Help w/ Future Jon Boat Conversion to Bass Boat Budget

[Jonald]

Need some help on what a realistic price would be to convert a 1448 or 1542 Jon boat into a bass boat. I plan on fishing local lakes and ponds nothing too big I live in central mass. Will probably use it 2-3 times a week during spring-fall, fishing 10+ hr days 1 out of the 1-3 days on the water. Usually fishing with one other person. I have never owned a boat before so just trying to get some advice. Looking for suggestions on budget/quality friendly equipment for the following equipment. I appreciate the help!

 

Looking to build casting deck on bow with pedal tray and storage bins. Going to cover boat with marine carpet. 
 

most likely Using plywood for the deck, I’ve heard aluminum is very expensive. Would it be worth going with the aluminum over wood? 

 

trolling motor- whats the best brand? I’d like more than 45 pound thrust. 55+. What’s a realistic budget? $750 and under?

 

battery- Does a bigger battery help the trolling motor last longer on the water? I’ve seen mobile battery charging docks on YouTube. Does anyone have experience with this? How many batts would I need for all the equipment I plan on installing? How much do batteries run? Best brand? Save to budget $200?

 

Fish Finder/GPS- hummingbird?garmin? Lowrance? Best brand? Would $300 get a decent setup? 

outboard engine- these size boats are rated for a max of 25hp. Is 9.9 a good spot to be? More/ less?  How big a gas tank would I need? Merc is what I’d be looking at, but I’d be open for other brands. 
 

 

I appreciate the help!

 

cheers,

Nick

[Catt]

Do you presently own the jon boat ya gonna convert?

 

If not are ya buying new or used?

[GaryH]

41 minutes ago, Catt said:

Do you presently own the jon boat ya gonna convert?

 

If not are ya buying new or used?

Good question. I was thinking if you don’t own the boat, you maybe better off looking for a used bass boat. The expense for all you want to do may be close or equal to the cost of a used aluminum bass boat. 

[Jonald]

I don’t currently own a boat, but would be buying something used. I leaning towards a build from the ground up because I want to make it the way I want it and I’ll also know it was done right. Do you think I could do it for $5k or under? 

[NoShoes]

You’d have a hard time finding a good wide jon boat with a good motor around here for less than 4K. I second everyone above about going for a used bass boat. 
 

I converted my 1448 to a bass boat and sold it for 4500. Bought a tracker 175 the next day for 5k. A helluva lot more boat for 500 bucks. 

[Catt]

Without knowing what ya got how would anyone know where to go?

 

Boat are selling high right now even used.

[Catt]

I will offer this suggestion 

 

Look for a Jon Boat with a front deck extension installed by the factory out of aluminum.

 

Many boat come with front deck extension, weld in flooring, & rear deck extension.

 

Your will have the structure in place to build upon.

 

Will cost a little more up front but it'll be structurally sound.

[NoShoes]

1 hour ago, Catt said:

I will offer this suggestion 

 

Look for a Jon Boat with a front deck extension installed by the factory out of aluminum.

 

Many boat come with front deck extension, weld in flooring, & rear deck extension.

 

Your will have the structure in place to build upon.

 

Will cost a little more up front but it'll be structurally sound.

That extended front deck can be hinderance come time to custom it though. Either have to build on top of it or try to incorporate it. Lose a lot of storage options too. Just personal experience. 

[Catt]

9 minutes ago, NoShoes said:

That extended front deck can be hinderance come time to custom it though. Either have to build on top of it or try to incorporate it. Lose a lot of storage options too. Just personal experience. 

 

Every extended front deck I've owned has storage under it. The original post wanted to install pedal tray & storage bins. A simple cutout & drop in would be easy. Make em water proof would be another task.

[Ethan Blum]

My 1542 conversion was about 3-3.5k all said and done, bought everything new. I fish mostly electric only lakes so no outboard... I instead went with a 12v 55lb thrust bow mount (worth every penny). Decked it out with 2x4s and plywood, on year 5 now and it’s still in great shape. One thing to be careful of is weight dispersion. I made the mistake of putting most of the (wood) weight towards the front.No real issues there, the boat just sits in the water a little funny. So maybe consider putting some of the storage towards the back/middle. 
 

