Well, it isn't a super expensive bass boat but it is my first project and it floats and doesn't leak. Got it from a friend of mine for pretty cheap. Put several hours of sanding, prep, paint, and clear on it. Got a trolling motor for now and a battery. Gotta start somewhere. :-)
Looks sharp! How long is it?
10 foot. I'm happy with it. You guys saw what I started with so I'm proud of what I made it become. Lol. My wife likes this look better too. ;-)
Some people told me I could put a gas motor on it and mount the trolling motor up front. Is this possible? If so what size has motor? Do I need two batterie? Or does the gas one just run on gas?
From the size of the boat I would say you could go up to a 10hp, but nothing more. These little engines are pull starts so no battery needed.
Awesome! How much better does it look now? Man that was a ton of sanding. Lol
Loks nice, but that black is going to get HOT in the sun
I found some seat covers at Walmart.
Hopefully that will cool it down some. :-)
Heck a 2.5 or 5 would push that just fine
I sold my canoe to get this project started. Im glad paddling is in the distance for me. A motor is cool. I bet a gas motor is even better but I'm content. I do have a paddle just in case the battery runs down. :-)
Looks good. I had a 14 footer and I had a 6 horse motor on it and it pushed it pretty good. A 6 horse on that would probably make you feel like you were flying compared to a canoe. We all start somewhere. Good luck.
With all the work you did and how good it looks now, I'd be proud as heck of that thing! Good job.
That looks great. Good work that should entertain you for awhile.
Thanks guys!!! :-)
On a 10' jon boat, weight distribution is crucial. You could mount the trolling motor in the front, but from a practical fishing perspective, I think it would be a pain. What might be easier would be to reverse the head on the trolling motor (easy to do, 1 bolt I think) and keep it mounted on the transom. Then pull the boat around from the transom rather than the front.
I would strongly recommend a set of oars over a paddle for this boat. Oh yeah, those black bench seats will roast your butt next summer. I'd go to a lighter color.
Walmart has a set of seats that actually mount to the benches. They are like big covers but they are sturdy. May give them a try. :-)
Get yourself a small 3 or 5hp motor with an internal gas tank to save on weight and space. Check Craigslist for one. I see them here all the time for between $200-$300 in good shape.
Looks like you've done a great job, but I'm going to agree with those who have said the black will be very hot in the summer. I'd add to the point of being unbearable. The floor should be ok because the water will keep it cool. The sides and the seats will be cookin'.
When it's out of the water, keep it in the shade, or covered.
Boats don't catch fish, anglers do. Sure a big boat gets you there faster, but then you just slow down. Nice job on recreating a good fishin' boat. Some portable electronics and experience will get you lots of big 'uns.
Thanks Rumslo! Looking at some electronics today. ;-)
The seats will be covered. Will make sure my buns don't burn. Lol
I'm saying you go all in and pimp that thing out! You gotta get a name for it and decal the transom.
Trailer that sounds like a great idea!
Wrap in it vinyl and put all your sponsors on it. Get some "floor decals" and make sure your fishing shirt matches the boat.
Lol... JK. SORRY COULDNT RESIST.
Yes!
10 foot flatbottom will only be rated for 2.5 -3 horse power tops. Don't overpower that little boat!
True. I don't need a drag boat. Lol
that reminds me exactly of my first boat. I used to store it at the club lake locked to a tree. One day i was with my dad, he was in back driving the TM and i was up on the front rigging up. I could hear something under my seat but didnt think nothing of it. We anchored and started fishing and i could still hear something under my seat. After a few casts i looked down at my feet and there was a snake crawling over my feet. Into the drink i went, i am very very afraid of snakes. That little boat got me into fishing and at the time i felt like i was in a $60,000 Ranger. Unfortunately someone stole it a few weeks after the snake incident. I HATE SNAKES
Nice work man! If you're looking to take it to the next level check out tinboats.net, they have dozens and dozens of Jon boat hull conversions. You'll get some great info and ideas.
Nice work man! If you're looking to take it to the next level check out tinboats.net, they have dozens and dozens of Jon boat hull conversions. You'll get some great info and ideas.
As one of the other posts said I should go all out. Well it looks like project pimp 'da boat is underway. I am adding two seats with backs on them with 9 inch extensions and they both swivel. A 5 hp gas motor. Moving the trolling motor to the front. A rod holder on each side. Fishfinder electronic. And a custom live well. To each his own. Now for a name.......... Gotta think on this one.
Keep the livewell light. Remember it is a small boat you dont want too much weight. 7lbs to the gallon adds up fast.
Oh it will be. Just something to say I have one. Lol. Gotta make sure I have all the latest fashions. :-)
How soon before you get the motor and electronics?
Get it right and get some fishing in so yyou can put me on the fish when i bring mine down to Shearon Harris Lake in April/may.
Probably in the next 2-3 weeks. I got the fish finder today.
Good stuff. I want to be on Harris lake sometime durring the spawn...there are some lunkers there...
Yessir! I know of a few spots. :-)
New seats, fish finder, and rod holders
is that regular paint ? or is it that under coating stuff?
Am i the only one that thinks that the front seat is too far forward for that little boat?
It may work just fine but that is a thin little boat and if i was by myself, i dont think i would want to sit up there for fear of tipping forward too far. A long time ago, I had a lil 10fter like that and it sat low enough with my 200lbs in the middle.
You may want to test that out or bring that chair back
Seats aren't bolted down yet. Just sitting there. They can be moved. The paint is an outdoor mix with primer and paint included. Then a clear coat.
On 2/25/2013 at 3:26 PM, jnatale3 said:Seats aren't bolted down yet. Just sitting there. They can be moved. The paint is an outdoor mix with primer and paint included. Then a clear coat.
Oh ok. Sounds good.
I'm gonna do some testing today to see how it planes with the water based in where they need to go. :-)
Nice looking rig, Be proud of that hard work and blisters from all the sanding! Go out and catch some fish!
Dude! Where's the Power Pole? just kidding.