you are paying for the no-drill convenience and the aluminum. If you are comfortable drilling four holes, a cheaper fixed plate will hold a motor just as well.
2. Brocraft Removable Aluminum Deck Mount – Best Value
Brocraft Trolling Motor Mount Bracket, Removable Deck Mount for Clamp-On Electric Trolling Motors, Marine Aluminum & Nylon, Boat Motor Mount
Marine-grade aluminum deck plate
Durable nylon motor bracket
3 pounds total
Salt and freshwater use
Pros
- Substantial aluminum build for the money
- Removable bracket for transport
- Compact footprint suits a small jon boat deck
- Proven on aluminum jon boats and sit-on-top kayaks
Cons
- Included bolts are short once washers and plate are added
- Motor bracket post can arrive slightly out of fit
- Securing knob can vibrate loose in transit
The Brocraft is the pick for rigged jon boats that carry a casting deck but still have room to spare. A flat aluminum plate bolts to the deck, and the motor bracket lifts off for transport.
Owners consistently describe the build as heavier and more solid than the listing photos suggest. At 3 pounds it stays out of the way of bow weight concerns on a mid-size hull while still giving you a rigid base.
The deck plate approach is the most rigid option in this guide when you have reinforcement underneath. Jon boat owners have documented a dealer-installed quick-disconnect bracket tearing a deck out on the first outing, and the reinforcement is what makes the difference between a plate that lasts and one that does not.
Add washers under every bolt and buy your own stainless hardware. The supplied bolts run short once the plate and washers are in the stack, which is a recurring complaint across reviews of this bracket and a five minute fix if you plan for it.
Who this mount fits best
Best for 14 to 18 foot jon boats with a casting deck where permanent mounting beats portability. It is rated by the manufacturer for saltwater use, so marsh and coastal owners can use it without a second thought.
It also fits owners who already mount motors on aluminum jon boats and sit-on-top kayaks – this is a well-trodden application for this bracket, and the compact footprint was designed for exactly that kind of limited deck space.
Where it falls short
Quality control varies between units. Some arrive with the motor bracket post slightly out of fit against the support arm, and some owners report aluminum cracking at the bend stress point over time. Check the bend area before your first trip.
The nylon securing knob can also work loose over rough water. A quick re-check with a wrench at the launch ramp is cheap insurance. For the motor itself, our saltwater trolling motor guide covers what pairs well with this base.
3. besttruck Universal Transom Trolling Motor Mount – Best Budget Plate
Universal Transom Trolling Motor Mount for Kayaks/Kayak Motor Mount
Alloy steel with nylon body
Rated to 3 HP and 80 lb thrust
8.5 x 5 x 6.8 inches
1 year warranty
Pros
- Holds 55 to 80 lb thrust motors without flex
- Overbuilt construction owners repeat-buy
- Stainless hardware resists corrosion
- Straightforward four-hole install
Cons
- Included bolts can be short for some transoms
- Some Allen heads arrive loose
- Heavier than a kayak-class mount needs
If you are running a mid-size bow mount on a 16 foot hull and want a fixed plate rather than a clamp, this is a strong rating-to-weight option. It is rated to 3 HP and 80 lb of thrust, which covers most jon boat motors without shrugging.
Rated at 4.6 across 229 reviews with 77 percent five-star ratings, it has one of the strongest satisfaction-per-review scores in the group. Owners keep buying a second one, which tells you something about the build.
The alloy steel and nylon body combination resists the flex that thin plastic plates develop under a working motor. That rigidity matters on a hull that moves the way a loaded jon boat moves when you turn hard into current.
Installation is four holes on a flat stern surface. That is the whole job if you have a flat stern plate, and it is also the entire requirement – this mount needs geometry, not a narrow gunnel.
Who this mount fits best
Best for 14 to 18 foot jon boats where the hull has a flat stern section and you are pairing it with a 55 to 80 lb thrust motor. Owners report it holding heavier motors without shifting or flexing.
It is also right for anyone who wants one motor mounted on the stern and the option to run it on a second craft, since the bolt pattern is a common one.
