Installing Piano Hinges, Latches and Struts {Jon Boat To Bass Boat Conversion} Lowe 1448

FINAL PHASE TO COMPLETION. This video outlines how to install hatch hinges, latches and gas struts as part of your jon boat to bass boat conversion. This can be one of the mostly difficult steps to get right. This video contains simplifies the process in detail step by step to get the job done. Check the links below for all the materials used throughout the build. The piano hinges are from Boat Outfitters, the Whitecap (Perko) Latches and the Apexstone struts are from Amazon. Link to everything below.
Thanks to everyone whose been keeping up with this journey. I truly appreciate the support and comments from all of you. Tight lines and be safe out there.
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If you missed any of the previous videos on this conversion, please click this link to get caught up.
-FULL Jon Boat Conversion Playlist: • Jon Boat Conversion
Jon Boat Build Materials:
Apexstone 45N/10lb Gas Struts: amzn.to/2CRJ2S8
Apexstone 100N/22.5lb Gas Strut: amzn.to/2BHPHxr
Whitecap Locking Latches: amzn.to/3feBWEd
EZ-Troll Recessed Tray: amzn.to/3eLCKjL
Carpet 16 oz: amzn.to/3eN6Tzj
Bilge Pump: amzn.to/31K9Due
Sea Sense Bilge Pump Kit: amzn.to/3dYtkRp
Better Solder Connectors by Haisstronica: amzn.to/2ZwcG6y
120PCS Heat Shrink Solder Connectors: amzn.to/2ZeaEIj
Battery Terminals: amzn.to/2Nj9J3F
Blue Sea Systems Common BusBars 150a, 4 stud w/cover: amzn.to/2Yn6hLz
Blue Sea Systems Common BusBars 150a, 10 stud w/cover: amzn.to/31drOs9
Blue Sea Systems ST Blade ATO/ATC Fuse Blocks: amzn.to/2YpFxKs
Blue Sea Systems WeatherDeck SPST/On-Off Toggle Switch: amzn.to/3e441ON
Terminal Ring Connector 5/16 Inch 16/14 Gauge 100 Pack Blue - BVRT516: amzn.to/37WQq9F
LED Lights: amzn.to/2Z0Wie8
Marine Outdoor Bass/Pontoon Boat Carpet/16 oz (Midnight, 6'x30')amzn.to/37RqAUF
Solder Seal 14 AWG Wire Connectors: amzn.to/2Ayl0KM
Shrink Tubing: amzn.to/37Hx6gz
Ancor Marine Grade 14 AWG Wire: amzn.to/2USyXtJ
6/2 AWG Duplex Tinned Marine Wire, Red/Black 25 Feet for Trolling Motor: amzn.to/2ARZIYJ
8 gauge wire for battery to tun electronics(25 Foot, 8/2 AWG Duplex Red/Black): amzn.to/3fGBmQi
ALEMIN battery terminal cover 12x20mm- 20PCS: amzn.to/383V321
Attwood 7623-7 Compact 50-Amp Marine Boat 12V/24V Circuit Breaker, metal: amzn.to/3ex8wlm
NOCO GCP1 15 Amp 125V AC Port Plug Power Inlet with 16-Inch Integrated Extension Cord: amzn.to/312msjg
Liquid Tape: amzn.to/3dlp3Hn
Gorilla Tape (To Secure LED Lights): amzn.to/3dCeiAJ
Heat Gun: amzn.to/3fwUa4e
3M Marine Adhesive 5200(THE GOOD STUFF): amzn.to/2zEqkMc
Rod Grommets: www.boatoutfitters.com/rod-gr...
Rod Tubes (Front) 1 - 1/2 inch www.homedepot.com/p/JM-eagle-...
Rod Tubes (Rear) 1 - 1/4 inch www.homedepot.com/p/JM-eagle-...
Hole Saw (Front): amzn.to/2LyRkPv
Hole Saw (Rear): amzn.to/2zJMpsc
Hose Clamp: 1-3/4 in. - 2-3/4 in. Stainless-Steel Hose Clamp www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-...
Carpet Glue: www.lowes.com/pd/TEC-Skill-Se...
Foam used in My Boat: www.homedepot.com/p/Owens-Cor...
Arrow One Hand Rivet Gun: amzn.to/2xuOPtE
Harbor Freight Rivet Gun: www.harborfreight.com/swivel-...
Rivets Aluminum 1/8-Inch 100-Pack: amzn.to/2L7lg8Q
4-1/2 in. 4.3 Amp Angle Grinder: amzn.to/2UJDhup
DEWALT Cutting Wheel, General Purpose Metal Cutting, 4-1/2-Inch, 5-Pack: amzn.to/2JqJvdn
Swanson Tool T0701 12-Inch Speedlite Square Layout Tool (Structural Foam Plastic Orange): amzn.to/3h32NoV
Empire Level E2994 7-Inch High Definition Rafter Square: amzn.to/2JlcBLr
Empire Level e1190 16-Inch by 24-Inch Professional Framing Square, Blue or Black Anodized Aluminum: amzn.to/2vXsZhY
Ratcheting Bar Clamp 6 inch: www.harborfreight.com/6-in-ra...
Amazon affiliate links help to support the channel. You won't see a difference and it's the same products. Thanks for supporting our channel.
#jonboat #jonboatconversion #bassbrothersfishingdmv

