putting a deck on a jon boat-anyone done it?

[Bowfin]

I'd like to put a small deck on my 14ft jon boat from the middle seat to the bow,<br />bolting it to the existing seats and possibly the sides of the boat for some <br />increased structural integrity.Possibly build a short railing for extra stability<br /> (me, not the boat). Anyone ever do this? What material is best? 3/4 plywood painted?<br />I would like to make a door for underdeck storage and maybe drop in a livewell or tank.<br />any good websites to recommend for doing this.i want to make sure it won't compromise<br />the stability of the boat.<br /><br />Bowfin

 

[CTD]

Re: putting a deck on a jon boat-anyone done it?

Haven't done it but I would say to just put a piece of plywood down next time your out and walk around on it to try the idea out. Seems like a small boat like that would be a little unstable while standing up in it.

 

[Bowfin]

Re: putting a deck on a jon boat-anyone done it?

I have stood on the floor of the Jon when poling in shallow water and casting. I may have to try it and see how tippy it is with the raised center of gravity with the deck. I'm hoping someone has tried it to give me some advice on whether it is worthwhile.<br /><br />Bowfin

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: putting a deck on a jon boat-anyone done it?

The Hydrilla Gorilla is a jon boat project I keep seeing pop up. A little more than you're considering, but shows some possibilities...

 

[lfbras0]

Re: putting a deck on a jon boat-anyone done it?

Here are some links I've collected for my site boatproject.com. These all have construction pictures of jon boats which have decks added to them. <br /><br /> http://www.angelfire.com/tx5/legacy78681/index.html <br /><br /> http://users.mo-net.com/robertg/boat.htm <br /><br /> http://www.bassresource.com/features/bass_boat.html <br /><br /> http://www.secretweaponlures.com/odf/odfsite.html <br /><br /> http://www.debevans.com/mike.htm <br /><br /> http://www.geocities.com/briansboatproject/myboatproject.html <br /><br /> http://www.fishooked.0catch.com/boatproj.htm <br /><br />I would also suggest looking at the aluminum boat and repair message board - http://www.pagebiz.com/bds/aluminum/repair.html

 

[snapperbait]

Re: putting a deck on a jon boat-anyone done it?

Lotsa good stuff on those links.... Wish I had a better pic of my old boat....<br />

<br /><br />I want another jon boat..... These dang big boats are just too "high maintenance"... <br /><br />That ol' boat was fast, fun, and cheap to keep...

 

[Kenneth Brown]

Re: putting a deck on a jon boat-anyone done it?

I have a 14' Jon that I fish with. It has a deck, but not as big as you are talking about. We originally put it on to be able to use a BIG bow mount trolling motor. That thing is now long gone. Its still used though. We use it to sit on now. It starts at the front of the boat and goes back 4'. I used regular 3/4plywood(couldn't afford marine) with a sealer. I then covered it with the outdoor carpet, turf type. I used galvenized screws to hold it down to the top edge of the boat. Its worked great for about 3 years now, and it helps to steady my older boat, keeps some of the flex out of it.

 

[Bowfin]

Re: putting a deck on a jon boat-anyone done it?

Thanks for the websites. They have been a great help. i have a good idea of what I want to do now. i went to Lowe's last night and could not find any marine grade plywood. All they had was treated and sheeting for roofs and floors. where do I get the marine plywood from?<br /><br />Brian

 

[vegard]

Re: putting a deck on a jon boat-anyone done it?

Marine plywood is sort of a specialty...<br />Im gonna warn you, its expensive, over $50 per sheet...<br />ANyway, if you still want it, just call around to the lumber yards. I got mine at fisher lumber (in rockville, MD, but I think theyre a chain). Also furniture builders might be able to help you get some. <br />For a john boat though, I would just use some nice home depot/lowes plywood and coat it really well.

 

[Bowfin]

Re: putting a deck on a jon boat-anyone done it?

just swung by the local boatyard and skeeter has some jon boats that were decked out with sheet aluminum. pretty thin, but felt pretty solid. They used a thicker guage to deck the front of the boat for a casting deck. The floor was screwed with stainless screws and the deck was welded aluminum with a no slip paint. I'll have to see where I can pick up some sheet aluminum and how to cut it.<br /><br />Bowfin

 

[MichaelMullis]

Re: putting a deck on a jon boat-anyone done it?

Bowfin, I put a deck on my Duracraft 15'. used 1/2" treated plywood and put 3 coats of oil base psint to seal. Deck is 4' long by 42" wide. I used hinges to mount front so entire deck can be lifted and to provide storage. Its strong enough to stand on while using cast net with no problems. I have used the same deck for 4 years now with no signs on water damage or rot.<br />Good luck with project

 

[susky river runner]

Re: putting a deck on a jon boat-anyone done it?

tin boats . net is a good site gave me some good ideas. I just used 3/4 plywood and coated w/ a seal and covered w/ some gray indoor/outdoor carpet. I also took some 2x4's to use for stability. I just self tapping screws them to the ribs of the boat and laid the plywood on it so it would set flush.I used a long stainless hinge to open and close the extended deck. Works well and is nice to cast off of.

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: putting a deck on a jon boat-anyone done it?

I know a fella who bought a little jon boat that had a deck installed.. First time out they turned it over and had to swim using a cooler.. Be careful

 

[Cadwelder]

Re: putting a deck on a jon boat-anyone done it?

Isn't this thread a bit old to be replying too? 7 years??

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: putting a deck on a jon boat-anyone done it?

yeah I would say so.. was at the top of the page so I gave my .02, but you are correct