Where it falls short
Bring your own bolts. Supplied fasteners can be too short for thicker transoms, and a few units arrive with loose Allen heads that need a tightening pass before the first outing.
At 1.48 kg it is heavier than a kayak-class mount strictly needs to be. On a 12 foot hull you are adding stern weight for a motor you probably do not need that big – our trolling motor size guide breaks down the thrust-per-100-pound rule.
4. Newport Vessels Transom Motor Mount – Best Bolt Pattern Match
Newport Trolling Motor Transom Motor Mount – Kayaks – Freshwater and Saltwater – 1 Size, Gray
Heavy gauge aluminum
3.75 x 4.75 inch bolt pattern
Freshwater and saltwater
Rated to 3 HP
Pros
- Standard bolt pattern fits most clamp-on motors
- Aluminum locking lip stops motor slippage
- Replaceable polymer transom plates
- Gloss black powder coat resists corrosion
Cons
- Higher cost than most mounts here
- May need drilling to fit a smaller stern
The Newport is the one to buy when your motor already has a 3.75 by 4.75 inch transom pattern and you want the bolt holes to line up without shimming. That bolt pattern is the most widely used one on clamp-on motors, so compatibility is rarely the issue.
Rated to 3 HP with an aluminum locking lip that resists the motor walking in rough water, this is the saltwater-capable option with the longest-established bolt pattern. Manufacturers list it for both fresh and salt water.
At 1.66 kg it is substantial but not extreme, and the heavy gauge aluminum with a gloss black powder coat is what survives brackish water season after season. The replaceable polymer transom plates are a nice touch – they are the sacrificial part that wears first, and you can swap them.
Roughly 79 percent of 163 reviews are five-star, which points to a settled, low-drama product. People buy it, it works, it keeps working.
Who this mount fits best
Best for saltwater and brackish marsh anglers on 12 to 16 foot hulls where the motor is a standard bolt-pattern transom motor. The locking lip matters more than most people expect once wind and current start pushing the bow.
It also suits owners who value replaceable parts, since the polymer plates wear before the aluminum does.
Where it falls short
This one carries a higher price than the rest, and you are paying for the established pattern and finish. If your hull has a smaller stern you may end up drilling to make it fit.
It is also a fixed plate with no quick release, so the motor stays on the boat unless you unbolt it. If you need to move motors between craft constantly, look at a quick-release option instead.
5. NyVoozy Heavy Steel Transom Motor Mount – Best Heavy-Duty Steel
NyVoozy Kayak Trolling Motor Mount – Clamp-on Electric Motor Mount with 86 Lbs Thrust
Three 1 inch steel support plates
Rated to 3 HP and 86 lb thrust
L225 x D235 x H100mm
Corrosion-resistant screws
Pros
- Steel plate holds high-thrust motors
- Multiple screw patterns adapt to different hulls
- Corrosion-resistant hardware for seawater
- Compact footprint
Cons
- Oversized for recessed four-screw patterns
- Plastic spacer blocks can deform under load
- Over 5 lb adds weight to a small craft
- Minimal instructions
The NyVoozy is among the thickest builds in the group – three steel support plates at roughly 1 inch each – and carries an 86 lb thrust rating, the highest figure among these mounts. On a loaded 16 to 18 foot hull where a plastic plate would flex, that rigidity earns its keep.
It is the pick for shallow stump fields and heavy chop, where the whole face of the motor is loaded constantly against its mount. Steel does not creep the way thin plates do.
Multiple screw patterns mean it adapts to hulls where the standard transom layout does not line up. The screws are rated for seawater use, which matters if you rinse down after every marsh trip.
Owners report the plate holding heavy motors successfully once the supplied plastic spacer blocks are swapped for metal ones. That is the single modification worth making before the first outing.
Who this mount fits best
Best for 16 to 18 foot loaded jon boats running 55 to 80 lb thrust motors, and for anyone fishing stump fields where shock loading hits the mount constantly.
It is also a good saltwater pick given the corrosion-resistant screws, as long as you rinse the steel after every trip in brackish water.
