I did something similar to my Jon boat 14 years ago - I used treated 2 by 2's and then treated them with Thompsons and then used Marine Plywood. It still looks great and the wood has not rotted.
You make those boats look amazing. I would probably only attempt to put down a carpeted floor board. The decks look to be over kill but they look amazing if that is what people want. Great work!!!
Wow I thought I was the only one who did this, Best Tin Boat haven yet, can't wait to join your site, I turned my ole beat up johnny into a look alike bass tracker for little or nothing!!!
I agree with you somewhat. I would leave mine plain as can be to drag it those honey holes with no access. But decking a boat like these guys have, makes a long day of fishing really comfortable.
Awesome, I heard that if you hit bottom, or a rock hard that the rivets will popout on the metal boats. So I got a 15 foot fiberglass v-hull/flat bottom and is rhinolined on the inside.Thanks to your video I got plenty of ideas - just got done carpeting the new deck. Can I still join if it's fiberglass? Being a tribal member we can spear chinook salmon. So my boat is kinda a drift boat / fly fishing / spearing boat. Excellent projects and thanks again for posting!
BLK has done an awesome job on his boat. Nice work look's like you take alot of pride in your work. when it come's to mod's you killed it nice work keep it up keep the jon boat alive
I did this to my boat back in the early eighties. I used pressure treated 2X2's and 1/2" pressure treated plywood. It was a lot lighter and plenty strong enough. The boat served me well for 15 years until I sold it. My buddy did the same exact thing and still uses his today. Of course our boats were always covered when not in use. Using 2X4 bracing and 5/8" to 3/4" plywood is overkill in my opinion. The boats look great though.
@tinboats Thank you for the reply! I want to get a long tail or mud motor for it someday but that is a lot of money. So I may be stuck with that trolling motor and a small outboard for awhile.
Of course you can join, its all free. You have to stay very close to the weight capacity of the boat (should be a plate somewhere on the boat)to be safe. Add the weight of the 3 people plus deck, motor, battery and fishing stuff and it could be trouble.
These are awesome and inspiring. Woould love to tackle a project like this someday for my 14ft by 36" Job Boat. However, how much extra weight would all that decking and framing underneath "normally" add? Would hate to get carried away on such a project while the boat is in the garage only to be surprised at how low it ends up sitting in the water before I climb in!
@TheFrogMaster22 As for the front deck I used the existing bench for the base and made some upright supports in front of it and the same hieght. Laid a slab of epoxied 1/2" ply over that then carpeted it and bolted a pedestal seat base to it using self tapping bolts that went through the ply and then through the old bench under it. If I had it to do over again though I would use 5/8" ply. It's just so more heavier duty, and prolly wouldn't add more than 5-8 lbs over the 1/2" ply.
Make sure your not over reving your engine, might be hitting the rev limiter causing a miss. Also the clutch dog in the lower unit can probably be turned around so that the reverse ears are facing forward, they woun't be rounded off or worn, and you won't be going flat out in reverse to make it jump out of gear.
@TheFrogMaster22 Sure it is check out a quick video of a boat I had done a while back. I didn't get a real good shot of it, but it's a 14' V-Hull with a front deck and pedestal seat. I left the front aluminum bench seat in place to provide hull stability and based my deck off of it's hieght. I removed the center bench seat and then flat decked the floor. I carpeted everything and voila ! A nice fishing boat for lakes and rivers.
All the boats are different, the members try to stay under the weight capacity limit and now that we have a bunch of boat mods and experience it is easier to see that some boats just don't cut having full decks.
I am not sure what his total cost was, but I know he did it twice to try two different thickness wooden decks. He actually posted his own videos on TH-cam showing his work. I hear he might be doing another boat real soon.
That was awsome, got some great ideals but i have a flat bottom tin boat but it has a v front. Also i was wondering if i use plywood for the deck if it can still hold 3 people. It is 12ft long, 3 seats. Also can i join, i am only 15 but i would love to see all the projects.
wow thanks guys ive been wanting to put a flat deck in the front of my boat but have been told i was crazy that it would make it to unstable now i think those guys are going to eat them words
Carboard was used to trace the shape to cut out the wood. And I don't think any member used OSB. That is not the norm. Most use regular plywood and a few coats of Poly.
@TheFrogMaster22 It was very stable. The only problem was that I had the fuel tank and the battery in the rear so when it was just me in the boat it was kinda light in the bow so I relocated the fuel cell to the bow, but I have had this boat in some rough conditions and handles rough water better than my 16 foot flat bottom bass tracker bass boat. With these V-Hull models the V cuts into the waves better and you normally have a lot more freeboard.
