Jon boats are one of the most popular recreational craft available. If you doubt this just take a quick look around the local marina or launch ramp next time you are headed out. The reason they are so popular is their versatility; you can use it as a platform to hunt, fish, take you family camping or just spending a lazy day afloat. But they are not perfect. Chief among the jon boat’s down falls it the overall lack of creature comforts. The good news is there are a wide array of accessories available that allow you to make your jon boat truly your own.
When you first purchased your jon boat you probably thought it was great, but you also admitted it could be better. Most designs are utilitarian in their features, providing what you need to get on the water and do what you need but often lacking the added accessories you might want. That is why we are here. Below is a list of some of the more popular, innovative and even “why didn’t I think of that” accessories designed to allow you to take your jon boat to the next level.
Additional Flotation
One of the biggest drawbacks to the typical jon boat design is the lack of flotation. The hull is usually a single layer design with no voids or compartments where flotation can be hidden so you are limited to that provided by simple displacement. Do not get me wrong this design does work but has its limitations as well. The ability to add additional flotation can decrease draft, increase power and improve overall performance – all things any boat owner would be happy to achieve.
One of the most efficient ways to add flotation to your jon boat is to weld float boxes to the steer. One hottest options is the Beavertail Flotation Performance Pods (click to check price on Amazon). These pods are available in a variety of sizes so it likely there is a set that is a perfect fit for your jon boat. Once installed the list of advantages is impressive.
PROS
- Increased power, especially during initial take off out of the hole. Perfect for those who use their jon boat for competitive fishing.
- Reduced engine laboring for longer engine life and increase fuel mileage.
- Reduced draft for greatly increased access to shallow water areas.
- Allows the use of heavier 4- stroke engine without undesired transom stress.
- Creates tunnel with water directed into outboard
- Improves overall handling, especially when turning. Virtually eliminates spin outs.
CONS
- May require professional installation. Although they can be bolted on the preferred methods is welding.
- Does increase overall length of jon boat, which may affect docking and trailering characteristics.
- If welded, it is unlikely you will be able to remove for use on different jon boat in the future.
Shallow Water Anchoring
Jon boats are designed for use in shallow waters, it is one of the features that make them so popular. Unfortunately, some of the most popular activities involving shallow water include the need to stay put and this is something that traditional anchors are not the best for.
Enter the anchor spike.
This ingenious invention is really nothing more than the commercialization of what boaters have been doing for years- sticking a pole in the mud and tying off to it. But today’s anchor spike are far more advanced, including power deployment/retrieval and permeant installation. No more looking for a strong pole to use hoping it works.
Once of the best shallow water anchors available is the Talon (click to check prize on Amazon) by Minn Kota. After a simple installation the Talon allows you to not only access shallow water areas, it allows you to remain there enjoying your favorite fishing or hunting hole without the need to constantly reset your position.
PROS
- Made by a trusted name in marine accessories and backed by 5-year limited warranty
- Available in 4 different lengths including the only 15ft length on the market
- Multiple control options including Bluetooth, pedal, control panel and smartphone app
- Suitable for both fresh and salt water
- Composite anchor spike for added strength and backed by lifetime warranty
- Built in float system for better performance in rough water
- Alarm that alerts Talon is still engaged if you attempt to start motor
CONS
- Not suitable for all water conditions
- Traditional anchor is still needed for water greater than 15 ft in depth
- Difficult to use if power goes out
- Additional mounting hardware may be required depending on specific boat and application
Getting Under Cover
Spending the day in you jon boat can be exciting when the action is hot. Unfortunately, if the sun is out the experience itself can be hot- often too hot to handle. Adding a bimini top to any jon boat will add an immeasurable degree of comfort and make it much easier to stay on that perfect spot until your creel is full.
Leader Accessories offers a wide range of bimini tops suitable for use on a variety of boats, including jon boats. Available in numerous sizes and colors, all of which are easily installed in your back yard, there is certain to be a top that fits your boat and your needs perfectly.
PROS
- Marine grade 600D polyester canvas & 600D solution dyed fabric with double overlap stitching and UV resistance. This top will last as long as your jon boat floats
- Stainless steel mounting equipment and assembly instructions
- 1” diameter aluminum bow legs, adjustable straps and quick release mounts for durability and ease of use
- 13 Colors available in 6 different sizes
- Can be laid down forward or aft
CONS
- When not deployed it does take up a fair amount of your already limited space
- Not suitable for use in heavy winds
- Maximum recommended speed of 25 mph when deployed (see “How Fast Will a Jon Boat Go” for more info on typical speeds for jon boats)
Get the Water Out
There is one golden rule when boating – the water stays on the outside. But we all know that is not always the case. Whether it is the result of rain, heavy weather or even a leaky plug there will come a time when that water is where it should not be, inside your jon boat. When that happens, it is important that you get it out quickly and efficiently. The answer- a bilge pump.
Many jon boats are not equipped with a bilge pump, at least not as standard equipment. Installing one is simple and so is selecting one that will provide season after season of reliable service. The Rule 25D Submersible Bilge Pump (click to check price on Amazon) is an industry leader and can be installed in a variety of hull designs for trusted service when needed and piece of mind when it is not.
PROS
- Can be easily installed in a variety of hull designs
- Suitable jon boats with either installed deck or open bilge design
- Operates off the same 12-volt power source used for running lights
- Compact yet powerful design capable of pumping up to 500 gallons per hour
- Comes with 3-year warranty
- Completely submersible
CONS
- Not automatic, must be manually operated
- Internal filter requires disassembly for cleaning
Time for Some Tunes
Many of the accessories you add to your jon boat will be about performance, others will be about luxury. Remember, all work and no play make Jon boring. So it should be no surprise that it is time to talk about adding tune to your trip.