[@CTRadventures]

I have been following your videos and they have been a great help!! Thursday I am hoping to install some slam release levers to my hatches

[@johnschmauder5132]

For DIY conversions this series is by far the most extensive and complete. I, like you, have watched countless hundreds of hours trying to absorb the best information to mitigate the mistakes on my build. Congrats!! and Thank you!! I appreciate the education and entertainment. I'm thinking a live reveal with Q&A??

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Thanks John. I really wanted this series to be as detailed as possible. It can be frustrating to find answers to the thousands of questions you have about jon boat conversions. Glad you're getting value from my vids. I might do the reveal and follow up with a live Q & A session. Great suggestion.

[@ShutterUp]

I'm ready to see it on the water. I liked the clippers on the carpet, great idea.

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Thanks Sp00ks. Will be on the water soon my friend.

[@larrybalowski946]

You did a fantastic job on that boat. Thanks

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Thanks.

[@CTRadventures]

Thanks for the video! Just got our first bass boat and we are extending the deck out to have more casting deck for my son and I. Never did anything like that before, but all that space under the deck I was like, man that would be used as extra storage! I have some 3/4 ply and I ordered some boat deck carpet from Home Depot. I have the same latches but w out the lock, it's a pull up and they release. Again I never did anything like this before some hopefully next weekend I'm hoping to get it done

[@dalebaldwin9727]

It’s looking awesome! On your latched, if you have enough meat on the arms you could drill and tap for a small screw. This would allow you to adjust the screws to tighten up the hatches. Just a thought, you’ve done a great job.

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

I will probably do something like that. It will annoy me over time if I don't lol. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@dalebaldwin9727]

Bass Brothers Fishing DMV I know the feeling, lol.

[@timnatsch9765]

@@BassBrothersFishingDMV Thank you so much for the fishing videos! Great execution on a one-off custom project. You are a regular guy who has inspired the tired. My foam and floor is in. Ready to measure twice and cut once on the front fishing platform extension. Saving hatches and back deck for my winter project. Fish on!

[@marlinallen494]

You're doing a boat reveal after this? Mmmaaannnn, your reveal needs to be to the fish that you're about to snatch into that boat. Excellent work. I can't wait to see it in action.

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Yea buddy!!!! I hope to be slaying fish on this thing!!!

[@atitagain7900]

I sure hope you do another build! Your videos are hands down the best instructional videos out there. Your stuff is 1,000x better than Micheal Lopez stuff. Pulse you aren’t cocky and arrogant! Please build more!!!

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Wow. Thanks. I learned allot from Michael Lopez. I appreciate the compliment. I got more vids to edit and release for this build as well as a bunch of ideas for future mods on the jon boat. Glad you like the content. More to come.

[@markschwieterman2296]

Iove the vids when we going too see this bad boy on the water

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Thanks Mark. I'm hoping to get it out on the water next week if all goes well.

[@dannylee2836]

Thank you so much for this video. I have a older bass boat and had no idea how I was going to finish the struts . Your video helped me out so much I appreciate it and wanted to say thank you !!!

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

No problem Danny. That's why I made these videos.

[@markfrye9885]

Been watching the videos over the last week. I really enjoy what you have done. The boat looks awesome

[@Crumpman]

Love watching this build! Awesome job with the build and videos!!

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Thanks. Got a few more jon boat vids coming out soon. Thanks for watching.

[@mbastian3568]

I found you guys last night and watched 5 videos, thanks for making all of these!

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Thanks for stopping by. 🤙🏾👍🏾

[@jorsrob]

HEY MAN! I JUST GOTTA SAY IM ENJOYING THESE VIDEOS IMMENSELY! I’m super excited about this build, and it’s very inspiring! You the man! Thank you so much for the learning experience my man.

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Thanks for watching. Appreciate the feedback Jordan. Next build is underway. Check it out when you get a chance. 🤙🏾👍🏾

[@traviswinters2879]

Great series man! Keep putting out those videos! Can't wait to see you put it to use!

