Ouachita
Well-known member
Hello everyone, I stumbled on this site when I was doing research for my jon boat overhaul. I have been checking in getting ideas and am finally ready to start the project so I thought I would post as I went to get input and advice. This is my boat.
This is a 16 ft. 1971 model jon. The floor beam is 48" and it is a really solid boat. My father-in-law and I spent last night rebucking every rivet on the hull to get everything tightened up. I also had some welding done to fix a crack in the top of the transom and some cracked ribs. I am in the process of bracing the repaired ribs by pop riveting 1" aluminum strips to either side. The setup on this boat is a little weird as the rear bench seat is 3.5 feet from the transom. I have to sit on a tool box step stool in order to run the motor. That has to change.
I am planning on putting a wood on the floors, raising the forward bench 4 " and extending forward 20" for battery storage. Also, I will raise the rear bench 4" and build on either side of the boat from the rear bench to the transom. This will allow me to add a seat on the side to run the motor. The bow has a factory deck that is about 3.5 feet so I don't think I'll add any more large deck area. It just needs to be reinforced to the ribs to hold a pedestal.
I'll be posting updates soon so please give all the input you can. Thanks guys. I really enjoy the site.
This is a 16 ft. 1971 model jon. The floor beam is 48" and it is a really solid boat. My father-in-law and I spent last night rebucking every rivet on the hull to get everything tightened up. I also had some welding done to fix a crack in the top of the transom and some cracked ribs. I am in the process of bracing the repaired ribs by pop riveting 1" aluminum strips to either side. The setup on this boat is a little weird as the rear bench seat is 3.5 feet from the transom. I have to sit on a tool box step stool in order to run the motor. That has to change.
I am planning on putting a wood on the floors, raising the forward bench 4 " and extending forward 20" for battery storage. Also, I will raise the rear bench 4" and build on either side of the boat from the rear bench to the transom. This will allow me to add a seat on the side to run the motor. The bow has a factory deck that is about 3.5 feet so I don't think I'll add any more large deck area. It just needs to be reinforced to the ribs to hold a pedestal.
I'll be posting updates soon so please give all the input you can. Thanks guys. I really enjoy the site.