I finally took my jon to bass boat conversion out today and see some shortcomings in my design and have a few other questions. You can see pics here: https://texasfishingforum.com/forum...jon-to-bass-boat-conversion#Post13010803

One, is it normal to lose prime? If I go without running it for awhile (maybe 15-30 minutes) I need to prime it again with the squeeze bulb.

Two, my rear deck is too long and I have difficulty reaching back to the stick steer and sit facing forward. My shoulder is mad at me already. I�ll be honest, I haven�t looked yet, but is there such a thing as a handle extension like hand controlled trolling motors have available? I definitely need to disassemble, clean, and lube the stick anyway unless something is available to extend it.

Three, it got up decent and planed out somewhat but I�d like to get it a little higher. What setting should I use for the tilt bar to optimize speed? I had it down all the way. Also, should it be locked in place or let it be free to flip up if I hit something? I don�t see it being beneficial to lock it down except for going in reverse.

And lastly, at full throttle it wants to make a hard HARD right turn. That�s why my shoulder hurts. Is there anything I can do about that? I expect an extended handle will help some.

That�s it for now. I appreciate any tips or ideas!

1. No it should stay firm, probably a bad primer, or a leak somewhere normally at connection points.

2. Yes there is an extension handle made by minn kota at academy. The package will say it is only for trolling. Been using one forever. Check it's connection to the tiller handle frequently and always wear kill cable. They have custom ones that the micro skiff guys use and these are more tailored the the specific brand of motor and thus safer to use.

3. Trim it up. I've modded quite a few and if you have the money a cmc pt35 tilt and trim is amazing. Being able to automatically trim you motor has many advantages. Weight distribution in a jon without a tilt and trim is important a trim unit helps alleviate this problem. A trim unit will increase performance. It will also help you to raise and lower the bow if needed in rough water. Worth it imo.

4. Probably the majority of the hard to steer problem is your motor is trim down so much, when on plane more the motor is in the water causing it to drag. Trimming the motor will reduce this drag when on plane. If problem persist aftet finding the trim sweet spot then you can adjust the fin under the cavitation plate to the port side as needed.

Here are 2 of my most recent builds for ideas:

https://youtu.be/iheDg1iHu08

https://youtu.be/yEGde2K6Yik

Thanks Alumacraft. I�ll look into those and trim it up too.

Trimming it up a notch helped and I adjusted how I sit to make it easier to steer. I found extending the handle made it too long of a swing and I couldn�t reach the transmission lever. I screwed a strap on the deck to hold on to that helps as well.

Take a look at the tracker grizzly 1548 T sportsman welded jon. Look at the Aft deck and how they did it. It would move you closer and put less strain on your shoulders. Did you get the primer issue fixed?

New problem.

Went to fill the livewell and had problems. This pump is supposed to not need priming. I just couldn�t get it to work even with priming.

Turns out the hose I used (clear stuff from the orange store) is collapsing on the suction side. Time to run some smaller diameter thicker hose.

Haven�t looked into the primer issue yet. Not a big deal right now. I rerouted my hose so I have easier access to the squeeze bulb.

I have the same pump, I used reinforced vinyl tubing. Soak in warm water or use a hair dryer to warm up and make it pliable.