1969 Jon Boat Project

[learningasIgo]

So I recently bought a 1969 16X36 Jon Boat that I am considering the "what to do's?". So, I decided to just list out all my ideas, and see what kind of feedback I get from you all.

The boat has some damage to the hull where it has hit a few river rocks over its years of gigging service. The previous owner used JBWeld to patch the few small punctures and the leaking rivets. Is the best solution to have these welded?? What about the rivets? What about dent repair??

Put floor in with marine carpet
Install 2 live wells
Install a platform in the first three feet of the boat with storage under
Install fishing pole rack
Three removeable pedestal seats
Center console with steering wheel
Two tone paint job

It also has what I believe is an old bass boat trailer that they put a floor in with indoor out door carpet. I am actually thinking of just keeping the trailer the way it is, but painting it and installing new LED lights (the old ones and wiring are all but shot).

I want to make this a nice river boat, but still be a river boat and not afraid to get it a little dirty and take it gigging. Don't want to put her into retirement yet, just give her a face lift and some new life. What do you all think.

I'll also note, as with all things concerning me, it has to be done the most inexpensive way possible. (Good thing I know a lot of people with different skills - it's just getting the parts that concerns me.) Let me know your thoughts.

 

[learningasIgo]

Re: 1969 Jon Boat Project

Also, can someone give me a max weight rating for this boat. The Manufacturer's plate is completely un-readable.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1969 Jon Boat Project

Also, can someone give me a max weight rating for this boat. The Manufacturer's plate is completely un-readable.

Ayuh,.... Waay less than all This...
"Put floor in with marine carpet
Install 2 live wells
Install a platform in the first three feet of the boat with storage under
Install fishing pole rack
Three removeable pedestal seats
Center console with steering wheel"

 

[learningasIgo]

Re: 1969 Jon Boat Project

Ayuh,.... Waay less than all This...
"Put floor in with marine carpet
Install 2 live wells
Install a platform in the first three feet of the boat with storage under
Install fishing pole rack
Three removeable pedestal seats
Center console with steering wheel"

So, your saying not to do any of those things, right? Can I get some reasons to help my thinking out?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: 1969 Jon Boat Project

The boat is too and narrow for modifications and will create an overweight tippy boat ........

 

[learningasIgo]

Re: 1969 Jon Boat Project

The boat is too and narrow for modifications and will create an overweight tippy boat ........

Seems a lot of people have modified these and been happy with them. Is there nothing that can be done to keep the boat safe and still put in the mod's??

 

[learningasIgo]

Re: 1969 Jon Boat Project

I'm going to assume that the post about the other site was a rules violation and that's why it was deleted..?

 

[learningasIgo]

Re: 1969 Jon Boat Project

Also, can someone give me a max weight rating for this boat. The Manufacturer's plate is completely un-readable.

Just curious on this one. No one has gave an answer for this.

 

[LangDog]

Re: 1969 Jon Boat Project

I remember reading somewhere that for boats of that type, 25-30 pounds per foot would put the boat at its maximum, safe operating load. That turns out to be roughly 500 pounds for your boat which does not leave much room for all that stuff you want to build if you have 2 people in the boat.

Cheers

 

[learningasIgo]

Re: 1969 Jon Boat Project

I remember reading somewhere that for boats of that type, 25-30 pounds per foot would put the boat at its maximum, safe operating load. That turns out to be roughly 500 pounds for your boat which does not leave much room for all that stuff you want to build if you have 2 people in the boat.

Cheers

I was under the impression that these boats were rated around 700-780, but wanted to find someone with the same or similar boat that could give me a for-sure, factual answer. Of course I really don't know much other than my conversations with other boaters and I don't know anyone with a 1636, only 1648's. Those with 1648 boats have said their rating is anywhere from 700 for the "lighter made" ones to 900+ for the heavy duty types. Just hoping someone can give some definite proof on this as it will largely impact what I decide to do with this boat. Thanks.

 

[learningasIgo]

Re: 1969 Jon Boat Project

So I have been doing a lot of research and thinking and have decided that I am going to simply remove the JB Weld that someone put over the leaking rivets, sand down the JB Weld where there is a minor (1/4"or less) puncture in the hull, seal up the hull, paint, and sell this boat. I found a 2004 model Voyager 1670 (it's 70 at the beam, 48 at the floor) jon boat that went through a tornado on the water and came out with a couple of dents, minor bends in the rail that can be push back out fairly easily, and (the worst of it) the front rail is bent in at one spot about 3 inches and, of course, this cracked the aluminum. (I did say I was in the market for a project, right?) Any case, it's still in just as good shape as the boat I have, but is wider, newer (so I have actual manufacturer ratings available), heavier, already has a live well in it, and comes with a tilt trailer all for $600. So now I will have to start a new thread for that boat!

But this one is first. So, what is the better to use: Gluvit or Steelflex for sealing up the hull of this boat? Should I plan to paint over either way, or just use the sealant up to the water line and then paint above (two tone look)?

Also, should I put a deck in the front of this boat before selling it? Would it get any more money out of it that way?

Thanks to all for your help.

 

[learningasIgo]

Re: 1969 Jon Boat Project

So I have been doing a lot of research and thinking and have decided that I am going to simply remove the JB Weld that someone put over the leaking rivets, sand down the JB Weld where there is a minor (1/4"or less) puncture in the hull, seal up the hull, paint, and sell this boat. I found a 2004 model Voyager 1670 (it's 70 at the beam, 48 at the floor) jon boat that went through a tornado on the water and came out with a couple of dents, minor bends in the rail that can be push back out fairly easily, and (the worst of it) the front rail is bent in at one spot about 3 inches and, of course, this cracked the aluminum. (I did say I was in the market for a project, right?) Any case, it's still in just as good shape as the boat I have, but is wider, newer (so I have actual manufacturer ratings available), heavier, already has a live well in it, and comes with a tilt trailer all for $600. So now I will have to start a new thread for that boat!

But this one is first. So, what is the better to use: Gluvit or Steelflex for sealing up the hull of this boat? Should I plan to paint over either way, or just use the sealant up to the water line and then paint above (two tone look)?

Also, should I put a deck in the front of this boat before selling it? Would it get any more money out of it that way?

Thanks to all for your help.

Anyone?