jon boat bilge pump and misc goodies

[yater]

I'm slowly getting my 14' alumacraft jon ready for some red/speck fishing at the Texas coast (once they get it cleaned up). I'd like to hardwire my lights..I need some ideas for mounting a bow light. I have an extra atwood 500 pump that I'll secure (5200) at the rear starboard corner behind me. I'll run the bilge line overboard at the transom. I see no need to drill for a fitting on this boat. I plan to use toggles for the bilge and running lights, and possibly a docking light in the future. I'm looking for ideas for a switch console that will fit next to my chair on the rear bench seat. Something no more than 4"-6" tall and 6"-8" wide should work. I had some sort of plastic box in mind. Ideas? Also, any recommendations for an anchor and anchor stowage in the bow?

 

[trog100]

Re: jon boat bilge pump and misc goodies

electronic project boxes from the likes of radio shack or similar make good switch boxes.. u can also buy small aluminum sheets or another option is stuff called plasty-card u can get this from model shops.. i have a small car driving light designed for under bumper mounting on the front of my boat.. they come as pair i just used the one but both would work okay..<br /><br />trog

 

[steelespike]

Re: jon boat bilge pump and misc goodies

On my 18 ft Crestliner utility I got 1 port light and 1 starboard light and mounted them up close on either side of the bow.Keeps the top clear.My boat has wooden seat tops with foam filled flotation compartments under. I mounted my switches and keyswitch in the front panel of the stern seat.Again out of the way.I ran the wires to the bow through the gunwale extrusion.<br /> An anchor depends on the bottom the current,depth etc.But I like a Danforth style anchor.For storage forward I simply covered the space between the bow seat and the next seat with 3/4 in. PT plywood with a hatch.Simply screwed it down as if it was the regular seat top.Formed a little fishing platform at the same time.You may want to test to see how your little boat behaves when you walk around up there.

 

[yater]

Re: jon boat bilge pump and misc goodies

I like the idea of the deck/storage up front. My boat is the wide beam so it's plenty stable especially with just me (I usually fish alone). The weight of the anchor and battery would really help sturdy the boat in rougher conditions. So you just ran the 3/4 plywood across the tops of the benches up front....what did you do to secure the hatch while standing on it? What kind of bracing?

 

[jaxsun]

Re: jon boat bilge pump and misc goodies

put your switches in the front right side of the rear bench.drill you a couple holes and fish them through with a wire clothes hanger

 

[yater]

Re: jon boat bilge pump and misc goodies

Originally posted by jaxsun:<br /> put your switches in the front right side of the rear bench.drill you a couple holes and fish them through with a wire clothes hanger

How would I go about securing them there? The marine toggles I've used have a big washer and nut on the back. I wouldn't have a way to get to the back of the switches once in place. I think the box will help keep things accessable. If something dies out there, I want to be able to reach the wiring...just in case

 

[jaxsun]

Re: jon boat bilge pump and misc goodies

good point...cut a square hole in the bench then make you a switch plate bigger than the hole(i think you can even buy a switch plate for such a purpose)and fasten your switches,seal up the plate and screw it over the hole with stainless screws..i've fished out of 14 foot jon's before and know about the room issue...just tryin to help you keep some elbow room

 

[jaxsun]

Re: jon boat bilge pump and misc goodies

<br /><br />something like this...here's the link<br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/mall/index.cg... panel&**********=895368866&*******=749248922

 

[yater]

Re: jon boat bilge pump and misc goodies

A switch plate would be pretty sharp...that's a hell of an idea! What part of La are you in? I grew up in Lafayette

 

[jaxsun]

Re: jon boat bilge pump and misc goodies

around the corner in eunice...glad i could help