Putting A Jon Boat On A Truck: A Step-By-Step Guide

Transporting a jon boat without a trailer can be challenging, but it is possible under certain circumstances. The most common approach is to use the bed of a pickup truck, ensuring that the boat's stern doesn't extend too far beyond the truck bed. Some preparation and planning are required to safely secure the jon boat, and it is crucial to follow local laws regarding oversized loads. Alternatively, it is possible to transport a jon boat on top of a car, but this requires careful consideration of the car's towing capacity and the use of necessary equipment such as tie-down straps and a roof rack for stability and safety.

Preparing your jon boat and truck bed

Before you attempt to load your jon boat into your truck bed, there are several steps you should take to prepare both your boat and your truck.

Firstly, clean out your truck bed to ensure that there is nothing in the way when you go to place your boat. You want to be able to place your boat securely without damaging the hull or any items in your truck bed.

Next, you need to measure the length and width of both your truck bed and jon boat to ensure that they are compatible. Most truck beds range from 5 to 8 feet long and about 5.5 feet wide, while jon boats are usually 8-20 feet long and 3-5 feet wide. If your boat is longer than your truck bed, you may need to get creative with your loading technique, and be mindful of local laws regarding oversized loads.

Before loading, remove any loose items from your jon boat and cover it with a proper boat cover or tarp. This will prevent items from flying out during transport and protect your boat from the elements.

When it comes to choosing a cover, opt for a durable, waterproof option that will provide a snug fit for your boat. For example, the iCOVER Waterproof Heavy-Duty Jon Boat Cover is a popular choice due to its durability and versatility for indoor and outdoor use.

Now, it's time to lift and place your jon boat into your truck bed. Depending on the length and width of your boat and truck bed, you may need to shimmy it a bit to get it into place. If your boat is particularly long, you might need to tip up the bow above the truck's cab to avoid the stern sticking out too far. This is where an extra pair of hands can come in handy, as jon boats can weigh hundreds of pounds.

Once your boat is in place, it's crucial to properly tie it down to ensure it doesn't move during transport. Use high-quality, durable tie-downs, such as the Retractable Transom Tie Downs by Reese Powersports, to secure your boat. Take your time with this step, as it is essential for your safety and the safety of those around you.

Finally, before hitting the road, test the stability of your setup by driving a short distance. This will allow you to identify any issues early on and make any necessary adjustments before embarking on a longer journey.

Lifting and placing the boat in the truck bed

Lifting and placing the jon boat in the truck bed is a crucial step in the process of transporting your boat. Here are some detailed instructions to help you safely and securely load your jon boat:

Firstly, ensure that you have measured both the length and width of your truck bed and jon boat. This is a crucial step to ensure that your boat will fit within the dimensions of your truck bed. Most truck beds range from 5 to 8 feet in length, while jon boats typically measure between 8 and 20 feet in length. You want to make sure there is no more than 4 feet of the boat sticking out of the truck bed, with 6 feet being the absolute maximum for safety reasons.

Next, you will need to gather some essential equipment. Pre-install ratchet straps or alternative tie-downs in the back of your truck, attached to the D-rings. You can also use retractable transom tie-down straps, which are specifically designed for securing boats. Avoid using generic bungee cords as they may not be strong enough and could potentially cause damage if they come loose. Additionally, consider investing in a fitted cover for your jon boat, which will help protect it during transport.

Now it's time to prepare the boat for loading. Remove all gear, battery, trolling motor, and any other loose items from the boat. You will also want to cover the boat with the fitted cover at this point, providing a layer of protection and a space to store your gear.

With the boat ready, you can now begin the process of lifting and placing it in the truck bed. This step may require two people, depending on the weight and size of your jon boat. Lift the boat and rest the back end on the tailgate, anchoring it in place with a ratchet strap or tie-down. Then, carefully lift the bow and push it forward into the truck bed. Ensure that the boat is pushed in as far as it can go, sitting perfectly flat on the truck bed.

Once the boat is in position, place the battery and trolling motor towards the middle or rear of the boat, on the bed of the truck. This helps distribute the weight evenly and prevents the end of the boat from being weighed down and off-balance.

Finally, finish securing the boat by tightening the ratchet straps or tie-downs at the bow. Ensure that the boat is securely fastened and will not shift during transport. Consider attaching a red flag or visible caution signal to the portion of the boat extending out of the truck bed, as a safety measure for other drivers.

And that's it! You have now successfully lifted and placed your jon boat in the truck bed. Remember to always test the stability of your setup by driving a short distance before committing to a longer journey. Safe travels!

Securing the boat with ratchet straps

Before placing the boat in the truck bed, pre-install the ratchet straps by attaching them to the D-rings or other secure tie-down points in the truck bed. You can also use retractable transom tie-down straps designed specifically for securing boats. Make sure to use high-quality, durable straps that can handle the weight of your Jon boat.

