Best Stick Steering for Jon Boats: Top Ezy-Glide and Accessories
Navigating a jon boat with a stick steering system can simplify control, especially in windy or choppy conditions. The following selections highlight popular stick steering, replacement cables, rudder add-ons, and related accessories from trusted brands. Each entry includes a brief look at capabilities, installation notes, and how it can improve tracking and maneuverability on small craft.
| Product | Brand | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Ezy-glide Stik Steering Model 840-1500 II | Ezy-Glide | Longer length, stick steering for 15–15.5 ft boats |
| Ezy-Glide 8400800; 8Ft Stick Steering | Ezy Glide | Compact option for smaller setups |
| Ezy-glide Stik Steering Model 840-1300 II | Ezy-Glide | 13–13.5 ft model with value focus |
| Ezy-glide Stick Steering Replacement Cable EZY Stik II | Ezy-Glide | Replacement cable for Stik systems |
| Bullnose Products | Rudder aid for wind and tracking |
These items cover steering sticks, cables, and rudder enhancements designed to help a jon boat maintain a true course, reduce drift, and improve steering feel in practical day-to-day use.
Ezy-Glide Stik Steering Model 840-1500 II
The Ezy-Glide Stik 840-1500 II is designed for longer boats, offering a stick-control framework suitable for 15 to 15.5-foot jon boats. Its construction emphasizes reliability and ease of use within a US-manufactured platform. Key features include a 1-year warranty and clear part identification (840 II). The model is positioned for anglers and small-boat operators seeking a straightforward steering solution that maintains responsiveness even in breezier conditions.
Operational notes: installation typically requires standard mounting aboard a suitable transom setup. The product’s length and design aim to deliver predictable lock-to-lock behavior and stable steering inputs. When paired with a compatible motor and rudder accessories, it can help hold a steady course at trolling or cruising speeds. For users who value a US-made solution with straightforward warranty coverage, this model presents a balanced option.
Ezy-Glide 8Ft Stick Steering
This 8-foot stick steering option from Ezy-Glide targets smaller configurations or as a compact upgrade for cabins and shallow-water setups. The product is marketed as a new item, signifying fresh inventory and potential for immediate installation. A shorter stick can be advantageous for tight cockpit spaces or when paired with a lightweight trolling motor on a jon boat designed for maneuverability rather than speed.
Considerations: buyers should verify compatibility with their transom shaft diameter and confirm the overall fit for their boat length. The 8-foot model is frequently chosen for installations where precise, responsive steering is needed without the overhead of longer configurations. In conjunction with other Ezy-Glide components, this stick may deliver a balanced steering experience for typical jon boat operations.
Ezy-glide Stik Steering Model 840-1300 II
The 840-1300 II model targets mid-range jon boats at about 13 to 13.5 feet. This stick is positioned as a value-oriented option within the Ezy-Glide lineup, claiming new condition and features such as same-day shipping on request, and a focus on value and performance in its class. It is suitable for boaters seeking a reliable steering stick without the extended length of larger models.
Practical notes: ensure the boat’s transom mounting is compatible with the 1-1/8″ style transom used by many trolling setups. The model’s design emphasizes a straightforward installation and a decisive steering response, which can make it suitable for casual fishing trips or small watercraft operations where quick course correction is beneficial.
Ezy-glide Stick Steering Replacement Cable EZY Stik II
This replacement cable is intended for Ezy-Glide Stik systems, ensuring continued responsiveness and reliability when original cables wear or fail. The EZY Stik II model is presented as a standard replacement option, designed to restore the steering action without requiring a full system overhaul. For jon boat owners, replacing a worn cable can restore precise control and reduce the effort required to steer at various speeds.
Compatibility notes: verify the specific Stik II model version and length needed for your installation. This replacement component helps maintain consistent steering geometry and can extend the life of an existing stick-control setup, making it a prudent maintenance choice for seasoned boaters.
Bullnose Rudder Clamp-On Boat Rudder
The Bullnose Rudder is a clamp-on addition designed to improve tracking when wind, chop, or drift challenges the boat’s course. It fits 1 1/8″ transom mount trolling motors and is commonly used on inflatable pontoons, Pelican Bass Raider models, fishing kayaks, canoes, and jon boats. The design claims to help hold a true course across a range of trolling speeds, reducing unwanted yaw when the motor is off. It’s marketed as a simple, quick installation that can noticeably stabilize steering in challenging conditions.
Considerations: readers should check shaft diameter compatibility (1-1/8″), ensure proper mounting clearance, and review installation instructions. While not a steering stick, a fixed rudder can complement stick systems by providing superior directional stability, particularly in gusty conditions or when pursuing straight-line trolling at low speeds.
Ezy-Glide Steering System for Ezy-Stik III 870 (8′)
This entry highlights a steering system variant designed for Ezy-Stik III 870 models at 8 feet. It emphasizes quicker response and shorter lock-to-lock travel distance, implying tighter, more immediate control. This can be advantageous for small boats or shallow-water operations where rapid corrections are desired without overcorrecting. Installation and compatibility should be checked against existing transom hardware and motor mounts.
Takeaway: for jon boat users seeking swift steering feedback, a short-stroke system can improve handling in confined spaces and during precise trolling maneuvers. This option aligns with other Ezy-Glide offerings to provide a cohesive family of stick steering components and compatible accessories.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Stick Steering And Related Accessories
Key considerations help buyers select the right setup for a jon boat and ensure reliable performance across typical use cases.
- Boat length and mounting compatibility: Ensure the stick length matches your boat size and the transom mounting hardware. Longer sticks suit larger boats; shorter sticks fit compact layouts.
- System vs. replacement parts: If steering is responsive but the cable is worn, a replacement cable (EZY Stik II) can revive performance without a full upgrade. Consider a full system upgrade if your current setup is old or unstable.
- Rudder accessories: A bullnose-style rudder can enhance tracking in wind or chop, particularly when trolling or maneuvering at low speeds. Check shaft and mounting compatibility.
- Installation effort: Some options require basic mounting and alignment; others may need more involved adjustment. Confirm tool requirements and time estimation before purchasing.
- Maintenance and warranty: Look for warranties (e.g., 1-year coverage on certain models) and readily available replacement parts to minimize downtime after a component failure.
- Performance goals: If you prioritize quick, precise steering, prioritize shorter lock-to-lock travel. If you want steady tracking at various speeds, a longer stick and synchronized rudder may be beneficial.
- Brand ecosystem: Sticking with a single brand (e.g., Ezy-Glide) can simplify parts compatibility and maintenance, though complementary accessories from other brands (like Bullnose Rudder) can add stability in challenging conditions.
In practice, a common approach is to pair an Ezy-Glide stick steering system with a Bullnose Rudder for improved straight-line tracking, especially when wind is a factor. Replacement cables can extend the life of the system, and a mid-range stick length often balances ease of use with effective control on typical jon boats. Buyers should assess their local water conditions, typical speeds, and the level of steering precision they require to tailor their selection.