Jon Boat Casting Deck / Platform DIY Aluminum & PVC (No Wood = No Rot)

[@davidshaw7454]

As a retired shipwright, you are smart staying away from wood , less maintenance and head aches in the future. More time for fun . You did a nice job Kurt ! Well done 👍

[@MentalHealthDay82]

Thanks David!

[@sethturner8483]

Well done dude. Your engineering was solid. Glad I could physically see this instead of just picturing it in my head. I’m doing something similar.

[@MentalHealthDay82]

Thanks! Good luck with your project

[@michaelroberge-l8l]

I used his technique to platform 3/4 of my 14'er works slick

[@dsaavedra628]

@@michaelroberge-l8l How well does the 3/4" PVC sheet hold up for decking? I'm considering it for decking my 1436 but worried about flex.

[@JJX921]

Kurt you can put some lexel caulk around the top edge. Its the best out there. Can even apply when wet. Then use when you finish the storage.

[@MentalHealthDay82]

Awesome! Thank you

[@thisismerica5721]

Just got ahold of an old (I think) late 60s starcraft 16 foot fiberglass boat hull. Kinda in shotty condition, but repairable for sure. Plan on turning in into a small flats boat, and plan on decking almost the entire thing. This video was great.

[@roadking813]

Dude !!! You just saved me !!! I’m going to do that to my benches on my boat

[@TCat-ve9qi]

I like this a lot. I have a wide 16ft big Jon and was thinking of doing something like this. Thank you

[@MentalHealthDay82]

Good luck! It's been 2 years. I love it

[@TexasTimelapse]

The next video, you need to take us on a ride in your 300zx. I'm so jealous!

[@MentalHealthDay82]

That will come

[@natemontgomery5773]

Great video I'm gonna use this idea. Just what I was looking for

[@MentalHealthDay82]

Glad I could help. It's been perfect so far

[@akbuilder7626]

Its 48 lbs for a 4x8 sheet of the PVC and costs $100 per sheet 3/8" plywood 4x8 is about 30lbs and costs $24 per sheet. Only advantage is the PVC will never rot. If you paint the plywood with a good paint and keep it covered so water cant get to it when youre not actually using the boat it will extend the life of the plywood for several years at least. The aluminum support structure is exactly what Ive done to mine and Im glad I didnt use wood for that part. I used riv-nuts with stainless steel hex head bolts to attach my decks so I can remove the deck pieces in minutes if I need to.

[@poepflater]

Well, if he can afford it and it certainly compliments the aluminium structure that also doesn't rot (fast in fresh water) It is $75 and 20 pounds of weight, but hell never have to do it again.

[@akbuilder7626]

@@poepflater True. The additional weight is a good excuse to buy a bigger motor 😁

[@michaelmorales3114]

I’m racking my brain how I want to do an engine bay and you help figure it out, now I can go to sleep, Night sir!

[@MentalHealthDay82]

Awesome!

[@johnjantz9902]

To test leak guy filled it with water an marked rivest that leaked with marker. Thought was good idea

[@scubastamps7023]

Looking to do this on a boat im picking up, deffinately going to buy foam matting material to cover the sheet for more grip and comfort.

[@MentalHealthDay82]

Good luck!

[@tleb8111]

Nice 300ZX!

[@MentalHealthDay82]

Thanks! I love her

[@FishingtheThinBlueLine]

Nice project! Great job!!

[@russellpsi]

Any update on pvc decking? This is manageable design. This is what I am looking for! Thanks for sharing

[@MentalHealthDay82]

Still going strong. 3 + years later

[@Pwnzistor]

I like your 300Z

[@MentalHealthDay82]

Thanks!

[@philbartoli2011]

Looks good. Nice work Wonder if it's slippery when wet.

[@GKall-tw4dp]

Sweet! Always wanted to get a jon boat to do the same thing you just did.

