Re: Bow Mount for open Vhull?
Reconsider. Decking a typical 12' v-hull won't give you a stable platform up front for casting. You'll be fighting to keep your balance most of the time. It's safe to stand in the stern area of those boats, though.
Instead, use a transom mount trolling motor. Move the battery as far forward as you can, along with the fuel tank and other assorted stuff. Drop a heavy rubber door mat in the space in front of the rear seat to stand on and quiet the boat. Standing 10-12" higher won't help you see fish anyhow.
If you need an anchor, buy an Anchor Mate and mount the winch where you can reach it from the back seat. I use mine all the time, even if I just want to hold position for a few minutes.
The less you put in a 12' boat, the better. They make great little fishing platforms, but they'll never be a bass boat. If you adapt to the boat, rather than trying to adapt the boat, you'll discover that it'll take you into spots you couldn't go in a larger boat, and you'll outfish the bass boat guys every time.
That's my advice, and I've been fishing from a 12' aluminum V-hull for five years now. I've tried all sorts of things, and what I've described above works the best.
Run the boat, trolling motor, and fish from the rear of the boat. Works great, and you'll get more fishing done, besides.
