My 12' Jon Boat Project 2024

jdmoody reply :

Hey guys my project is an old 12' flat bottom jon boat. I'm not sure of the year or anything. This was my dad's old boat but he moved out of state and left it for me. It sat for about 8 years before I finally went to get it. I'm trying to get it fixed up and out on the water by spring. I've already cut out the middle bench but I'm going to put a deck along the floor and a swivel seat in it's place. The deck will be obviously be low so the seat height should turn out good. As of now I have no motor at all just the boat and trailer.

Here's the thing...weight capacity. When my dad had this boat he put a front deck made from plywood on it that ran from the middle seat to the front end of the boat. It sat on top of the middle seat so it was fairly high. He also had a swivel seat on it. There was a trolling motor on the front, another swivel seat in the rear, and a motor on the back. I think he said the one on the back was 10 hp. At one point he took me, my sister, and my step mom out on the creek. With all of that plus our weight and the weight of the cooler, battery for the trolling motor, and other gear I know we were over the weight capacity.

I plan on finishing the boat up and taking it on the water this spring with a friend. We will have a cooler, trolling motor, our fishing gear, and ourselves. I don't know about an outboard yet. My friend and I weigh about 450 combined. So judging by the weigh my dad had it do you guys think it will be safe. I don't plan on any major lakes or anything just medium sized ones, creeks, and maybe a river. Just knowing how my dad did it makes me think it will be fine but I wanted to get some other opinions.

I'll post conversion pics too as soon as I can!

jdmoody reply :

This is the only picture I have right now. This was taken when I brought the boat to my house this past September. You can see what was leftover from my dad's modifications. Since this picture I have cleaned it out and taken out the middle bench seat. Not much I know.

Grey Wolf reply :

You're definitely going to over load it. When you took the middle seat out you probably weakened the structure also.

I wish you the best of luck getting it on the water but be careful and wear a good floatation device.

done reply :

First, before you put anything into it, have you tested the hull for leaks? I would wonder, sitting that long having stuff in it, if it has any. Maybe fill it up with a little water and see if anything leaks out.

Ditto, on the bench removal, you will want to put something in there to reinforce the hull at that point.

Consider using Aluminum as the superstructure for anything you add. I did this on my 14' jon a ways back. In the end I added a full casting deck to the front 2 swivel seats (one fore and one aft) and put a total of maybe 50 lbs to the boat.

I could not see the transom, but you may want to look at reinforcing it before putting a motor on it. One of the mistakes I made on mine was putting a 8hp on there and it cracked in 2 places after a few months. Even though it was rated for up to 12 hp, I still cracked it. I reinforced the crud out of it and it did not give me any problems after that.

Looks like a good little project and after the history it has for you, definitely a good project.

jdmoody reply :

Thanks guys! When I first brought it home and cleaned it out it started raining. The boat almost filled with water but the rain stopped. I used that as an opportunity to check for leaks and thankfully it didn't leak at all!

I know that by taking the seat out I'll have to reinforce it but that was the plan. I saw on another post here somewhere how a guy did the same thing and it turned out great.

My biggest concern is the weight. My dad had this boat with a plywood deck on the front, wood on the back seat, an out board motor, trolling motor, depth finder, to swivel seats, a 12 volt deep cycle marine battery, fishing gear, and 4 people in it. The four of us probably weighed about 500 lbs giver or take a few. The boat did fine with all of that which is what makes me think I will be fine. I'm just not completely sold on it if that makes any sense.

done reply :

Makes sense. Maybe add a small bilge pump to your rig to help you out in case you need it. I added one to my jon, and while I did not have to use it much, when I did, I was VERY glad I had it.

Sounds like you got a good plan there. If you did it before with that weight, I would not see why it would not work again. If possible you could do your work in chunks and take it for a test voyage in between those chunks to see how it handles weight wise as you go.

if possible, add some extra flotation in case it does fill up then, it will just stay at the surface. I loaded the underside of my custom deck with marine flotation crap just in case.

bassfisherjk reply :

Good Luck,as M Starr said add the bilge pump.I put one in my 14' V-bottom and am glad I did.

jdmoody reply :

Well before I've enlisted the help of a good friend of mine for this project. Before we start anything we are going to take the boat to a local pond to test the weight capacity. We're both going to sit in it and then add one of our wives at a time. We're going to use this test to determine how much weight the boat will hold and still stay out of the water enough. Since me and him will be the main ones using it we're going to determine how much weight on top of our combined weight the boat will hold. This will help us decide just how much we can do. Weather permitting this test will be done on Tuesday so hopefully all goes well and you guys will see the results then.

bassmanET reply :

There's a formula that you can use to get an idea.

