First Jon Boat - Budget Conversion

weaselbob74 · Post by **weaselbob74** » 10 Nov 2009, 00:44

Hi. I'm a new member, just bought my first Jon Boat (Well me and my buddy went in on it, for a fun project). I have had jet ski's, but never a boat.

I have been following this site for a little while and picking up some ideas for our mod.

We bought a beat up Sears Gamefisher 1436, with a 36 Lb Trolling, and a 9.9hp Johnson. It came with a trailer, I believe it is a tilt trailer.

njTom · Post by **njTom** » 10 Nov 2009, 08:57

Welcome to the site!
That boat looks like it will be a fun project for you and your buddy. Make sure to post lots of pics.

weaselbob74 · Post by **weaselbob74** » 10 Nov 2009, 11:41

We just started working on it this past weekend. We spent some time planning it out. And we started sanding and Priming and Painting. I will post some pictures.

We decided to build a deck on the front, with a seat. And three storage compartments. 1 for our tackle boxes and such, one for 2 batteries, and a Livewell. In the back we are going to build a small deck to cover up the area between the transom and the rear seat. That is going to house our Gas tank, paddles, and Life Jackets. And in the center we are going to build a floor right on the ribs with most likely 5/8 plywood. I bought a welder since we have a few minor repair to do, but I think we are still going to stick with wood, over aluminum.

danmyersmn · Post by **danmyersmn** » 10 Nov 2009, 12:02

Possibly turn your livewell and battery compartments 90*. Otherwise when your running with an empty livewell you will be heavy on one side.

weaselbob74 · Post by **weaselbob74** » 10 Nov 2009, 14:07

danmyersmn wrote:Possibly turn your livewell and battery compartments 90*. Otherwise when your running with an empty livewell you will be heavy on one side.

I completely agree. We had planned them to go the other way, but we didn't have enough room. But I think your right, we have to figure out a better place for that.

weaselbob74 · Post by **weaselbob74** » 11 Nov 2009, 16:44

We took out the center seat to allow more lower floor space. Hopefully this will lower the center of gravity.

huntinfool · Post by **huntinfool** » 11 Nov 2009, 16:48

Looking good keep 'em coming.

weaselbob74 · Post by **weaselbob74** » 11 Nov 2009, 17:05

huntinfool wrote:Looking good keep 'em coming.

Thanks. Now I just need to add 18" to my width

danmyersmn · Post by **danmyersmn** » 11 Nov 2009, 19:17

oh no problem, we have a build like that already. Just do what he did.

weaselbob74 · Post by **weaselbob74** » 11 Nov 2009, 21:41

We sanded and primed the boat.

We added a red stripe.

I added the fiberglass the external transom board (don't know exactly what its called).

lckstckn2smknbrls · Post by **lckstckn2smknbrls** » 11 Nov 2009, 22:08

Are you going to have it on the water this year?

weaselbob74 · Post by **weaselbob74** » 11 Nov 2009, 22:35

No I don't think I'm going to have it done by then. I wish I did. right now I'm at a stand still because I'm waiting for my welder to come in for eBay. There are three cracks on the top part. And a couple holes to fill before I can paint the top section.

weaselbob74 · Post by **weaselbob74** » 22 Nov 2009, 23:16

Here are some pictures of painting the bottom and the motor cover.

jigster60 · Post by **jigster60** » 09 Jan 2010, 23:35

Welcome aboard guys.....JIGGY,,,That is gonna be Sweet when ya getter done......

weaselbob74 · Post by **weaselbob74** » 11 Jan 2010, 11:09

jigster60 wrote:Welcome aboard guys.....JIGGY

Thanks Jiggy.