Pretty amateur question but I need to make sure of something. A few years ago I had a 10 foot jon boat with a trolling motor clamped on the front. Looking to buy a 12 foot jon boat this time around and I think I will need to clamp it on the back as that is where I will be sitting in the back with my 7 year old up front. Being that it is the only source of transportation will there be any disadvantage to having it in the back versus the front? Do I need to do anything to the motor or prop to make sure when it is in the back of the boat that when I put it on a forward speed it actually goes forward versus reverse?

 If this unit is a Transom Mounted motor ~ you should be good to go. 

As long as the (+) & (-) are connected correctly -  'F' and 'R' will see you headed in the expected direction.  

A-Jay

 

43 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

 If this unit is a Transom Mounted motor ~ you should be good to go. 

As long as the (+) & (-) are connected correctly -  'F' and 'R' will see you headed in the expected direction.  

A-Jay

 

LOL, I told you it was a stupid question but I just wanted to make sure. So in other words no matter whether I want the trolling motor upfront or in the back it will work as I'd expect and there is no different model or anything I would need to do to the prop to make it work as I would expect, correct?

 

2 minutes ago, pauldconyers said:

LOL, I told you it was a stupid question but I just wanted to make sure. So in other words no matter whether I want the trolling motor upfront or in the back it will work as I'd expect and there is no different model or anything I would need to do to the prop to make it work as I would expect, correct?

 

If you are mounting a transom mounted motor on the transom - you'll be good without any modifications needed. 

Just ensure that the tiller (handle) is facing toward the bow (the pointy end).

A-Jay

 

Is it more "efficient" being in front and pulling or in the back pushing?

1 hour ago, pauldconyers said:

Is it more "efficient" being in front and pulling or in the back pushing?

The resistance is the same so your speed and the amount of effort to move the boat remain the same.  If you bow mount a motor then you may get a shorter turning radius but all other factors remaining the same it makes no difference.  If your dealing with swells then the bow mount may come out of the water easier than a stern mount.

With little guys on the boat you probably want to keep the tolling motor in the rear of the boat. It’s easier to keep an eye on them and help them if needed when they are in front of you. Have fun!

Both of you please wear your PFD's.

Tom

15 hours ago, WRB said:

Both of you please wear your PFD's.

Tom

Always