Looking for Jon boat plans?

[OhioLowell]

Hello all. Well I have come to the point where I have the boat bug again, and think that i may be able to build a proper fishing vessel for less money than it would take to breathe new life into another old boat.

I have had visions of a fancy deep v fishing boat ( about 14-16' with bow miunted trolling motor and an outboard with tiller controls) and it occured to me the other day....... Come on, OhioLowell, you live in Ohio something like that isn't really needed. In all honesty a nice well fitted Jonbaot would suit me just fine. A bow and stern casting seat, live well in a cooler etc, etc. I have an old mostly restored 15HP eninrude that just needs some carb tinkering and will be water ready.

Anyway, I have looked at uncleJon's boat plans and they look like what I'm looking for. I was thinking 15'8" with a 46" bottom would be just dandy for me and my father and my son to muck about in. However, the one thing I can not seem to find are any plans that have a slight v in the bow. I like to jonboat style and ease of use but I Would like to find some plans with a slight v in the bow similar to one of the flat bottomed bass trackers that youd see at bass pro. I think that the v would help smooth out a chop some and eliminate some of the pounding you might get otherwise.

Can anyone point me to anywhre I could find such plans? I have looked high and low for them but can not seem to find any. I could probably figure it out and get something to work without the plans but plans would eliminate a lot of the guess work.

Thanks in advance,
Lowell

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Looking for Jon boat plans?

Have you looked at the glen-l plans? http://www.boatdesigns.com/11-15-Power-Row-Skiffs-flat-bottom-skiffs/products/857/ is just one but they are tested plans with nice boats.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Looking for Jon boat plans?

This might be of interest...
http://www.boatdesigns.com/products.asp?dept=276

 

[s freud]

Re: Looking for Jon boat plans?

I would think you would be able to find a boat like that on craigslist cheaper than you could build one. I bought one for $100 and another with a trailer and 9.8 for 450. Have seen boats like that for $200 (Actually was scooped on one, but it worked out okay for me in the end).

 

[OhioLowell]

Re: Looking for Jon boat plans?

I would think you would be able to find a boat like that on craigslist cheaper than you could build one. I bought one for $100 and another with a trailer and 9.8 for 450. Have seen boats like that for $200 (Actually was scooped on one, but it worked out okay for me in the end).

Yeah I was just seeing this same thing for myself earlier tonight. I just like the idea of building one myself, but unfortunately I think you may be right.

The links are great! I'm kind of a boat plan geek and love looking at them, and day dreaming. I guess I have some soul searching to do now. Buying one on Craigslist would mot definitely be easier. But hey if we all wanted easier we'd be basket weaving not messing about in boats ;-).

Thanks again,
Lowell

 

[Jonboat2Bassboat]

Re: Looking for Jon boat plans?

Another source is myjonboat.com. They sell a spiral bound book for $20 that includes an e-book. You can also download just the e-book for less. It gives lots of tips on how to convert a Jon boat to a Bass boat with several articles with photos of guys who converted their Jon boats to a Bass boat using this system. No two boats are alike, just shows what can be done depending on what boat you have or find a deal on. That is where I started but still need the help from this web site. Am currently converting my 16 foot Polar Kraft Jon boat into a Bass boat. This link will get you there.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=569686