Jon boats are a great option for fishing, hunting, and other water activities. They are usually flatbottomed for stability in the water. Some people choose to use a poling platform for added mobility in super shallow water. We’re here to help you get the best jon boat poling platform.
What is a poling platform?
A jon boat poling platform is a platform that is attached to the back of a jon boat to provide a raised platform for the operator to stand on while poling the boat. There are a number of different platforms available on the market, and the cost varies depending on the size and features of the platform.
What’s the purpose of a jon boat poling platform?
The poling platform allows them to get a better view of the water and to propel the boat in shallow water. In shallow water you may not be able to use a motor or even a paddle, in these situations the only way to move a boat is to push pole it. The poling platform gives the person poling the boat a place to stand and also elevates them high enough to make using the pole easier and more efficient. The platform also allows the operator to stand while poling, reducing fatigue and providing a more comfortable experience. This can be a useful tool in shallow water fishing or duck hunting, as it allows the angler to move the boat more easily and quietly.
How tall should a poling platform be?
A jon boat poling platform should be tall enough to allow the user to stand comfortably and be able to see over the surrounding vegetation. The platform should also be wide enough to provide stability and balance while poling the Jon boat. The height of the platform will depend on the height of the person poling the boat and the surrounding terrain, along with the amount of clearance needed by the outboard motor when its tilted up.
How much does a poling platform weigh?
The platform is usually constructed of aluminum although some come in carbon fiber. The average weight of a poling platform is between 40 and 75 pounds, depending on the size and design. The carbon fiber poling platforms weigh much less at about 10 pounds. Custom aluminum poling platforms with a lot of added accessories like speakers, lights or leaning posts would way considerably more than 75 pounds.
How much is a jon boat poling platform?
There is no set price for a poling platform for a jon boat as it can vary depending on the size and materials used. However, a basic platform can be made for around $50-$100. If you go with a custom aluminum version, expect to pay upwards of $1500.
Is a jon boat poling platform worth it?
There is no one answer, as the value of a jon boat poling platform depends on a number of factors, including the size and type of boat, the fishing conditions, and the personal preferences of the angler.
Some anglers find that a jon boat poling platform allows them to get closer to the fish and improves their fishing success, while others find that it is not worth the extra expense.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to the individual angler. Some anglers spare no expense to get every advantage on the fish, and a poling platform can definitely do that.
Where to find a jon boat poling platform
There are a few places online where you can find a job boat poling platform. One option is to check out boat dealerships or boat manufacturers online. There are custom marine fab shops that will build aluminum poling platforms also. Actionweld.com has lots of pictures that show the custom options available for poling platforms. It’s a good website for ideas on what you can add to your poling platform setup.
Another option is to search online classifieds websites, such as Craigslist or Kijiji, for listings of boat poling platforms for sale.
Budget jon boat poling platform
You can also get a budget poling platform from Amazon like the one below.
Finally, you can also check online boat forums or classifieds websites to see if anyone is looking to sell their boat poling platform.
Custom jon boat poling platforms
Custom poling platforms go way beyond just providing a base to pole and sight fish. Custom shops are adding all kinds of accessories to these poling platforms. You can add accessories like poling platform rod holders, sissy bars, grab bars and leaning posts. We even did a post on adding poling platform speakers to a setup. With a custom poling platform your only limitation is your imagination, and your wallet of course!
Bolt on jon boat poling platforms
Go-devil and Gator Trax boats both offer a bolt on poling platform for aluminum boats. Some other manufacturers require the poling platforms to be welded on. The Gator Trax poling platform is easily removable as well with quick wing nuts. These bolt on poling platforms will only fit a certain type of deck size and space so make sure to check out the mounting requirements first.
Turning Your Cooler into a DIY poling platform
One option for a poling platform is to use a cooler. It is fairly easy to turn a cooler into a poling platform. Yeti style rotomolded coolers are perfect for this because they have tie-down holes and are generally very durable and heavy. We even did a post on using coolers as casting platforms too. You can tie down the yeti on the stern of your jon boat and stand on top to pole. Some anglers opt for a piece of sea dek to cushion the top of the cooler for more comfort. The main thing is to make sure the cooler is securely fastened, a bad fall or sprained ankle just ain’t worth it.
How to build a DIY poling platform for a jon boat
How to build a poling platform for a jon boat is a relatively easy project that can be completed in a few hours with basic carpentry skills. The finished product will provide a stable, elevated surface for pushing or poling your boat through the water.
For the cheap DIY poling platform options use pvc or wooden dowels to build the base structure that the platform sits on top of. We suggest sticking with a simple design for your first PVC poling platform build. Four vertical poles and a few horizontal cross beams for stability should be enough.
Poling platform material
Once you have your base fabbed up it is time to measure and cut a piece of marine grade plywood for the platform. You want your platform big enough to stand comfortably on, but not too big to get in the way.
How to attach a poling platform
To attach the poling platform use marine hardware that resists corrosion. You can use screws directly into the hull or use a mounting plate to attach the poling platform with bolts.
Some opt to fiberglass the platform, but a good couple coats of paint or marine coating should suffice. You’ll probably want to make some changes to the platform anyhow after using it a while, so fiberglass is best once everything has been fitted and tested.
Removable jon boat poling platform
A cooler not permanently attached can be considered a removable platform. However, some anglers want a removable metal platform so they take it a step further and have custom brackets welded to the transom to hold a poling platform. The legs of the poling platform slide down in the brackets. Some choose to bolt the platform legs to the bracket or use a cotter pin for faster removal.
Transom mount poling platforms
For those boats with very limited deck space, a transom mount poling platform is an option. Mounting a poling platform on the transom moves the center of the platform further away from the deck and doesn’t take up deck space with extra mounting brackets.
Jon boat poling platform accessories
- grab bar
- fold down backrest
- rod holders
Conclusion
Have you ever made your own poling platform for a jon boat, skiff or other projects? Let’s hear about it in the comments!
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.