How to deck a Jon Boat?

[riddleofsteel]

I just picked up a 1648 Alumacraft NCS. It has a large front deck and a rear seat. In between is an 8'x 46.5" flat area with no seats and just the bare ribs. I just laid a piece of treated plywood in the bottom and I like the look of the large open floor.

Last night I was reading that the current type of copper treated wood with eat away aluminum after a while! So I took the plywood out and will use it for a box type blind or tree stand.

Here is my question; What is the best way to deck a jon boat? If I use regular plywood I will have to seal it with epoxy and paint it. Plus it will be HEAVY. I am considering having my welder order a sheet of aluminum diamond tread plate and sitting it over some closed cell foam between the ribs. All I have to do is figure what weight I want and give him the dimensions.

What do you think?

[Hale]

I decked my jon boat and wondered about the same thing you are. I went with wood, sealed and carpeted. It actually came out weighing a lot less than aluminum with steel frame, etc. and cheaper too. Plus with wood, should you decide to change it around later its a lot easier to remake it all.

Here is a link to an ebook on customizing jon boats. Its a bit dated but will spark the creative juices and come up with something way better.

www.myjonboat.com

[Flatfish]

If you have the foam insulation even with the rib's then the floor should have plenty of support .100 thousants thick aluminum should be plenty thick enough either screwed or Pop Riveted to the ribs, that is what I used, notches it around the ribs almost to the boat sides, and filled all the gaps with the spray foam insulation and trimmed excess with a utility knife. I got some waterproof carpet glue from a carpet dealer (Lowes or Home Depot's glue just didn't do good) and glued carpet right to the aluminum, been down for 4 yrs.

[PeterF]

I used 1/8 aluminum for the floor and I secured it with rivets. I didn't foam mine but I would think that if you foam it, you will be better off. Here are some pictures.

[Travlin_Man]

Peter F. That is a fine piece of work. You must be a sheet metal man or airframe mechanic. Good Job

[PeterF]

Thanks. By day I sit behind a desk and by night I start projects like the one shown here.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

You have lots of options here but time, money and talent will direct your course. If you are simply looking to Level the floors (sit wood on ribs) then the foam is not neccessary. Keep them removable for cleaning. Notching at a few of the ribs prevents shifting. You can also get away with 3/8 cdx with a quick, thin coat of urethane before carpeting. This method has worked in countless 12-16 ft jons we have owned.

Ifyou plan to build full decks, watch your weight. Time and time again you'll see boats loaded with 2x4's and 3/4inch ply but then the thing weighs a 1000 lbs!

This is my current 12

[Triton_Mike]

Riddle,  With a 1648 boat you can put a TON of weight in it and be just fine.  I used pretty much all plywood and sealed it.  Here is how I did my 1648 Grizzly Jon boat

www.tritonmike.com/boat.html

T Mike

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

I mentioned the weight because I thought I read that he fishes alot of electric only,ooops,.my mistake, no such comments.

By all means,...GO NUTS!