The Beginings of a Jon Boat Conversion

[shadeofgrey1031]

Hello all i just bought a 10ft jon boat mainly inspired by the jon boat conversions i saw on this site. I'm guessing my starting point is going to be removing the paint since its peeling pretty badly. So any advice on what type of remover primer and paint to use would be greatly appreciated, thank you and good fishing

[TopDog]

What are you planning on doing to the boat besides paint?

[shadeofgrey1031]

I'm planning on decking the front adding some storage compartments adding  trolling motor and fish finder, and maybe adding some storage area in the back

[TopDog]

A 10 footer is too small for all that in my opinion. You risk going over the weight capacity of the boat and the boat will be too tipsy with a deck.

Just be careful.

[done]

A 10 footer is too small for all that in my opinion. You risk going over the weight capacity of the boat and the boat will be too tipsy with a deck.

Just be careful.

Definitely. I would make the entire superstructure out of Aluminum. It will help you out with the weight. On my 14 ft, I decked it and due to the lightweight superstructure was able to do it and add only 25-30 lbs to the boat.

[shadeofgrey1031]

Here's some pics anymore advice and tips from anyone whose already traveled down this road before will be greatly appreciated

[TopDog]

If I was in your shoes, I would use it for however long you want and then sell it to fund the purchase of a 12-14 footer.  It is just too small to have anything done to it when you consider a couple of people, supplies, and a battery and motor.

Good luck with whatever you do!

[dmac14]

I wouldn't think it would need to have a casting deck. JMO. The sides are rather shallow and adding a deck would just add weight and decrease the stability greatly. I think you would be better off waiting a bit till you get a bigger size boat. But in the meantime you can still the trolling motor and fish finder along with some storage compartments in the rear.

[J Francho]

Ditch the seats, carpet the floor and benches, add some rod holders, install your TM and graph, and fish like crazy!

[scronny101]

I would agree that a 10 footer is to small to deck, I have learned this from experience. I even tried a 12 footer and it was way to unstable. I would recommend a floor.

[Grey Wolf]

Like every one is saying , it's too small to deck  , if you want to do that , you should get at least a 1448.

[ArcticCat500]

A 10ftr can do alot of things but, but dont go over board with her.  I know first hand of the conversion.  I did a 10 last year and it's a great lil boat, but its just that "a little boat".

It's perfect for what I use her for but she's heavy to load in and out of truck, and the 55lb motor lost some oomph with the added weight.

Take a look in here theres alot tips

http://www.tinboats.net/forum/viewforum.php?f=13&start=75

and heres mine.

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1222436470/2#2

[shadeofgrey1031]

thank you for the link. I know it can be done, i was inspired by another user in this forum who converted a 10ft and said it was stable for both him and his father who were both 200 plus, myself being 170 and more likely being the only one who will be on the boat at a given time feel confident I can do by using light strong material and making good use of design and space.

[endless]

A 10ftr can do alot of things but, but dont go over board with her. I know first hand of the conversion. I did a 10 last year and it's a great lil boat, but its just that "a little boat".

It's perfect for what I use her for but she's heavy to load in and out of truck, and the 55lb motor lost some oomph with the added weight.

Take a look in here theres alot tips

http://www.tinboats.net/forum/viewforum.php?f=13&start=75

and heres mine.

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1222436470/2#2

artic  i sent you a pm. just curious on how much everything cost you for set up .cause im interested in your set up, i want to do it to my 11 footer. the one in the avatar. thanks. i love that storage department

[Sharkbite]

thank you for the link. I know it can be done, i was inspired by another user in this forum who converted a 10ft and said it was stable for both him and his father who were both 200 plus, myself being 170 and more likely being the only one who will be on the boat at a given time feel confident I can do by using light strong material and making good use of design and space.

Dude check your capacity plate. It should say how many people allowed, How much weight per person, and max weight allowed in the vessle. Then think of all the weight that will be in the boat you, Tackel, Rods, Battery, Motor, Seats. Then ask yourself if you really think its safe to add the weight and how much would be safe to add.

I have a 12' jon and the only thing I would consider is installing a floor for carpet. There really is no need for a deck either you can stand up if you need to see down. a deck will also make the vessel top heavy too. What is your beam width? For me I wouldn't put a deck on anything less the 40''.

The artic cat helped me with my rig and he does nice work here is mine below

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

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1223478703/90

[Fishing Rhino]

Have you had the boat on the water, and tried standing in it.

If not, do that before you undertake the labor and costs involved in a conversion project.

If you cannot stand and fish comfortably, standing on the bottom of the boat, you certainly will not be able to when you raise the level at which you stand.

Always keep in mind, what may be comfortable on a calm surface, can be dangerous in sloppy conditions.  Any jon boat conversion will raise the center of gravity, making them less stable.

Just know before hand that what you have now will be as good as it gets regarding stability and safety, unless you add outriggers, which will get in the way of fishing.

[Sharkbite]

Have you had the boat on the water, and tried standing in it.

If not, do that before you undertake the labor and costs involved in a conversion project.

If you cannot stand and fish comfortably, standing on the bottom of the boat, you certainly will not be able to when you raise the level at which you stand.

Always keep in mind, what may be comfortable on a calm surface, can be dangerous in sloppy conditions. Any jon boat conversion will raise the center of gravity, making them less stable.

Just know before hand that what you have now will be as good as it gets regarding stability and safety, unless you add outriggers, which will get in the way of fishing.

Yes X 2

[ArcticCat500]

shadeofgrey1031

theres alot of great advice here suggesting what you can and cant do to a 10ftr and I know this all first hand. A 10ftr is a nice craft to get you into fish, but has its limits.

Seriously check the plate and boats capacity like stated, that motor and battery is going to add close to 100lbs right there, toss in you and a buddy at 150 to 175 and your in the 400 range.

If I was going to do it over, I wouldnt do it to a 10ftr. jus my .02cents.