[@MentalHealthDay82]

I love this old boat. It was cheap and I've had some amazing days on the water with it

[@MasonColeman-by1my]

Got mine rigged with aluminum as well. But road signs were very abundant in the state i live in.

[@iJacker]

Frikkin brilliant. Thanks bro!

[@MentalHealthDay82]

Good luck with your project

[@threefortytwo23]

If I was half as handy as you I'd have a second baby by now.

[@MentalHealthDay82]

Blahahahaha!

[@danssmokintreasures]

Hahaha

[@brianhammond81]

You always put down those sandpaper strips like for stairs on the platform

[@josephwalker8021]

Screw wood cus then you have to mess with carpet and if you want it to last it's a little money plus the right adhesive that can stick to painted wood... Where did you source the aluminum??

[@MentalHealthDay82]

I got everything at home depot

[@jaxpatriot904]

That z though 😍

[@MentalHealthDay82]

Yeah buddy!

[@johngolembiowsk6813]

What size rivets did you use?

[@FranksDIY]

I have a question . How is it holding up. The boys at TBN say not to use it because of expanding and contracting . I want to know from you what do you think after using it a while.

[@MentalHealthDay82]

It's been 2 1/2 years and I love it. Haven't had any problems and it's never covered. Full sun 24/7

[@FranksDIY]

@@MentalHealthDay82 is that the same stuff they sell at lowes

[@MentalHealthDay82]

@Franks DIY Think it's a different brand. If you go this route get the 3/4". I've heard the thinner stuff will warp over time

[@FranksDIY]

@@MentalHealthDay82 I'm looking at 3/8 pvc sheet board 2878 . Thanks for the input and help

[@MentalHealthDay82]

@@FranksDIY good luck

[@mikemiller7831]

Kurt, I did you rivet the horizontal piece to the sides of the boat? What size rivets?

[@MentalHealthDay82]

I did not. Haven't had a problem. Not sure what size rivets off hand. I'm not home at the moment. The bigger the better

[@victormercado9501]

What was the spacing on the angled aluminum supports?

[@denniswhitehurst5336]

Awesome 😁🤙🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲

[@diymarine837]

What was the thickness on the pvc?

[@sawyeradams7915]

What is the total price for that

[@MentalHealthDay82]

Man I forget. Maybe $200ish give or take

[@FireTurtle75.]

How is that PVC holding up now that it's been about a year? And what kind of weight does the framing support? Does it flex at all?

[@MentalHealthDay82]

It's been great. I weight 300lbs. Doesn't flex

[@FireTurtle75.]

@@MentalHealthDay82 That's good to know. I might go this route with one of my boats then. I really want to avoid plywood at all costs & Coosa board is expensive.

[@MentalHealthDay82]

@@FireTurtle75. good luck

[@boycow89.7]

What size screws did you use to screw down the p.v.c board?

[@MentalHealthDay82]

Stainless bolts and lock nuts

[@ryanpope9977]

How’s it holding up now? I’m not doubting you I’m just curious so I can do it

[@MentalHealthDay82]

It's been 2 years out in full sun. Looks exactly the same. No problems

[@ryanpope9977]

That’s awesome! Thank you!

[@MentalHealthDay82]

@@ryanpope9977 No problem. My favorite thing I've done to the boat

[@bignick703]

@@MentalHealthDay82 does it dent or scratch easily or anything? Looking to completely outfit a Klamath 18 with this, floor and benches in 3/4. Thanks

[@scottd8555]

Thats exactly what i want on my boat. Do you have an approximate cost and weight for that addition?

[@MentalHealthDay82]

I forget. It was some time ago. I'm sure prices have changed as well. Maybe $200ish? Not too much weight

[@scottd8555]

I just finished the casting deck frames on front and back. Purchased 75ft of 1 1/4 x 1/8 aluminum angle and used it all but 7ft also using 200 3/16x1/2 rivets so total was about $140 just for those supplies

[@morgankehoe7854]

How many aluminum bars did you purchase?

