I think this is one of the best Jon boat mods I've seen. Very clean and functional. The removable decks are unique. I've been looking online for days at mods and I think I'll go with this one. Very well done video and explanations. Kind thanks. Instant LIKE and SUBSCRIBED! Greetings from Alaska.
*I bought this model for my 14 ft Jon boat. **enjoyable.fishing** recommend love it!!! It pushes my boat with ease ( 2 men 220 each). I would highly recommend this to anyone.*
Great vid! I love well thought out, with a splash of down'n'dirty. You effectively have 2 standing decks and 3 seating areas...pretty cool. To add another layer of versatility, remove or cut down the cooler for a flushmount floor insert. LOL, working on my Pelican 10e, will have to drag my livewell!
Yeah, the cooler would be a lot better if it could be flush to the deck. I'm sure I'll redo everything eventually, because I can never stop tinkering. Have fun with your Pelican build--it'll be great!
@@renaissanceguy148 Maybe a 2nd cooler with a hatch cover so you can swap between the 2, depending on your needs. I'm constantly changing too. Like to try and cover all bases, probable should spend more time fishing, lol.
That middle deck is actually my second try--the first one I built didn't cover the middle bench seat, but my kids complained about how hot the aluminum is in the summer sun, so I redid it to include covering the seat with carpet.
Renaissance Guy, I like what you did. The 1542 has a storage/wet well with plug you have to keep an eye on. The wife was uncomfortable after being out for hours so I was pre authorized to purchase seats and clamps to place the seats on for her haha. One day I will be satisfied with an idea and make the move on decking the boat.
It seems like 15 hp outboard can still go nice speed with a little additional weight but 9.9 hp really suffers with too much weight. I have a 14 ft v hull aluminum and a Mercury 15 hp goes 25 mph and trolls less than 2 mph. A 9.9 hp trolls nice but top speed alone is an ok 18 mph.
Alas, I think I missed that opportunity by not filming the process. But I can tell you the the decks are made of 1/2" plywood and framed with 2x2. None of it is pressure treated, as that can corrode aluminum, apparently. All of it is sealed with spar urethane and screwed together with deck screws. The carpet is just outdoor carpet from home depot stapled on with stainless steel staples. I'll be happy to answer any other questions you may have.
They literally just lift out once you remove the bungees from the ribs. There's nothing else holding them down. On the middle deck, there is also a wiring harness to disconnect, but otherwise, it's that simple.
How did you build it? I just purchased my first boat it’s a Fish Master 1232, it was decked out already, it has a custom cut board that sits on the front deck and front seat made to be a walking deck with a extended stool in the middle but I’m uncomfortable sitting there🫣 controlling the trolling motor.. I kind want to use what’s there already just cut it shorter and buy another clamp on seat for the front row seat so I’m confident, I just need enough front deck for the bow mounted trolling motor to sit on..
It's a 1/2" plywood top that's framed with 2x2 and it's sealed with spar urethane. I keep thinking of making a video focused on how I built the decks, I just never find the time. Maybe I'll get to it soon!
Nice Video Mate! Looking at either getting a 2021 Tohatsu 15 HP MFS15EEFS or a Suzuki 15 HP DF15AES3 for my 14 foot Jon Boat. Three questions: 1. Any reason you chose Tohatsu over another brand like Suzuki? 2. Is your motor a Carb or EFI? 3. Did you by chance buy your motor online where I could also shop around? Thanks!
1) I chose Tohatsu because I had heard good things about them, and they were slightly less expensive than the other options at my local shop. 2) EFI 3) I bought it at a shop local to me--Art's Marine in North Little Rock, AR.
Hell RG , Love your combo , I just got a 2021 15 hp for my KL Industries brand 12 foot plastic boat, but I'm worried the the motor might be too heavy , I love my little boat, but I also like your set up too, should I keep mine or trade it for a metal boat , can you advise ???
I've never had a plastic boat, so any of my advise would be a guess. Have you had a chance to run the 15 on your plastic boat yet? I'm guessing it exceeds the boat's rating, which isn't something I personally would do, but I know a lot of other people exceed the rating and are happy with the results. All I can say is that I really like my aluminum jon, and I personally wouldn't trade it for a plastic boat.
What year is it? Mine is a 2020, and I'm told it is practically identical to the 2020 9.8 hp. Also, it seems odd for an electric start motor to lack an alternator.
Ive got a 2017 mercury 9.9 4 stroke I used for lobster fishing out of an inflatable dinghy. I was looking at the topper 1436 to run the marshes for catfish in the summer. Think a 9.9 will plane the boat okay with two people? I get on plane with my inflatable boat(100 pounds) with inflatable V bottom with 2 people small ice chest and 5 lobster traps. Its no speed demon its about 18mph tops. Would be nice to be able to move the motor from one boat to the other because my dinghy cant take anything over a 9.9
I assume it would...my 15 will plane at about half throttle, and at full throttle, it will get me and another adult up to 23 mph. But I can't say for sure since I've only run the 15 on it.
