10 Foot Jon Boat

[1Littleboat]

I have just because the owner of an old 10? foot Flat Bottom Jon Boat that is in the need of some repairs. The first repair that I will undertake is to replace the bottom ribs and re-rivet them; I need a find a vender to buy the ribs for my boat and I have been looking on a number web sites but have not located a vender as of today.
If anyone knows of a vender I would appreciate the help.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 10 Foot Jon Boat

Hi 1Littleboat. Welcome to iboats. Here's a a link to an online rivet retailer, but if you only need a few dozen, or less you might be able to find them at a local hardware store. Most guys here have good luck with blind end pop rivets. Some folks even dip them in 3M 5200, or epoxy. Good luck. Holler if you get stuck.


http://www.rivetsonline.com/

 

[ceejkay]

Re: 10 Foot Jon Boat

welcome to iBoats i restored a john boat years ago before i found this site.. Granted mine was a 12" but make the boat how you want it, these are some of the most forgiving when it comes to building the inside, just keep weight a factor

 

[1Littleboat]

Re: 10 Foot Jon Boat

Thank you for the information, I have found more damage on the transom in the form of small tears on the top, this repair will need to be welded because it's a welded transom.
I have not located a vender of Aluminum ribs for the project so if anyone knows of a site I can locate them please tell me know. Can I use a flat 1/4 inch x 3 inch wide Aluminum bar to make the repair?


Thank you all.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 10 Foot Jon Boat

Welding is great, if the aluminum is thick enough, otherwise you might have to use a patch and/or will in any holes with an epoxy such as JB weld. The ribs can be made out of angle and flat stock aluminum which you can get at lowes/HD in various sizes and attach to the ribs using either aluminum pop rivets and/or stainless steel sheet meta screws. Here's a pic that may help.

 

[1Littleboat]

Re: 10 Foot Jon Boat

I met with a welder today and he is able to make the repairs to the transom and repair the small hole on the water line. I asked the welder if he could weld ?? x 3" aluminum flat bar and ?? triangle together to form the bottom ribs and he said that he could do it and it was a good idea and it would be stronger than when it was new.
I guess great minds think the same, I think your suggestion will work great and now I have something to go by. The next task is to find marine foam for under the seats and find some ?" x 3? aluminum bolts and washers to replace old hardware.