You guys should try framimg those out and decking withh 100% aluminum, Then rhino liner the works. it will last forever... I know a guy who did that to his bass boat about 10 yrs ago...and to this day it looks like new
@JAFZX1207 IT does add allot, you also have to factor your weight, equipment, trolling motor, batteries.....On a boat like yours, a simple level floor to step on and some nice comfortable seats to fish off of is all I would do.
out of all thoose = only saw a few people using light weight materials such as aluminum. 2x4 is way over kill and it just rots even with waterproofing it eventually. if you do use wood, go with smaller wood size to frame and fiberglass over it, even if only putting resin on top of it!
cool boats. All those add on's look really heavy. How much weight does the decking and related bracing add? How does it affect the draft and the stability?
@JAFZX1207 If you really want to try it and have the resources, get a piece of plywood and cut it out and lay it on top of your benches. Put on your life vest (please do this) then take it to the water. Go and stand on it and you will get an idea how stable it will be. Sitting? Grab a 5 gallon bucket and put it in the center of your temporary deck and sit. Feel how it rocks back and forth. Factor in weight distribution and from there you will have to take an educated guess. Good Luck!
I recently acquired an old Evinrude Fleetwin 7.5 hp motor, built in 1957. What size boat could I push with that? These conversions are awesome, and I'm sure they're lighter and easier to haul than my old bass boat.
out of all thoose = only saw a few people using light weight materials such as aluminum. 2x4 is way over kill and it just rots even with waterproofing it eventually. if you do use wood, go with smaller wood size to frame and fiberglass over it, even if only putting resin on top of it! i buikt a deck extension in my ranger 320v and its solid and Im not a small guy and it lifts out very easily and its lightweight. Thoose decks look very heavy.
I seen OSB used for one of the boats? Wouldn't start to break down easly once it started to get wet. I also seen cardboard to deaden the sound--what happens when mold takes to that--rip it all out and replace it?
@DCgolf013 Go to the forum and look under the boat conversion section. There you will see a ton of projects from start to finish. Also, the forum has a search feature(top right of the forum). Be warned, you could be there for hours! LOL!
Yeah, I forgot to mention it's alot more expensive to do it this way but rather than having to do it over again after a few years, I'd just as soon put the $ out and do it right the first time. I also have a friend who did it with wood and has been kickin himself in the ass ever since lol
@tinboats I did see on tinboats.com numerous examples of guys with a 1436L like mine tricked out with elevated casting decks and under deck storage compartments, some even smaller than mine. Would you still recommend in my case sticking just to the flat floors and that's it? I sometimes wonder when I see these conversions how they do on the water. I don't see allot of feedback on how these conversions do on the water after they are done with these projects.
i am going to build a jon boat this was the idea i had finally found a video that had the same idea i have with a 5 hp push a 12' wooden model of a jon boat with 2-4 on it?
AWSOMEEE vid. i was wondering if i could join but all i have so far is a 12 foot flat bottom landu jon boat model 1044F with an older minn kota trolling motor with 24 pounds of thrust. if u could tell me how to join and where you guys meet at i would REALLY appericate it. i am only 14 but i hane some BIG ideas for my boat for the future thanks and awsome vid. again
I own a 12 foot aluminum jon boat myself. Alone its weight limit is just alittle over the weight of two average men, "160"lbs. How is it the boat can take all that extra weight and still hold moter/gear/people?
Some nice looking results but I think you should consider some things when you modify these boats. The hull designs are meant for you to be sitting on the seats or standing on the floor. With all the very heavy looking 2x4 and the 3/4 plywood (which is overkill) I'd be very concerned about how much weight you've added to some of these, how the center of gravity has been raised, and how folks are forced to use them from much higher positions than stock. It's your boat, but be careful!
I am in the process of turning my 18/60 alweld into a fan boat and want to know if anyone out there has taken on this size and done this. Idont quite know what to expect when I am done with it and am going to use a 35 hp. with reduction and would like to have a 48" 5 blade prop. I don't need a lot of speed but would like to have about 15-20 mph. Can y'all tell me if I am going too big with the prop?
@yumyumsashimi Yup, different strokes for different folks. We have plenty of guys on the forum in the same boat as you(no pun intended) they drag their boats deep into the woods and need them light as possible.
has anyone made their framing for casting decks and floors out of aluminum for lightness? i really want to do this so i can keep my already deep running deep v as low draft as possible. if so please message me on how you did it.
these boats look really good, all fixed up with floors and stuff.. but it defeats teh porpose of an aluminum boat.. its super light and can be toted to the pond by 2 guys to fish the impossible to launch ponds with the big lunkers!!
