Converting a 10' jon boat to sailboat! WORKS GREAT!!

This jon boat belonged to my dad since I can remember. It has not been used in years and I needed a sailboat. I can't put a motor on it as it has no title and here you have to register ANY boat with mechanical propulsion. Yes I can build a sailboat again, but why not use what I have? It can still be used like it was intended. Just take the rudder off and lift the mast out. Easy! Don't let anyone tell you it won't work especially if they have not tried it themselves! This boat is VERY light and is only 10' so it fits in any truck bed.

[@pigmeattwo]

Your old dad would be proud. The lady in the red shirt is a good looking soul. She must be the first mate.

[@Moleasses102]

Love it, creative way to reduce and reuse. I agree with others- leeboard(s) would make a big difference to upwind performance, though the hard corners do keep you from slipping completely sideways. If you make a board that clips over the side so you can move forward and back you’ll be able to find just the right spot for balance. Awesome, way to get out there! Hats off.

[@Youcan2Adventures]

Yes the hard chines do help, but indeed a leeboard or two will work better for more wind. Thanks for the positive comment! Thanks for watching and stay tuned as I do more improvements!

[@topnobau]

I would totally add a star or leeboard for stability and the ability to run closer to the wind.

[@Youcan2Adventures]

Yes sir! That's the next step. Thanks for watching!

[@deltafour1212]

I know what a leeboard is but what's a star?

[@samuelkenkel6190]

Have you thought about installing a dsgger board or lee boards id be curious to see how a daggerboard would be built and work

[@Youcan2Adventures]

I did after the video.... worked great, but the boat went to someone else soon after the video also. Thanks for watching and commenting :)

[@boathemian7694]

Nicely done

[@Youcan2Adventures]

Wow! Thanks! Nice to see positive comments for a change

[@lloydsumpter7735]

What did you use for a centerboard/daggerboard/leeboard?

[@Youcan2Adventures]

I have not added one as of yet. I just wanted to see if the little lateen rig would work first... worked great! I am awaiting this tropical storm to pass so I can add lee boards though. And I am adding a small for deck and moving the mast forward. Just think of the Pelican sailboats... this is sort of like those or a pram. Thanks for watching!

[@genegoodwin8925]

It seems to me without a dagger board the wind would blow you sideways and you wouldn't be able to tack with it. I think it needs a dagger board or a ridge board down the middle of the bottom.

[@Youcan2Adventures]

Hi... I actually put a dagger board on it after this video, but did not do another video of it. Worked a lot better and also I moved the mast more forward. Thanks for watching and commenting :)

[@genegoodwin8925]

@@Youcan2Adventures I am old now but I had a snark once and it was by far the most fun boat I ever owned. I've had John boats and speed boats but the snark was a blast. I still have a ten foot aluminum John boat, if I had a sail you make me want to sail some more.

[@Youcan2Adventures]

I really miss my sea snark and have been looking for one near me and reasonably priced.... they are hard to come by and even harder to find one that is affordable in decent shape (which most are not). I still have the sail and mast, but the spars got mangled up moving across the country twice. I really liked the Sea Snark as it was super light and I am too old to pick up anything else heavier so hopefully I will find another one day soon while I can still get out there. Happy sailing!

[@mkshffr4936]

I thought you weren't supposed to use treated wood in contact with Aluminum due to corrosion.

[@Youcan2Adventures]

For long term...no. I just wanted to see if it would work... I also added lee boards later, but shortly after this video the boat went to someone else and all rigging was removed. It was a fun boat and project regardless.

[@mkshffr4936]

@@Youcan2Adventures It would be fun to do something similar with a V hull rowboat.

[@deltafour1212]

Just curious how the ride is if it gets a little choppy? Does the front slam up and down when it hits waves

[@Youcan2Adventures]

Not really a bad ride at all. since in heavier winds it heals a bit forcing the hard chine to dig in it also make the shape of the hull in the water slice a bit better. Choppy waves were no big deal as it would plane and the mast and sail pushing the force on the bow made it bearable.

[@hieubb1802]

Greeaaaattttt!

[@Youcan2Adventures]

Thanks! I have only taken it out one time so far. No wind here in NW Ga and we have been out of town. Would like to take it Florida and try it out. Thanks for watching!

[@deltafour1212]

Just letting you know, I am going to "steal" your idea. ;)

[@Youcan2Adventures]

Go ahead! Would love to see more out there. If I still had this one I would move the mast forward about 1 foot and make an adjustable rudder to bite in more in heavier winds. Also the lee boards I made (no pics or video) would need to be 2' long. Hope this helps! Do a video of yours!

[@deltafour1212]

@@Youcan2Adventures Thank you so much for the information. Hauled my boat in to start the conversion. Thank you so much for the inspiration!

[@Youcan2Adventures]

@@deltafour1212 Glad to be of help! Can't wait to see yours!

[@josephdupont]

Ok where do you put the side boards????

[@Youcan2Adventures]

Hello... I made lee boards for it later, but camera deleted all the footage of my next outing and now I no longer have the boat... worked well though. Thanks for watching!

[@Jeffrey-ed8sz]

What no dagger boards or lee boards, c'mon dude you are at best drifting with slight steerage.😮

[@Youcan2Adventures]

I did add them, but after I made the video.... actually worked great!