12' Flat-Bottomed upgrade

[Owningraptorf22]

Starting off, a new guy here and new to tin boating in general. I picked up a 12' flat-bottomed boat a couple of years ago and its just been sitting in the backyard since I took it out for testing. During that testing my brother and I, bigger guys around 250lbs, could slightly move around but we nearly capsized the thing. I've been looking into making my own flotation/stabilizing mount for it. I've considered making outriggers, but not sure if I want to deal with the hassled of trying to over-engineer the adjustable mounts I was considering. As I progress I'll be making updates as to where I'm going with the project. First question on here, what do yall recommend for bonding foam to an aluminum hull? Also its gonna be a minute before I can work on the boat as I'm waiting on parts to fix my trailer.

 

[airshot]

For two big boys like you folks, I would seriously consider a bigger boat !! Even a bigger 12' boat...being wider, deeper they will handle the extra weight much better... By the time you get done messing around with the one you have, you could have bought a bigger boat...

 

[Owningraptorf22]

For two big boys like you folks, I would seriously consider a bigger boat !! Even a bigger 12' boat...being wider, deeper they will handle the extra weight much better... By the time you get done messing around with the one you have, you could have bought a bigger boat...

I have been told that before, my problem is in our area jon boats are going for stupid money. A used 1448 was going for 5K and it was pretty beat up. New ones are cheaper, but I'm working with what I've got until I can get me a nice tracker but thats more than a few years down the road. So I'm looking to make due with what I've got. Including the trailer and trolling motor, Im's still under 500. If I can keep the overall setup under 1k I'll be happy to put around the edges of our local sakes. Shore fishing is such a pain with the growth that's everywhere and the fishing docks are few and far between. Gameplan is to make this a fun cheap ride for the short term until I can get my choice on boats. Appreciate the reply though

 

[Crazyboat]

500 pounds of men plus gear, pushing against that much water is going to take a lot of engine to get up and go. On top of that it's really not safe. My life and well being is worth finding a boat suitable for the 2 of you.

 

[Al U Minium]

Look into two part expanding foam used for setting fence posts

Look at what is done with Rubber Inflatable Hulls, the bottom of them can be a hard bottom with the inflated tubes providing floatation

If it has a blunt bow and stern, consider placing the floation at the ends. You could build a float the boat rides on top of

Make a scale model boat about 1 or 2 feet long, use it to try your ideas regarding floatation

If you try and idea on the model, price the materials you need for the full size

May as well make scale models of the occupants too

Think outside the box and experiment

 

[pathunter]

I have been told that before, my problem is in our area jon boats are going for stupid money. A used 1448 was going for 5K and it was pretty beat up. New ones are cheaper, but I'm working with what I've got until I can get me a nice tracker but thats more than a few years down the road. So I'm looking to make due with what I've got. Including the trailer and trolling motor, Im's still under 500. If I can keep the overall setup under 1k I'll be happy to put around the edges of our local sakes. Shore fishing is such a pain with the growth that's everywhere and the fishing docks are few and far between. Gameplan is to make this a fun cheap ride for the short term until I can get my choice on boats. Appreciate the reply though

Buy a bigger boat. That 12 foot will only take a 7.5HP motor. Once you have the bigger boat you can upgrade the HP., add a steering console, etc. With two 250# guys, don't go less than a wide 16 foot. Those you can get used for $5,000 or $6,000. Don't buy anything older than a 2000. But you probably don't need a decked out grizzly.

 

[LaqueRatt]

Have you considered helium balloons?

 

[Tinhead1986]

Reading these forums has me a little worried i just bought a new G3 10ft wider then the alumacraft version . At 290 lbs alittle worried it might flip on me

 

[drxfish]

I had a 1236 jon for 22 years. I am not a big guy (5'8" and 170-180) and I had guys up to maybe 225 on the boat with me. I had a 9.9 2 stroke Merc and battery and always too much gear. You have to be very careful and the guy on front cannot stand without risk of falling. as far as flipping, the motor and battery weight kept that from happening. Not an ideal set up for comfort or ease, but you can force anything if you are stubborn and careful. It was perfect for me solo though to get into many places.

 

[airshot]

I have a 1232 jon and it is tippy, so care must be used!! Have had two, 200 lb adults and a 2.2 hp motor with no issues, but...care must be used at all times !!

 

[Sinkingfast]

Had a 1232 for years with a evinrude 15 on it...I installed 2 14' x 4" foam core pvc pontoons just under splash rail..no tippy any more...

Alone in boat with 11" pitch prop just touches 30mph according to my neighbors ski boat..fab'ed a wheel and throttle..removed tiller. Motor won't turn the 11p with any more weight in boat though..

 

[thill]

That boat is going to be tippy. You can make it work, but if a 2nd person is on board, they have to get with the program. It's kind of like being in a canoe, you have to work together.

That being the case, I recommend that you scan Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace DAILY. Boat prices have taken a serious dive lately. I buy and sell boats often. I've found some good ones for myself and friends recently. Very good ones. Keep your eyes open and try to enjoy the one you currently have in the meantime.

 

[Owningraptorf22]

This is just some photos of my start point. Transom and all wiring were removed for being water logged and corroded. The previous owner did a terrible job with epoxy and fiberglass. I ground through all the bad fiberglass and found the crack near the transom. After cleaning, vigorous applications of original JB weld were used to seal leaky rivets, the crack, and a pin hole around the mid point. Lots of work done and more posts to follow with pictures, not sure many I can put in a post at once.

 

[Owningraptorf22]

I used white marine JB weld to fill in some larger gaps and dents after i put a layer of primer on to help see the overall texture. I made a new transom board and sealed it in epoxy, then came to the conclusion I had to drill out the rivets for the transom support.... terrifying but had to be done with the old rotted one ripped out. Eventually I got around to sealing the entire bottom in epoxy to ensure there would be no leaks. The new transom board and support were installed after much swearing with stainless steal bolts, washers, and lock nuts. For added security and water sealing, all bolts washers and empty spaces were filled/coated in 3M 5200 marine adhesive.

 

[Owningraptorf22]

My little jon has gotten a fresh coat of black paint on the bottom, soon to be a second or third coat, and progressing nicely. My job has slowed down the work I can do but I'm considering my options. I am leaning towards the Kapten Collar style stabilizer to... we'll stabilize, and add a bit of extra weight capacity. Before moving on the stabilizer, I'm gonna run her down to the lake and get a test on the water.

 

[Wayne Roberts]

A really great job!! You have brought it back to life again!! Awesome work!!

 

[thill]

Now that you have her cleaned up. definitely lake test her for a few trips. After you get used to the boat, you might like it just fine.

Good job!