@BrandonDrew87 Yup, that is a great motor and should move you along just perfect. No speed demon, but again it will be perfect. Join the forum(Its free) and post up pictures of your boat. Jim
I did something similar to my Jon boat 14 years ago - I used treated 2 by 2's and then treated them with Thompsons and then used Marine Plywood. It still looks great and the wood has not rotted.
Best website in existence. I'm a member and love it! Great guys!
You make those boats look amazing. I would probably only attempt to put down a carpeted floor board. The decks look to be over kill but they look amazing if that is what people want. Great work!!!
Thanks a bunch tinboat the sites great. Just became a member, can't wait to start posting my progress.
Wow I thought I was the only one who did this, Best Tin Boat haven yet, can't wait to join your site, I turned my ole beat up johnny into a look alike bass tracker for little or nothing!!!
I'm a fisherman myself and a builder, you guys do a nice job !!!!
Cool man! The more people the better. We call it a club because it has that family feel to it. I think you will like it.
Thanks!
I agree with you somewhat. I would leave mine plain as can be to drag it those honey holes with no access. But decking a boat like these guys have, makes a long day of fishing really comfortable.
Awesome, I heard that if you hit bottom, or a rock hard that the rivets will popout on the metal boats. So I got a 15 foot fiberglass v-hull/flat bottom and is rhinolined on the inside.Thanks to your video I got plenty of ideas - just got done carpeting the new deck. Can I still join if it's fiberglass? Being a tribal member we can spear chinook salmon. So my boat is kinda a drift boat / fly fishing / spearing boat. Excellent projects and thanks again for posting!
Never too late man, You can always fix them up somehow. A simple floor or a nice paint job...It's like new boat.
Thanks!
The members are awesome and can/will help you with any questions you might have. It is an amazing group!
BLK has done an awesome job on his boat. Nice work look's like you take alot of pride in your work. when it come's to mod's you killed it nice work keep it up keep the jon boat alive
Of course you can join! We have a few guys with glass boats and plastic boats too. The more the better.
I did this to my boat back in the early eighties. I used pressure treated 2X2's and 1/2" pressure treated plywood. It was a lot lighter and plenty strong enough. The boat served me well for 15 years until I sold it. My buddy did the same exact thing and still uses his today. Of course our boats were always covered when not in use. Using 2X4 bracing and 5/8" to 3/4" plywood is overkill in my opinion. The boats look great though.
Nice video Jim! Great job on your mods Tinboat memebers!
Good Video I learned a lot me and my son just got a boat and want to fix it up.Thanks!
@tinboats Thank you for the reply! I want to get a long tail or mud motor for it someday but that is a lot of money. So I may be stuck with that trolling motor and a small outboard for awhile.
Of course you can join, its all free. You have to stay very close to the weight capacity of the boat (should be a plate somewhere on the boat)to be safe. Add the weight of the 3 people plus deck, motor, battery and fishing stuff and it could be trouble.
Good set up in the boats
These are awesome and inspiring. Woould love to tackle a project like this someday for my 14ft by 36" Job Boat. However, how much extra weight would all that decking and framing underneath "normally" add? Would hate to get carried away on such a project while the boat is in the garage only to be surprised at how low it ends up sitting in the water before I climb in!
@TheFrogMaster22 As for the front deck I used the existing bench for the base and made some upright supports in front of it and the same hieght. Laid a slab of epoxied 1/2" ply over that then carpeted it and bolted a pedestal seat base to it using self tapping bolts that went through the ply and then through the old bench under it. If I had it to do over again though I would use 5/8" ply. It's just so more heavier duty, and prolly wouldn't add more than 5-8 lbs over the 1/2" ply.
Make sure your not over reving your engine, might be hitting the rev limiter causing a miss. Also the clutch dog in the lower unit can probably be turned around so that the reverse ears are facing forward, they woun't be rounded off or worn, and you won't be going flat out in reverse to make it jump out of gear.
@TheFrogMaster22 Sure it is check out a quick video of a boat I had done a while back. I didn't get a real good shot of it, but it's a 14' V-Hull with a front deck and pedestal seat. I left the front aluminum bench seat in place to provide hull stability and based my deck off of it's hieght. I removed the center bench seat and then flat decked the floor. I carpeted everything and voila ! A nice fishing boat for lakes and rivers.
when u see love like this... just say yeah!!!!!! keep fishin brother..keep it smple..
Those are individual members boats on the TinBoats.net site.
Good stuff, I'm wanting to get a jon boat and fix it up to take the kids fishin.
All the boats are different, the members try to stay under the weight capacity limit and now that we have a bunch of boat mods and experience it is easier to see that some boats just don't cut having full decks.