Its length by feet times width by feet divided by 150.

jdmoody reply :

Well a snow storm moved through last night so I don't know if I'll be able to do anything with the boat right now. We were going to put it in the water tomorrow long enough to test out the weight limit on it but it really depends on the snow.

On another note we did get our taxes done so I'm going to be able to take enough money out of them to fix the boat up completely and get it on the water for some fishing. Of course fixing it up is totally based on the weight it can hold. I want it to be able to hold me and my friend along with all of our gear. If it can't then I'll just get rid of the boat for something bigger but we'll see.

jdmoody reply :

Well I was going to stop my project due to finding a bigger boat to work on but it didn't work out. I found a 15' tri hull for fairly cheap but the guy couldn't produce a title nor did he know who the titled owner was. So needless to say I'm sticking with my 12' project. I'll finally get to start soon because our taxes will be coming in. I can't wait!

We did take it out on the water Sunday and it did great. We kept it close to the bank and tied up because we didn't have any oars or anything. Like I said we just wanted to test it for weight purposes. It's rated for 350lbs total for people and 500lbs for people with motor and gear. We had 760lbs in it and it sat about 8 inches out of the water! Due to this I'm pretty confident that everything will work out with this project.

Fishing Rhino reply :

I don't want to throw cold water on your project, or your tests, but eight inches of freeboard is not very much.

Load ratings take into account several things.

Here's what concerns me. The more weight you place in a boat, the slower it responds to conditions.

In other words, when loaded to specs, a jon boat will bob around on the top of the water like a cork.

As the load is increased, it does not react to the lifting force of waves as quickly, particularly in a chop.

At some point the waves will begin splashing over the rails or bow, and into the boat, adding more weight, which causes water to enter faster, increasing the load in the boat faster.

I'm not trying to be a killjoy. I have enough experience on the water to know how suddenly things can go badly wrong, even on a small pond.

Grey Wolf reply :

You're boat will be a accident looking for a place to happen. JMHO

Radical Conservative reply :

JD, good luck with the boat. I am from Lexington as well! Good to see another on here.

jdmoody reply :

Thanks and it's definitely nice to see somebody else from Lexington on here! I'm really debating the whole boat situation. From the sound of it I shouldn't even bother with the 12 footer. I would love to get a 14' or better yet a 16' but I haven't been able to find one with a low enough price tag. My wife isn't too big on me spending a lot of money in the boat department lol. With her giving me such a low budget it's not that easy. Right now she's saying no more than $700. If I keep my 12' and fix it up I could do a lot with it. I'm really torn on the whole situation.

Radical Conservative reply :

Yeah, I understand the budget issue. The '12 is definately goin' to be hard. I had a 14' jon with a full deck but it just wasnt big enough. Now I'm in an '87 17' Pro Craft. I think with all the work we've done were still in it around $2,000. But we got lucky and had a lot of mechanic work on the motor done free of charge. $700 is not a very flexible budget to work with though for sure. Of course, I don't have a wife to deal with though.

jdmoody reply :

Yeah she makes some good points on the whole money issue but this is something I've been wanting for quite a while. If nothing else I'll just get mine fixed up and use it for a while and save some money for something bigger. Thats probably my only option with such a small budget. With $700 I can turn my boat into a nice fishing boat.

Radical Conservative reply :

JD, you have mail.

simplejoe reply :

Don't start doubting yourself, your project will never get done. If I listen to everthing was ever said here on about my projects, I would still have my first one in the garage ripped apart. ;D

If you don't have a budget to get a bigger, wider boat then fix yours. You don't need to load it with 6 people, that is just not safe, especially if there are kids in the boat. If that boat flips with kids in it, it's going to be nightmare. But if want to take your dad and your kid out then you will be safe. Just make sure you put the seat in the middle back in for support.