Where it falls short
At over 5 lb this is a heavier mount than most here, and on a 12 foot hull you will feel it in bow trim. The plate is also oversized for recessed four-screw kayak patterns unless you modify it.
The included plastic spacers deform under heavy motor loads – replace them. And the instructions are thin, so plan a little time for figuring out the pattern layout yourself.
6. Deargooday Cast Aluminum Quick-Release Mount – Best Quick Release
Universal Transom Trolling Motor Mounting Bracket for Kayaks/Kayak Marine Board Backing Plate Mount Bracket for Clamp-on Electric Trolling Motors
Full-cast aluminum with nylon
Quick-release motor removal
7.87 x 4.65 x 5.82 inches
1 year warranty
Pros
- Full-cast aluminum feels heavier and sturdier than expected
- Quick release removes the motor in seconds
- Stainless hardware resists rust
- No one- or two-star reviews in 60 ratings
Cons
- Requires drilling four holes
- Only 60 reviews
- so the long-term track record is short
The Deargooday sits at 4.7 with 78 percent five-star ratings and not a single one- or two-star review in its 60 ratings. That kind of consistency usually means the product simply does what the listing says.
It is a quick-release head on a drilled aluminum plate, so you remove the motor without tools while the plate stays bolted to the hull. On a boat you launch solo, that is worth more than it sounds.
The body is full-cast aluminum with heavy-duty stainless hardware, and owners report it feels considerably more substantial than the price suggests.
Who this mount fits best
Best for 12 to 15 foot jon boats with a flat stern or deck spot, and for solo anglers who want the motor off in one motion at the ramp rather than four bolts and a wrench.
It suits anyone who runs one motor on two hulls, or who fishes shallow water and needs the motor stowed while turning the head to clear overhead branches – a habit Outdoors911 users recommend for i-Pilot setups.
Where it falls short
You are drilling four holes, so this is not a no-drill option. On a thin jon hull that means a backing plate underneath, and getting that right matters more than the mount brand.
With 60 reviews, long-term durability is less proven than the rating alone suggests. Treat the 4.7 as encouraging rather than settled.
7. HLOGREE Universal Bow Mount Bracket – Most Versatile
Universal Trolling Motor Mount Bracket, Heavy Duty trolling Motor Bow Mount
Textured ABS plastic body
Stainless steel hardware included
Four drilled holes
2 year warranty
Pros
- Textured surface grips the motor better than bare metal
- Quick four-step install with included hardware
- Light enough for small craft
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- Some units rusted after first use
- Plastic body is less stiff than aluminum
- Listing photos are AI generated and do not show the real install
The HLOGREE is a low-cost way to get a motor onto a jon boat deck, and it wins on grip. The textured non-slip surface holds a motor better than a bare metal plate when wind and chop are working on you.
Installation is four steps with included screws, nuts, and gaskets, so it is the least fussy option for a first-time install. The two-year warranty is also longer than most mounts here offer.
It weighs almost nothing compared to the steel and 6mm aluminum plates in this group, so on a 12 foot hull it adds the least bow or stern weight of anything we tested.
Rated at 4.2 across 54 reviews, it sits at the low end of the group, and the 7 percent one-star share tracks back to hardware durability rather than fit.
Who this mount fits best
Best for small jon boats, kayaks, and dinghies running smaller motors, where weight matters more than plate thickness. Anyone on a tight budget who only fishes freshwater will find plenty to like here.
It is also a reasonable backup mount – the kind you keep in the truck for a second boat.
Where it falls short
Do not run this in saltwater without rinsing it every trip. Owners report early rust despite the stainless hardware claims, and an ABS body has no structural reserve under a heavy motor.
Several listing photos are AI generated and do not match the real install, so go in with the fit measured rather than eyeballed. If your motor is more than 55 lb, choose a metal plate instead – plastic is not the right material for that load.
