paging P.O.N.Y

stl

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jan 22, 2005
Messages
346
I just aquired an old (don't know the year yet) 14 foot flat bottom alumacraft john boat. I have been looking at the hydrilla gorilla web site . I don't know if you are familiar with it. They sell a book on how to convert a jon to a bass boat. I would like to do something similiar, but maybe not as extensive. I don't think I want to start cutting out he benches. Maybe just a casting deck with storage underneath. Or possibly a livewell. I saw your removable floor panels. That is a very nice touch. Would you be willing to share your design. Or at least send pics of the underside of them. Also do you have an opinion on the hydrilla gorilla conversion. Or any comment on my plan. Thanks.
 

Pony

Rear Admiral
Joined
Jun 27, 2004
Messages
4,355
Re: paging P.O.N.Y

I like your plan so long as the center of gravity from the added seat height of a casting deck doesnt become so high that you get unstable. I really considered the same thing for the bow of my boat.....wanted to put a livewell up there. I'm guessing your bow would be more stable being a jon boat..........and by the fact the hydrilla gorilla design has a casting deck in the front that is pretty high.<br /><br />I liked the hydrilla plan, it looks like a very functional rig. <br /><br />The removable floor is a bunch of 2x4's I had laying around that I used to make idividual frames that fit the hull. It was a lot of cutting and test fitting. I then cut out some of the frame for water drainage under the floors. I made LOTS of measurements and drawings to get the plywood to fit. I just used a sheet of 4x8 1/4" plywood I had laying around. The only thing I bought really was the carpet and adhesive ($20 total). I dont have any pictures of the floor, but when I clean out the boat tomorrow I will take a few.
 

Pony

Rear Admiral
Joined
Jun 27, 2004
Messages
4,355
Re: paging P.O.N.Y

Here is a close-up of the carpeting. <br /><br /> <br /><br />I didnt remove the back section, but it is similar to the middle. Here is the middle section, front and then back.<br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br />Here is the second to the front section front and back.<br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br />Here is the front section which is covered in roofing rubber for better protection from the anchor.<br /><br /> <br />
 

Pony

Rear Admiral
Joined
Jun 27, 2004
Messages
4,355
Re: paging P.O.N.Y

Here are some pictures that show how the floor fits into the boat.<br /><br /> <br /> <br />
 

stl

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jan 22, 2005
Messages
346
Re: paging P.O.N.Y

Thanks P.O.N.Y That is a pretty nice set up. I might try something like that with mine. Gives it a nice and tidy look.
 

Pony

Rear Admiral
Joined
Jun 27, 2004
Messages
4,355
Re: paging P.O.N.Y

Hey no problem..........Did you start anything yet?
 
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