Jon or Deep V Boat to Bass Boat conversion

[BassinRob]

I'm trying to decide what type of skeleton boat to purchase, John Boat or Deep V Boat in in order to convert it into a Bass Boat style rig.
My main concern is with stability. Either way the the boat will be 12-14ft long. Is either one of these styles more stable that the other?

Does anyone have a conversion boat that they can share their thoughts on?

Jon Boat conversion - Sample
http://www.myjonboat.com/teel.htm

Deep V convesrion - Sample
http://www.myjonboat.com/vbottom.htm

Thanks

BassinRob!!!

[Greg_Cornish]

I've been looking into this too and settled on the idea of a Jon Boat for me because I'll be fishing calm water. If you'll be fishing big water I think you'll be best off with a V. It'll be safer. If stability is a factor get the widest beam you can - in a Jon boat - 48 at least. My question found the a 1448 is the minimum you'd want to deck. Referencing http://www.bassbusters.net/ they are a Jon Boat bas club back east. If you are fishing small water my opinion is pro Jon Boat.

Having said that - Jon Boats are overpriced. You can pick up a small used aluminum boat in good condition very cheaply compared to a Jon boat.

[Skeeterman]

It all depends on where you are going to go fish at. If you are going to the delta or Clear Lake where the wind can be rough I would go with the vbottom but if your just fishing or lakes or pounds maybe the john boat. Just remember any body of water can get rough so for safety resons I go with the v bottom boat.

[David Rogers]

Go V because I actually had both and the flat bottom even on a small lake like Del Valle you will get soaked with the flat bottom.

I actually did not convert the flat bottom because I knew right away I was going to get rid of it. I converted a 14 ft Gregor 3 years ago and it worked great, took it to Clear Lake a # of times with my 3 year old daughter with no problems. I sold it for what I put into it and now have a old school 1986 Ranger.

They do look very good once they are done, I had fun doing it.

[Greg_Cornish]

Go V because I actually had both and the flat bottom even on a small lake like Del Valle you will get soaked with the flat bottom.......

Getting soaked because of waves David? I'm planning on using mine only in Rodman Slough where there are very rarely white caps, if ever. I was choosing the Jon boat because I think it would be easier to transfer from a wheelchair into it - lower gunnels. I think your right about the V in most lakes. Even small lakes get white caps you can get caught in.

[SloppySeconds]

I would suggest a modified-V hull john boat like a Tracker, Lowe, or Crestliner... but go with something you can afford. I used to have a 17' Tracker that was 48" bottom. It was nice design with a center bench seat and nice rear deck. The design ran well with a 20hp motor and was low to the water. Fishing out of these rigs is awesome, but they can have problems with choppy water, so you can be a bit limited in where you can get to.

Riveted boats will be cheaper than the welded ones, but might be more prone to repair if they are older. V-hull boats will give you better ride, but less stable while fishing. They can also be higher off the water and require a longer shaft trolling motor. I would recommend getting to as close to the max allowable horsepower, since your rig is going to get heavier as you modify it with decks, batteries, trolling motors etc...

I started with my john boat by making a drawing of what I wanted. I wanted a rigid deck with some storage space, but not a lot of weight. I hired a local boat welder to help me out. He used 1" angle and 1" tubing to frame the deck and integrate it into the existing structure of the boat. Then topped it with 1/8" sheet and left a nice hatch.

Next step was to carpet it using marine carpet. I then added a battery tray inside the font deck to hold the trolling motor battery. Then I routed the trolling motor wiring (6 ga) to a Ranger-style plug in the bow. This was a good time to add any wiring for a fish finder too.

Next was the floor behind the raised deck. I wanted it light and strong, so I used a combination of wood and 1" aluminum tube. I used a split 2x4 to get the aluminum tube above the ribs. Check your local metal recycler for great deals on aluminum. Then used a 3/16 plywood sheet for the top. After carpeting the floor, I used stainless screws to screw it to the framing. If you cut your floor just right, adding carpet will make a perfect pressure-fit into the bottom of the boat.

Other nice touches are navigation lights, trolling motor, fish finder, bilge pumps and switch panels. Here are some pics from the front deck build (click to enlarge) Feel free to PM if you want to throw some ideas around, but there are lots of good resources out there.