8. Apaspoil Marine-Grade Steel Transom Mount – Best Multi-Pattern Fit
Universal Transom Trolling Motor Mount for Kayaks,Heavy Duty Marine-Grade
5mm marine-grade steel
Powder coated
Three bolt hole patterns
Rated to 70 lb thrust
Pros
- Multiple bolt hole sizes fit more hull patterns
- Full-cast steel resists flex
- Replaceable nylon panels dampen vibration
- Strong value for a steel plate
Cons
- Powder coat chips at impact points
- Included screws wrong for some plate thicknesses
- Heavy enough to notice on a small hull
The Apaspoil solves the fit problem better than most mounts here. It offers three bolt hole combinations – 3.75 by 3.75, 4.75 by 4.75, and 3.75 by 4.75 inch – so it will almost certainly line up with an existing pattern on your hull.
At 5mm of marine-grade steel in a reinforced triangular frame, it carries up to 70 lb of thrust without developing the flex thin plates get. Owners across jon boats and kayaks call it strong value for a full steel frame.
The two replaceable UV-resistant nylon panels dampen vibration at the contact points, which cuts the rattling that makes cheap mounts feel loose over time. They are also the sacrificial element you can swap instead of the whole mount.
Rated 4.3 across 47 reviews, with a notably high 25 percent four-star share. Most of the reservation is about hardware sizing rather than quality.
Who this mount fits best
Best for owners whose hull has an existing bolt pattern that does not match standard transom geometry, which is common on jon boats drilled at the factory. Three patterns in one plate removes the guesswork.
It is also a good marsh and brackish-water option, since the steel and replaceable panels handle salt exposure well if you rinse them.
Where it falls short
The gloss black powder coat chips at impact points, and once it chips rust starts. Touch the chips with marine paint at the end of the season.
The included screws are a headache – too long for existing holes, too short for thin plates. Bring your own stainless hardware. And the steel will mark a kayak hull where it rests, so pad it if you switch craft.
9. usvehj 6mm Aluminum Transom Motor Mount – Best 6mm Aluminum Plate
Transom Trolling Motor Mount for Kayaks, 6mm Thick Heavy-Duty Aluminum Transom Motor Bracket 3HP Max Thrust, 3.75″ x 4.75″ Bolt Pattern for Flat Stern Boats in Freshwater & Saltwater (1-Pack, Black)
6mm thick marine aluminum
Powder coated
3.75 x 4.75 inch bolt pattern
Rated to 70 lb thrust
Pros
- Thickest aluminum plate tested
- Holes line up with standard mounting bolts
- Aluminum locking lip resists slippage
- Replaceable nylon transom plates
Cons
- Only 28 reviews
- so long-term durability is less proven
- Owners recommend under-deck bracing
The usvehj carries the highest rating in this guide at 4.9, with 88 percent five-star ratings and zero negative reviews. The 6mm aluminum plate is the thickest aluminum we tested and it sits at a lighter weight than the steel options.
It follows the standard 3.75 by 4.75 inch bolt pattern, so holes line up cleanly with the mounting bolts most clamp-on motors already use.
Owners describe it as functionally identical to a Newport mount at a lower cost, which is a reasonable read given the shared bolt pattern and the aluminum locking lip.
The replaceable nylon polymer transom plates are the part that takes wear, and swapping them is simpler than replacing a steel frame.
Who this mount fits best
Best for 12 to 16 foot jon boats wanting aluminum weight without the corrosion risk of steel. Built for lakes, rivers, and brackish coastal water, which covers most of what a jon boat does.
It also suits owners who already own standard 3.75 by 4.75 inch hardware and do not want to re-drill anything.
Where it falls short
With 28 reviews, long-term durability is not proven. A 4.9 from a small sample is encouraging, not a track record – this is the mount we would want a second season of feedback on.
Owners also recommend under-deck bracing or a backing plate, which is good advice on any thin jon hull. See our trolling motor battery guide for balancing the electrical side once the mount is set.