I am not sure what his total cost was, but I know he did it twice to try two different thickness wooden decks. He actually posted his own videos on TH-cam showing his work. I hear he might be doing another boat real soon.
That was awsome, got some great ideals but i have a flat bottom tin boat but it has a v front. Also i was wondering if i use plywood for the deck if it can still hold 3 people. It is 12ft long, 3 seats. Also can i join, i am only 15 but i would love to see all the projects.
Thanks for the great ideas guys!!!
Marine plywood doesn't rot so easily. Lasts quite a while.
wow thanks guys ive been wanting to put a flat deck in the front of my boat but have been told i was crazy that it would make it to unstable now i think those guys are going to eat them words
no words except :"amazing"
Carboard was used to trace the shape to cut out the wood. And I don't think any member used OSB. That is not the norm. Most use regular plywood and a few coats of Poly.
@TheFrogMaster22 It was very stable. The only problem was that I had the fuel tank and the battery in the rear so when it was just me in the boat it was kinda light in the bow so I relocated the fuel cell to the bow, but I have had this boat in some rough conditions and handles rough water better than my 16 foot flat bottom bass tracker bass boat. With these V-Hull models the V cuts into the waves better and you normally have a lot more freeboard.
zeballenstarnes p
Thanks for the comments. We are neighbors, I'm form MA.
You guys should try framimg those out and decking withh 100% aluminum, Then rhino liner the works. it will last forever... I know a guy who did that to his bass boat about 10 yrs ago...and to this day it looks like new
@JAFZX1207
IT does add allot, you also have to factor your weight, equipment, trolling motor, batteries.....On a boat like yours, a simple level floor to step on and some nice comfortable seats to fish off of is all I would do.
great vid! what kind of paint do you suggest?? to give it that glossy finish?
out of all thoose = only saw a few people using light weight materials such as aluminum. 2x4 is way over kill and it just rots even with waterproofing it eventually. if you do use wood, go with smaller wood size to frame and fiberglass over it, even if only putting resin on top of it!
@smitty8403
Same here, I am for the simple additions that make the boat more comfortable....Like a carpeted floor.
Great work guys
cool boats. All those add on's look really heavy. How much weight does the decking and related bracing add? How does it affect the draft and the stability?
@hospersrider92
Hi,
a 9.9 will work for sure, but it will be working to get a full boat up a river, especially one flowing hard.
@JAFZX1207
If you really want to try it and have the resources, get a piece of plywood and cut it out and lay it on top of your benches. Put on your life vest (please do this) then take it to the water. Go and stand on it and you will get an idea how stable it will be. Sitting? Grab a 5 gallon bucket and put it in the center of your temporary deck and sit. Feel how it rocks back and forth. Factor in weight distribution and from there you will have to take an educated guess. Good Luck!
this is sick you just do this in your spare time, and they are just like a ranger or tracker boat
I recently acquired an old Evinrude Fleetwin 7.5 hp motor, built in 1957. What size boat could I push with that? These conversions are awesome, and I'm sure they're lighter and easier to haul than my old bass boat.
Good luck with your mod!
Some members do go the whole aluminum deck and frame if they can afford it. That would be my first choice.
out of all thoose = only saw a few people using light weight materials such as aluminum. 2x4 is way over kill and it just rots even with waterproofing it eventually. if you do use wood, go with smaller wood size to frame and fiberglass over it, even if only putting resin on top of it! i buikt a deck extension in my ranger 320v and its solid and Im not a small guy and it lifts out very easily and its lightweight. Thoose decks look very heavy.
true quality work man
@johnrmistrot
of course, why not? Lots of electric only lakes exist.
Man thats sick. What are you using at the joints????
Most get regular plywood and then a few thick coats of poly. No need to spend the extra coin on marine grade. Good luck!
I seen OSB used for one of the boats? Wouldn't start to break down easly once it started to get wet. I also seen cardboard to deaden the sound--what happens when mold takes to that--rip it all out and replace it?
Thank you so much,gave me some good ideas!
@tinboats Is the framing all marine grade lumber or are you sealing it and is just sealing sufficient protection?
The Cheapest, Widest you can afford. Buy used on Craigslist if you can. Winter is coming and so are the deals! Good Luck!
@Goingpostal1000
Sure will! Will not be a speed demon, but I had a 46# on my G3 and it moved it along ok.
@DCgolf013
Go to the forum and look under the boat conversion section. There you will see a ton of projects from start to finish. Also, the forum has a search feature(top right of the forum). Be warned, you could be there for hours! LOL!
Neat setups!