Good luck!

[optichamp]

I keep threatening to do a conversion on my 12' aluminum boat. Although old (1974) and riveted it is quite stable, and does not leak. There are numerous 12-17 foot aluminum boats always for sale on Craigslist. For small lakes where speed or horsepower is limited, it doesn't make sense to take a bigger boat.

Just bear in mind that there's been many a person fall out of a small aluminum boat and drown over the years, especially in colder mountain lakes. I will likely add some sort of a boarding ladder to mine, at some point, for that reason.

One thing you might look into is one of the smaller catamarans, like the Livingstons - they are stable. Ditto the CraigCat, though the ride is a lot wetter.

I have also seen folks take old Hobie Cats, replace the trampoline with a platform, add a small motor, and use it as a power boat. This approach I'm not sure about, because I've also heard of long term durability issues with them. YMMV

These guys sell a mini-pontoon boat that might save a lot of work:

http://www.protatch.com/CustomPontoon.htm

[Guy Kelley]

thanks guys for the info on the john boat conversion web site.

I have a 14 ft Gregor that i have been wanting to convert to a bass type for quite some time but dint have any good plans on how to go about it , now I do, Great!!!!

Guy

[bantam1]

I fish out of a 15'6" Jon and I use it at lakes and local bays such as Newport and SD. SD bay is pretty rough, rougher than most lakes I have been on. I have taken a wave over one time while my buddy was driving

I think a deep V might be better in rough water, but I really like my flat bottom. It drafts really shallow and I can get into some really tight spots with it.

Here is my current set up:



I have a 82# Motorguide Tour Edition trolling motor, Lowrance LMS 332C graph w/ GPS, lights, bilge, auto bilge, a small livewell (It will hold 20-25 pounds of fish) with a timed recric pump and a 8hp Mariner. My total investment into this boat is around $1200.





I used all 3/4" Plywood for the deck. It has plenty of tackle storage for a boat this size. I have two compartments for tackle that will hold 16 370 size boxes in each compartment and a dry compartment for my ropes, anchor and cooler. I plan to recess the trolling motor pedal this year sometime.

I think you will enjoy the small boat. I think they get bit better than the avergae bass boat. You'll also have fun building it the way you want it.

[BassinRob]

Hi All,

Thank you for the great and detailed information. I greatly appriciate everyones opinion on this topic.

Now, is there anyone that has a skeleton Jon Boat / V-Hull that is looking to sell it or get rid off. I'm on a very tight budget and am looking for the basic boat / trailer.

Sincerely,

BassinRob!!!

[SloppySeconds]

Sheesh! That thing is sweet!
Bantam1, how did you do the framing for the deck under your plywood? I'd be curious to know how you fastened it to the boat? That set-up looks top-notch - perhaps one of the best that I have seen anywhere.

SS

[BassinRob]

Hi Bantam,

Very nice setup. That is exactly what I would want mine to eventualy look like. Awesome!!!! Great work

Is the $1200 total with the boat and trailer? or just for the upgrades?

Thanks again for sharing your boat with us all.

Happy Fishing!

BassinRob!!!

[David Rogers]

Hi Bantam,

Nice set up, you have as much storage as I do on the 18 foot ranger, well done, I have done one of these before also but it did come out as good as yours!!

Looks great!!

[Dom]

Check this out looks like a steal

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/boa/582657058.html

[Mike Thomas]

A long time ago a friend and I converted an OLD v hull aluminum to a more bass friendly type of rig. It worked out pretty well...the one thing I would make sure of and I'm sure you have already thought of is to use a wider model hull for your "skeleton" boat due to stability issues when you stand to one side of the boat or the other. Like was mentioned in a previous post...the v style hull will keep you a little drier and will probably be a little better ride to boot.

[BassinRob]

Thanks guys for the tips. It looks like a 14ft Deep V would be a better choice at this time. Although, the Jon boats look sweet the way they can be modified.

Any other opinions would be greatly appriciated.

Thanks again

[CW2 Tucker]

I used to own this rig I built for fishing the many small waters in MI. I used it on the Delta a couple of times in the back waters. I wish I still had it for those summer days hunting shallow bass. I only concentrated on a front deck as I was the only one ever in the boat most of the time. The set up had more than enough storage.







