Anyone got any good ideas for a front mount for a trolling motor? I have a transom mounted motor, but really like turning the head around and using it to pull from the front. I know there are a couple of products out there, but most don't have very good reviews. I have tried a couple of times to fashion some wood to make a mount, but the angle and the round top rail don't really allow a good grip. Trying to keep from poking holes in it if I can.

Does the boat have a handle on the front? If so, try something like this...



Jon Boat Trolling Motor Bracket for Bow or Stern

Yeah, and that's precisely the mount I have read sucks. It looks to me like it would have to be an EXACT fit to keep it from bouncing up and down and side to side under power. There is this one that has slightly better reviews, but is rather expensive.

Pro Controll EZ Mount

Looking like im gonna have to rig up some sort of front deck and make a mount.

Pic has a jon boat with a metal bracket welded on for front trollong motor mount

I would love to do that, but there is a rounded lip on the fron that just doesnt lend itself to much. The more I search I think I am going to build a small deck up front and make a mount there.

I am about to do this same thing on a jon boat I have. Interested to read responses.

Right now I am thinking of taking a 2x6 and running across the front. 3 good screws into the flat part on the front and 1 into the top rail on each side. Attach a piece of 3x3x3/8" aluminum angle about 8-10" long on top, bolted through the 2x6.

I have seen people that mounted the angle directly to the flat piece on the front but said it was a little flimsy.

Another possibly depending on what you are looking for. You could mount in on the side towards the front. A small piece of 3/4" plywood on the inside and outside should keep the round top rail from interfering.

Tin Boats.net

I think I am going to do something like this. Tried the plywood, didn't work for my setup.

What are you going tighten the TM transom mount onto?

Find someone that can weld aluminum and mount a plate on the front.

My plan was to mount a piece of 2x4 at the leading edge to mount to. In order to mount the platform, I would likely use long bolts through the top of the platform, down through the 2x4(or whatever I used as the supports) and through top of the front bench and have washers or a plate to increase surface area for the bolts to hold and eliminate the chance of it pulling out.

When I get some free time, I'll see if I can draw up something to better illustrate my idea. Got a week for spring break in 2 weeks so likely will try something then. I think I like the idea of having the platform up there and having a little cargo area underneath for my endless collection of culprit red shads.

If you look around that site, there is a bunch of good ideas. I will definitely be turning the middle bench into a storage area like the fella in that thread did.