Positives and Negatives for Deckng Jon Boats

[Sharkbite]

Hey guys as most know I am think of ways to give my boat more stability.  So I heard if you add some weight evenly threw the boat that it will help.  Like a deck will give me a lower point of gravity.  Has anyone who decked a jon boat noticed this.  

I am thinking if I put a deck on the boat half the length.  Like from the bench that the seat is mounted to running the deck from that to the bow.  This would not be a whole lot extra weight and will be in a great location for stability as well.

I am woundering what other types of benefits does a deck have other then how quiet it is.  I will love to hear and see your exsperience with this thank you

[tand]

To begin with it would be great to know the length and width of your boat.  It is also hard to add stability to a boat that is already narrow...say a 36 in bottom width.

1. if it is a 36, I would build a deck on the bottom of the boat

2. you could add outriggers but I wouldnt (dont like the look of it)

3. if it is wider than 40 you could probably put the deck on the benches like I did http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1229910087/10#10

Best of luck and feel free to ask any questions, this is a great resource!

[Sharkbite]

Thanx Tand,  Yea wel I am going to need alot of input on this decision to be honest.  I was told to get rid of the petastools but then how will I be able to fish? ya know.  I am also nervous about adding to much weight.  Here is the thread on my boat with some pics hope it helps.

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1226268614/2#2

[Fishing Rhino]

Regarding the center of gravity.  Any weight added below the existing cog will lower it.  Any weight added above will raise it.

Perimeter weighting will tend to stabilize it.  Think golf clubs.  Perimeter weighted clubs resist the tendency to "twist" on off center hits.

The boat will roll the same amount, but will not roll as quickly with perimeter weighting.

The higher the deck, the more you will notice the pitching and rolling.  Imagine being in a crows nest, high on a mast.  

[done]

I've decked my 1436. The front deck is a bit high (maybe 3 inches below the seats. You have to be steady to fish up there. I have 2 folks who go with me that are so unsteady on it, I take out the post and put the seat right on the deck for them. I have other who site up there with no issue.

The back deck, I put in maybe 2 inches above the floor (needed them there to be able to operate the stick steer motor and transom mounted TM). That one of very steady and easy to stand and fish from.

As to the benefits of either,

1. looks better,

2. in the sun, the carpeted decks to not get hot like the bare aluminum.

3. Sound

4. having the level smooth surface is easier to fish from

5. The way the weight is worked out, the boat rides nicer.

6. MUCH more comfortable with seats in there instead of the benches

7. Gave me a platform for running electrical and installing livewell.

[bipr8]

I decked out a 14' jon.  It was wider though 46" maybe?  It did help a little bit with the stability.  1 person standing was no problem.  When two people would stand, you had to be careful.

I had A LOT of weight in the boat on more than 1 occasion.

4-5 batteries, me (220lbs), my dad (250lbs), tournament load of gear for 2 people, 15 gallons(?) of water in the livewell, etc...

There were times when we were LOW in the water, but never had a problem.

[Sharkbite]

Ok guys first I am going to lower the seats. Then if it don't help much I will buil a half deck.  Thank you all.