Once the straps are in place, lift the boat and rest it on the tailgate. Attach one end of a ratchet strap to the back of the boat to anchor it in place. Then, go to the bow of the boat and lift while pushing it forward into the truck bed. Ensure the boat is pushed in as far as possible, sitting flat and level in the truck bed.

Now, place the battery and trolling motor (if you have one) in the middle or slightly towards the rear of the boat to balance the weight distribution. Finish securing the boat by tightening the ratchet straps to the bow. Make sure the straps are tightened evenly on both sides of the boat, creating good tension to minimise movement during transport.

As a final precaution, consider attaching a red flag or a visible caution sign to the portion of the boat extending beyond the truck bed. This will alert other drivers and ensure a safe journey to your destination.

It is important to test the stability of your setup by taking the truck for a short drive and gradually increasing the speed. If you notice any shifting or loosening of the straps, stop and readjust the boat and straps until everything is secure.

When unloading the boat, it is recommended to have an extra pair of hands to prevent any slips or damage to the boat. Safe handling of your Jon boat will ensure a pleasant boating experience and a longer lifespan for your vessel.

Testing the stability of the boat

Testing the stability of the jon boat is crucial to ensure a safe and smooth ride. Here are some detailed instructions to test the stability of your jon boat:

Initial Testing:

Before embarking on your journey, it is essential to conduct an initial test to ensure the boat is securely attached. Place the jon boat in the truck bed and tie it down using high-quality ratchet straps or retractable transom tie-down straps. Make sure the boat is pushed in as far as possible, and the gear is stored securely to avoid shifting during transport. Once the boat is tied down, take the truck for a short drive, accelerating and braking to test the stability. If you hear or feel any shifting, adjust the straps and try again until you achieve a secure fit.

Transporting the Boat:

When transporting the jon boat, it is crucial to follow safety precautions. Ensure that no more than 4 feet of the boat extends out of the truck bed, with 6 feet being the absolute maximum. Attach a red flag or a visible caution signal to the portion of the boat extending out of the truck bed to alert other drivers. Always follow local laws regarding oversized loads.

Unloading the Boat:

When unloading the boat, whether back at home or at the water, it is recommended to have a second pair of hands to assist you. The process can be challenging, and having help ensures a smooth and safe unloading process, preventing any potential damage to the boat or injury to yourself.

Regular Checks:

During your journey, make frequent stops to check the stability of the jon boat. Inspect the ratchet straps or tie-downs to ensure they are still tight and securely holding the boat in place. If you notice any loosening or shifting, adjust the straps as needed to maintain a secure fit.

Driving Precautions:

When driving with the jon boat in the truck bed, exercise caution and avoid abrupt maneuvers. Drive at a moderate speed, and be mindful of your surroundings, especially when passing through busy areas or making turns. Always give yourself enough space to brake gradually and avoid sudden stops, as they can cause the boat to shift or move unexpectedly.

Final Stability Check:

Once you reach your destination, perform a final stability check before unloading. Inspect the ratchet straps or tie-downs to ensure they are still securely in place. Carefully unload the boat, being cautious of its weight and potential shifting during the process. With the help of an assistant, slowly release the straps and guide the boat off the truck bed, ensuring it is securely positioned either back on the ground or into the water.

Transporting the boat

If you want to transport your jon boat without a trailer, you will need a vehicle large enough to accommodate the boat. This is usually a pick-up truck, but it is possible to use a car if you have a roof rack.

Using a pick-up truck:

• Measure the length and width of your truck bed and jon boat to ensure they are compatible. Most truck beds range from 5 to 8 feet long and are about 5.5 feet wide, while jon boats are typically 8 to 20 feet long and 3 to 5 feet wide.
• Clean out your truck bed and remove any loose items from your jon boat. Cover the boat with a tarp or boat cover.
• Lift and place the jon boat in your truck bed. You may need assistance with this step as jon boats can weigh hundreds of pounds.
• Tie down the boat securely using high-quality tie-downs.
• Test the stability by driving your truck a short distance.
• When unloading the boat, ensure you have assistance as the boat will be heavy and could potentially cause damage if dropped.

Using a car:

• Check the weight of your jon boat and the towing capacity of your car. Jon boats typically weigh around 200 to 500 pounds, while a sedan or coupe car will have a towing capacity of about 1,000 to 1,500 pounds, including the weight of the car and its contents.
• Install a roof rack on your car to prevent damage to the roof and to provide a secure attachment point for the boat.
• Load the jon boat upside down onto the roof rack to increase stability and make it easier to tie down.
• Centre the boat on the roof rack and use at least two tie-down straps to secure it. For extra stability, use an additional tie-down or rope to connect the bow of the boat to the front of the car.
• Drive carefully and steadily to your destination, avoiding abrupt changes in speed or direction.

Note: It is important to check local laws regarding the transport of oversized loads, and to attach a red flag or other caution signal to the end of the boat if it extends beyond the truck bed.

Frequently asked questions