i have a g3 1448 aluminum jon boat w/ a front deck. i would like to mount a foot controlled minn kota on the bow. how big do i need in thrust? how do i mount it, at what angle, are there any web sites with info? i dont want to drill too many holes.

c'mon guys i know someone has tried to mount a trolling motor by themselves give me some ideas of what ineed to do and the pitfalls i am likely to encounter. only about six weeks till we realy start fishing

I put my minkotta on my Skeeter this past summer. In all honesty, the instructions that come in the package can be of more importance than me trying to tell you a step by step. The instructions are very dummy proof and in plain terms. Mine even had pictures showing the proper setup looking from above the bow and from the front.

As far as thrust, I went with more than I needed. By haveing more, it allows my t-motor to work less with less drain on the batteries. Plus the extra power is good to have on windy days. You could probably get by with 46-55 pounds easily.

Have an extra pair of hands if it is at all possible. They will come in handy.

The one in this link should be more than enough for an aluminum rig.

http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=37374&hvarDept=200&hvarEvent=&hvarClassCode=2&hvarSubCode=1&hvarTarget=browse

get a 55lbs thrust

What is your front deck constructed of? And how much of a rail around yor deck do you have?

the front deck has tmo sectiuons,a flat deck at the front of the boat and a step down that is the actual fishing platform. the front part is reinforced wiyh plywood. the back section has plywood and flotation foam.

hipster, would you have to make a raised platform for your trolling motor mount?

no. iam concerned with the angle of the mount. do i line it up with the left angled edge or is strait on better. u can see my boat at g3 .com the 1444

I drew a pic with it on the left side and either I got really bad at drawing or it just doesn't look right that way.  I would say put it on Straight line with that type of boat, but you won't need to go any higher than a 50lb thrust.  I say this only cause you have a light boat there, so that is enough power to get you around.