I think the battery is just a BPS brand 12v battery. It powers my trolling motor and small Lowrance all day on a full charge, and I usually have about 50-60% left when I get home. Keep in mind I’m using the trolling motor to get from spot to spot too.

[padon]

ok theres alot going on here and some questions you need to answer before we can help you. you can go with wood if you want, its easier to work with but its going to be heavy compared to aluminum.all wood isnt created equal you should use marine grade wood or at least pressure treated. id probably try to get a 15 on there if you could swing it. also as others have said you need to be careful with your weight distribution.A 55 pound bow mount should be ok on that size boat on small waters.as catt said you may want to try to find a boat that has extended front and rear decks already, you can always add on to them. i did that with my tracker this winter . had the rear deck extended covered storage compartments aluminum floor and new carpet. that cost me 4k but it looks profesional. i needed the weight savings of of aluminum because i have a unique situation where my lakes are decent size but limited to electric motors and only one boat ramp.(maryland sucks) take your time and think about it so you buy right the first time.

[padon]

there is also a youtube channel called tiny boat nation you may want to check out. he gives alot of tips on doing builds and shows examples.

[Darth-Baiter]

52 minutes ago, padon said:

there is also a youtube channel called tiny boat nation you may want to check out. he gives alot of tips on doing builds and shows examples.

Great videos.  His budget must be astronomical.  I love his final products. 

[skunked_again]

Personally I'd look for 1990's 17' bass boat with working trolling motor and build that. You'll have a bigger selection in the end. The price difference is smaller than you might think.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/127799329152264/?ref=search&referral_code=undefined

[Deephaven]

Lots of killer cheap boats if you look

[NoShoes]

When I did mine, I saw a video of the Top Gun Jonboat on YouTube. He goes through how he built it using Home Depot 2X4 (actual measurement) cedar that he cut down to 2x2’s (1.5x1.5). I used the construction and it was strong as can be and can’t tell you all that much heavier than aluminum. Definitely way cheaper. After sealing the wood with oil based paint it should last at least the lifespan of the boat. 

[E-H]

I did it for my 1542.  I wanted the convenience of having removable pieces.  My nephew is a welder and built the deck frame with aluminum tubes and it’s removable.  I carpeted a metal sheet that lays on top of the frame.   Overall a little heavy but the boat rides great.  He put a piece on the front too to make it even so I can use a bow mount Terrova there.

 

The middle part I use green styrofoam pieces 3 strips to cover the ribs and put a. carpeted plywood piece on top.

 

It looks great and I can set it up easily with just me.  
 

Comfortable too and fishing off the deck is the best being up a little.

 

Overall cost about $350 but would probably be about $600 if my nephew wasn’t involved.  Took him about 3 hours to do I think. 
 

I run 2 55 ah batteries in parallel.  1/2 the weight but the same performance as a 110 ah. Cost was about $200.  Lasts several days on the water without worrying.  Drives 55 lbs of thrust Terrova. 

 

[Mbirdsley]

I traded for my 17ft sea nymph from my grandpa and at this point I have about $7k-8k in it already. That includes electronics and money in the trailer.  Hopefully next time the wife just lets me just take $8000 in a loan and I can get one ready to go. 

[mcipinkie]

The only thing I can add from 21 years of experience;

 

If you are going to build a jon/bass boat, get a 1648 if you can at all afford it.  I built one in 2000 for some of our HP limited lakes in the area.  Front and rear decks, 25 HP Merc, a real one, a 2 stroke, tiller steer.  Full disclosure, I had the Merc from an old boat, so didn't have to buy one.  Went through a handful of cheap trolling motors, now have an 80 Ultrex.  Take a Helix 10 SI off the Skeeter and put on the little boat whenever I use it. I built wooden decks.  If I did it again and could afford it, I'd go with Aluminum.  The 1648 Lowe has a built in live well.  I plumbed with fill and recirc pumps.  We've never lost a fish.

 

I'm a pretty big guy, my partner is even bigger.  We've fished a lot of HP limited tournaments, and some others where they would allow the little boat.  We can put at least 8 rods each in with no trouble.

 

I GPS 26 MPH with just me.

 

I promise you that you will like the 16' better that a 15 if you can swing it.