Super User 00 mod Posted July 11, 2010 Super User Posted July 11, 2010 Im new here, and actually found this site by looking for ideas on how to do this project... I've grown up fishing with my dad, and after not fishing for several years, ok maybe 10, i've decided to get back in it! A couple years ago I ran across this deal on a 1974 Polarkraft 1436 jon boat and trailer for $350...so I jumped on it. Have taken it out a couple times over the last 3 or so years, and it's just hard to fish out of with the bench seats, no casting deck, trolling motor on the transom, and to be honest a little tipsy standing so high on the bench seats. I've decided to remove bench seats, put full decking in bottom and mount bass style seats with pedestals. Oh yea and move the trolling motor to the front. So over the next few weeks I will be adding pictures to this thread and keep everyone up to date on how its going.... Started today with the removal of the bench seats... ***PS- before anyone jumps my case, I will use this boat in smaller ponds (5-35 acres) and electric only reservoirs around the area... I have done research and know that taking the foam seats out can allow the boat to twist under a gas motor, and also the chances of the boat swamping under bad conditions, but as I have stated this boat will see neither of those conditions...*** Quote
Super User 00 mod Posted July 11, 2010 Author Super User Posted July 11, 2010 she wont look like this for long... and after day 1!! Quote
Super User Grey Wolf Posted July 11, 2010 Super User Posted July 11, 2010 Live and learn but be safe. Quote
Super User 00 mod Posted July 11, 2010 Author Super User Posted July 11, 2010 Live and learn? Am I doing something wrong? This is my first ever build.....if I am messing up please do tell! Jeff Quote
Super User 00 mod Posted July 11, 2010 Author Super User Posted July 11, 2010 Sub flooring in and wired... Floor/walls roughed in before removal and carpet.... Quote
Super User Grey Wolf Posted July 11, 2010 Super User Posted July 11, 2010 Live and learn? Am I doing something wrong? This is my first ever build.....if I am messing up please do tell!Jeff No you're not messing up , all I meant was that life is a constant learning adventure as you go through it. Believe me you will learn something from your venture. Quote
Super User 00 mod Posted July 11, 2010 Author Super User Posted July 11, 2010 oh ok...wow, I thought I had made a terminal error already and you knew something I didn't....Good to know! I'm sure I won't like something about it once i'm finished, but hey, I can always change it! Jeff Quote
Super User Grey Wolf Posted July 11, 2010 Super User Posted July 11, 2010 oh ok...wow, I thought I had made a terminal error already and you knew something I didn't....Good to know! I'm sure I won't like something about it once i'm finished, but hey, I can always change it!Jeff That's what I was talking about. Quote
mark nowak Posted July 12, 2010 Posted July 12, 2010 Before I made mods to my boat, I spent a lot of time on this site and tinboats.net. Both very good sites and a lot of very smart people to answer any questions you might have. Quote
Super User SoFlaBassAddict Posted July 12, 2010 Super User Posted July 12, 2010 Make sure you try hard to remember to install everything you need before carpeting. Theres nothing worse than having to cut a hole in the carpet to install something new. It can be done, but it's far easier to do it all first. Just take your time and think about everything you may want to put in the boat. Make a checklist and start going down it. Quote
Super User Nitrofreak Posted July 12, 2010 Super User Posted July 12, 2010 Looking pretty good can't wait for more pics!!! Quote
GLADES Posted July 13, 2010 Posted July 13, 2010 I would advise trying to keep any additional weight to a minimum. Also, do you plan on installing some additional support to replace the side to side support the bench seats provided? Just my .02 Quote
Super User 00 mod Posted July 17, 2010 Author Super User Posted July 17, 2010 OK first to answer questions... I wasn't planning on installing any additional support as there are ribs 16'' from front to back and I didn't think I needed any? Do I? Wouldn't additional weight make the slim bottomed boat more stable? Now for a question of my own.....??? Does having an engine on the rear help to control drift on windy days and does it act like a rudder to keep the boat straight when using the trolling motor? Jeff Quote