Yeah, I forgot to mention it's alot more expensive to do it this way but rather than having to do it over again after a few years, I'd just as soon put the $ out and do it right the first time. I also have a friend who did it with wood and has been kickin himself in the ass ever since lol
@tinboats I did see on tinboats.com numerous examples of guys with a 1436L like mine tricked out with elevated casting decks and under deck storage compartments, some even smaller than mine. Would you still recommend in my case sticking just to the flat floors and that's it? I sometimes wonder when I see these conversions how they do on the water. I don't see allot of feedback on how these conversions do on the water after they are done with these projects.
i am going to build a jon boat this was the idea i had finally found a video that had the same idea i have
with a 5 hp push a 12' wooden model of a jon boat with 2-4 on it?
AWSOMEEE vid. i was wondering if i could join but all i have so far is a 12 foot flat bottom landu jon boat model 1044F with an older minn kota trolling motor with 24 pounds of thrust. if u could tell me how to join and where you guys meet at i would REALLY appericate it. i am only 14 but i hane some BIG ideas for my boat for the future thanks and awsome vid. again
1448 is the smallest I would go....Bigger if you plan decks, motors, batteries etc.
@cchanderson Pressure treated wood may react badly with aluminum. Better safe than sorry and just poly the cheap stuff.
I own a 12 foot aluminum jon boat myself. Alone its weight limit is just alittle over the weight of two average men, "160"lbs. How is it the boat can take all that extra weight and still hold moter/gear/people?
Good Song, Good Boats, Good Video.
@tinboats Do you think a 16 foot jon boat with a deck on it will move with a 50 lb minn kota trolling motor?
you need to make vids on how you exactly make them, how much do ppl pay you to do that to there boat
@Phantasmos
Yes absolutely! I would recommend it if you an afford it.
@tavspop Regular plywood with sealing!
I'm doing mine and debating on what to frame with. 2x4s look to heavy man.
Robert Richmond I'm almost 400lbs and I used 2x2 on 16 inch centers decked with 5/8 plywood. It held me up without any flex. Sturdy sturdy sturdy.
Some nice looking results but I think you should consider some things when you modify these boats. The hull designs are meant for you to be sitting on the seats or standing on the floor. With all the very heavy looking 2x4 and the 3/4 plywood (which is overkill) I'd be very concerned about how much weight you've added to some of these, how the center of gravity has been raised, and how folks are forced to use them from much higher positions than stock. It's your boat, but be careful!
Do you worry about weight with wooden structure?
@ATVKid32
There is a video being produced as I type this from a forum board sponsor. Stay tuned.
I am in the process of turning my 18/60 alweld into a fan boat and want to know if anyone out there has taken on this size and done this. Idont quite know what to expect when I am done with it and am going to use a 35 hp. with reduction and would like to have a 48" 5 blade prop. I don't need a lot of speed but would like to have about 15-20 mph. Can y'all tell me if I am going too big with the prop?
@yumyumsashimi
Yup, different strokes for different folks. We have plenty of guys on the forum in the same boat as you(no pun intended) they drag their boats deep into the woods and need them light as possible.
great vid
nice job !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
nice looking boats but a little overkill with the 2x4's in some of them that must weight it down bigtime
does it weigh the boat down more with the deck? how much weight?
just bought a 1977 sea king flat bottom but not sure how to build the frame to the deck and secure it to the boat? can anyone help
Link to BLK fisher channel? Can't find him or the video.
You guys gave me some great ideas, that I put into my jon boat mod... I hope you will check it out.
How many feet was Defiant and if you don't mind me asking how much did it cost in material to mod?
Whats faster, 2x50lb or 1x80lb trolling motor? I'll be using this on a 16feet Jon boat.
how do u get the deck to meet up with the side of the boat? PLEASE ANWSER!!!!
hey guys I have a 9.9 four stroke merc. do you think it will push a 14/36 with floor and carpet and two men?
has anyone made their framing for casting decks and floors out of aluminum for lightness? i really want to do this so i can keep my already deep running deep v as low draft as possible. if so please message me on how you did it.
these boats look really good, all fixed up with floors and stuff.. but it defeats teh porpose of an aluminum boat.. its super light and can be toted to the pond by 2 guys to fish the impossible to launch ponds with the big lunkers!!
@tinboats How long is 1448? I'm guessing 15'?
good job ! nice !
Thanks!
can u make a how to basics for how to do this
nice boat
@BrandonDrew87
Yup, that is a great motor and should move you along just perfect. No speed demon, but again it will be perfect. Join the forum(Its free) and post up pictures of your boat.
Jim
Won't that wood rot quickly?
how much did u havein it wen u got done