deck for a jon boat

[knobby]

I'm thinking about putting a deck on the front of my 14 ft 36 wide jon boat for bass fishing. Will that make the boat too "tippy" since it's only 36 wide bottom? I'm about 5'10" 180. Anybody have any experience with those decks on a 14 footer?<br />Thanks,<br />Knob

 

[Bowfin]

Re: deck for a jon boat

i just put one on mine this past week. I'll take it out and let you know in a few days. I'm getting ready to mount a pedestal seat to it and see how it balances. My experience standing up in my jon (same size as yours) is pretty good, not too tippy. Do a search for "deck jonboat" and you'll see my old posts and some good replies as well as some good web sites for reference.<br /><br />bowfin

 

[knobby]

Re: deck for a jon boat

Thanks Bowfin, I was gonna do it anyway so I can use a fctm. If you like Bowfin fishing or as we call'em here in Arkansas, grinnel, they get awfully big and mean around here. Had many a yo-yo stripped out from those guys. Nothing fights like one or bites like one. If you can post a pic of your boat when you're done, I'd like to see her. Good luck.

 

[poolshark38759]

Re: deck for a jon boat

i have done it to two different boats and i use a pedalstal pole for fishing from and it is not too tippy.. i am 6'1 ~200# so i think you will be fine... just dont do too wild of a dance and you should be alright....my boats were both 14' x 36" one is a Polarcraft and the other was a Duracraft....

 

[DJ]

Re: deck for a jon boat

knobby,<br /><br />OOOOH! 36" wide, that's not much.<br /><br />Jury rig something inside there first to check on balance before you go through all that work.

 

[Bowfin]

Re: deck for a jon boat

here is a link to my previous thread about a jon boat deck. there are some good links in it. i ended up using 3/4 ply and sealing with 3 coats of deck sealer. It is solid and I mounted a pedestal seat on it as well. i had enough left over ply to pad and upolster my middle bench seat for my wife and son. My deck ends at the first rib on the front of my Jon. It is about 36 long by 43 wide at it's widest point. it sits about six inches below the gunnels. I screwed it to the rib using l brackets and to the front seat. i even used the 3/4 ply to create the rear support board. Very solid and supports my 250lbs no problem. carpeted with indoor/outdoor carpet form Lowe's. Also adds a nice bit of storage for lifejackets, anchor, extra prop, etc.<br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=26;t=000941 <br /><br />Bowfin

 

[knobby]

Re: deck for a jon boat

Thanks Bow,<br />You've been a tremendous help. Gives me new hope for the old flatbottom.<br />Knob.

 

[tcube]

Re: deck for a jon boat

Knobby,<br /><br />Our second boat was a 12' X 36" Jon with carpeted plyood decks. We put in pedestal seats and did not regret the decision. I'm no light-weight so we didn't do a lot of dancing around the boat, therefore, had no seriouis stability issues. It was a fun boat and we caught a bunch of fish with it. We used it on a typical Maryland lake that prohibits gasoline motors - the toller worked just fine.<br /><br />Have fun with yours - Tcube

 

[knobby]

Re: deck for a jon boat

Thanks T,<br />I took her out with a piece of plywood just layed across the front and it seemed pretty tippy to me. I'm still undecided about whether or not to deck it. Probably will though, once I get my mind on something, I can't help from doing it. Man that's got me in trouble more than once...