1648 Alumacraft Jon Boat Modification complete

Modified my 19961648 Jon boat adding floor, extending the deck, adding storage, trolling motor, carpeting and new livewell.
I bought the bare bones jon boat/motor/trailer used a year before this project for $2200.
See my other video responses below for more info and video on the livewell operation.
Here is my build from start to finish: www.tinboats.ne...

[@lollandster]

Fantastic video. I have just ordered a 14' v-bottom aluminum boat. This video gave me lots of ideas on how to make it into a ultimate craft for me. Thank you.

[@county582]

Must be a lot of pride standing back to look at that boat knowing it was all you, great job

[@TeamWagy]

Best looking "Jon Boat to Bass boat" conversion that I have seen! The part I like the most is that you used hinges as long as the compartments, not a lot of people do that, they just buy door hinges.

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

Team Wagy Thank you.

[@docriordan7787]

So many ways you can modify a jon to fit your needs, I have a small bass boat now and of course I miss the Jon boats. I can tell by your mods we could talk for days on this stuff, good job!

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

Thanks.....kind of a labor of love. Plenty of things I'd do differently, but love my boat.

[@kurrendieberzerker1230]

I keep drooling over your rig brother! It's really informative and giving me so many ideas for my 15 footer that I plan on using in the bay

[@stangs4life1987]

Nice live well. Like the idea of having a light in there. Awesome boat.

[@commonjones6902]

great job this is first class DIY.i wish I would've seen this ten yrs ago when I had a couple of jon boats.damn it

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

Thanks.....This was 6 years ago...still doing fine...

[@michaelgerlach604]

Looks like a lot of great ideas for my boat. Thanks for sharing.

[@CrazyCurtass]

Wow bud very sweet job.Your a fusy bugger arnt you lol. Ya me too.I just picked up a 14 foot 1990 starcraft.It was converted prob about 5-8 years ago.Center bench was taken out,rod storage,battery and saftey storage.step up flat deck on the bow.flooring all through.The guy did a really good job but the boat had been left out side untarped for several years.So this winter Im going to redo the wood and carpet and add some stuff.I really like the idea of using the bench for live well,thats awsome.

[@mulespur4806]

You got more in that trolling motor then I've got in my whole boat

[@marcuschoate882]

Not sure if this has been said already or not, but I would recommend rounding the corners of the live well. Some bait fish can get stuck in corners and actually die. I've seen people use a plastic bucket, cut it up and use the rounded sides to remove the corners. Love the electrical and all the storage is fantastic!

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

5 fishing seasons now.....never had a problem.

[@davepelfrey3958]

Wow nice job! I really like the live well setup!

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

+Dave Pelfrey Thank you

[@metalfly88]

Looking foward to my project now!! Thank you so much for the info!

[@HillBillyDelux1984]

Very nice. Love your modifications. Gave me a couple ideas for myself. Thanks

[@bassinbill96]

Perfect set up man, you can probably sell that design to a boat company to manufacture haha. Only on small change that I would make would be having the trolling motor pedal up front, but honestly that boat is awesome

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

well the best part is the pedal can be move anywhere in the boat. it's got a 16' cord.

[@airsquatch6038]

Great video nice use of space. as far as the cracks on the side I used a pool noodle to fill the gap

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

Hey! now that's a decent idea! thank you Brian!

[@airsquatch6038]

no prob good luck

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

Also, the trolling motor runs off it's own battery up front (sits next to charger) which runs the TM pretty much all day on one charge. I've had the aerator on the timer run for three days strait without a charge.

[@iwantosavemoney]

that is one sweet build you have their. am looking to build one this summer just need to find a good start jon boat.

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

iwantosavemoney Thank you

[@iwantosavemoney]

this is great these boats are cheap and you guys are making them look great. im looking into getting one my self when i find one ot the right price. ill be looking forward to making my own i like the way you set up your boat. nice mods

[@danryan3146]

Fantastic set-up! Nice work.

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

Thanks

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

The only foam removed in the entire build was to install the livewell in the middle seat, so no insulation could be added back to that area. There is foam under the rear seat and front deck, plus all the plywood decking floats too. If you add foam panels at the bottom, you are stopping water flow under the deck for when it rains, etc....plus that foam tends to get water logged over time.

[@michaellawton7662]

Nice job did what you needed not trying to win the popular choice award.

[@Dudecifer]

lots of great features on that boat! nice!

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

Thank you.

[@evanragon2088]

Put cut up green pool noodles in the side cracks where u said things fall through, I did it for my alluminum floor I put over my jonboat ribs the same way u did, it works amazing and you always could remove them

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

Evan Ragon already did via another tip from a follower. Thanks.

[@evanragon2088]

No prob, but you need to put a 40horse on that boat, I have a 40 horse on my 1980 Monark 16' jonboat and it does 33 mph, I need to put a 50 horse on it though because it weighs a bit more then yours do to A LOT of Aluminum

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

+Evan Ragon The boat is rated for 35 max....could get cited for more HP

[@dakotaswanson5488]

View From the Cheap Seats evinrude 25etec has unbelievable power and it's a two stroke

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

that merc 25 moves it along pretty good.

