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Forum nameTackle and Boats
Topic subjectQuestions about my 10 foot jonboat project.
Topic URLhttp://www.calfishing.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=12&topic_id=593&mesg_id=593
593, Questions about my 10 foot jonboat project.
Posted by dtack777, Fri Mar-31-06 08:55 PM
I recently picked up my 10 foot aluminum flat bottom jonboat
from home.  I've had it for years and fished from it before on
local small ponds.  I used a small cheap OLD jcpenney trolling
motor just because it was free, and my dad gave me an older
Deep-cycle battery (after replacing his) for power.  Here's
the breakdown:

10 feet exactly in length.  45 inches across at the widest
point of the boat, 42 inches at rear of boat, and 36 inches at
front.  I plan on using it in protected coves of local lakes
near boatramps, and some smaller water.  I plan on carrying a
full bag of tackle, 4-6 rods, one oar, a trolling motor and a
battery, and maybe a small icechest.  I'm small (140 pounds)
so stability is great for me.  I tried to attach photos but
I'm not sure if they worked.  If you can see in the pictures,
I usually fish in standing on the Middle "seat" as
my "deck"  I put my rods to my sides, and I put my
tackle in the front to try and even out the weight.  I don't
want to add anything permanent to the boat, as I can lift it
myself and carry it out of my vehicle.
  
My questions are:

Would a 36 pound thrust transom-mount trolling motor, with a
36" shaft push this boat around well enough?  I have been
looking at the endura model by Minn Kota.  They are priced
reasonably and my friend owns one that works well.  I was
wondering if the 36" shaft would have any advantages over
the 30" shaft?  Also would I maybe just be better off
with the 30 pound thrust?

Next is Battery selection.  This is the area that I know the
least aobut.  All I want from a battery would be strong long
lasting life.  I was wondering what would be the best way to
do this?  I was thinking of even carrying 2 smaller batteries,
any suggestions?  I would like to be on a lake for 4-7 hours
of use. 

thank you all so much in advance, any more questions just ask,

thank you!

http://www.calfishing.com/dc/user_files/4806-sideangled-3.jpg


http://www.calfishing.com/dc/user_files/4807-Rear-3.jpg


http://www.calfishing.com/dc/user_files/4808-Front-3.jpg