When it comes to anchoring a jon boat, a system rather than just a rope and anchor will not only make boating safer, it will also help to limit the amount of clutter on board. There are several different options to choose from, so in this blog post, we are going to take a look at 4 different options and show you how they each work. This way you can decide which one will work best for your boat. Let’s take a look at the least expensive option first.
The Anchor Lock Pulley System for Jon Boats
The anchor lock pulley system allows you to easily let out your anchor line as well as pull it back into your jon boat. It can be mounted on either the bow or stern of your boat. With this device, you will want to have something to keep your anchor rope stored in on your boat. The anchor itself, when it is reeled in, can rest at the bottom of the anchor lock pulley system.
One of the more popular anchor lock pulley systems for jon boats is the 276 Scotty Anchor Lock with Side Deck Mount. This particular model will work with a rope up to ½” in diameter.
To let your anchor line out, simply pull up on the rope in order to have the lock open. Once the lock is open, simply allow the weight of the anchor to pull the rope down with it. Each time you release the rope by pulling in down to allow some rope to flow out, the lock will come back down and stop the remainder of the rope from leaving the boat. When you want to pull your anchor line back in, simply pull the rope in an upward motion in order to have the lock open to allow the rope to pass through as you pull the anchor line back into your jon boat. Watch it in action here:
The 276 Scotty Anchor Lock with Side Deck Mount does not come with a rope or an anchor so you will need to purchase them separately. At the time that I am writing this blog post, this anchor lock pulley system can be bought online for between $30 and $45.
The Anchor Lift System for Jon Boats
An anchor lift system allows you to keep your anchor at the stern or bow of your boat. When you would like to let your anchor out, you simply press and hold a button or turn a switch to let as much rope out as you would like. Once you have let the length of rope out that works for your current situation, you simply release the button or turn back the switch to stop the rope from going out any further. When you are ready to pull your anchor back up, you simply reel it back in using the anchor rope reel. The lift system works on pulleys which allow the rope to go out as well as get reeled back in.
One of the best suited lift systems for jon boats is the Attwood Anchor Lift System. More specifically, the Attwood 13710-4 Anchor Lift System. This system has the capacity for a 100 foot long 3/16 inch anchor rope. The system is made up of 5 main components:
- Anchor Mount
- Anchor Rope Guide
- Anchor Rope Reel
- Rear Pulley
- Rear Pulley Axle
At the time I am writing this blog post, this system can be bought online for between $50 and $60. This system does not come with a 3/16 rope nor an actual anchor. So those additional items will need to be purchased as well.
The Electric Anchor Winch System for Jon Boats
Electric anchor winch systems let your anchor line out and pull it back in with the flick of a switch or even with a wireless remote. An ideal electric anchor winch system for a jon boat is the Trac Outdoors AnchorZone 20 Electric Anchor Winch.
This system works with anchors up to 20 lbs and comes with:
- Electric anchor winch
- Anchor mount
- 100-feet of 5/32-inch pre-wound braided anchor rope
- Automatic resetting circuit breaker
- Sealed membrane switch
- 14-gauge marine-grade battery wire (17-feet in length)
- Anchor safety chain
- Assembly hardware
It does not come with an actual anchor, that you will need to purchase separately. In addition, you can also purchase the Trac Outdoors T10115 Anchor Winch Switch Kit for mounting on a center/side console or on a helm.
Or you can purchase the Trac Outdoors Anchor Winch Wireless Remote Kit if you would prefer a wireless remote option.
At the time I am writing this blog post, here are the prices for each kit:
- Trac Outdoors AnchorZone 20 Electric Anchor Winch – ~$200
- Trac Outdoors T10115 Anchor Winch Switch Kit – ~$50
- Trac Outdoors Anchor Winch Wireless Remote Kit – ~$60
The Power Pole for Jon Boats
Power poles are a type of shallow water anchors that slide in and out of the water without making any kind of a splash like a traditional anchor would.
Power poles are quick to deploy and quick to release. The Power-Pole Micro Spike Driver (Micro Anchor) is made specifically for smaller vessels such as jon boats and will work with any small vessel that weighs up to 1,500 lbs – including passengers.
The Micro Anchor can easily mount to your jon boat with custom mounting brackets or transom mount adapters. This particular model can be easily removed for safe storage or it can be transferred to another boat. The Micro Anchor comes with:
- Adjustable quick-release bracket
- 2 button key fob remote
- Advanced dash switch
- 15’ power cord
The spike or “pole” part of the device is sold separately. You can order one directly from Power Pole or find any 3/4” spike to use with the Micro Anchor. At the time I am writing this blog post, the Micro Anchor costs $599 and the spike costs $79.99.
And so depending on your jon boat’s layout and your budget, these 4 options will make anchoring your jon boat easier and help to reduce the clutter of having an anchor and anchor rope on board. Let me know in the comments section below which one you chose and what size jon boat you will be using it for.
For more information on jon boats and jon boat modification ideas, check out the Small Boats section of this website.