Jon Boat Build (mostly done)

[Dwreckers]

Had a lot of fun with this build as I needed a small upgrade from an old 89 Valco 14'. Upgraded to a 2011 Lund 1648 with a modified V. Started out with just the plain Jane boat. Had the stock floor upgraded already but absolutely HATED the front as it was so sloped. When I bought and tested it I actually slipped and fell on my ass in the middle of the lake stepping down from the bow (pretty funny).

Started off installing a 3/16 aluminum deck braced with 2" angled structural aluminum going from the middle bench seat to the bow. Had to remove foam from the middle seat/livewell as well as a few inches from the bow to reduce any chance of lighting the Styrofoam on fire during welding. Next i had to get new hatches. Ordered a few from Amazon so I had access to my livewell again and one on each corner of the deck to be able to use the space underneath for storage.

Next was to install some sort of flooring in the boat to dampen sound and protect feet from the metal heating up. Ended up going with 2.5 sheets of hydroturf. So far it's really quieted it down and the wife/kid enjoy being barefoot in the boat.

So far it's been a really fun project! Will be adding 2 small light bars to the front with rivnuts (for duck hunting/bowfishing) as well as a minn kota terrova/power drive instead of the minn kota 45 edge that came with it. Also at some point will be adding a switch panel in the back for easy access. Will probably do even more small upgrades as I think of them based on needs/suggestions. Think a 35/40 jet is in the future

 

[Dwreckers]

First fish out of the boat

 

[kansasdad]

That’s how you christen a boat!

 

[perma]

Man, I want a boat.

 

[sneakypete]

Nice work!

 

[Moserkr]

From one boat builder to another, well done! Looks like you did some TBN homework, yea? Wish I had found them before my build and gone to all aluminum flooring. Good choice on the hydroturf, that stuffs great.

I did a 1979 Starcraft 160SS, which would be a 16'/60" for comparison, deep V, lake boat.

 

[Dwreckers]

From one boat builder to another, well done! Looks like you did some TBN homework, yea? Wish I had found them before my build and gone to all aluminum flooring. Good choice on the hydroturf, that stuffs great.

I did a 1979 Starcraft 160SS, which would be a 16'/60" for comparison, deep V, lake boat. View attachment 342008

Yes a little TBN inspiration. My last boat had 0 storage so it was quite a pain especially with a 2 year old. Had lost a few things he threw over the side

 

[Straight Arrow]

View attachment 341424
First fish out of the boat

Is that you, Radar?! Anybody tell you of the resemblence?

Nice first fish! ... or any fish!

 

[buckbull]

I bought a small jon boat from a coworker a few months ago. My current Amazon cart is full of the stuff you put into your build.

 

[Dwreckers]

I bought a small jon boat from a coworker a few months ago. My current Amazon cart is full of the stuff you put into your build.

It can get as expensive as you want it to. I have a few more things I'll be doing next year