Doing The Most With The Littlest.

[Weekend-warrior17]

Well first off I've been browsing this site for a while now before making an account just yesterday and its looking like a real nice and organized site, good job guys.

 

On to the point I've been trying to do the most to my classic 12ft Jon boat as possible and still be safe to run these lakes with my little 6 hp mercury on the back. I've had great success out here in the Pacific Northwest. What I've been doing with the boat the last few years in trying to trick it out as much as possible to be a successful bass boat and I'm wondering if any of you guys may be able to give me some good idea's i can install myself to help. I'm thinking that i may put about a 6ft piece of plywood covering the front two sets to give me a better standing platform, although it may cause it to be very unstable. Suggestions on that would be great as-well as any others will be appreciated greatly. Thanks guys , Tight lines an Bent rods!!

 

-Weekend-warrior17

[Weekend-warrior17]

Serious y'all?

[slonezp]

If you add plywood, make sure it's marine grade or you treat it with spar varnish. DO NOT USE TREATED plywood. You'll probably have to add some closed cell foam for floatation as well. tinboats.net is a great resource for building small aluminum boats. 

[Chris at Tech]

If you add plywood, make sure it's marine grade or you treat it with spar varnish. DO NOT USE TREATED plywood. You'll probably have to add some closed cell foam for floatation as well. tinboats.net is a great resource for building small aluminum boats. 

 

X2 on Tinboats.net

[RipSomeLips]

Do n't worry about the slow replies. I'm new here too after watching for some time and I have noticed people are a little more tight lipped with newer members. Human nature I suppose. Anyways about your question... I watched some incredibly I formative videos on youtube about tricking out Jon boats. Just do a search and u will find them. Most of the modifications center around adding a casting deck, Orsome kind of plywood flooring with storage compartments. I even ran across a company from New Zealand I think, that professionally converts jon boats into bass boats. They have some great ideas and designs on their website.my biggest takeaway, was the quality of improvement in not burning yourself on the hot metal boat, when you have carpeted surfaces. I was also amazed at how several people took out the center seat for additional storage in room. Hope this helps.

[J Francho]

I would not deck out a 12' boat. Carpet, nice trolling motor, high end electronics, sure. But no deck. Too unstable.

[Crookedneck]

12 footer, I wouldn't put a deck on top of the seats. It would be too unstable in my opinion. Maybe plywood & carpet on the lower portion to keep you from standing on the ribs. I agree w the staying away from treated ply.

[Weekend-warrior17]

Looks like I'm only gonna just cover the first two seat in the bow of her to reduce some weight and punch holes in the plywood for storage (i don't have a trailer for this little beast yet just a truck bed. ). The partial deck will also give some room by the transom for other purposes. Tight lines and bent rods everyone!

[spartyon8]

I put a deck on my 12' and I have not had stability problems. Although, I haven't pushed the envelope either with staying on small lakes. BTW...I am 6'2 and 255lbs of "muscle".

[Ratherbfishing]

I would not deck out a 12' boat. Carpet, nice trolling motor, high end electronics, sure. But no deck. Too unstable.

 

Agreed.

[Weekend-warrior17]

I'm thinkin it may depend on the boat and the person possibly. As of previous i stand and walk on the seats and stability hasn't been much of an issue with this boat so far , plus i don't mind fallen into the drink all to much round here. Thanks though and all of this was taken into consideration great points.