I bought the boat at Bass Pro Shop for about $1000, but I've recently heard that they have stopped making jon boats. I see used ones come up on Facebook Marketplace all the time for a couple hundred dollars. There are several other manufacturers of jon boats, too. The Tohatsu engine I bought new for about $2700 from a local marine shop. These can also be found used for much cheaper.
It's stable enough for one person to stand on a deck and fish. If two people are fishing, it's best if one stays sitting, or at least stands on the floor rather than the deck.
@@renaissanceguy148 Awesome, I was wondering about how much trouble it would be to use bolts and screws. I thought about building a little topper to put over the bench seat, overhanging the front and back of it, and bolting the seat to the topper, but I'm trying to keep the extra weight down to a minimum. Thanks!
I think this is one of the best Jon boat mods I've seen. Very clean and functional. The removable decks are unique. I've been looking online for days at mods and I think I'll go with this one. Very well done video and explanations. Kind thanks. Instant LIKE and SUBSCRIBED! Greetings from Alaska.
Awesome--thanks for the feedback!
*I bought this model for my 14 ft Jon boat. **enjoyable.fishing** recommend love it!!! It pushes my boat with ease ( 2 men 220 each). I would highly recommend this to anyone.*
Very nice boat…Very creative modifications. Inspiring 😃
Thanks!
Good job.looks and runs great.just built me a 14 footer from 1973 with a gamefisher 5 horse from 1983 freshly revived.happy boating.
Thanks!
Very clear concise informative well spoken video bud, loved it!
Thanks!
Very nice! Like that you didn't drill a bunch of holes in the hull or chop the boat up.
Thanks! Yes, that was the goal.
Great Work RG!
Thanks!
building 1 just like yours! perfect simple build
Awesome!
Nice build. Very versatile.
Thanks!
Nice setup 👍
Damn nicest jon boat I ever seen
Thanks--I like it!
Great vid! I love well thought out, with a splash of down'n'dirty. You effectively have 2 standing decks and 3 seating areas...pretty cool. To add another layer of versatility, remove or cut down the cooler for a flushmount floor insert. LOL, working on my Pelican 10e, will have to drag my livewell!
Yeah, the cooler would be a lot better if it could be flush to the deck. I'm sure I'll redo everything eventually, because I can never stop tinkering. Have fun with your Pelican build--it'll be great!
@@renaissanceguy148 Maybe a 2nd cooler with a hatch cover so you can swap between the 2, depending on your needs. I'm constantly changing too. Like to try and cover all bases, probable should spend more time fishing, lol.
Great job
i love it , nice job
Thanks!
Good power, good battery life. Quiet and easily moves 14ft aluminum boat.
Awesome setup
Thanks!
Great video!
Thanks!
Clean
Thanks!
I like the idea of not making it permanent. I have a 1542 and still figuring out what I want and where.
That middle deck is actually my second try--the first one I built didn't cover the middle bench seat, but my kids complained about how hot the aluminum is in the summer sun, so I redid it to include covering the seat with carpet.
Renaissance Guy, I like what you did. The 1542 has a storage/wet well with plug you have to keep an eye on. The wife was uncomfortable after being out for hours so I was pre authorized to purchase seats and clamps to place the seats on for her haha. One day I will be satisfied with an idea and make the move on decking the boat.
Good work.
Thanks!
Me getting sidetracked in making a whole video about my boat while I'm supposed to be working
The struggle is real.
Nice job
Thanks!
It seems like 15 hp outboard can still go nice speed with a little additional weight but 9.9 hp really suffers with too much weight. I have a 14 ft v hull aluminum and a Mercury 15 hp goes 25 mph and trolls less than 2 mph. A 9.9 hp trolls nice but top speed alone is an ok 18 mph.
Nice job and nice name
Thanks!
Im nowhere close to buying a boat but I would prefer the 1436. Could you make a video on how you made the the front deck and middle deck.
Alas, I think I missed that opportunity by not filming the process. But I can tell you the the decks are made of 1/2" plywood and framed with 2x2. None of it is pressure treated, as that can corrode aluminum, apparently. All of it is sealed with spar urethane and screwed together with deck screws. The carpet is just outdoor carpet from home depot stapled on with stainless steel staples. I'll be happy to answer any other questions you may have.
@@renaissanceguy148 sounds good thank you.
Any chance you could make a video showing how the decks remove? I am thinking of replicating but would love to see how they remove.
They literally just lift out once you remove the bungees from the ribs. There's nothing else holding them down. On the middle deck, there is also a wiring harness to disconnect, but otherwise, it's that simple.
How did you build it? I just purchased my first boat it’s a Fish Master 1232, it was decked out already, it has a custom cut board that sits on the front deck and front seat made to be a walking deck with a extended stool in the middle but I’m uncomfortable sitting there🫣 controlling the trolling motor.. I kind want to use what’s there already just cut it shorter and buy another clamp on seat for the front row seat so I’m confident, I just need enough front deck for the bow mounted trolling motor to sit on..