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Thsnks Travis. Me too

[@socaloutdoors7355]

Awesome job!

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Thanks 🤙🏾👍🏾

[@johnmorgan6926]

Awesome video as always Ben watching this complete build thanks for sharing great build 👏🏻👏🏻💯

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Thanks for watching John. It's been a blast.

[@jonathanb693]

Recently began fishing, love watching your videos!

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Welcome to fishing life. Thanks for watching our vids.

[@billythegent]

killing it!!!!

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Thanks Billy!!!

[@kmharvey80]

Awesome, thanks!

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

👍🏾🤙🏾

[@moises8354]

Well explained. I seen other videos and not as detailed as you show. Great Job!!

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Thanks

[@oneangrycanadian6205]

Glad u just did this video I was thinking about putting those in on my bass boat. All I have right now is a litttle loop pull strap. And I have no shocks. So now I have links to order the hardware thanks a lot. Great video like usual.

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Thanks. These latches are pretty easy to install compared to slam latches and they seem to be more doable. Good luck with your install.

[@AchikSarih]

Merci beaucoup ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@tedondrish9204]

Looking awesome guy, looking forward to the total reveal, been riding along with you since the start, and excited for you to hit the water.

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Appreciate you Ted. The support has been encouraging and uplifting. A build like this can take a tole on you lol

[@thebowtiefisherman5718]

Very Nice... Thank you Stay Safe

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Thanks.

[@TheVikesfreak2]

Good video, thanks

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

👍🏾🤙🏾

[@1Cast1Fish]

ready to see this thing in he water...looking great

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Thanks dude. Hoping to get it out on the water this weekend.

[@jamesfreda1903]

I just happened upon your build channel, and I really like your work. I'm going to probably binge watch 😅! Thanks for sharing

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Awesome. Welcome to the channel

[@bertelhayes5097]

What's up brother! I've enjoyed the journey and cant wait to see the reveal! You've been very informative and have inspired me to possibly do my own build! Keep up the great work!

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Thanks Bertel. Can't wait as well. :)... Glad my vids are helping someone lol!!!

[@michaelgonzalez8863]

Nice !

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Thanks 👍🏾

[@darrengillesdarrengilles8336]

If you want to snug up your latches you can shim down the area where the latch seats itself in the closed position or you can epoxy material to the latch itself , that's what I did worked like a charm

[@ianyokoro8925]

Congrats Naeem, you did it! The entire process looked fun..and challenging! Thanks for all the vids covering it all. Pat yourself on the back brah! Maiden voyage next?

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Yeah buddy!!! Trying to finish up and get it out on the water this weekend. Appreciate you bruh. The support has been encouraging.

[@MrCstone1]

can you put a link to the hinges

[@buddytheweasel]

I'm noticing towards the end after your successful strut installation (Bravo!) that it looks like you installed a piece of angle aluminum to hold your battery in place. Are you still able to get the battery out if you need to with drilling out the rivets and removing the angle alum?

[@dillpikproductions6344]

I’m sorry if I missed it, I’ve been following along this whole time...but have you shown how you’ll attach the wood decking to the aluminum frame? Just curious if you’re thinking screws or rivets! Again, sorry if you’ve covered this and I missed it!

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

That's actually a great question. I've been debating putting a short video out on this topic so I'll do that for you and anyone else wondering how I did it. I had a really hard time figuring this out myself but I stumbled on a really good solution that I'll share in a short video. Thanks for the comment.

[@charlescomtois752]

Did the lids held up well? 🤔Because im thinking about doing it that way! great video!!🔥🎣🚤

[@buckreynolds1779]

Naeem............... is it better to drill the holes for latch assembly prior to carpeting? You are very much appreciated....thank u for going thru all the time to video this stuff.

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

To play it safe I wouldn't. You could pre drill the holes then when you install the hatch lids measurements could be slightly off.

[@buckreynolds1779]

@@BassBrothersFishingDMV thank u

[@Budgetfishing530]

Beautiful Job quick thing I saw the battery way tucked in under there is there enough room to pull it out if you ever need to swap it out . Just a though you could cut the angle next to the battery and add a door hinge a small one and have it swing open on a slide latch to have access to the batter in the future to pull it in and out . Great build going all out will last for a long time .

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Thats a cool idea. I'll probably make that part of the phase 2 mods. Thanks for the suggestion. I needed that a month ago lol.

