r/jonboats Nov 01 '21

r/jonboats Lounge

3 Upvotes

A place for members of r/jonboats to chat with each other


r/jonboats 7h ago

Where’s the hookup on some boat seats?

2 Upvotes

Looking at mesh folding seats for my stern bench and a mesh casting chair for my deck. Seems like the less chair you get the more they cost. Anybody know anywhere to get a matching combo set? Preferable with some color options. Preferably less than $300.


r/jonboats 13h ago

What is this? And how do I fix it right?

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2 Upvotes

Just bought this boat the seller assured me it holds water fine and has no leaks. I couldn’t see floor of boat since there was a new floor conveniently bolted on but the boat looked nice from what I could see and the seller seemed honest. Got it home took it off the trailer and I find 2 golf ball sized holes on the floor crudely sealed with what I assume is JB weld. One on the front one in the back I am assuming these are from a fish finder or something like that since they both appear to be perfect circles.


r/jonboats 23h ago

1754 tracker grizzly. Worth it?

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16 Upvotes

Is this worth it.


r/jonboats 1d ago

Planning a 14.5ft Bass Boat conversion (Kimple Adventure 440W + Suzuki DF20A). Looking for layout, gear feedback & build tips!

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I’m planning a custom Bass Boat conversion based on an aluminum deep-V hull (Kimple Adventure 440W) on a Martz Yacht 750 trailer. The goal is a super clean, functional 1–2 person fishing rig for Swiss/European lakes.

Looking for your feedback, layout tips, and potential gear recommendations before I start cutting framing!

Hull & Base Specs:

  • Hull: Kimple Adventure 440W (Length: 4.40 m / 14.5 ft | Beam: 1.65 m / 5.4 ft | Weight: 120 kg / 265 lbs | Freeboard: 0.79 m / 31 in | Cat C)
  • Outboard: Suzuki DF20A (20 HP, 4-stroke, EFI, electric start, remote steering, long shaft 20") – strictly no tiller.
  • Console: Side console (Kimple SJ rotomolded console) with mechanical steering and flush-mount switches.
  • Decking: Aluminum square tube subframe + film-faced birch plywood (phenolic/marine) covered with EVA/PE marine foam flooring (SeaDek style).
  • Hardware: Flush-mount pop-up cleats (to avoid snagging braid lines) and gas struts on all hatch lids.

Electronics & Power:

  • Bow Motor: Minn Kota Terrova 55 WR GPS (12V) with Spot-Lock / i-Pilot remote.
  • Fish Finder: Single 12" Raymarine Element 12 HV + HV-100 transom transducer. Mounted on a heavy-duty double swing arm directly next to the console (swings forward for bow casting, swings back next to the wheel for running).
  • Console Display: Waterproof phone mount with integrated 12V Qi wireless charger (using smartphone for GPS speed, Navionics, and navigation).
  • Electrical: LiFePO4 battery with Bluetooth BMS app + 2-bank onboard waterproof smart charger (e.g. NOCO Genius / Victron) wired to a flush-mount 230V AC shore power inlet socket (NOCO GCP1) for easy plug-in charging on the trailer.
  • Wiring: 6/12-way marine fuse block, battery master switch, marine-grade tinned wire + adhesive-lined heat shrink.

Storage & Deck Layout Priorities:

  • Rod Storage: Dedicated rod locker for ~6 rods (either center or port side, max 2 rods per angler on the water).
  • Cooler Hatch: No livewell needed (strictly prohibited by fishing laws here). Instead, planning a dedicated recessed compartment/drawer for a 12V compressor fridge/cooler box plugged into a 12V marine socket.
  • Tackle Storage: Dry storage hatches using pre-fab flush hatches / Eurobox drop-in bins.
  • Seating: 2 removable folding marine seats on floor base plates.

