jon boat

Discussion in 'Boat Design' started by jrl5678, Jun 16, 2013.

  1. jrl5678
    Joined: May 2007
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    Location: New York NY

    jrl5678 Junior Member

    I am looking into putting together a flat bottom river boat. A Jon boat. I am wondering what the gunnel height needs to be. I am planning on using 1x12x12 as the sides and about 12' of 1/4" plywood for the floor. My question is 12" as the sides enough to float around on flat protected water?
     
  2. thudpucker
    Joined: Jul 2007
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    Location: Al.

    thudpucker Senior Member

    I've had several Jon boats and 12" is good for the sides.
    I'd like to build one of wood some time soon. Too bad your not closer.

    If your out on the water and the winds come up, you'll get a little water into the boat.
    But for 99% of your fishing a 12' with a 48" bottom at the center is gonna be just great.

    There's a guy on this forum: "Lewis Boats" that had a good design for a Jon.

    I want to add a "Rolling Rowing Seat" to my Jon. No motor necessary in my world.
     
  3. messabout
    Joined: Jan 2006
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    Location: Lakeland Fl USA

    messabout Senior Member

    I like the sides to be a bit taller than the 11 1/2 or so inches that you'll get. It is a suitable height if the boat and its' contents are not too heavy, its' voyages are never exposed to nasty weather, and its occupants are disposed toward sobriety.

    One of our contributors, Troy, has built a very nice boat with 1 x 12 sides. He has posted pictures of the build and also of the finished boat here on the forum. It is worth a look . Use the search function to find it.
     
  4. PAR
    Joined: Nov 2003
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    Location: Eustis, FL

    PAR Yacht Designer/Builder

    I think 1/4" plywood is a bit thin for the bottom, consider 3/8", especially if it's not a marine grade.
     
  5. jrl5678
    Joined: May 2007
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    Location: New York NY

    jrl5678 Junior Member

    Does anyone think 3/8" as flooring will bend up in the front?
     
  6. lewisboats
    Joined: Oct 2002
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    Location: Iowa

    lewisboats Obsessed Member

    [​IMG]

    That is 9" of curvature over a length of 4 ft with 3/8" ply. If you do it that way the weight of the ply helps to bend it into place.
     
  7. jrl5678
    Joined: May 2007
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    Location: New York NY

    jrl5678 Junior Member

    Lewis nice boats. I am going to wing it. I will use the 3/8"s.
    What kind of construction adhesive do you like?
     
  8. lewisboats
    Joined: Oct 2002
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    Location: Iowa

    lewisboats Obsessed Member

    Epoxy... or PL Premium backed up with a couple of pounds of mechanical fasteners.
     

  9. jrl5678
    Joined: May 2007
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    Location: New York NY

    jrl5678 Junior Member

    I made a dingy stick and glue. I am going quick and dirty and a little bigger this time.
    Mechanical fasteners and adhesive in a can.
     
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