Build a wooden Jon Boat

Discussion in 'Wooden Boat Building and Restoration' started by WidowsSon, Jul 10, 2022.

  1. WidowsSon
    Joined: Jul 2022
    Posts: 9
    Likes: 1, Points: 3
    Location: Michigan

    WidowsSon Junior Member

    Hello all. I use to own a 14’ aluminum flat bottom boat but I sold it years ago because my ex wife….well never mind all that. Anyhow, I started looking for another one and I’m having no luck used or brand new. I’ve always wanted to build a boat so here I am. I have 25yrs of woodworking experience, a shop with everything I need so I figure why not. I think I can design and build my own but one thing that I can’t wrap my mind around is how to figure out where the water line will be. I plan to use 3/4” oak or maple for the transverses and transom, cedar or pine planks and glass it. Maybe 3/8” ab plywood not sure yet on that.

    Length 14’ or 16’
    Bottom width 44”
    10 degree angle on the hull
    It will not have cross section seats just a deck. Maybe some type of bench that goes lengthwise so I can easily walk from front to back.

    Is there a formula to figure out where the water line will be?
     
    Last edited: Jul 10, 2022
  2. WidowsSon
    Joined: Jul 2022
    Posts: 9
    Likes: 1, Points: 3
    Location: Michigan

    WidowsSon Junior Member

    This boat will be modeled after your basic rectangular shaped flat bottom aluminum boat. I’m not sure yet if the front will be flat or not. Will be using it on small lakes and rivers for fishing
     
  3. WidowsSon
    Joined: Jul 2022
    Posts: 9
    Likes: 1, Points: 3
    Location: Michigan

    WidowsSon Junior Member

    Also I will probably put a 10 horse motor on it as my old boat had a 7.5 Johnson seahorse and it lifted the front end up so I’m assuming it should be sufficient but I could be wrong any input on this build would be greatly appreciated
     
  4. WidowsSon
    Joined: Jul 2022
    Posts: 9
    Likes: 1, Points: 3
    Location: Michigan

    WidowsSon Junior Member

    It is somewhat for aesthetic reasons but mostly that I don’t want to put all the time money and effort into this and then the gunwale be only 2 inches off the water
     
  5. Blueknarr
    Joined: Aug 2017
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    Location: Colorado

    Blueknarr Senior Member

    First calculate the weight of the finished boat loaded with people, lunches, tackle boxes, fuel everything.

    Fresh water weights 62.4 lbs/ cubic foot
    Calculate how many cubic feet of water exactly equals the weight of the loaded boat.

    Use geometry to find where that volume fills the bottom of the designed boat.


    That is your water line.
     
  6. WidowsSon
    Joined: Jul 2022
    Posts: 9
    Likes: 1, Points: 3
    Location: Michigan

    WidowsSon Junior Member

    Ok I’ll try that. Thank you!
     
  7. WidowsSon
    Joined: Jul 2022
    Posts: 9
    Likes: 1, Points: 3
    Location: Michigan

    WidowsSon Junior Member

    I’m not sure if I should start a new thread for every question I have. I’m wondering what the proper thickness of the transom should be.
     
  8. messabout
    Joined: Jan 2006
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    Location: Lakeland Fl USA

    messabout Senior Member

    Widowson, please do not design your own boat. I promise you that you will save time, save money, avoid numerous headaches, and have a better boat by using an established set of professional plans. There a plenty of plans that cost only a pittance and more than a few of them are free.
     
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  9. bajansailor
    Joined: Oct 2007
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    Location: Barbados

    bajansailor Marine Surveyor

  10. WidowsSon
    Joined: Jul 2022
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    Location: Michigan

    WidowsSon Junior Member

    Yes. I can build a house but I’d never do it without a plan and I wouldn’t pretend to be an architect just to save a few bucks. Pretty sure I’m going to get the plans for the GF-16 duck boat from the link you sent. Thank you both for the replies and saving me tons of money and trouble.
     
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  11. bajansailor
    Joined: Oct 2007
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    Location: Barbados

    bajansailor Marine Surveyor

    That GF-16 does look like a nice design - here is the study plan for her on their web page.
    https://www.boatbuildercentral.com/StudyPlans/GF16_STUDY.pdf

    You might also find one or two interesting designs here -
    Outboards-boatdesign https://www.boatdesigns.com/Outboards/departments/10/

    Or in the Ken Hankinson designs section -
    Ken Hankinson boat designs for the beginning boat builder https://www.boatdesigns.com/Hankinson-Designs/departments/718/

    Here is a free set of plans for a Finnish punt (which is very similar to a Jon Boat) -
    A 15'8" fishing punt | Free Boat Plans https://hvartial.kapsi.fi/wpunt/wpunt.htm

    And here is a 16' punt / jon boat type from Duckworks -
    16' Curlew Motor Punt Plans https://duckworks.com/16-curlew-motor-punt-plans/
     
  12. WidowsSon
    Joined: Jul 2022
    Posts: 9
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    Location: Michigan

    WidowsSon Junior Member

    Thanks so much for all that info! I’m drawn to the style of the GF-16 but I like the 15’8” fishing punt because it doesn’t have the center seat. That was the one thing I didn’t like about my aluminum flat bottom. Although that is where the live well was located. Wonder if a live well is possible in the stern area??
     
  13. bajansailor
    Joined: Oct 2007
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    Location: Barbados

    bajansailor Marine Surveyor

    It is possible - but as always, the answer is 'it depends......' on various things like size (especially width and depth), and the effect of the tank on the stability and trim of the boat.
    How big, realistically, a tank would you need for a live well?
     
  14. WidowsSon
    Joined: Jul 2022
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    Location: Michigan

    WidowsSon Junior Member

    I’m thinking 3 or 4 gallons would be sufficient.
     

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  15. rnlock
    Joined: Aug 2016
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    Location: Massachusetts

    rnlock Senior Member

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