Good Luck with your project!

[Greg_Cornish]

I used to own this rig I built for fishing the many small waters in MI. I used it on the Delta a couple of times in the back waters. I wish I still had it for those summer days hunting shallow bass. I only concentrated on a front deck as I was the only one ever in the boat most of the time. The set up had more than enough storage.


Good Luck with your project!

I figured I'd see you here soon enough

[BassinRob]

Thanks for the insight into your project.

Nice job!!!

BassinRob!!!

[BassinRob]

Thanks for the insight into your project.

Nice job!!!

BassinRob!!!

[Steve]

The most versatile aluminum hull you can get is a modified v. Thats what Ive fished out of for, well, way too long. Get a welded hull. Also, pay close attention to the width of the boat and the height of the gunnels. My stern also is very high to prevent backwash and big waves from coming over the rear. You can modify these boats any way imagineable. If you get a v-hull you really limit what you can do with the boat, and the fishability of the boat.

[Greg_Cornish]

What is a modified V?

[Buzzbait]

LOL. That is actually pretty cool.

[Buzzbait]

LOL. That is actually pretty cool.

[brambo0311]

I have a 15' gregor baja special allready built. 20hp merc, 12/24 motor guide on bow. 2 new batteries, 6 pedastool locations. 6 scotty rod holders, 2, 3 pole lateral rack. And 2 cannon down riggers on swivel bases if you want to trout fish. It is carpeted decked. all seats are piano hinged for storage, but screwed down with floatation back in to sell. I am selling it for 3000. I have not posted it yet, but I am in sac PM me if you are interested.

[CW2 Tucker]

What is a modified V?

A simple example would be a Lowe RoughNeck style boat. The bow is a v hull design but by the time you’re at the transom it is almost a flat bottom. A great design for guys who might need to go through some big water to get to their secret spots.

You know me I can’t resist talking about building stuff!

[Greg_Cornish]

What is a modified V?

A simple example would be a Lowe RoughNeck style boat. The bow is a v hull design but by the time you’re at the transom it is almost a flat bottom. ...

Oh, I own one, maybe. Its this a modified V?

http://www.significantudders.com/batwing/

The paint I bought to restore it is worth 3 times as much as I paid for the boat.

[Dom]

Here is my modified V

I had aluminum rails welded in and put the deck in carpeted the whole boat, gas can and battery at the back to even things out. Redid the intire trailer from sand blasting to paint and lights. it worked great back in the day.

I sold it, wish I still had it it was great on gas LOL

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u257 ... ghQual.jpg

My newest accomplishment

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u257 ... bay026.jpg

[Rippin Toad]

Hi All,

Thank you for the great and detailed information. I greatly appriciate everyones opinion on this topic.

Now, is there anyone that has a skeleton Jon Boat / V-Hull that is looking to sell it or get rid off. I'm on a very tight budget and am looking for the basic boat / trailer.

Sincerely,

BassinRob!!!

Rob I sent you a *PM*. I have a boat you may be intrested in.

[Greg_Cornish]

Needs work but....probably cheap.

[troutnut]

There is a guy that stops by Elkhorn Bait and Tackle regularly with a jon boat conversion. He has a modified jon boat, 14' long with a 20 or 25 hp Johnson on the back. I have seen him there 3 times, ( about 11 am) and I don't work there. He fishes the Sac River for stripers, sturgeon and I have seen him at Folsom before. he said he fishes Lake Almanor a lot too.

Some things he did on his boat I thought was good ideas, his biggest concern was weight because it effects boat speed so much on smaller boats:

1. no carpet, he said too much extra weight.

2. He had the entire boat shot with a truck bed liner, then came back when he built the insert and had them shoot that too. It made the boat very quiet. They painted it a white with grey and black flecks. The boat is so cool he can fish barefooted. He used 1/2" marine plywood, not 3/4" like other do, and he strenghtened the plywood casting deck with 1"x1" angle aluminum grid running full length and had cross bars. The guy must have been a welder with all the fabrication he had done.

3. He built the battery box way up in the front for better weight distribution, but has plug in lead for the charger at the back of boat so when he parks in the garage, it is quick to plug in. He does NOT have an on board charger ( too much weight), he modified his charger to have these kinds of connectors so he could quick connect.

