can I build a deck for my narrow jon boat?

[pixelpusher40]

Hey everyone,

I want to put a small deck at the bow of my boat to serve as a casting platform, trolling motor mount area, and a seat. I own a 14' flat bottom but the beam is relatively narrow; 46 inches at the widest, around 32 in at the bottom.

I have a 7 1/2 hp outboard in the back, and the deck will be as simple as possible... but I would like the seat fairly high.

My question: is a 46 in beam too narrow and unstable to install a pedistal seat?

I'm wondering if anyone out there has modified their 14ft 46-48in beam jon boat that could give me some advice. All the mods I've seen online are for wide beams (57in and up).

Thanks for ANY help!

 

[erikgreen]

Re: can I build a deck for my narrow jon boat?

Easy test: In shallow water, with a lifejacket on and someone watching you, stand up in the boat and then stand in the front with one foot on each gunwale, and lean to either side, testing both slow and quick movement.

See how much the boat tips when your weight is that high off its bottom, and keep in mind that there'll be more weight than that there when you have a casting deck on.

Erik

 

[fishrdan]

Re: can I build a deck for my narrow jon boat?

Putting a high deck (the 48" part) on the jon will be pretty unstable, one bad step at the edge of the deck could send you in the drink. If you put a low deck (the 32" part) it won't be too bad. I heavily modded my 14'-36" jon boat, installing front and rear decks and other things. I feel comfortable stand-up casting from the middle section, but the front section feels squirrely since it narrows down. But,,, stand-up casting from a narrow jon isn't for everyone as you need good balance and quick reflexes.

Erik is dead on about the pedestal seat, try it out before modifying the boat. I wouldn't go much higher than the current bench seats for good stability. When I got my jon I took the bare hull to the lake and tested it out with things in different positions (seats, batteries, gas tank, etc, etc) to find out where everything needed to be located for proper balance of the boat. After spending a few weeks modifying the boat it turned out just as I wanted, good stability and balanced very well.

I've been meaning to post a thread on the mods I made, gotta go take some pictures I guess...

 

[pixelpusher40]

Re: can I build a deck for my narrow jon boat?

great idea erik... think i'll take it out this weekend in shallow water. I have noticed, though, that my boat seems more stable with my engine on and other weight in the boat.

I bet the best route will be to just place the seat at the bottom deck as fishrdan suggested, lower center of gravity and all... and just build a smaller deck just for my trolling motor.

Again, thanks for the help.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: can I build a deck for my narrow jon boat?

you will never catch me up there.

 

[KillerBeeZ]

First, I apologize for resurrecting this post... I know it is old lol. I found it in a google search

I too have a 14 foot Jon boat with a 48in beam. I too would like to add a deck, but I'm well aware of the stability issues with such a skinny boat.

So I had an idea I'd like to run by you experts.

What if I added pontoons to the side that retract up for transport? I realize it will slow the boat down... that is ok, I'm a fisherman not a racer lol

I drew a sketch, please forgive my horrid artistry, I'm much better with a pole than a pen

.

 

[fishin98]

Word of advice....DON'T DO IT!......IT AIN'T WORTH IT!

 

[GA_Boater]

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