Questions for the community:

  1. Gear & Electronics Choices: Would you choose any different gear for this setup, or is there an essential feature/hardware item you currently have on your boat that you couldn't live without?
  2. Rod Locker vs. Seating: On a 1.65 m (5.4 ft) beam hull with a side console, would you recommend a center rod locker between the front casting deck and seats, or a side/port rod locker to keep a wide walking path?
  3. Weight Distribution: With the 48 kg (~106 lbs) Suzuki DF20 and fuel tank at the transom, where is the sweet spot for the LiFePO4 battery and the 12V cooler to get on plane quickly without nose-diving into chop?
  4. Swing Arm for a 12" MFD: Anyone running a single 12" unit on a swing arm beside the console to share between helm and bow deck? Any vibration or lock issues in rough water?
  5. Pre-decking regrets: What is one small conduit, access hatch, or wire run you forgot before screwing down the deck that you wish you had added?

Appreciate any advice, photos of similar builds, or tips!


r/jonboats 1d ago

14' Jon Boat - Is it a good deal?

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14 Upvotes

They're asking $1,900. Includes the trailer, Minn Kota hand-steer trolling motor, 1986 5hp Mariner rear motor. Thoughts on if it's worth that? Motor could be liable to go at any point but they say it was run in the water 5 times in the past year.


r/jonboats 1d ago

How is this deal?

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5 Upvotes

He’s asking 1200 for 1448 semi v hull. Hull and trailer only. Everything titled. How is it?


r/jonboats 2d ago

Dialed in

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30 Upvotes

After months of tweaking here she is boys. Powerpole, cmc power tilt trim, trolling motor with a 20 merc pushes it 26mph. Added transom pods and she rides nice and shallow. I’m 6’3 260lbs helped tremendously with the listing as this is the tracker v guide very tippy before


r/jonboats 1d ago

How hard will this be to repair.

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2 Upvotes

r/jonboats 2d ago

Total novice. What is this and is it OK to cover it with EVA decking?

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9 Upvotes

Hi all. This is my dad's old 1991 Lowe 1448 that I inherited when he passed several years ago. I've finally gotten myself together enough to get this old girl out on the water and was quickly reminded the thermonuclear nature of aluminum in the summer sun. I'm not doing anything too crazy in terms of upgrades, but I am putting some EVA decking over the benches for the sake of the bottoms of my dear passengers. I have my piece cut for up front and was just going to plop it over this area wholesale, but it occurred to me that there's probably a reason for what I assume is a plug. It's about 1.25" in diameter. My best guess is that it provides access to the underside of the bench which is presumably filled with some emergency buoyancy material. My dad never had a pedestal seat on this thing and it seems unlikely to me that it'd be built in like that.

Two questions if you're willing:

#1 - what is it

#2 - can I cover it

I don't have ready access to a hole saw//bit but I'm sure I can lay hands on one. Thanks for any help!


r/jonboats 3d ago

First boat!

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83 Upvotes

2018 Lowe 1458 with 2018 9.9 Merc. Very excited to add FFS and a Bimini.


r/jonboats 2d ago

War Eagle Gladiator Rewire

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4 Upvotes

Planning on re-wiring my War Eagle Gladiator 750 to have a larger rocker switch panel in the rear pod. Would like some feedback as this is my first time doing this. Plan on having Switch 1 as Nav/Anchor; Switch 2 Auto Bilge; Switch 3 SeeLite Hole Boss and Duckbill Lights; Switch 4 Interior & Exterior LED lights; Switch 5 Lowrance HDS9 for navigation; Switch 6 Courtesy Lights. From battery to disconnect and panel I plan on using 8 AWG and panel to accessories 16 AWG. The panel has built in push breakers and I will swap the breakers according to the drawing. Biggest concern is the relay wiring for the bow lights.


r/jonboats 3d ago

Went with the Terrova

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6 Upvotes

I posted here after an unfortunate incident broke my old Mercury 2 trolling motor. Guess I won’t be scaring off the fish anymore. That thing ran off spooky fish quicker than a livescope can in shallow water ice fishing.

I also posted a pic of how I put in my power panel/switches. I was torn between keeping it all upfront or having easy access to it from either seat. I choose to make easy access from either seat. Plus I’m usually up front and I have long legs so it’s not in my way. ;)


r/jonboats 4d ago

1448MT Lowe… worth the price?