[@MentalHealthDay82]

I want to say 5 or 6?

[@morgankehoe7854]

@@MentalHealthDay82 preciate this man. Ready to get mine on the water

[@MentalHealthDay82]

@@morgankehoe7854 I love it! Good luck

[@flywiseman]

Very nice

[@thomaskitlica5572]

How much is it a sheet and where can you get it??

[@jjohnston6645]

Is the PVC UV protected?

[@MentalHealthDay82]

It's made for exterior applications. It's also been 8 mouths. It's been outside uncovered all winter. Just installed my tolling motor. Been on the water. Nothing has been compromised yet.

[@99leeray]

That 300z tho.

[@MentalHealthDay82]

Haha! Thanks

[@jdsoutdooradventures3143]

Now I wish I didn’t sell my boat. I could have built that platform on it

[@MentalHealthDay82]

Its been working great

[@ironoutdoorsman6646]

This is the worst material you can use for a boat platform. I did it last year to my boat after watching this video. Originally i thought it was a great idea but after just a few weeks my platform and hatch lid ended up warping terribly. My whole platform was wrecked and i had to redo every thing over with treated wood. Do not use this material for this application ever trust me!

[@alextorres2589]

Did it really warp?

[@MentalHealthDay82]

Mine is going on 4 years strong. Looks exactly the same. I used 3/4". Did you go thinner?

[@ironoutdoorsman6646]

@@alextorres2589 yes it warped real bad i wouldnt lie about it.

[@ironoutdoorsman6646]

@@MentalHealthDay82 i used 3/4 as well. I couldnt believe how bad it warped and quickly, within 2-3 weeks.

[@patdooley7294]

Bout the most simplest, most economical, long lasting casting platform I've seen. I'm going to do the same. I may use screen enclosure aluminum that we have here in Florida for my supports. Stuff is extremely strong and light. Thanks for posting, this it was very beneficial. One question, would you have done anything different now that the build is complete?

[@MentalHealthDay82]

I've been extremely happy with it. Been a few years now. Love it

[@dyaneolafsmama5862]

In the long run you will save money. Hope if it’s wet it isn’t slippery...and my request...I will need to see some full crab pots on that platform...😉 it looks good, great job!!!

[@MrMikejent1963]

Anyway you could send me some still pics of how you did your support system and how you actually attached those? Also what kind of rivets did you use? Thanks! Mike

[@rustygold1958]

You know good and well that platform is begging for a barber's chair. May need some ballast however,

[@pattystout8628]

You need to investigate this more over time pvc becomes brittle

[@enjoy9772]

PVC will outlast wood. That's why people are building docks/decks out of this stuff vs wood.

[@slickmouf879]

Do you know the name of brand name of this boat looking for one maybe just like it in the front

[@MentalHealthDay82]

It's a 1980 Sears Sea Nymph 16'

[@TN-Vols-Fan]

That PVC is a great idea! Please come back at maybe the 6 month and one year mark to let us know how it's holding up. Well done.

[@MentalHealthDay82]

Will do. Thanks Steve

[@TN-Vols-Fan]

Thank you for your reply. The reason that I ask for the update is I'm planning a deck extension/ modification to my 16X50 jon boat. If the PVC holds up, I may follow your lead.

[@mich5167]

How does it do during the summer? Have you noticed any sag in it?

[@MentalHealthDay82]

I haven't had any problems. Going on 4 years. It stays outside full sun and weather uncovered

[@hunterjividen1533]

What did you use to secure the pvc to the aluminum?

[@MentalHealthDay82]

Bolts

[@shanegodfrey2641]

Looks great Kurt! You could do some bow fishing from that deck! Tight lines and good digs!

[@colinhorn2286]

How many 96 inch aluminum pieces you get just getting an idea?

[@dontblameme6328]

Should have used 1/4" marine EVA foam beteem the frame and PVC board.

