14' Aluminum V-Hull Jon Boat

[yjanray]

So I picked up this boat last night. I got it for 140 bucks....thats the only reason. Anyway, I want to do some decking modifications to it, and wanted to use light plywood or something similar for the framing of the deck. I have read some posts about weight concerns, and that is why I only want to add a front casting deck/storage area. I want to add some other things (i.e rod holders, battery and gas can storage areas) but I plan on keeping those light. Anyway, I haven't the slight clue where to start first with the support framing. I had an old piece of styrofoam sheeting that I made a rough template for the deck, but have no idea how to start coming up with the framing.

BTW I have rebuilt a fiberglass boat before, just never messed with the "tinnys" Here are some pics

Thanks

 

[jigngrub]

Re: 14' Aluminum V-Hull Jon Boat

All you have to do is tab the deck to the hull with some resin and woven eh?! J/K

Ya gotta get some tinny tools to work on a tinny. A rivet setting tool (gun), some closed end blind rivets, some aluminum angle or square tube, and a skill saw with a carbide blade for cutting.

Frame your deck with aluminum angle or square tube, this is much lighter than framing it out of wood... plus it looks way more professional. Use closed end blind rivets to fasten your framing to the hull (these rivets won't leak and are very strong).

You can frame hatch openings in your deck for storage below deck.

Some of your seat lumber looks like it may be treated lumber, you'll want to replace that with regular untreated lumber. The chemicals in treated lumber will corrode/eat holes in your aluminum.

You should seal all of your lumber, a good porch and deck paint will work well for an inexpensive tinny like yours.

Check your transom lumber for rot and replace if needed, seal it with the paint too.

Adding mods to a V hull tinny isn't as bad as the littleflat bottom tins, your boat has a better weight capacity than the little flat bottoms.

Have you got a trailer for that boat, or are you just going to haul it in the back of your truck?

 

[yjanray]

Re: 14' Aluminum V-Hull Jon Boat

Yea, just filet the boards in with PB, right?!

Yea I figured I would need some tools. So they guy I got the boat from painted it right before I got it. Not sure what he painted it with, and I am ok with the red. I just want to make sure the rivets and all are going to be sealed, so I assume that you do that from within the boat? I tired to find gulvit at HD, but they never heard of it.

I am not even sure how to start framing it out. How do you attach pieces to the bottom of the hull, so that you can build a frame, how do you account for the curve of the hull? I guess these are pretty newbie questions....Anyway, I was thinking of removing all of seats. I wanted to put in solid type bench seats, so I could put a little live well in the middle one and flotation under the other ones and under the decking.

so where do you get aluminum angle or tubing? I couldn't find any at HD, so I guess i gotta go to supply store? Not sure I feel to confident in my self to cut aluminum, thought I do have a skill saw, just need a new blade if I'm gonna cut the aluminum.

So if you use aluminum for the frame, you just fasten a wooden deck to it?

I do not have a trailer yet, I picked it up in the back of my truck. I was planning on just using my truck to haul it around, but when I saw it and discovered how heavy it was, I knew I would have to get a little trailer. My plan is to get some sort of a cheapo trailer or something to move it around, but I am not too worried about that yet, as I have a lot of work before she'll be ready for the first fishing trip. I need power first!!!

Thanks for the help

A couple more pics