Decked Jon Boat

[bulldogfandan]

After using my Jon boat now for a couple of months, I think it would be very useful to have a front casting deck on the boat. My Jon boat is a 1032 tracker and here is what it looks like: http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/138521-10-foot-jon-boat-modifications/ . Since I am only about 130, standing on the back deck that I made is a breeze and it is very stable. Now I would like to add a front casting deck that goes from the middle bench seat to the front bench seat. Has anyone done this on such a small boat? Does anybody have pictures of decks they have put on their 10 foot Jon's. I know a lot  of you will say that my boat will be a "death trap" as they did in my the post above, but I accept the fact that I may fall in every once in awhile.

[Darren.]

Man, there are some cool Jon Boat mods out there (google).

 

Tho I'm a kayak fisherman, I've seen some JB mods I'd be 

all over. If I had a JB and could mod it, I'd definitely add a 

front casting deck.

 

I think you're on the right track for now....

[Wayne P.]

Fish standing on the front seat and if you feel comfortable doing that, go for it.

The forward section of your boat is narrower than the rearward section--not as stable.

I used to have a 1032 jon boat. No way would I put an elevated platform in that.

[SHaugh]

I think you'll be fine until you get a little bigger and taller...  nice job on the boat so far.

 

You might want to think about making a lean bar on a boat that small... it gives you a lot more stability and a place to grab when an unexpected wake hits you...  a waist high n shaped bar right in front of you to lean against....  and you can design cool stuff to hang from the bar.. like a little table with a cupholder and a place to set your stuff.... a rod holder...

 

just google 1" EMT canopy hardware... it's inexpensive and easy to take off when you don't want it..

[EvanT123]

I used to have a 1032 jon boat. No way would I put an elevated platform in that.

I agree 100%. We used to fish out of a 1236 and with any chop on the water the risk of going in the drink was very high.

[Snakehead Whisperer]

I often fish from a 1548 jon boat, and I would never consider building a casting deck on it due to instability. I can't imagine what it would be like on a 10 footer.

 

Be careful if you do build the casting deck. Falling in the water when it's warm is one thing, but if the water is cold or you hit a rock/log/someting hard, the situation can get ugly really quick. Remember to wear your life jacket and always let somebody know where you're going and when you'll be back (float plan.)

 

In my opinion less is more with a jon boat. I have everything rigged so that I can remove it from the boat with ease (batteries, electronics, etc..) It's nice to be able to hose off the boat when I want to clean it, or fill it with water when checking for leaks. A casting deck would be one more thing to maintain on a relatively maintenance free hull.

[Fisher-O-men]

I fish with a friend who has a small boat with a casting deck up front and back.  I have never felt secure on the deck.  I stand in the bottom of the boat in the middle.  In doing so, I make it more stable for the both of us. 

 

I would suggest putting in a low platform so that you are not dealing with the ribs under your feet.

[gramps50]

Check with the guys over at www.tinboats.net I'm sure someone over there that has done it and can tell you the god, bad, & the ugly.

[Catt]

Check with the guys over at www.tinboats.net I'm sure someone over there that has done it and can tell you the god, bad, & the ugly.

 

 

Uh!!! And Bass Resource can't!