Just purchased a boat...

[JD7.62]

She isnt much but I have big plans. She is 14ft with a semi-v hull and a 1956 Evinrude 10hp tiller in great running condition. I traded an SKS and Yugo Mauser + $300 for boat, motor, trolling motor, and trailer. Not bad if you ask me!

I am going to be decking the boat out completely and adding livewells, storage, electronics, lights, ect.

I will primarily fish below the locks at the Falls of the Ohio which is really rocky and rough water so I needed an aluminum boat I could bash around a bit.

I have found several places online that give step by step guides on decking out a jon boat but if you have done it yourself feel free to give me some tips or suggestions!

 

[magic]

Very nice! I have a 12' aluminum skiff. I love how light and tough they are. Is yours riveted? It looks like it which will be fine if kept out of the water. Make sure 2 strokes are legal where you are! Here in CA you can't take them in freshwater.

 

[JD7.62]

Yes the boat is riveted and I will be storing it in my garage so no problem there. How stable is your boat? Up front like I said Im going to deck it out so I can stand and fish but Im not sure if I want to make the deck level with the sides of the boat or not.

Im pretty pumped. My family owns a 26ft center console in FL that I use anytime Im down, but this will be my first boat I can call my own.

But since I dont live in Commiefornia (no offense) 2-strokes are perfectly legal here and most likely forever will be!

 

[TeChris]

Congats! Its looks like a fun project. I was thinking about get something like that but I would need a truck so im gunna go for a kayak.

 

[JD7.62]

LoL I dont have a truck either, but I guess Ill figure that out come spring...

Anyone want to trade a small truck/suv/jeep for a 2004 Mitsubishi Ralliart?! haha

 

[magic]

Yes the boat is riveted and I will be storing it in my garage so no problem there. How stable is your boat? Up front like I said Im going to deck it out so I can stand and fish but Im not sure if I want to make the deck level with the sides of the boat or not.

Im pretty pumped. My family owns a 26ft center console in FL that I use anytime Im down, but this will be my first boat I can call my own.

But since I dont live in Commiefornia (no offense) 2-strokes are perfectly legal here and most likely forever will be!

No offense taken!! Your so lucky! I don't have a four stroke so no lake fishing fo r me! My skiff is fairly stable, I've stood up in it many times, even on the ocean. But it all depends on the water state and your balance. Your's is probably more stable being a bit bigger.

 

[---XR---]

i've been holding out on getting fiberglass bass boat like all my buddies have, personally i can see how bad and investment they get to be when your spending 35-50k on a boat to start and than all you have to do every season to keep it in good condition, skeeters, rangers, and champion are sexy as hell though. took a ride in my friend 225 skeeter the other day, damn that thing flys. 60 on the water feels like 130 on the road. i may still get a boat or just keep mooching spots on thiers...

 

[spotfin]

... Up front like I said Im going to deck it out so I can stand and fish but Im not sure if I want to make the deck level with the sides of the boat or not.

I would leave the deck a few inches below the gunnel. Maybe level with the bench seats that are in it now.

 

[mbhw]

Nice boat. I own a 16 foot flat bottom wooden skiff that I restored. I built a front platform with anchor locker/storage, and added some rod holders to the platform "wall" that abuts the floor.

I like things simple, so I tend to not mount too much crap. I have clip on lights for night fishing, a manual bilge that I added to the rear (will go electric next season w/ float switch), and I also tend to keep netting under the seats to store various items. Bait wells are coolers with portable airpumps, keeper fish go in a laundry basket under a wet towel.

I fish saltwater, so it's constant maintenance, the only thing I really recommend is to have your motor looked over by a pro, even if its only in fresh water. I hate old power, I went with a brand new Tohatsu 15hp shortly after buying the boat, smartest move I ever made.

Oh - get bearing biddies for the trailer if you haven't already, they will save your butt. I'm digging your boat, the possibilities are endless. To save space on carrying preservers, check with your state, you may be able to get away with throw preservers that can double as a cushion for you.

Here's a few pics for ya (Pop's in front, I'm kind of hidden):

 

[JD7.62]

XR, I know what you mean about going fast on a boat. My dad's neighbor is a semi-pro bass fisherman sponsored by skeeter and he gets a new boat every year for free! I once drove it doing 76MPH. That is nothing compared to my friend who has a supercharged PWC thatll get up and do 72MPH in less then 10 seconds! It makes my butthole pucker evertime I go WOT!

MB, your boat is BEAUTIFUL!

The same friend that owns the above mentioned PWC is a marine mechanic so I should have some good help if/when I need it.

Can you post pictures of the deck youve built? I want my deck to be high cause I will also use it for bass fishing where Id be pitching a jig. A low deck wont allow me to do that....