[@Budgetfishing530]

Bass Brothers Fishing Jon boats are fun to built . I’m on my 7th one here soon picking up a 1648 miss my only 1648 with console will try to add the extra steps and latches and lights and this time a rod locker like you did great videos can’t wait to start mine up it’s a challenge to build then hard to get everything on paper in the boats and then having to have access to everything is a lot of thinking huge fan of the build what 1/2 wood did you use ? Iv always used 3/4 but it seems to always be bowed a bit when I get it all in .

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

@@Budgetfishing530 you're so right Mark. The build on paper is one thing then actual build is another. I went through allot of emotions throughout the whole thing lol. In the ebd its very rewarding. I used 1/2" Fur sheathing 4ply wood from Lowes. 1/2" is definitely light and pretty sturdy. You won't have much room due sir though because of how thin it is. I was curious about 3/4". 1648 sounds sweet.

[@roderickharris9497]

Hey brother outstanding videos. Because of your boat conversion vids...I'm now about to start my own. Just a couple of questions. Where did you buy the piano hinges? What sizes are they or did you cut your own?

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Thanks. Boat Outfitters is the website. They cut to size. I used 1- 1/16" stainless steel piano hinges which is recommended for 1/2" wood.

[@Mihalyofficial]

Nice work man. You make it look so easy. I guess you dont show all the screw ups and cursing like i go through aha.

[@eddiepeterson3252]

Great videos, I wasn't sure what to do, but am fairly certain now. I plan to follow your excellent examples and build mod for mod what you've done. But, I have one little problem. I'm a big boy (around 300lbs ☺) so don't think the boat you have would work. I'm looking at the Lowe L1852MT. This has enough capacity for me and whomever I take with me. Please tell me your thoughts on problems I may run into using your same mods. Thanks.

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Nice. Glad you like the mods. I don't see any problems with using my mods as a guide. Just take your time and make adjustments as you see fit. An 1852 will be a sweet boat to mod. You can do plenty with a boat that big.

[@BeerBourbonBaits]

Where did you source the aluminum L channel? Once I sell my old truck I’m looking to do the same project/build on a 1448MT. I’m in Herndon so maybe not too far from you. AMAZING build man! Love the detail of the demos. Showing the lessons learned, etc. super super helpful! Best Jon boat conversion on KZbin!

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Great question... I got all my aluminum from a metal shop in the area. It's truly the way to go. I saved over 50% way compared to Home Depot. Saved a ton. It's called Metal Supermarkets. They have several locations but I used the location in Beltsville MD. Don't order online call them for the best pricing.

[@BeerBourbonBaits]

Dang! 50%+ savings always sounds good. Really appreciate the reply. I’ll be sure to give ‘em a call when it comes time. Thank you!

[@dhurley3394]

Love these posts, do you know what the overall weight of your finished boat?

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Thanks. I didn't keep track of the weight I added. I tried to keep it as light as possible.

[@DJ_Shawn_A_Cee]

I have been following you channel and loving the wealth of info I am getting to put into use on my little boat build. One thing I didnt see in your item list was what piano hinges you used. Do you happen to remember what ones you used?

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

1-1/16" Wide from Boat Outfitters. It's a little pricey but great quality. It tells you on their website that that's the recommended size for 1/2" wood

[@DJ_Shawn_A_Cee]

@@BassBrothersFishingDMV thank you for the info.

[@johnjames594]

Great job.. Maybe you should start a business of turning Jon boats into bass boats.. keep it up.. the end is near.. 🎣🎣

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

No sir lol... I can't wait to get back to just fishing!!!

[@rayparker3498]

Awesome series. I'm playing catchup, What is the difference between the M classifier on the Lowe boat 1448 v 1448M? Also, what is the rough cost of this buildout? I don't own a boat (yet) and would consider doing something like this as opposed to just throwing $$$ at it. I assume the motor you put on it will be a big component but I'm also wondering about the rest of the build costs too.

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Hey Ray. Thanks for joining this journey. The M refers to the front of the boat. The M means modified bow of the boat. Typically jon boats are flat bottom, V shaped or modified V which is a combo of flat and V. My lowe boat is flat bottom which gives the most stability. Each type has pros and cons. The cost of moving a jon boat all depends how many features you want. It can be pretty cheap or cost thousands. I'm investing in great motors and fish finder which drove my cost up. Again its all up to you. The more you want the more it'll cost 🙂

[@jimaugenti704]

AWESOME DETAIL! just what I needed. Would you reccomend using the 22lb strut over a certain size hatch, or does 10lbs cover most small boat hatches? I'm using 1/2" plywood and a couple of my hatches will be about 20x30"....the rest smaller. Also, does the length of the strut make much difference? I guess I'll go small on rod locker hatches due to size...

