Jon Boat needs ribs replaced

[NHFisher]

I picked up an old 10ft jon boat for cheap. Two of the ribs need to be replaced. Is there any reason replacing the ribs with metal or even PVC conduit would not work. I know I could buy some aluminum sheet, cut and bent to shape but I would rather just cut the conduit and use it. Again any reason it would not work.

Thanks.

[TopDog]

how about ripping them out and just putting in a carpeted plywood drop in floor? 

Will not add much weight, easily be removed, easier on your feet.

Those ribs don't look like they offer much of any support anyway.

Just an idea............

[NHFisher]

No, They didn't give much support. Looks like they broke from someone standing in the boat on land. I was planning on adding a drop in floor and since the holes are there for the ribs I was going to put the conduit in and put the floor on top. securing the conduit to where the rib were would help keep the floor from sliding around. Or that was at least my thoughts.

Could I get away with pulling out the ribs and putting one long piece of sealed and coated plywood attached directly to the floor of the boat? Leave some space open at the transom for draining and make it removeable if I need to let it dry out. Would the floor alone be all the support I would need?

[hogrustler]

Does it leak?

I would take them out and not worry about trying to replace them with anything. Ten foot boats are light weight anyway just use it accordingly and you will be fine.

Replace the rivets with small stainless screws in the holes along with a dab of marine silicone.

Also avoid using any wood if possible except on the bench for mounting seat pedestal.

I have used wood several times in my ten and twelve footers through the years and it adds more weight than you think. Every pound counts in a boat that small.

I install boat carpet directly to the bottom of the boat to quieten it up, that's it. Make sure you use good quality spray adhesive though and avoid the cheap stuff.

I have a friend who coated his with truck bed liner and it did not turn out to bad. Didn't add to much weight either. Prep is the key to doing that right though or you will have a mess.

[NHFisher]

Does it leak?

It holds water but there is a 3in rip in the front that is epoxied and does not leak but the epoxy is starting to crumble so I'm going to clean and patch that spot.

[Fishing Rhino]

Go to Home Depot or Lowes.

They used to sell aluminum angle iron or aluminum square tubing.  Either one should work.

I say used to because I don't know if they still do.  Been a few years since I used that stuff.

They had it in several sizes and thicknesses.  Came in eight foot lengths.

[SoFlaBassAddict]

Both Lowes and Home Depot down by me still stock aluminum angle and box framing aluminum. Four or eight foot lengths. Like Rhino said, they carry it in several different gauges.  It is fairly pricey when you get it through the major stores.  You may find it cheaper at a smaller locally owned place.

[surfer]

If you add in a plywood floor yes that will add more than enough strength to replace the ribs.

If you are not getting on plane with the 10 ft jon then it will be fine without the ribs.

[NHFisher]

If you add in a plywood floor yes that will add more than enough strength to replace the ribs.

Removed the 4 ribs and I'm going to put down 1 piece of 1/2 inch sealed plywood directly to the bottom of the boat that can be remove as needed. With the plywood resting on the bottom of the boat and not on the ribs do you think I could get away with 1/4in plywood? I don't think I have to worry about the plywood flexing like it would if it was resting on the ribs.

If you are not getting on plane with the 10 ft jon then it will be fine without the ribs.

Using a 30lb trolling motor and only fishing small lakes. I don't think I have to worry about getting on plane.

[hogrustler]

1/2" or 1/4" would be OK depending on how you use the boat. I did see the transom in pictures I didn't think you would be using anything bigger than a trolling motor, planing out is no concern. Also, the ribs stopped at the sides without turning up supporting only the bottom for flex. Use the 1/2" if you will be standing up at all.   

[SoFlaBassAddict]

1/4" will flex.  Use at least 1/2".  Buy non PT wood and treat the snot out of it with something like Thompson's.