Jon Boat Conversion Pics?

[Wee-R]

Spring is on the way and a good number of folks are looking to modify a jon boat by adding decks, seats, trolling motor, depth finder, livewell, etc. If you have pics of a jon boat that you have put through the conversion please post them so that others can learn from your handy work. Thanks!

 

[Liveliner]

No pics but just thought I would share a couple ideas to be consider. one is that you should consider that by adding decks to your jon it will add way too much weight if you choose to use the wrong materials and methods. Also an elevated deck will shift the weight to a higher level in the boat which can make your boat top heavy and "Tippy".
A great suggestion to strengthen your hull, insulate it, make it quieter, protect it and to give you a good stable non-slip surface to stand on is to simply take it and have a quality spray in truck bedliner installed in the interior only. It should be a little thicker on the bottom than the sides. You can also choose the finish texture. This will not add that much weight but will radically improve your jon boat. I would suggest that you stay away from Black and go with lighter color so as to keep the summer heat down. I think that stuff even comes in white. The spray in liner will not take away your drain or any of the features of your boat.
Another tip is to run a small sized PVC water line about 12" size in your center ribs in the bottom of your boat to carry your wiring from the batteries in the rear to your front lights and/or instraments. For your trollimg motor you may have to run more than one or a larger size. That PVC can be installed from the wide area in the center of your boat. Push a peice in toward the rear and a peice toward the front and install one straight connector in the center. On some boats, the drain hole is in line with the center rib, therefore you can remove the plug and push one solid peice in from the rear. This protects your wiring and puts it out of sight. Filling up the grove makes the bottom of your boat easier to stand on as well.

I have more tips but that is all for now.

 

[Liveliner]

....Another tip is to run a small sized PVC water line about 12" size in your center ribs........

That is not right! It should have read 1/2" (one half inch) not 12".

 

[volpapaw]

Here is the one I just finished,,,If interested I have more pics.

 

[minner]

Looks more like a Pirogue instead of a Jon boat from the compression of the photoemoPoke .

Nahhh. just kidding, looks like you did really well with the conversion. Now hurry up and put it in the water and give us a report!



Wuuuuppps, musta double clicked.
You'll be surprised how much that carpet and wood dampens the boat........you be quiet as a mouse sneakin' up on those bream beds this spring.

 

[CRAZYHORSE]

From the looks of those baitcasters tied down on the front of the boat he ain't bream fishing!!emoPoke


crazyhorse

 

[volpapaw]

I have had it in the water twice so far and it floats real nice, I can walk around on the upper deck real well emoThumbsup ,,,Much better than my old boat. emoToast
You are correct crazyhorse , I ain't looking for bream, I am looking for Bass,,,,and looking and looking and looking,,,Just not finding any right now! emoBang
Thanks minner for the wiring schematic for my running lights,,,they work great!emoSun