Jon Boat Bass Boat

[connorwallin]

Hello, my dad and I have been looking for a decent size Jon boat. We've been on my dads friends brand new tracker bass boat and I love the storage and the carpet. How hard would it be to transform the Jon boat into a bass boat type setup? Ive seen some things on YouTube and honestly, it seems a little far from my capability to do. Have any of you done something like this or is there a place that sells Jon boats like this already done? Thanks.

[WIGuide]

You can do it yourself, and some talented people out there can do a pretty good job with decking out their jon boats. It can easily be botched though, and most will not be as nice as those that have been designed and produced by a boat manufacturer. If I were in your shoes, I'd try to save some more and buy a used aluminum bass boat. 

[Team9nine]

You can do it yourself if you are even just somewhat handy - I did, and my wife can vouch for my lack of "handyman-ness."  That said, I know my limits and aluminum framing and riveting exceeded them (I used treated lumber). Lots of options though and you'll feel a lot of pride fishing out of that boat when done. Below was my project Jon boat I converted.

 

[jbw252]

Buy a used boat.  A conversion jon boat project can be daunting.  Check out this site for ideas & instructions --->>>  https://www.tinboats.net/forum/

[connorwallin]

19 minutes ago, Team9nine said:

You can do it yourself if you are even just somewhat handy - I did, and my wife can vouch for my lack of "handyman-ness."  That said, I know my limits and aluminum framing and riveting exceeded them (I used treated lumber). Lots of options though and you'll feel a lot of pride fishing out of that boat when done. Below was my project Jon boat I converted.

 

This looks awesome and exactly what I want. If you don't mind me asking, what would be the price range of doing something like this? 

[Team9nine]

The basics are pretty affordable - carpet, glue, 2x4's and treated plywood - maybe a few hundred. From there it just depends on what you add in or have to buy. I carried a lot of stuff over from the boat before upgrading as well as from a previous bass boat. Things like wiring, batteries, switch panels, lights, depth finders, troll motor, seats, etc. The accessories/amenities could easily add up quickly. That stuff is all personal preference though.

[12poundbass]

I've added a floor to both tin boats I've owned. It's pretty easy IF you pay attention to what you're doing. I just put a floor with carpet and like T9 said couple hundred or less for that. If you want storage like he did it'll obviously be more and more complicated. Measure twice cut once and you'll be fine.

[Quarry Man]

if you pm I'm very willing to help...

[Catt]

Almost all Jon boat manufacturers offer Jon boats with front, rear decks, wired for lights & trolling motor.

 

Below is the Alwed I have

[BigTerp]

I converted a Tracker Sportsman 1648 into a stick steer with outboard jet complete with extended front deck with storage hatches, floor, rear storage hatch, led nav and courtesty lights, stereo, bilge pumps, driving lights, etc., etc., etc. All aluminum in my build and I had zero experience working with aluminum before my project. Not the hardest job in the world, but it does take a lot of time and attention to detail. But you end up with exactly what you want vs. what's available by the mass produced hulls. The guys over at tinboats.net are a great resource for projects like this. It's a forum dedicated to tin boats and projects just like you are describing. That forum was indispensable during my build. 

[ThePolkFolk]

22 hours ago, jbw252 said:

https://www.tinboats.net/forum/

Great resource for DIY work. Lot of really nice builds on there.

[lo n slo]

on a smaller scale....

 

here is my 14' johnny that i use to fish a 350 acre lake near the house. it stays moored 9 months outta the year and has a snap fit cover, auto bilge and fish finders, fore and aft.

 

[Chris186]

Where are you located? I am in RI, and mine is actually for sale. I can send you pictures if you are interested.

[connorwallin]

32 minutes ago, CD1542 said:

Where are you located? I am in RI, and mine is actually for sale. I can send you pictures if you are interested.

I'm in Pennsylvania