Complete Guide to Jon Boat Mods and Accessories

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When I bought my first jon boat, it was just an aluminum shell with a bench seat and a small outboard. Nothing fancy. But I quickly learned something — jon boats are like blank canvases. With a few well-thought-out mods, you can turn a plain hull into the ultimate fishing rig, a shallow-water hunting boat, or just a comfortable ride for a day on the water.

Over the years, I’ve made just about every mistake you can make while upgrading a jon boat — from wiring disasters to trailer headaches. But I’ve also figured out what works best, and I’ve shared a lot of those lessons in detailed guides here on the site.

This post pulls it all together. Think of it as your hub for every jon boat mod and accessory upgrade. I’ll cover performance, comfort, safety, and more, with links to all the detailed how-tos and reviews I’ve written.

⚓ Performance Mods

Jack Plates

If you fish shallow water like I do, a jack plate is one of the best upgrades you can add. It lets you raise and lower your outboard, so you can run skinnier water without banging up your prop.

When I added my first jack plate, I immediately noticed the difference in speed and handling.

👉 If you want better performance in shallow water, this is the first mod I’d recommend.

Float Pods

Float pods are another performance upgrade I wouldn’t go without. They give you added buoyancy, help your boat plane quicker, and make it more stable when loaded down.

I noticed the biggest difference during duck season — with a heavy hunting load, my boat used to plow water. After adding pods, it jumped on plane much faster.

🎣 Comfort & Usability Mods

Seating & Decks

Fishing all day on a bare aluminum bench isn’t fun. My first big project was adding pedestal seats and eventually a full casting deck.

Decking not only makes fishing more comfortable but also adds storage underneath.

👉 If you want to fish comfortably, start here before anything else.

Storage & Organization

The more gear I brought, the more I realized I needed a plan for storage. Dry boxes, rod lockers, and battery compartments make life so much easier.

👉 This is one area I’m still expanding — I’ll be publishing a full DIY Jon Boat Storage Mods guide soon to show the different layouts that work.

💡 Electrical & Lighting Mods

Navigation & Safety Lights

If you fish at night or launch before sunrise, good lights aren’t optional. I learned that the hard way when a cheap LED strip setup failed on me halfway across a lake.

Full Electrical System

Eventually, most of us end up running more than just lights. You’ll want switches, a bilge pump, maybe a fish finder, and power for your trolling motor.

I’m currently building a Complete Jon Boat Wiring Guide, which will cover layouts, fuse panels, and how to keep everything waterproof. Stay tuned.

🚤 Power & Control Mods

Trolling Motors

A good trolling motor makes a huge difference, especially on small lakes. The trick is matching the right size motor and battery to your boat.

Steering Conversions

I ran tiller steer for years, but once I tried a steering kit, I never went back. It’s easier on your arms, especially on longer runs.

⚙️ Anchoring, Trailering & Other Mods

Anchors & Hold Systems

A lot of new jon boat owners underestimate anchors, but the right setup makes fishing so much easier.

Trailers

Don’t overlook your trailer setup. A poor trailer match caused me one of my most frustrating days on the water when my boat shifted on the way to the ramp.

🦺 Safety Mods & Gear

I love mods, but safety gear always comes first. Some of the best “upgrades” aren’t about performance or comfort — they’re about keeping you alive.

👉 Before you spend on mods, make sure you’ve got the basics covered.

❓ FAQs About Jon Boat Mods

What mods should I start with?
I recommend starting with seating/decking for comfort, then moving into performance upgrades like jack plates and float pods.

Do mods increase resale value?
Yes — a well-modded jon boat often sells quicker and for more, especially with practical upgrades like decking and storage.

How much do mods cost?
It varies, but I’ve spent anywhere from $100 on small projects to over $1,000 on bigger builds like decking and electrical systems.

What’s the most important mod for shallow water fishing?
Hands down, a jack plate. It saves your motor and makes running skinny water much easier.

✅ Wrapping It Up

That’s the beauty of jon boats — they’re simple, customizable, and affordable. Whether you’re adding a pedestal seat or building a full-blown casting deck, every mod makes the boat more your own.

If you’re just starting out, I’d recommend:

  1. Comfort mods (seats, flooring, decking).
  2. Performance upgrades (jack plate, float pods).
  3. Electrical and safety gear.

Want more inspiration? Check out my full library of jon boat upgrades here:
👉 All Jon Boat Mods & Accessories