Sundolphin American 12 Jon boat

[Agustin Cantens]

So I am pretty much set on picking one of these up. Based on my needs it just checks off the most boxes. What I am wondering is if anyone has any ideas for mods for this boat. Haven't seen anything on the forum or on you tube. Looking for anyone who's had open and can help. I would like to definitely add some seats and maybe a wood floor to make standing abit mire stable. No big decks or anything crazy but would definitely like to sit higher. 

 

Thank you. 

[Fishes in trees]

Just went to the Sun Dolphin web site.  I wonder why you'd get the 12' Jon when you could get the Sun Dolphin Pro 120 which has all the stuff you want.  I had a very similar boat for 6 years and it did everything I wanted it to do on the 50 to 300 acre conservation lakes that I fished at that time.  I even learned how to pitch sitting down out of that boat (which is a very handy skill to have).

 

I don't know that difference I price between the two boats, but I'd bet that buying the Jon boat and then making the mods that you want, all of a sudden you're real close to the Pro 120.

 

The real difference between the two boats is alternative power.  The Jon boat will be much easier to row - the Pro 120 looks like you're going to have to carry a paddle.  BIG difference between rowing & paddling if you have to go any distance.

 

Be aware of the other stuff you're going to need.   How you going to move it?   I'd recommend a small trailer & be sure that it has hubs that you can get wet.  Trolling motor - web site says 40 lbs thrust - max, but also says it will take a 6 hp gas motor.  There are power decisions to be made there.

 

I don't know but I think that if it were me and my only 2 choices were between the 120 Jon and the 120 Pro, made by the same company, I'd pick the one with the decks & chairs already installed.

[Agustin Cantens]

For starters it's half the price. Then there is my personal use, I don't want the decks, I want plenty of seating as I have two kids who will want to go out with dad. What I would like to add is a seat or two for when Im out fishing by myself or with my nephew.

[volzfan59]

Hey Augustin, I have a Sun Dolphin American 12. There are a few YouTube videos concerning modifications. He put seats in his. There is 3/4" wood under the seats according to his video, so you can securely mount swivel seats. As far as a floor, make a cardboard template first. Then transfer it to your plywood, preferably marine grade, if not at least treated.

[Agustin Cantens]

  On 3/5/2020 at 1:42 AM, volzfan59 said:

Hey Augustin, I have a Sun Dolphin American 12. There are a few YouTube videos concerning modifications. He put seats in his. There is 3/4" wood under the seats according to his video, so you can securely mount swivel seats. As far as a floor, make a cardboard template first. Then transfer it to your plywood, preferably marine grade, if not at least treated.

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I have seen his videos, he's the only one. How do you like yours?  Can you stand up and cast? Thanks in advance. 

[volzfan59]

I sent you a P/M.

[Wallace]

About draining the 2 front compartments. Has anyone just drilled a couple of holes and let water drain into the hull and then use that back drain plug to rid the water??