I recently pefected the handling on my 10" jonboat by adding a homemade rudder,plexiglass,and a wood handle,which I wedged comming up through one of the handles in the stern.I did make one screw hole at top to keep it from sliding left to right. I had to cut the wood handle a little more since I had wraped the handles in a rag,then ductape. Just for added comfort.The rudder works awesome , In the past I've used another trolling motor dragging from stern to help, but this worked out the best ,I steer from bow,and I have no problems. I can fish in straight line finally,I can easily fish the banks now,usually with someone in the boat ,I wont use the rudder,but I'm gonna try the rudder in the bay with fishing partner,and see how it goes .s Rudder is around say 9inches long and runs 4 inch deeper than the "floor" of my boat,I pre drilled 4 holes and used screws,also used "goop" glue.you could always glue to pieces of plexi together if all you got is thin stuff.Plus the rudder has like zero drag.I used a circular saw,drill,and a hacksaw,for plexiglass.The rudder makes sterring less responsive,without it I could kick out my back end,with a quick 180.I use a motorguide 54,I turned the head 180 on this motor for bow use.I removed my center seat, so I have lots of space ,I stay at the bow all the time now,I let my buddy sit at the stern.keeps me closer to the fish:facepalm:I can't wait to see how we move with the 2 of us .My 54,and his great white 55 sw,I'm gonna put his at the stern.and take 2 batteries.You know you can hook up 2 motors to 1 battery by the way.
I like the fact that the boat is better ballanced depending on your boat?I use an extension handle for long runs, and sit a little more towards the middle.Handling is much better with the bowmount,much more control of the bow.Onlything is that the backend gets really loose,its fun if you like "driffting".I made a rudder,which helps keep me on that straight and narrow
a picture says a one thousand words...this is a still shot from a vid..this was main reason for posting,plus my middle seat removall,and bowmount.I hope this rudder idea helps..this keeps the boat in a straight line.holds the backend nice..
I think a bow mounted troller would be much less effected by an oversteer (overcorrection) then a stern mount.
maybe depends on boat.My 10"jon boat has bowmount.back end swings out wost now,before I had the keel of my motor at least to keep back end from drifting.I had to correct this with a rudder
Im taking my elderly dad fishing alot and Id like him to be up front.We fish for bass mostly and fish the bank alot.My 10 yr old motorguide is a pain w the footcontrol and cable always in the way, dad wont run it.My bow also rocks pretty good w wakes on our crowded lakes making it tricky to stand and fish as I prefer.Dad sits in a swivel seat.I wouldnt get rocked as bad standing in the back of my stern heavy 18 Jonboat and Dad would get to cast first at structure as we drift/troll the bank.Im thinking of a hand control stern mount w a long shaft to make it easy to reach.I think my motor isnt as powerful as it was when new, maybe part of my problem. Im planing on getting a 70 or 80 lb instead of the old 46.Im think Im gonna test Drive a friends clamp on unit and see how I like it.Thank you all, your opinions are greatly appreciated.
dual rudders, I use one and works like a charm,keeps the boat straight even with some wind.Or get a digi for the stern,have it locked at a 90,then you just have to turn it on or off at a preset speed,we fish this way with a bow mount when wind is in our favor,"behind and from the left".Sorry I thought I had a side shot of my homemade rudder.I rec,heavier duty plexi,or wood,fiberglass.this was my ticket for salvation,I am new to a bowmount, quickly realized its cons.there is allways a solution.this rudder idea was my main reason I joined.I hoped this rudder workes out for larger jon boats I don't see why not good luck,my buddy attached mine from the boat last trip took him almost 2min first try.I usually put it on from shore.I made the holes bigger in the wood so I can insert screws by hand,or use screwdriver.I used only one screw before, . with one screw you have to screw it on tight,to keep rudder in possition.now I use 2 but barely catch each by hand.
Im also getting a variable speed this time.