10. FEIMIRE Aluminum Mount for Jon Boats – Lightest Aluminum Option
FEIMIRE Kayak Motor Mount, Heavy-Duty Aluminum Trolling Motor Bracket for Canoe, Fishing Kayak, Jon Boat, Fits 3HP Outboard, Adjustable & Secure
5mm marine-grade aluminum
Rot-proof nylon transom board
1.22 kg
Rated for gas or electric to 3 HP
Pros
- Marketed for jon boats as well as kayaks
- Nylon board resists rot where plywood swells
- Standard bolt pattern fits common motors
- Lightest aluminum option tested
Cons
- 4.2 average with an 11 percent one-star share
- Only 27 reviews
- so long-term track record is limited
The FEIMIRE is one of only two mounts in this roundup that names jon boats in its own positioning, and it carries a feature nothing else here does: a high-strength nylon transom board in place of plywood. That is a bigger deal than it sounds, because plywood transom blocks swell, soften, and rot from the inside out where you cannot see them. Nylon does not, so this mount keeps its alignment longer in wet storage.
At 1.22 kg it is the lightest aluminum option tested, which matters when you are adding weight to the bow of a small hull. The 5mm aluminum plate with a gloss black powder coat is rated for both gas and electric motors up to 3 HP.
Standard stainless hardware is included, so there is nothing extra to hunt down before install.
Who this mount fits best
Best for 12 to 14 foot jon boats where every pound at the bow counts and the motor is a standard bolt-pattern unit. Canoe and fishing kayak owners use the same mount for the same reason – it is light and it does not rot.
It is also the choice if your boat lives in wet storage and you have had a plywood-backed mount fail on you before.
Where it falls short
This one sits at the low end of the group at 4.2, with an 11 percent one-star share and only 27 reviews behind it. The sample is too small to trust the average, so treat it accordingly.
At 5mm it is thinner than the 6mm option, so if you are running a heavy motor in rough water the thicker plate is the safer buy. Pick this one for weight and rot resistance, not for maximum stiffness.
How to Install a Jon Boat Trolling Motor Mount
The most reliable jon boat build described in DIY forums is simple and repeatable: a flat aluminum plate on the port edge of the bow, fixed with four #10 stainless screws, and a clamp-style head holding the motor down. Anyone can do it with a drill, a deburring tool, and a sealant.
Measure before you cut. Check your gunnel width against the mount spec and confirm the bolt pattern matches your motor. This is the step that saves a drilled hull.
Position the plate. Set it on the port edge of the bow, level with the hull side, not on top of the deck where weight pulls the bow down.
Drill and deburr. Four holes, each one deburred and sealed with marine sealant. If your hull is unreinforced, add a backing plate underneath first.
Fasten with stainless. Use #10 stainless screws and marine-grade washers. Jon boat owners report OEM plates failing after years of drilling new holes into them – start fresh rather than adding to an existing pattern.
Seal everything. Bed each screw in sealant and check for weeping after the first wet outing.
Installing a universal transom mount at the bow instead? There is a well-known trick. Loosen the screw below the motor head and swivel the motor 180 degrees so the shaft points forward, then bracket it to a plate parallel to the bow. Tin Boats users have been doing this for years and it costs almost nothing.
Keep the motor stowed while rotating the head, and on some hulls you will need to pull the side panels to reach the bolt holes. On a boat with a rounded gunnel at the bow, a reversed-head motor is the cleaner answer.
Mount Failure Modes to Avoid
Jon boat mounts fail in four predictable ways, and all four are avoidable.
Drilled-out OEM plates. Alumacraft owners on Tin Boats report drilling new holes into the factory plate until it cracks, then fabricating an angled replacement because the ergonomics were better. If your plate already has a history of holes, replace it rather than adding one more.
Cracking at the bend. Bracket cracking under load is a reported problem on decked jon boats, and it usually traces to aluminum thinner than 5mm or a bend radius that is too tight. Move up a gauge before you look for a different brand.
Deck failure on first use. A The Hull Truth post documents a dealer-installed quick-disconnect bracket with three bolts that ripped a deck out on the first outing. There was no backing plate. Reinforce or use a clamp – do not rely on an unreinforced deck.
Corrosion and finish failure. Powder coats chip at impact points and rust starts underneath. Rinse mounts in fresh water after every saltwater or marsh trip and touch the chips with marine paint.
