Side mounted electric motor
I fish out of a 12' Jon boat. I also use an electric trolling motor. I'd really like to sit in the middle seat, but even with an extension handle for the motor it's too much of a stretch. Can anyone lend some information on what kind of performance I would loose with the motor mounted on the side of the boat rather than the stern?
Thanks,
Side - hack trolling motor mount
I use a friends 14' aluminum river "sled" boat once in a while,, and mount my electric troller on the port side for the reasons you mentioned. It steers differently than with the outboard mounted on the transom, but it's not too bad. This is a river boat, with no keel, and steerage is a little tricky with no current to work with anyway. I would expect a jon to operate better, even with the motor on the side, as all the jons I've seen had a pretty good keel, or even several ribs running the length of the boat. this should give the boat good "direction" and what you plan to do should work O.K.
Try it, nothin' bad's gonna happen.................................ModocDan