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

10lb works for most applications so you should be fine with that. Strut length does matter. You may not need a short strut for your rod locker but you may have to do some trial and error.

[@jimaugenti704]

@@BassBrothersFishingDMV Us there rule of thumb on how long the struts should be compared to the length of the hatch side you are setting it against?

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

@@jimaugenti704 not that I know of.

[@kennethhicks491]

how do you get batt. out of rear

[@JohnDrach]

what size plywood did you use? Missed that part. Boat looks great!

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

1/2 inch

[@Delmarvafishing]

Using the clippers to shave down the carpet is a serious pro tip. It didn't occur to me to to do that and my hatches were really tight on some and looser on others. The boat looks awesome, when is the launching ceremony? lol

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Clippers makes a world of difference. The hatches are so sketchy its good to have ways to deal with all the variances that can happen. I'll prob do a reveal then a launching/fishing vid. Looking forward to getting back to fishing!!!

[@Delmarvafishing]

@@BassBrothersFishingDMV me too, well watching you fish. I have been fishing the entire span of the covid and civil unrest.

[@miltonbrown7275]

Where you get your hinges from? What size? I'm using 1/2 in plywood so what size hinge to use?

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

I got my hinges from TH Marine. I don't remember the size but their website tells you what size works for 1/2" plywood.i think I mentioned the size in the video though.

[@CTRadventures]

I have a larger middle compartment I want to use the struts on too but I might have ordered way too heavy, I ordered the 65 lb

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Sounds heavy there. For large hatch lids I normally go with 22lb strut. If needed you could always double strut a lid but a single 22 works pretty good for big lids.

[@CTRadventures]

@@BassBrothersFishingDMV yeah that's what I was thinking I'll probably go ahead and return these in order some 22s save me some time

[@CTRadventures]

@@BassBrothersFishingDMV got em ordered. I went w 3/4 for the deck cause I'm a 6'5 240lb fella. That large lid is gonna be just shy os 31inch long by about 25 inch's wide. I'm hoping I could just lay it flat on the frame like you did otherwise I'm wondering if I'm going to need to build a small lip that goes around the edges with cross beams and just put an extra brace on the studs on each side just to distribute the weight

[@mdbassin9120]

What was the width of the hinges you used? I am thinking 1 1/6 based off the half inch plywood?

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Yes 1 1/16 which is the recommended hinge for 1/2 wood by Boat Outfitters.

[@plantomm12]

hi where did you get those hinge. Thank you

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

I bought them from www.boatoutfitters.com. They have pretty good prices and can customize the length that you need so you don't have to worry about cutting hinges to size yourself.

[@MrCstone1]

I'm trying to wrap my head around that when you cut the hatches after your centerline is 3/4" and you cut 1/4" off the hatch lid that only leaves 1/2" of wood resting on the frame all the way around...thats enough?

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

It's enough for hatches that aren't too big I'd say. Of course you want to reinforce your lid underneath as well.

[@MrCstone1]

@@BassBrothersFishingDMV alright

[@jaykuciak5210]

Are those hatches completely dry? Thanks

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

These hatches are not built as dry hatches but they do a pretty good job keeping water out when it rains.

[@MrCstone1]

what video did you attach the floor to the aluminum

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKPWfoibf7eHhqc

[@MrCstone1]

@@BassBrothersFishingDMV thanks

[@WAEofFishing]

Shoot me the link so I can see what size hinge you used. I was gonna text you, but it's 1230 :)

[@edvc520]

can you take the battery out after the bracket you installed?

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

I can but I'll have to remove 4 screws. Its the best I could come up with. I'm open to suggestions though to improve it without drilling the floor of the boat.

[@BeerBourbonBaits]

Atwood has a pretty good battery tray that isn’t too expensive. (Attwood 9091-5) A little construction adhesive to the bottom of the boat and you’d be good to go. But I’d keep what you have till the screws strip out. If it ain’t broke, no need to fix.

[@Skips1964]

@@BassBrothersFishingDMV I was wondering the same thing about removing the battery! Awesome videos on your boat build. I can't wait to see the "big reveal" !!!

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

@@BeerBourbonBaits ok cool. I'll check it out. Thanks for the info.

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

@@Skips1964 Thanks. I'm just finishing up some remaining things. Should be revealing the boat soon. It's going to be awesome!!!

[@CasmoD1]

Wait! Doesn't look like the battery can come out.

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

The battery comes out the hatches

[@kevindflowers234]

16:44 me when I turned 13....

[@joel1964.]

I bet you're wife's not happy with you

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

She's pretty supportive as long as I come up for air and don't forget about my family lol.

[@jimb6683]

Meticulous!!!!!!!

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Its a blessing and a curse lol