How to Choose a Jon Boat Trolling Motor Mount
Start with mount type, not brand. A no-drill clamp suits narrow gunnels and hulls you want to keep original. A fixed plate suits reinforced decks. A trolling plate suits high transoms and rounded gunnels. Decide this before you compare anything else.
Move weight forward if you can. The single complaint that drives most jon boat mount threads is stern weight. A 70 lb bow mount is described on Tin Boats as doing a great job on a 16 foot hull but often being overkill and forcing a two-battery setup. Size your motor to your hull, not to the biggest one on the shelf.
Choose material by load and water. Aluminum at 5mm or 6mm covers most freshwater and brackish work and stays light. Steel handles heavy motors and shock loading but needs rinsing. Plastic is fine for small motors on small hulls and nothing heavier.
Check the bolt pattern before everything else. A 3.75 by 4.75 inch pattern fits most clamp-on motors. If your hull was drilled at the factory with something else, a multi-pattern plate saves a drilling job and a resealed hole.
Buy your own stainless hardware. Supplied bolts run short on several mounts in this roundup once washers and plates are added. Stainless hardware is non-negotiable in saltwater, and a marine sealant bed under every fastener is what keeps water out of the hull.
Check hull-brand brackets before fabricating. Alumacraft owners get pointed to A.K. McCollum brand-specific brackets. If your hull brand has an OEM plate, it will fit better than anything you cut yourself.
Reinforce first on thin aluminum. Every deck failure story in the forums shares one cause. A backing plate costs an afternoon and prevents a trip-ending hole in your hull.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where to mount a trolling motor on a jon boat?
Most jon boats do best at the bow on a bolted aluminum plate, or with a transom-style motor swiveled 180 degrees and bracketed at the bow. Both move weight forward off the stern and improve tracking. A stern clamp works if you want zero drilling, and a trolling plate suits high transoms and rounded gunnels.
Should I mount my trolling motor on the front or back of my boat?
The bow, if your hull can take it. Bow mounting puts thrust forward and keeps 30 to 40 pounds of motor and battery away from the stern, which is where a loaded jon boat already sits lowest. A stern mount is fine on small hulls you paddle often or boats you move between craft.
Can I mount a trolling motor on the bow of my jon boat?
Yes. Either bolt a flat aluminum plate to the bow with four #10 stainless screws and attach a quick-release head, or forward-mount a transom-style motor by loosening the screw under its head and swiveling it 180 degrees. Measure your gunnel width first if you are using a clamp-on mount.
How much weight can a jon boat trolling motor mount hold?
It depends on the plate. The mounts we tested are rated from 3 HP up to 86 lb of thrust, which covers most jon boat motors. The real limit is your hull – an unreinforced thin aluminum deck can fail well below the mount rating, so add a backing plate before you trust the number.
How deep should a bow mounted trolling motor be?
Run the prop a few inches off the bottom in the shallow water you actually fish. On a flat-bottom jon boat that is rarely more than a foot or two, so shaft length matters more than thrust. Set depth so the prop stays submerged for control without digging into soft creek bottoms.
How big of a trolling motor do I need for a 12 foot jon boat?
A 30 to 55 lb thrust motor covers most 12 foot jon boats, and lighter is better because every pound at the bow or stern changes how the hull rides. Larger 70 to 80 lb motors are described on jon boat forums as sometimes overkill on smaller hulls and likely to force a two-battery setup.
Final Verdict
The Pro Controll EZ Mount is our pick for most jon boats, because it is built around a narrow gunnel and a hull you do not want to drill. On a 12 to 16 foot boat with gunnels under 3 inches, it solves the problem in minutes and leaves the aluminum intact.
For a reinforced 14 to 18 foot hull with a casting deck, the Brocraft removable deck mount gives you a rigid base at a lower cost. For heavy motors in rough water, the NyVoozy steel plate or the usvehj 6mm aluminum carries the load. Whatever you pick, buy stainless hardware, add a backing plate if the deck is thin, and move the weight forward if you can.
We will keep this list of the best trolling motor mounts for jon boats updated as owner feedback builds on the newer plates.