Super User 00 mod Posted July 17, 2010 Author Super User Posted July 17, 2010 And now for updated pics..... Carpeted all of the mocked up sides and floors... Sanded and prepped underside and sides for paint.... And then rolled on the cheapo bed-liner stuff for DIY'ers! Figured that would solve any problem I might run into with leaky rivets that I was unaware of and also help to deaden some sound from the flooring of the boat! Next up is to finish paint on the outside, install flooring and sides to the inside, mount seat pedestals, trolling motor switches, fish finder, and cup holders! Then make a trolling motor mount, attach it, and off to the lake! Jeff Quote
Super User SoFlaBassAddict Posted July 17, 2010 Super User Posted July 17, 2010 You know, seeing this thread is giving me the itch to build another Jon....Maybe I should start with doing a few small things to the one I've already got though.... Quote
Super User 00 mod Posted July 18, 2010 Author Super User Posted July 18, 2010 So today I finished the paint work, installed the carpeted flooring/sidewalls, installed hinges on storage areas, and put seat pedestal mounts in....... Quote
northern basser Posted July 18, 2010 Posted July 18, 2010 Wow, I really like the way your boat turned out! I'm looking to buy a 14' alumacraft jon from my buddy and fix it up. I've been watching the boating forum lately for ideas. Do you have any idea how much weight you added? Also, I was curious to see if taking out the benches really matters all that much. Boats this size aren't normally rated for too high a hp anyway. Make sure and give us an update after you hit the water. Quote
helms83 Posted July 18, 2010 Posted July 18, 2010 Your boat is coming out nicely! Very impressed with your handy work. I too was curious about the added weight: what is the rated weight capcity for an aluminum boat; how much will you be adding? What size motor do you have? What is your plan for a front mounted trolling motor? If you don't mind me asking, how much have you put into it? Quote
Super User SoFlaBassAddict Posted July 18, 2010 Super User Posted July 18, 2010 Lookin good so far. Quote
Andy Taylor Posted July 18, 2010 Posted July 18, 2010 Looks great. Why did you decide to incline the front, instead of a casting/flat deck with storage underneath? Quote
Super User 00 mod Posted July 19, 2010 Author Super User Posted July 19, 2010 Thanks for all of the comments... I decided to angle the front and make storage under there instead of a casting deck because of the narrow bottom of the boat! At just 36'' i want to be safe first and foremost! I'm not sure how much added weight but the boat is rated for 4 persons so I would assume 2 people and the added weight wouldn't be too much! The only motor I have is a 9.9 which I am not going to use on this boat(for now)! Just a 45lb thrust trolling motor! I haven't exactly figured out the front mount trolling motor just yet, still searching pictures of everyone else's boats, but stay tuned! I hope to figure something out tonight and tomorrow! I have a running total of receipts but I have sworn to myself not to add them up until the first day I hit the water! So sometime this week I will post exact total of the build! Jeff Quote
erau618 Posted July 19, 2010 Posted July 19, 2010 I wouldn't be afraid to put a motor on your boat. I have a 16' X 36" jon boat with a 9.9 on the back and it has a front deck. I didn't remove the seats, but I have never fallen in. It does get a little shakey at times, but it's not as bad as everyone says it is. nice looking mod btw Quote
Super User 00 mod Posted July 20, 2010 Author Super User Posted July 20, 2010 OK, I couldn't help myself and went ahead and added up the receipts! I have everything to finish the accessories including trolling motor, fish finder, rod holders, battery, battery box, seat poles, finger pulls for compartments ect.... The grand total I have in my boat is $1249.02 That includes $100 boat, $250 trailer, $110 battery, $140 troll motor and $85 fish finder...so subtract those and the total cost of redoing the boat has cost $564.02 Hope this helps anyone wanting to do their own, and I will post more pictures once everything is mounted! Planning on taking my maiden voyage Thurs afternoon! Will post results! Jeff Quote
helms83 Posted July 25, 2010 Posted July 25, 2010 Mod, you're killing me, lol. I've been waiting to hear about your first trip out on her! Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.