Pulled the trigger on a 1994 Grumman 15' Jon boat with a 15hp merc. My brother and I discovered this forum a few years back and ever since then wanted a Jon boat pretty bad. Even though the boat is ready to fish, we're probably going to end up turning it into a project. Its welded construction with riveted ribs. The hull and motor are in great shape. The merc starts on the first pull even in sub 30 degree temperatures. Didn't seem to have any problem getting on plane and cruises along just fine. Actually surprised at how fast it goes. Only complaints I have are the paint and the side console sits really low at like children's height.
List of Modifications
1) Strip and repaint in sand color
2) Pull make-shift front deck extension and extend front deck to the front bench
3) Install 2 or 3 tempress hatches (a little pricey)
4) Clean up wiring
5) Install Bilge pump (not sure why it doesn't have one already, probably because it doesn't leak)
6) Battery tray under the front deck
7) maybe some speakers to hook up an iPod
8) Really want to rip out the carpeting and redo everything with hydro turf (again pricey)
9) Kind of crazy idea but I want to convert the side console into a center console and move it up on top of the bench in front of it. I am sure people will be concerned about the space moving to the front deck. It will be tight for sure but I don't have much of girth to worry about. Biggest thing for me is deck space. Moving the console would help with balance the boat out and allow for more rear deck space.
All the framing would be done with angle/box aluminum and rivets. If I can find reasonably priced sheet aluminum, I will probably end up using plywood for the decking. Really want to keep the weight down because I'm not going to upgrade the motor any time soon, so the 15hp is going to have to push it.
having a hard time with the pictures. Some of them keep saying they are over 800 wide but I resized and they still won't load. Oh well those are the ones that work.
So this is my first boat, and the first order of business if repainting it. In order to do that I would have to removed the motor. Because this boat has a console and controls Im not sure how difficult it would be to remove and re-install. Any insight and suggestions based on the potential modifications would be appreciated. For example I don't know what a good price would be on angle or square aluminum, and the going rate for sheet aluminum.
All the completed projects look awesome and might have made my list a little ambitious.
Thanks in advance!
List of Modifications
1) Strip and repaint in sand color
2) Pull make-shift front deck extension and extend front deck to the front bench
3) Install 2 or 3 tempress hatches (a little pricey)
4) Clean up wiring
5) Install Bilge pump (not sure why it doesn't have one already, probably because it doesn't leak)
6) Battery tray under the front deck
7) maybe some speakers to hook up an iPod
8) Really want to rip out the carpeting and redo everything with hydro turf (again pricey)
9) Kind of crazy idea but I want to convert the side console into a center console and move it up on top of the bench in front of it. I am sure people will be concerned about the space moving to the front deck. It will be tight for sure but I don't have much of girth to worry about. Biggest thing for me is deck space. Moving the console would help with balance the boat out and allow for more rear deck space.
All the framing would be done with angle/box aluminum and rivets. If I can find reasonably priced sheet aluminum, I will probably end up using plywood for the decking. Really want to keep the weight down because I'm not going to upgrade the motor any time soon, so the 15hp is going to have to push it.
having a hard time with the pictures. Some of them keep saying they are over 800 wide but I resized and they still won't load. Oh well those are the ones that work.
So this is my first boat, and the first order of business if repainting it. In order to do that I would have to removed the motor. Because this boat has a console and controls Im not sure how difficult it would be to remove and re-install. Any insight and suggestions based on the potential modifications would be appreciated. For example I don't know what a good price would be on angle or square aluminum, and the going rate for sheet aluminum.
All the completed projects look awesome and might have made my list a little ambitious.
Thanks in advance!
)