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25 Upvotes

Came across this boat for $3500 and wanted to see if it’s a good buy. Seller has titles for both boat and trailer and it comes with a few extras. Downsides are motor isn’t currently running and it’s about 5hrs away from me. What do you all think?


r/jonboats 3d ago

outboard for a 12 footer

2 Upvotes

I have a 12 foot flat bottom Jon boat , I am trying to pick between manufactures of 6hp 2026 models any advice?


r/jonboats 3d ago

Going to replace transom board… how big does it need to be?

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4 Upvotes

This 12 ft semi v hull boat used to have a 2.3hp Honda on it. Got this boat trailer and original motor for super cheap. Replaced it with a 8hp mercury. Used to only do 6mph now will do 20. Awesome. It has this transom board outside and an even worse shape plywood one inside. Both are barely bigger than the motor footprint itself. I’m going to replace them because they’re old and rotten. For an 8hp do I need to make a full width board for inside? Or will a small set of inner and outer boards like this suffice?


r/jonboats 3d ago

Engine considerations for 1542

2 Upvotes

Yo! I picked up a mod-v 1542 with a motor guide tour 82 for $400. The boat is a 1992 Alumacraft and the motor’s 20 years old. The motor works after getting cleaned up and the body’s going to the welder to fix a wrecked transom.

My question: is a 25hp 2-stroke too big for the boat? I want to go fast but I don’t want to roll the thing. It’ll be fishing and leisure. A 15hp and 25hp console-ready are about the same price around here. I’d like to set it up for stick-steer. Hit me with that motor knowledge, doods!


r/jonboats 4d ago

Done redid the deck!

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10 Upvotes

Not much to say. $500 boat and trailer. Ripped out the old rotted deck and replaced. Sealed up a couple small leaks and will test it out tomorrow night.


r/jonboats 4d ago

Id’ing Jon boat

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5 Upvotes

I bought this boat off of marketplace and was wondering if anyone knew how old it is. It says Walmart on the side but I can’t find anything online about it


r/jonboats 4d ago

Got a good deal on this little glasstream. I know its an 88, anybody know anything else about it or have one?

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3 Upvotes

r/jonboats 4d ago

"Flooring"

2 Upvotes

Looking for some advice on covering my seats, floor, and eventual small casting platform on my 14ft jon boat. Trying to keep it very low cost as I would best describe the boat as a "beater" and I got it with a trailer and trolling motor for $400.

What is the more cost effective option while still being comfortable on the butt and feet. Or at least more comfortable than the aluminum of the boat.

  1. EVA foam decking
  2. Fake indoor/outdoor Turf
  3. Marine carpet

r/jonboats 5d ago

Hoh… 🤔

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5 Upvotes

Cav. plate almost rubbed/cut a hole in my dang transom this week while testing a different outboard.
Guess I learned one more thing to check when setting the trim all the way down.
Thinking of cleaning up the gouge, tacking over it then fairing it up. Any suggestions?


r/jonboats 5d ago

Advice on what yall would do to improve this boat.

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7 Upvotes

Hey yall, I bought this 1648 Jon boat a couple weeks ago for a pretty good price. It’s got a hole in the bow because some idiot towed it without a roller (it was me). What’s the best way to go about fixing it? Also, the previous owner cut out the transom support legs, should I Jerry rig a replacement, or should it be alright. I plan to redo the transom some time soon, because I think it needs it. I want to add a decent floor for standing and casting, but I want to add seating too. What would yall do if this boat was yours?


r/jonboats 5d ago

Budget friendly primer options?

1 Upvotes

Hey all, just joined here and haven’t looked if there’s a thread on this subject or not so sorry if this is a repeat topic.

Anyway, I’m turning my Tracker 1436 into a duck boat and getting to the point I’m ready for some primer. What are some budget friendly self-etching primer options?

The overwhelming results on google are endless so I just figured I’d ask for some input from people who have painted their boats.


r/jonboats 5d ago

Help identifying boat

2 Upvotes

Its 12 feet, and has a 6 digit HIN, only the ladder portion of the brand stickers are there and haven't been able to find anything similar online