Can You Mount Shallow Water Anchors Without a Jack Plate? The Answer Might Surprise You!

It's a question we hear all the time at BassFishin Electronics: "Do I need a jack plate to install shallow water anchors like Power-Poles or Minn Kota Raptors on my boat?" For many anglers, especially those with smaller aluminum boats, not having a jack plate might seem like a barrier to adding these incredibly useful accessories. Well, we're here to tell you the easy answer is: YES, you absolutely can!

In our latest video, Steve demonstrates exactly how this is done on a Ranger boat that doesn't have a jack plate. The secret lies in a clever and sturdy solution: sandwich brackets.

The Sandwich Bracket Solution

Both Minn Kota (for their Raptors or Talons) and Power-Pole (for their Blade, Pro Series II, and Sportsman models) offer robust sandwich brackets specifically designed for boats without a jack plate. These brackets literally "sandwich" in between the transom and outboard engine of your boat, providing a strong and stable mounting point for your shallow water anchors.

As shown in the video, the installation process is straightforward:

1. Mount the Sandwich Brackets: The Minn Kota sandwich brackets are attached directly to the transom, encompassing the existing motor mounting bolts. This creates a secure foundation.

2. Attach the Anchor: Once the sandwich brackets are in place, your shallow water anchor simply bolts directly to these brackets.

This method is particularly common and effective for a variety of boats, especially those smaller aluminum models that often come without a factory-installed jack plate. It provides a reliable and rigid connection, ensuring your shallow water anchors perform exactly as they should.

So, if you've been holding off on adding the convenience and control of shallow water anchors to your boat because you don't have a jack plate, think again! There's a simple, effective solution available that BassFishin Electronics in Auburn, NH, can help you with.

And of course, don't forget to check out our custom BFE Talon, Raptor and Power-Pole lights, made right here at BassFishinElectronics.com, to complete your setup and extend your fishing into the low-light hours!

Need to see them in action? 

Have any questions about mounting shallow water anchors or anything else related to marine electronics? Drop them in the comments below!