[@FrankFiala]

that is the sweetest jon boat I have ever seen

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

As the title suggests the boat is 16' and 48" at the bottom. 72" at the beam. I did the project over the winter. Added about 150lbs in wood and materials....but also another 160lbs of water in the livewell. sits deeper of course, but not as much as you'd think. i think with the livewell, cost was $1300 not including the fish locator and trolling motor.

[@irikagyselnikova1553]

*I bought this model for my 14 ft Jon boat. **enjoyable.fishing** recommend love it!!! It pushes my boat with ease ( 2 men 220 each). I would highly recommend this to anyone.*

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

you plug it in like any charger. Battery can run the livewell aerator for 3 days without charge (it's on a timer comes on every 3 minutes for 30 seconds) TM has it's own battery. can get a full day of heavy use out of one charge.

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

There are handles. They are straps. Work fantastic.

[@txmalcontent]

An amazing build, excellent job.

[@thomasmiles8308]

You should do a review on the minn Kota power drive and a demo of the boat I am thinking of buying one exactly like it and am looking at buying a power drive

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

yes.Rule 500gph. Have 2 Tsunami 500GPH pumps for the livewell also. One for the fill in the back of the boat and one for the aerator.

[@Nyquist_Outdoors]

Nice mod! I have a 1648 too and i have mounted a 60/40 jet on it. I will take some video and send to you

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

Thanks...without including trolling motor or locator, somewhere around 1300 total including the livewell.

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

Bought boat, motor, trailer, seats and a trolling motor for $2400. The decking, carpet, hardware, electrical and livewell along with pumps were about $1300. New trolling motor was $410, mount $40, and fish locator was $570. I sold the existing trolling motor for $100 and the old TM mount for $30 and a $30 rebate for the charger.

[@TackleJunky81]

Nice boat and nice job man! I subbed your channel.

[@tymesho]

sawwweet. only thing I see you still may need, a divider in your livewell. as for the ?void? hmmmm, maybe a piece of half sawn pvc, to hold the different lures, pliers, tackle, and such your using at the moment, to keep from diving into a box so frequently. the right size would fit snug, and with simple partitions, keep things separated. a few drill holes would keep it dry? also, love the "whole front" panel for the trolling motor, instead of just a 2by4, looks cleaner, and another place to step on. have a great season!

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

you should see my video on the livewell. I use a bait tamer...works sweet in my livewell so no need for a divider. Not sure what you mean "void"..you will have to explain your half sawn pvc comment. I cannot picture what you are referring to.

[@tymesho]

kevininspects will look for the other vid. I was referring to where you have your net, where you were concerned about loosing things. on second viewing, it looks larger then the first time. still, a container of some sort would solve any problem. also, that location looks ideal for rod holders.

[@acytoh]

Good job. Haha .. .clearly you are a perfectionist !

[@browsetheworld4120]

Nice boat!

[@MrLavalui]

really nice job buddy...... me like the off set seat poll's kool idea...happy fishn......keep ur line's tight ...cheer's m8

[@tymesho]

found out about bait tamer, yep, that's the ticket! thanx!

[@BRExteriorPro]

Beautiful boat man

[@cabinfevrr]

I see that, but my question was aimed at how you power the charger? does it run off the motor, or do you have to plug it in to shore power to run the charger to charge the batteries? how long can you run the livewell and trolling motor and fish finder, dock lights etc?

[@TNJonBoatfishin]

Sweet looking boat

[@waterfowler2]

Did you seal the wood? Or is it pressure treated? If it is pressure treated be very careful as it will cause a bad corrosion issue with the aluminum if it contacts the aluminum. Looks sharp!!!!

[@metalfly88]

When you mounted your aluminum rails... Are they just 90 degree rails mounted to the spines on the inside of the boat? Also what screws did you ise to mount aluminum to aluminum for the rails?

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

just marine grade carpet. 16oz I believe. alum framing secured to beams and seats, not hull.

[@metalfly88]

Love the mods!! One quick question though... How much weight does all that decking add to your boat?? My 14' has a max carrying capacity of 750 lbs including motor, and I'm a pretty big boy too (250 Lbs). Just wanted to see how much weight was added with all of that plywood to get a basic idea on what I can do with mine. Thank you in advance!

[@cabinfevrr]

do you have on-board charging capability, or are you running a "total loss" electrical system? just ondering how long you can run that livewell and trolling motor, humminbird, etc. looks like a sweet fishing boat!

[@browninghunter95]

nice setup

[@steelerfaninerie]

Very nice.

[@amishjim]

Nice Build!

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

LOL. I started on one side of the boat and worked all the way around the boat never concentrating or repeating.

[@michaelanderson1859]

Nice build

[@johnnybighit]

NICE JOB. Did you add a water bilge pump and if so, which one?

[@McKinneysCustomKnives]

Good looking boat

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

@waterfowler2 Also should note....originally when I bought the boat it had a treated front deck....which was older and worn...when I took it off, there was zero sign of corrosion.

