Rigging a jon boat to your truck bed is a great way to transport your boat and make it easier to launch when you reach the water. The process of mounting a jon boat in a truck bed is relatively simple and straightforward.
All you need are a few basic supplies, such as tie-down straps, ratchet straps, foam padding, and basic hand tools. With the right setup, you can quickly and safely secure your jon boat for its next adventure.
Step 1: Prepare Your Truck Bed
Before you can mount your jon boat, you’ll need to prepare your truck bed. Start by cleaning out any debris or dirt that has accumulated.
This will help prevent scratches or dents on the bottom of your boat while loading it up. After that’s done, lay down some foam padding on the truck bed. This will give extra cushioning between your boat and the metal of the truck bed.
Step 2: Load Your Boat
Once you have your truck bed prepared with foam padding, it’s time to load up your jon boat. If you are doing this solo, it may be helpful to recruit some help to lift the boat onto the truck bed.
Make sure that the bow of the boat is facing forward in the direction of travel. You may also want to place additional foam padding underneath where the bow and stern will rest on the truck bed.
Step 3: Secure Your Boat
Now comes the important part – securing your jon boat in place so that it doesn’t move around during transport. Start by wrapping tie-down straps around each side of the bow and stern sections of your boat and connecting them together on top of the gunnels (the top edge of each side). Then use ratchet straps or bungee cords from each corner of your jon boat – two from each corner – and loop them around something secure in or on top of your truck bed.
Conclusion: Mounting a jon boat in a truck bed is an easy process that just requires a few supplies and basic hand tools. With this method, you can ensure that your jon boat is securely fastened for its journey without taking up too much space in an enclosed trailer or on top of a vehicle rack. So follow these steps carefully next time you need to mount up a jon boat in a truck bed!