4. He had 1 1/4 in holes in decking, 6 or 8 in a row with PVC pipe sleeves for holding rods, plus he had conventional rod tie down straps. The vertical holes had bungy hooks at both ends so he could secure them while moving from spot to spot or while trailering boat. His dog never steps on his rods. He had trolling holders on an angle built into decking also, on both aft corners.

5. He had a bilge pump, but said he never used it , since the truck bed liner sealed the bottom of boat so well, he had never had a leak. The area behind the bench seat had a full length piano hinge that hignged a deck covering fuel tank, bilge pump, livewell pump, and safety gear.

6. The front deck had under deck storage for about 12 plano 3700 boxes down starboard side, and a small live well down centerline, (more like a baitwell) His livewell was a modified Igloo icechest. He had a rod box that went down the entire port side. He cut a hole in front edge of the bench seat inside rod box, and epoxied a Rubbermaid dishpan in there so he could put 10 foot flyrods in the rod box all rigged and ready. I bet he had 15 rods in the box. Both sides of the box had 4-5 down-angled, U -shaped grooves with rubber moulding edges to hold rods, plus he had a center T-post with the same down both sides.

7. He had a vertical, removable 1 1/2"x~30" tall brushed aluminum pole on about a foot to the starboard side of centerline mounted into casting deck. Atop that he had a fishfinder on a swivel mount. The pole looked like it was from a bank teller line divider. He used the pole to help himself stand up faster, steady himself when stepping up/ and off of the casting deck. The FF is right a eye level when driving the boat, and he just rotates it flat when fishing up front

8. He hand fabricated a steering console on starboard side from sheet aluminum. He had a bench seat, with a back that folded forwards to step over easily, and a swivel leaning post seat up front.

9. He had a small 12 volt motorcycle size battery but he said it was from a alarm system that ran his fishfinder and radio. He said he was getting too much static and false signal from trolling motor.

His trolling motor was a 70 lb Minnkota riptide with remote control and auto pilot.

His boat was SUPER QUIET. He had installed Dynamat anywhere he could stick it. You could whack the boat with a hammer and it wouldn't make a noise.

If I see him again I will take pics and get you his contact info.

[brambo0311]

I have a 15' gregor baja special allready built. 20hp merc, 12/24 motor guide on bow. 2 new batteries, 6 pedastool locations. 6 scotty rod holders, 2, 3 pole lateral rack. And 2 cannon down riggers on swivel bases if you want to trout fish. It is carpeted decked. all seats are piano hinged for storage, but screwed down with floatation back in to sell. I am selling it for 3000. I have not posted it yet, but I am in sac PM me if you are interested.

I can let it go for 2500. Its all ready built. on the trailer. PM me if interested.

[BassManDan]

This really has been an awesome post to follow!

Albeit I have an '87 Bass Tracker, but I have done a fair bit of modifying and considering that the amenities of today are far greater than what they had in 1987, I figure it was time to step up into the future. I have doubled the size of the front deck, added rod keepers mounted on both sides of the deck and added other assorted things, it really makes it more of a BASS boat, instead of a fishing boat.

And I have to agree with most everyone else, the modified V is as good as it gets. It offers much smoother ride in rough water, but is still a flat, shallow running boat.

To all of you who have posted pics, nice boats, even without 40 grand to drop on a fancy glass rig, you can still have an awesome bass boat!

BassManDan

[GW]

If you guys working on these boat conversions are looking for those small 12 v batteries, you can try the Radio Shack or let me know I am sure I can get them cheaper. They are 12v 7ah.

[Buzzbait]

I have a 15' gregor baja special allready built. 20hp merc, 12/24 motor guide on bow. 2 new batteries, 6 pedastool locations. 6 scotty rod holders, 2, 3 pole lateral rack. And 2 cannon down riggers on swivel bases if you want to trout fish. It is carpeted decked. all seats are piano hinged for storage, but screwed down with floatation back in to sell. I am selling it for 3000. I have not posted it yet, but I am in sac PM me if you are interested.

I can let it go for 2500. Its all ready built. on the trailer. PM me if interested.

To get anyone interested you'll have to post some pictures bro. I would like to see it too...