If I had that boat, I would just fix it up a little, enough to fish out of it and enjoy it for next season. Save your money up and buy a bigger boat next winter when you can find good deals on them. Just my .02

VABassin'14 reply :

Quote
There's a formula that you can use to get an idea.
Its length by feet times width by feet divided by 150.

? :-? If you have a 12 ft boat that is 4 ft wide, 12x4=48. 48 divided by 150=0.32

bassmanET reply :

Oops

Sorry :-[.

Its Length by feet * width by feet divided by 15.

That will give the number of persons on boat @ 150# each. So,3.2 * 150 = 480# max cap weight ;D

jdmoody reply :

Well I'm never going to have more than two people in the boat at a time. My plan right now is to just keep the boat and put some work into it. I can use it this year and then get something better next year by saving up. If I save up I'll have a better budget which means better boat.

As for this boat I've pretty much decided whats happening. I'm going to put a floor in it made of 1/2" plywood thats raised just a little off the boat bottom. This is mostly for putting a raised seat up front. I'm going to brace the boat some too since I took the middle seat out. Then I'm going to mount another shorter seat to the rear bench. Other than that the only other weight in the boat will be a transom mounted trolling motor, battery, and our gear. I'm not putting an outboard on it. So thats the plan that I'm sticking too for this year of fishing...unless of course something better comes along at some point.

Big Fish Rice reply :

Quote
I don't want to throw cold water on your project, or your tests, but eight inches of freeboard is not very much.
Load ratings take into account several things.

Here's what concerns me. The more weight you place in a boat, the slower it responds to conditions.

In other words, when loaded to specs, a jon boat will bob around on the top of the water like a cork.

As the load is increased, it does not react to the lifting force of waves as quickly, particularly in a chop.

At some point the waves will begin splashing over the rails or bow, and into the boat, adding more weight, which causes water to enter faster, increasing the load in the boat faster.

I'm not trying to be a killjoy. I have enough experience on the water to know how suddenly things can go badly wrong, even on a small pond.

First, go ahead and take out the middle bench. The ribs on your boat extend up the hull. These are sufficient for structural stability. No need to add any more "support".

Second, putting a floor in (over the ribs, either wood or aluminum) is actually support in itself. Once again, keep it simple and keep your floor low.

Third, inbetween each rib, cut out pieces of marine foam and lay them in there (May only be 1.5" or 2" thick). Once you install your floor over the ribs, you now have more "emergency foam" hidden under the floor just in case you take on water.

Fourth, 8" of freeboard on a 12' aluminum jon boat is certainly not ideal, but it isn't as worrysome as the members here make it out to be.

Take each step slowly, make sure you craft the decks to the hull, and test the boat out after each new addition is complete.

Not to disgrace any members here, but the project you have in mind is valid and can be done if you just make sure to check the boats "buoancy" after each addition. Good luck, keep us up to date.

Grey Wolf reply :

Quote

Quote
I don't want to throw cold water on your project, or your tests, but eight inches of freeboard is not very much.
Load ratings take into account several things.

Here's what concerns me. The more weight you place in a boat, the slower it responds to conditions.

In other words, when loaded to specs, a jon boat will bob around on the top of the water like a cork.

As the load is increased, it does not react to the lifting force of waves as quickly, particularly in a chop.

At some point the waves will begin splashing over the rails or bow, and into the boat, adding more weight, which causes water to enter faster, increasing the load in the boat faster.

I'm not trying to be a killjoy. I have enough experience on the water to know how suddenly things can go badly wrong, even on a small pond.

First, go ahead and take out the middle bench. The ribs on your boat extend up the hull. These are sufficient for structural stability. No need to add any more "support".

Second, putting a floor in (over the ribs, either wood or aluminum) is actually support in itself. Once again, keep it simple and keep your floor low.

Third, inbetween each rib, cut out pieces of marine foam and lay them in there (May only be 1.5" or 2" thick). Once you install your floor over the ribs, you now have more "emergency foam" hidden under the floor just in case you take on water.

Fourth, 8" of freeboard on a 12' aluminum jon boat is certainly not ideal, but it isn't as worrysome as the members here make it out to be.

