Jon Boat

[tkiser]

Hey Folks, I have an older Jon boat that I want to make into a bass boat for my 2-1/2 acre lake. What light weight material can be used to make a flat surface? I hope to post a pic or two.

Thanks

Tim

[roadwarrior]

Welcome aboard!

I'm sure someone will be along later to offer advice.

8-)

[fishbear]

Welcome!!!!!

I think most of us use between 1/2 and 5/8 in. plywood, sealed with something to keep it from rotting.

I use 5/8 due to the fact I am a big guy.

[tkiser]

I have been fishing all my life. I am not a fisherman but I hope to change this with this forum.

Thanks

[shadrap1769]

Plywood will work but eventually wood rots and is heavy.  Look at using a high density foam with a sheet of corrugated plastic for rigidity.

[tkiser]

Can you get me a link for that material.

[Grey Wolf]

WELCOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

These guys will show you how.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

You can do floors like in my boat, especially for a 2.5 acre lake.  I use 3/8 cdx plywood and I urethane it.  It is light and stays light once it is urethaned.

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1119359773/0#0

[Wayne P.]

I used a heavy guage aluminum with center supports of aluminum in some areas and closed cell block foam in other areas. Lighter weight and no possibility of rotting.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

I used a heavy guage aluminum with center supports of aluminum in some areas and closed cell block foam in other areas. Lighter weight and no possibility of rotting.

This will be your "lightest" option but the more costly of your choices.  If weight is your main issue, go alum like Wayne suggests

[btcprince]

I used a heavy guage aluminum with center supports of aluminum in some areas and closed cell block foam in other areas. Lighter weight and no possibility of rotting.

have you posted pics of this? it sounds nice

[shadrap1769]

The corrugated plastic sheeting is called Coroplast.  Sign makers use it for well signs.  It's about $20 for a 4 x 8 sheet versus about $100 for a 4 x 4 sheet of aluminum. You can get the sign material for free like i did.  Picked it up from a builder's show that was finished. Just another option for you.  I have some pics of my project in photobucket but i can't post a link in here yet.

[MA1232]

How much weight can you put on the Coroplast sheet?

[GooseBoots]

  Shadrap, I went to the coroplast web site and looked at their product. I have extensive experience with the products on their website, being a retired Postal Employee. The coroplast they show on the site is what the postal service uses for Letter Trays and Flat Boxes, and well as used for packaging by other companies.

   If you are referencing something stronger that Coroplast post a link, because I don't see how Coroplast could possibly stand up to any use as decking.

Thanks,

Bruce

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

  Shadrap, I went to the coroplast web site and looked at their product. I have extensive experience with the products on their website, being a retired Postal Employee. The coroplast they show on the site is what the postal service uses for Letter Trays and Flat Boxes, and well as used for packaging by other companies.

   If you are referencing something stronger that Coroplast post a link, because I don't see how Coroplast could possibly stand up to any use as decking.

Thanks,

Bruce

I agree with Bruce, at UPS, we often get these US postal totes into our building (as they get ours, it's just the way it works) and although great for what they are designed for (light, carry cases for bulk letters,etc) the material they are made out of wouldn't support a young child, let alone a small adult, and certainly not a full sized adult.