Jon Boat Decking Questions

[JT Henriksen]

Hi I am a junior and high school from Southern Minnesota and I'm looking into decking a jon boat and I have some questions for people who have some experience in this area. I would like to be able to have another person and myself in the boat and I'm wondering what size of boat I should be looking for? I've read that I shouldn't do anything like a 1436 but then there's tons of videos on YouTube of people doing builds on that platform. Also my budget for the boat is $1000(this is before I do anything to it and I already have a trailer) and I'm wondering if I will be able to buy a used boat big enough with that or should i save up a little more? Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you 

[Nick-CFH]

I have a “decked out” 1236 and we fish 2 from it all the time. It gets a little sketchy at times on some of the bigger lakes but it’s awesome to hit all the no combustion ponds in. And I’ve never let the size stop me from fishing most of the big lakes near me. There are a few that I just don’t have the balls to do. If two fat ass men can cast out of a 1236 you should be fine in a 14ft. Have fun with the project I’m sure it will be worth the investment.

[Catt]

The wider the bottom width the more stable the jon boat will be when moving around in the boat.

 

Personally I would not go any narrower than a 40-42" bottom.

[12poundbass]

I agree with @Catt go with the widest bottom you can find and afford, because if you put a raised deck it’s going to change the center of gravity which is where a wider bottom comes into play. 

[Quarry Man]

1448 and you wont feel the need to upgrade down the road.

 

dont use pressure treated or osb thry arent meant for boats or weight

 

seal laminate plywood with oil based enamel its like paint need two coats at least. 
 

use 3/4” plywood if you can afford the weight itll give you a solid platform

 

use 1/8” by 1.5” angle, will need rivet gun, 3/16” drill bit 3/16” rivets a taprvmeaure sharpie and a way to cut the metal

 

[JT Henriksen]

On 5/19/2020 at 7:57 AM, Quarry Man said:

1448 and you wont feel the need to upgrade down the road.

 

dont use pressure treated or osb thry arent meant for boats or weight

 

seal laminate plywood with oil based enamel its like paint need two coats at least. 
 

use 3/4” plywood if you can afford the weight itll give you a solid platform

 

use 1/8” by 1.5” angle, will need rivet gun, 3/16” drill bit 3/16” rivets a taprvmeaure sharpie and a way to cut the metal

 

Thanks for the help. I just got a boat. It's a 14 ft v hull with a 60" beam. I'm just wondering what kind of plywood I should get. Everywhere I look everything I look at that is rated for exterior use is pressure treated. I've seen that I could get marine grade but the price is a little high for me. Is my best option marine grade or is there something a little cheaper that will do the job?

[Quarry Man]

5 hours ago, JT Henriksen said:

Thanks for the help. I just got a boat. It's a 14 ft v hull with a 60" beam. I'm just wondering what kind of plywood I should get. Everywhere I look everything I look at that is rated for exterior use is pressure treated. I've seen that I could get marine grade but the price is a little high for me. Is my best option marine grade or is there something a little cheaper that will do the job?

get the laminate, looks like thinner sheets of plywood glued together, that is the best for horizontal strength. Don't use sob, its harder to seal from water and not as strong. it isn't meant for structural support. As far as pressure treated, it is meant to stop insects, not moisture, and the chemical its treated with causes aluminum to corrode over time. Best bet is oil based enamel. it has oil which is a lipid and is hydrophobic (hates water) think oil and water in a jar. 3 coats and you should be good to go. I used 1/2" ply for my deck and it flexes a bit even reinforced. biggest hatch I have is 27" x 18". used 3/4" for my other boat and it turned out great, I decided not to seal it for whatever reason that may be.

 

if you have any more questions im happy to help. I have a lot of research and experience decking 14' vs

[hike4steel]

My source for marine grade plywood in Ohio is about 50.00.  Its worth the investment at that price IMO.

[Hammer 4]

1 hour ago, hike4steel said:

My source for marine grade plywood in Ohio is about 50.00.  Its worth the investment at that price IMO.

^^^^ This. Retired carpenter, I've seen what moisture can do to non marine plywood, not direct water, just moisture, you'd be $$$ ahead using marine grade.