Thread: Seating for a jon boat

Originally Posted by TerryD

I would never use the clamp style seats and here is why...About 3 years ago a friend and I were crappie fishing a small, maybe 45 acre lake that is open to the public. Trolling motors only allowed. There was an elderly man in a 14’ jonboat motoring across the middle of the lake with his transom mounted MinnKota. He leaned over to get something behind him and the clamp slipped off the bench. He went overboard with no life jacket on and could not swim. I happened to be looking right at him when this happened and immediately threw my rod in the bottom of the boat, jerked up the trolling motor and fired up the Yamaha. He was probably 150 yards away and had already went under a couple times while we were headed to him. When we got there he was face down, about 18” under the surface and headed down. My buddy grabbed the back of his shirt and we beat it to the bank. He was fine after coughing up some water. I broke the rules by starting my gas motor but if I hadn’t, he surely would have drowned. Another fisherman caught up with his boat and returned it to him. The good Lord was with us for sure that day! The gentleman has since sold his boat and now bank fishes only. And that is why I would NEVER consider using a clamp style seat.

That is exactly why we run a ratchet strap under the seat connected to the clamp to keep it in place they pop off frequently. Great for you for saving the gentleman

Thanks for sharing that experience.
One of the reasons i chose not to use those type seat bases when i rigged my Jon boat.
I will turn 86 in April, and im always alone when i fish. Many times due to the places i fish there are no other boats.
Just me and the Gators, but thats why i have a Jon boat.
I dont use elevated seats on the bow or stern for fear i might fall off, i stay in the boat not on the boat.
I always wear a floatation vest, but i doubt i could get back into the boat anyway if i ever fell off or out.
We can only make things so safe, but small things like that need to be considered.