Take each step slowly, make sure you craft the decks to the hull, and test the boat out after each new addition is complete.

Not to disgrace any members here, but the project you have in mind is valid and can be done if you just make sure to check the boats "buoancy" after each addition. Good luck, keep us up to date.

What is your background ? What proof do you have that every thing you stated is viable ?

Big Fish Rice reply :

Quote

Quote

Quote
I don't want to throw cold water on your project, or your tests, but eight inches of freeboard is not very much.
Load ratings take into account several things.

Here's what concerns me. The more weight you place in a boat, the slower it responds to conditions.

In other words, when loaded to specs, a jon boat will bob around on the top of the water like a cork.

As the load is increased, it does not react to the lifting force of waves as quickly, particularly in a chop.

At some point the waves will begin splashing over the rails or bow, and into the boat, adding more weight, which causes water to enter faster, increasing the load in the boat faster.

I'm not trying to be a killjoy. I have enough experience on the water to know how suddenly things can go badly wrong, even on a small pond.

First, go ahead and take out the middle bench. The ribs on your boat extend up the hull. These are sufficient for structural stability. No need to add any more "support".

Second, putting a floor in (over the ribs, either wood or aluminum) is actually support in itself. Once again, keep it simple and keep your floor low.

Third, inbetween each rib, cut out pieces of marine foam and lay them in there (May only be 1.5" or 2" thick). Once you install your floor over the ribs, you now have more "emergency foam" hidden under the floor just in case you take on water.

Fourth, 8" of freeboard on a 12' aluminum jon boat is certainly not ideal, but it isn't as worrysome as the members here make it out to be.

Take each step slowly, make sure you craft the decks to the hull, and test the boat out after each new addition is complete.

Not to disgrace any members here, but the project you have in mind is valid and can be done if you just make sure to check the boats "buoancy" after each addition. Good luck, keep us up to date.

What is your background ? What proof do you have that every thing you stated is viable ?

Experience. I've been in a 12' and a 14' modified v-hull and flat bottom jon; both with middle benches removed and full casting desks out of plywood installed. (more weight than the "removed bench")

Second, currently working on my own project with my father; jon boat to bass boat conversion. I'll post pics of the entire project when done

Just for good measure, go ahead and check out tinboats.net since you seem to be hesitant about what I've suggested. (My post is on the conservative side).

Lastly, I did say "test" the additions right? A little bit of common sense goes a long way; just be safe about it.

jdmoody reply :

Yeah I've pretty much decided to go ahead with my project and see what happens. Not only is this the cheaper route right now but in the long run I can save up and get a good quality boat next season maybe. The tax check should be here next week and thats when I'm going to get the stuff needed. With the stuff I have planned for it it shouldn't take very long from start to finish. I'll definitely post pics along the way though.

On another note though where can I get the foam to put under the floor? Also about how much will that cost?

Big Fish Rice reply :

Quote
Yeah I've pretty much decided to go ahead with my project and see what happens. Not only is this the cheaper route right now but in the long run I can save up and get a good quality boat next season maybe. The tax check should be here next week and thats when I'm going to get the stuff needed. With the stuff I have planned for it it shouldn't take very long from start to finish. I'll definitely post pics along the way though.
On another note though where can I get the foam to put under the floor? Also about how much will that cost?

After researching some more, I've seen that regular old styrofoam would suit our tin boats just fine. We have very light boats, not the weight of a glass or wood boat.

It's fairly cheap, and can be purchased in sheets at Home Depot, Lowes, etc, in many different dimensions. You can also adhesive multiple layers to get the height you need.

The great thing about styrofoam is the price, and it's buoyancy. The majority of tin boats have foam in the seats; after taking mine out there was very little damage or waterlogging. Looked good for 15+ years.

Since the foam will be underneath the deck, I wouldn't foresee any major issues. If water does filter in, it should still be able to drain towards the stern through the channels of the hull.

Check your hardware stores, and look for sheets of it. Here locally, 4'x8' sheets are easy to find. They come in 3/4" thick, all the way to 2" thick.

Simple, cheap, and effective should you have to depend on the foam to keep your boat afloat.

Once again, the addition of styrofoam is just to help keep your boat afloat in case of swamping.

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My 12' Jon Boat Project 2024

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