There was a time when listening to music on your jon boat meant installing an expensive radio or taking along a portable player which often suffered fatal failure if it got wet. Not anymore. Now you can listen to all your favorite tunes thanks to your smartphone, all you need is a quality speaker that can withstand the abuse a boat will dish out.
The Dry Vibes Bluetooth speaker (click to check price on Amazon) is specifically designed for use on, and even in, the water. It is completely waterproof, comes with a variety of mounting options and even floats (should it fall overboard). Plus, it is a fraction of the cost of many other options on the market.
PROS
- 100% waterproof, specifically designed for use by boaters
- Includes 4 mounting options – tripod, suction cup, bike mount and carabiner. You can stick, clip or stand anywhere.
- Floats, perfect for those unexpected oops moments
- Connects to phone via Bluetooth and charges via USB
- Life time warranty
CONS
- Large push button controls are designed for easy use when wearing gloves, but this is countered by each button being shared by two functions
- Due to speaker being located on the top sound is good but not great
Finding Your Target
Chances are you plan on, or already do, use your jon boat for fishing. If so there is one accessory that will change your life and improve your odds – a fish finder. Having a fish finder will allows you to target, rather than search for, the fish you seek.
Unfortunately, installing a traditional fish finder in your jon boat may not be the best option. Most jon boats are open, exposed to the weather and have a limited available power supply. Both are serious downsides when installing electronics. What you need is a reliable portable fish finder. What you need is the Garmin Striker 4 (click to check price on Amazon).
The Striker 4 is unlike other fish finders in that it is much smaller, allowing you to remove and take with you rather than leaving it on the open boat, exposed to weather and would be thieves. It is also a multi-function design combining both a fish finder and GPS unit in one. All mounting and power cords are included. (for more reading on fish finders see our
PROS
- Small, compact design is perfect for jon boats and other small craft
- Easily installed and removed for storage
- All hardware and power cords included
- Easy to operate, multi-function unit that includes 3.5” color display & both fish finder and GPS mods
CONS
- No installed maps
- Batteries not included, although it can be operated off 12-volt power source
For more reading on fish finders for jon boats see “Fish Finders for Jon Boats: How and Where to Install”
Cool & Alive
Chances are you will occasionally need a live well and will almost always want a cooler but jon boats have limited space, so it is often necessary to pick one or the other. Unless you add a combination unit, a single cooler & live well combination. By doing so you can have one unit, that takes up only a limited about of the available space and still achieve double duty.
One of the most attractive options when it comes to a cooler/ live well combination is the Moeller Deluxe (click to check price on Amazon). Not only does it provide one of the toughest insulated cooler / live well combinations available but it actually does TRIPLE duty thanks to the sturdy, padded boat seat mounted on top.
PROS
- Provides triple service as a cooler, live well and seat
- Constructed from OWM marine-grade pleated vinyl, mildew resistant seals and corrosion resistant hardware
- Molded mounting plates for easy installation
- Molded polyethylene double wall insulated cooler
- Can be mounted in a variety of locations, including in front of a center console
CONS
- May require removal of existing seat or live well
- Only available in white, not the best option for a utility boat
More Seats for Your Friends
Speaking of additional seating there is always a need for more seats in almost any jon boat. Even when you are fishing or hunting alone many owners soon wishing they had better seats than those provided, especially if they are sitting on the typical metal bench many jon boats call standard. The answer is adding bolt on seats. The question is which model to use.
Attwood makes some of the best after market boat seats on the market, and they also make a very nice swivel clamp as well. By combining these two accessories you can easily increase or upgrade the seating options in any jon boat you may find yourself. Regardless of which combination you choose you will soon find yourself enjoying all day comfort.
PROS
- Wide range of seats in a variety of colors and sizes available
- Easy to use swivel seat mount
- Mount is black powder coated design for durability and strength
- Provides increased stability and comfort
CONS
- Must have surface on which clamp on mount can be installed, usually existing bench seat or live well
- May not fit larger users
Time to Touch Things Up
Sooner or later your jon boat is going to start to show wear and tear. When this happens, you will want to touch up the rough spots or even give it a whole new look. When you do the problem of which paint to use will become your first concern. The problem is you can not use just any paint, especially if your jon boat is constructed of aluminum. But there is an easy answer – Total Boat paints.
Total Boat Paints supplies everything you need to make your jon boat look like new, or look completely different if that is what you want. From cleaning solvents & thinner to a wide range of paint in many of the most popular colors all specifically designed for use on you aluminum boat hull.
PROS
- Allows you to get all your supplies from one manufacturer
- Easy to use and specially designed for use on aluminum
- Can be used both above and below the waterline
- Will not peel, chip or fade and resistant to abrasion, chemicals and corrosion
- Can be applied by roller, brush or sprayer
- No primer needed
- Available in wide range of colors
CONS
- Even with specially formulated paint aluminum does require specialized preparation
Conclusion
We hope that our favorite jon boat accessories will find a home on your pride and joy, making it even more enjoyable for you and your family. Of course, there are an almost unlimited number of options when it comes to jon boat accessories. What you finally select will depend on you personal needs and the specific jon boat you might have. Regardless, we think that each of these options outlined above deserve serious consideration when it comes time to upgrade.
Be sure to check out our recommended gear section for even more recommendations on ropes, life jackets, and more!