It's a 1/2" plywood top that's framed with 2x2 and it's sealed with spar urethane. I keep thinking of making a video focused on how I built the decks, I just never find the time. Maybe I'll get to it soon!
I'm preparing to build out a 1436 for watershed protection work in NE Oklahoma and love the removable decks. How did you secure the bungees, though?
Awesome! I used the loop-and-ball style bungees and ran them through holes in the deck and under the ribs of the boat.
Nice Video Mate! Looking at either getting a 2021 Tohatsu 15 HP MFS15EEFS or a Suzuki 15 HP DF15AES3 for my 14 foot Jon Boat.
Three questions:
1. Any reason you chose Tohatsu over another brand like Suzuki?
2. Is your motor a Carb or EFI?
3. Did you by chance buy your motor online where I could also shop around?
Thanks!
1) I chose Tohatsu because I had heard good things about them, and they were slightly less expensive than the other options at my local shop.
2) EFI
3) I bought it at a shop local to me--Art's Marine in North Little Rock, AR.
5 year warranty!!
Nice! New to your channel 👍
Glad you're here! Hopefully I'll add some new content soon...
Hell RG , Love your combo , I just got a 2021 15 hp for my KL Industries brand 12 foot plastic boat, but I'm worried the the motor might be too heavy , I love my little boat, but I also like your set up too, should I keep mine or trade it for a metal boat , can you advise ???
I've never had a plastic boat, so any of my advise would be a guess. Have you had a chance to run the 15 on your plastic boat yet? I'm guessing it exceeds the boat's rating, which isn't something I personally would do, but I know a lot of other people exceed the rating and are happy with the results. All I can say is that I really like my aluminum jon, and I personally wouldn't trade it for a plastic boat.
Great job with the vid! Wishing for a wife like yours :)
I hear that--I'm spoiled!
Great video! However, how does your motor charge your battery?
It has an electric start option, so it has an alternator. Usually I use the pull start, though, so I'm not draining the battery to start it.
@@renaissanceguy148 my tohotzu 9.9 has an electric start option also, but I've been told it does not charge my battery🤔
What year is it? Mine is a 2020, and I'm told it is practically identical to the 2020 9.8 hp. Also, it seems odd for an electric start motor to lack an alternator.
@@renaissanceguy148 about 2016
Do you have video showing your work?
Ive got a 2017 mercury 9.9 4 stroke I used for lobster fishing out of an inflatable dinghy. I was looking at the topper 1436 to run the marshes for catfish in the summer. Think a 9.9 will plane the boat okay with two people? I get on plane with my inflatable boat(100 pounds) with inflatable V bottom with 2 people small ice chest and 5 lobster traps. Its no speed demon its about 18mph tops. Would be nice to be able to move the motor from one boat to the other because my dinghy cant take anything over a 9.9
I assume it would...my 15 will plane at about half throttle, and at full throttle, it will get me and another adult up to 23 mph. But I can't say for sure since I've only run the 15 on it.
I would say it’d get on plane. Between 13 and 16 mph I would say
How to get one? How much is the cost?
I bought the boat at Bass Pro Shop for about $1000, but I've recently heard that they have stopped making jon boats. I see used ones come up on Facebook Marketplace all the time for a couple hundred dollars. There are several other manufacturers of jon boats, too. The Tohatsu engine I bought new for about $2700 from a local marine shop. These can also be found used for much cheaper.
What’s your range? Mile per gallon?
I've never tested my range. I've got a 3-gallon tank, and I've never used more than 3/4 of it in a single day.
What pitch are you running 9.25 x12p or 11p .......solas amita 3 and tohatsu are the same prop..
I'm still using the stock prop, which I believe is 9.25" x 9p
Did you mean 46 inches wide?
It's 36" wide at the bottom and about 50" wide at the top.
How much did the boat cost?
Roughly $1000 brand new. Motor was about $2800 brand new. Trailer I bought used for $100.
hey sir bow is the tohatsu doing i need to decide yamaha or tohatsu or honda
So far so good. I've now had it for almost a year and a half and have put at least 60 hours on it, and I have no complaints.
Is it pretty stable
It's stable enough for one person to stand on a deck and fish. If two people are fishing, it's best if one stays sitting, or at least stands on the floor rather than the deck.
What did you use to attach the swivel and chair to the bench seat?
Self tapping screws. Bolts would be better, but I didn't want to open up the seat. They've held it fine so far.
@@renaissanceguy148 Awesome, I was wondering about how much trouble it would be to use bolts and screws. I thought about building a little topper to put over the bench seat, overhanging the front and back of it, and bolting the seat to the topper, but I'm trying to keep the extra weight down to a minimum. Thanks!
@@Thorzon I hear you. It's a total balancing act between simplicity, function, and weight.
how long is your boat?
It's a 1436, so it's 14' long and 36" wide across the bottom of the stern.
Was there a particular reason for going with 14 ft instead of 16 ft?
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Yeah?