Started workin on our jonboat!

[MattStrykul]

So here she finally is. We haven't done any work with the deck yet, just did a template of what it will look like so we won't mess up cuttin the wood. Cleaned her up real nice. No pics with the motor on her though, sorry. Ran her today at the potomac and had a blast, the 9.9 hp really pushed this boat FAST. I was surprised how it handled, it was really rough out there and it performed amazing. We bought it for $350, trailer motor and boat. Came with toho rig livewell as well.

BEFORE

Cleanin

Mock-decking

Finished for day

[Top]

looking good! that was a good deal on that boat! Keep us posted on the progress

AL

[RockvilleMDAngler]

Good work!  Where do you fish on the Potomac?  I live in Rockville and usually fish the reservoirs but occaisionally hit the Spoils or Mattawoman creek on the Potomac.

[Ghost Rider]

Is good to see young american boys take something and fix it up instead of having daddy buy something new. Great looking job guys a few  more of these and you will be ready for a BBC jet boat  

[MattStrykul]

Thanks for the responses! It's a blast workin on it with our Dad. That is the main reason that I really wanted to get an older used boat, cheaper, and we get to work on it with ol dad.

RockvilleMDangler, we haven't fished the potomac in our boat much at all, just around the free launch near the airport in DC. We were mainly out there testing the boat, motor, and if we could deck the thing! We found that the boat is extremely stable, and can withstand some pretty heavy waves and wind.

We have come up with some pretty neat ideas for the back, it is kind of hard to explain but I will try. We want the deck to come out past the back seat about 1 foot, so obviously we would need some support. My Dad came up with the idea that we could have a foldaway chair so when we want to drive, we fold up the supports and its a bench like seat that folds up, and when we want to fish, fold it back down and the support will be there. Thought that it was an awesome idea. We are going to get workin on the decks soon, this weekend we are headed down to lake gaston, and we will be taking the boat along with us. Its a little difficult fishing out of a V bottom boat without decks but I guess we'll have to deal with it.

All ideas are appreciated!

Matt Strykul

[SteveFinMD]

Matt,

I used a boat exactly like yours for a number of years.  I never did add decks.  IMO they are greatly over rated, especially in rough water.  Congrats on your project.  I hope you put a lot of fish in her.

[MattStrykul]

I understand where your coming from about the rough water, but we will mostly be fishing with this boat out of the occoquan reservoir where it doesn't get to to rough. I really do like the boat though, thats neat you had one like ours. Did you atleast put wood on the bottom so it was flat? It's pretty hard fishing anywhere but the back (or standing on the seats) with the V bottom, it throws me off balance. How did you rig yours up?

[Black Bass]

HI MattStrykul, what material are you using for the mock deck?

[MattStrykul]

Hey black bass, that is just Cardboard  ;D. We figured it would help us out so my dad got some and he, my brother, and I cut them out to fit how we wanted em to. Hope this helps.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

Is good to see young american boys take something and fix it up instead of having daddy buy something new.

I'll second THAT!!  You guys aren't just repairing an old boat,...you are packing that thing with Karma by restoring her.  She'll appreciate it and treat you well,...I just know it.

[MattStrykul]

Hey LBH, thanks alot man! We have been so happy with this boat so far, it hasn't given us any trouble. She cleaned up nice, no leaks which was very surprising, and the motor which wasn't run for 4 years runs perfect.

[Ghost Rider]

Go a head and deck it and you can install a live well, ice chest, and  dry storage. I had a buddy who did it to his Montgomery Wards Sea King ... i know you old school guys know about that one   he built it with a steering box, radio, and all the above plus he slaped on a merc 40 that little boat would haul some @$%.

[MattStrykul]

Good work! Where do you fish on the Potomac? I live in Rockville and usually fish the reservoirs but occaisionally hit the Spoils or Mattawoman creek on the Potomac.

Hey man, I fished the spoils today with my brother and dad outta our boat! We didn't get anything but weren't there very long. We fished blue plains (if you've heard of it) and I caught 1 about 1.5 pounds. My brother missed one, and I had a few more bites throughout the night.

TON of shad at blue plains, my dad said that they are always there jumping.