[@NealLauderman]

Great build! Did you put any of the foam back in that you removed to do the mods?

[@_Looft]

would love to do something like this on mine but it doesn't have a very high weight capacity. Not to mention the 45 hp that I will be putting on it.

[@dpdahlin]

NICE job!

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

Thanks.

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

just extended the front deck out a logical distance. Framed it out of angle aluminum and riveted it to the ribs.

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

I have no idea on the weight, but it is heavier. Would have been a lot heavier with 2x framing....the Aluminum Framing weighed 20lbs total. With one more person and a full livewell, I go 24mph and get on plane no problem with the 25hp, but I can fish 3 people.

[@Nivey700]

Looks good

[@mikestockglausner8679]

really cool

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

I think I calculated it out to be 150lbs added. Aluminum Framing was only 20lbs. 1/2" plywood. Livewell filled adds 160lbs.

[@kmfw1160]

Nice job bro

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

yeah it is, thanks.....but always thinking of ways to tweak/improve it.

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

@waterfowler2 it is not treated. I sealed the plywood with poly resin. Thanks.

[@corollarollas]

I love your boat

[@codypowers1324]

Well done

[@03bonneville]

Nice job

[@merdon133]

how much does all that weigh now? how many people can go with you? about how fast is the boat

[@savingpvtryan46]

very very impressive

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

Thank you.

[@ShrinkWrapping]

uffda, so many plywood jon boats

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

6 years later, it has been an awesome boat....everything I built it to be.

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

I think it did a little bit, bu not a lot. 24mph is about what I run with a full livewell and a passenger. I get on plane pretty quick.

[@timmcevers2723]

very nice job - are you enjoying it now.

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

7 years later...still going strong.

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

Good idea. I will do that.

[@ComedyClutchZombies]

Im wanting to restore my 14 foot Deep v and i was wondering how do you hook up all the wiring? do you tape it to the sides under the floor? this is my first time doing a restoration so help would be appreciated

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

Thank you.

[@FORD4LIFE73]

nice rig thats super nice where did you buy that switch panel

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

FORD4LIFE73 newwiremarine.com

[@thefieldgeneral1867]

how much did you pay just for the boat it self with out any modifications?

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

I made a mockup out of cardboard and had it fabricated. See my other videos for more info on the livewell.

[@dalcassian56]

Good work on the modifications. I recently bought an used 14' alumacraft with an outboard tiller and am thinking of modifying it for remote steering. Any tips or ideas?

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

I have no knowledge of remote steering.

[@dalcassian56]

I appreciate the response. Your video has really given me some good ideas for modifying my own boat. You've got some good skills, keep up the great work!

[@bitchnfishing5901]

I see you made this a while ago I'll buy the boat

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

LOL...Appreciate that...but no...it's my project. Very happy with it.

[@bitchnfishing5901]

+kevininspects how do I find a Jon boat like this that's converted

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

hard to find....fun part is doing it yourself.

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

ran most of it along the side of the boat with cable hangers

[@thomasmiles8308]

Like of running and I've watched every video I can and still have yet to see one be dropped in the water or In use

[@30443700]

is that marine carpet or indoor/outdoor

[@jonathangarth417]

Nice job man. Any idea on how much weight you added to the boat? Looking to do about the same with my boat but concerned about adding to much weight. Only a 1436L with a 15hp.

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

Somewhere around 200lbs

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

Thanks.

[@mistercolin1234]

Awesome mod. Looking good! Where'd you get the clips/rack for the bow light storage?

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

Colin Stewart ha.....that was about the only thing that came with the boat. .... not a clue.

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

I made my own floor decking.out of carpeted plywood.

[@matchelite220]

very nice

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

boat, motor, trailer, seats, anchors and there was a trolling motor I sold.

[@OntarioOutdoorAdventure]

How sturdy are those seats? And where did you get the offset poles for the seats? Awesome job man.

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

Nate Turner I had concerns on how sturdy, but I've had some pretty big men in those chairs with no issues. I believe I bought the offsets pedestals thru Amazon

[@OntarioOutdoorAdventure]

Thanks for the quick reply man cheers.

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

I had to put the link in the video description. KZbin doesn't allow links in the comments...so look up at the video description and hit "see more" tab.

[@chingdong1436]

pretty badass

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

as much as someone is willing to pay. It's a labor of love...It's not about the value.

[@c.blackburn2024]

Is all your electronics water proof!

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

Look at time index 3:00 showing the onboard 2 battery charger.

[@jaredtorbert5471]

Wondering how much weight you added to the Jon with the mods? Max weight on that jon would be around 900? wouldn't all the extra wood add a couple hundred pounds reducing your passenger capacity?

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

+Jared Torbert 150

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

+kevininspects 700lb capacity. it's pushing it a bit. Maybe 200....doesn't matter. It planes easily even with a full livewell and a 250 passenger up front. Rare do I fish with 3 people, but I've had 4 and it planes fine with empty livewell. .