1975 15' Jon Boat Project

[WIGoldenEye]

I picked up a 15 ft jon boat that has been in the family since it was bought new in 1975. The name plate is gone and the DNR has the make listed as 'FISH' online. It does have removable and sliding bench seats. I'm not too sure what it really is and those who bought it new aren't around anymore.

It has been sitting outside for a number of years and needs a bit of work. I also got a 1983 Mercury 9.8 that was bought new and has less than to two tanks of gas through it. The motor was stored in a house and is in great shape! I plan on having a pretty open layout as the boat will mainly be used for duck hunting, but I want to use it for lake and river fishing in the summer. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please let me know. Here are some pictures from when I brought it home.

 

[WIGoldenEye]

I have the trailer almost done. The frame was wire brushed and grinded down and then painted. I put on a new lights and wiring, jack, winch, rollers, carpet bunks, carpeted bow stop, rims, tires, bearings and breading buddies.

 

[Pweisbrod]

Looks great. Nice work. I love goldeneyes. I will be following! Do you layout hunt?

 

[WIGoldenEye]

I am planning to layout hunt this year. A couple of guys that hunt near us do an it looks awesome. Right now I hunt from the beach over long lines on the Mississippi. Where about do you layout hunt?

 

[Pweisbrod]

I'm Minnesota, no layout hunting here, I do usually buy Wisconsin licensure too, so I might give it a shot sometime. I've got a boat big enough to haul a layout now anyway.

I long line as well,I hunt out of the weeds from my boat usually, sometimes I hunt puddles and I will use a marsh seat then with single weight dekes.

 

[WIGoldenEye]

I was able to get the trailer finished and the outside of the boat painted this weekend. I took it out on the lake today to make sure there were no leaks. I didn't have a drop in the boat. I will add pictures soon. If I plan on fishing the whole inside, is it worth painting under the floor and decks?