[@AlsAllMetalDetecting]

Put a line of silicone on that gap up front Kurt. Maybe around the edges too. Looks good though man. Be well, Al-Fu

[@BradRobertson-ut8ef]

Nice work! Been thinking of doing this on my boat Added plywood decking about 5 years ago & I am now having to replace it.

[@throttletwstn9731]

Have you had any issues with it. I’m wanting to do this as a floor in a job boat but can’t find much info

[@chasejustchase487]

Anybody have any idea where to find PVC sheets anymore apparently nobody carries them 😢

[@tylerbrengle9652]

Is there any sort of connection (i.e., rivet, screw, etc.) where your main horizontal aluminum beam meets the upper sides of the boat? You can see the area I'm referring to at 2:14 - the area where the aluminum meets your fish ruler sticker.

[@Ryan-xo6js]

Agreed, doesn't look like there's any support at the walls of the boat, might be a good ideal to move the vertical support closer to the boat wall on both sides, and add some more vertical supports in the middle

[@Reagan07able]

Nice job kurt... Looks good... If it does get slippery you could get some marine paint/texturing additive....

[@sharpfork]

How much does it flex compared to 1/2 plywood. Any idea on the weight difference?

[@MentalHealthDay82]

It's pretty stout compared to 1/2". There's no flex when standing on the casting deck and I'm 300lbs. Not sure on weight. You can probably look it up on homedepos website

[@lovebbqnoles367]

Oh MAN This is absolutely sensational!!,...Great Video My Brotha..You're A Genius,... this helped me out so much!!!!

[@MentalHealthDay82]

My pleasure! Best of luck

[@waynejackson9374]

instead of putting carpet up there in the case of it getting slippery id rough the pvc up with some rough sandpaper then mix some dry sand into some outdoor paint and create a rough surface just a thought like they use for truck bed liners although that mightbe a lil expensive

[@TherealBrian79]

Looks good, How did you attach the cross brace to the side of the boat?

[@AustinKnapp-lf1fq]

How many pieces of aluminum did you use for as long as you did

[@trayvo5330]

How much material needed for this?

[@michaelholthaus3152]

Nice job. The do make non slip strips you can cut and place them where needed on your fish slaying platform.

[@kingtut5923]

You should see the other guy made some pontoons , great idea.

[@ericthered976]

Hey was researching deck options for my boat. I can't get the 3/4 pvc sheet at my home depot. THey only have 1/2". Do you think the 1/2" would be able to make that same span without flexing now that you have had a chance to see the rigidity of the 3/4"?

[@MentalHealthDay82]

1/2 maybe a little thin. May work with more framing

[@johnturner9561]

I tried to get several sheets to do my Grumman, the bad news is that the Home depo stores in NC. don't stock this and can't order it even as a special order. It is in stock in Gregoria but that's a 10 hour round trip. Go figure..

[@MentalHealthDay82]

Dang!

[@nicodemus7784]

looks to be pretty solid, nice job

[@wiggster1080]

I'd be tempted to throw grip tape on the deck. Can make cool designs & carve out a logo or initials..sky's the limit I reckon. And I'd be tempted for just making a half door that folds down on the back rather than doors on the top of the deck.

[@MentalHealthDay82]

Great Idea. It's been such a great addition

[@iBaloo42]

After one year, are you still happy with your decision to use Composite PVC instead of plywood for your deck?

[@MentalHealthDay82]

Yup. No problems yet. Same as when I put it in

[@anthonypearsall2988]

I'm about to redo my buddys 14ft flat bottom john that has 2x4s and plywood for a deck on the front and this video just made me figure out how I wanna do it. Do you remember how much the cost of the build was?

[@MentalHealthDay82]

Thanks. Definitely not cheapest route. A few hundred easy

[@netioux]

Some beers and weed ha!

[@k.toddweaver6584]

I was just researching this idea this morning. I read that you can't paint over it, is that true? Also, which has a longer life span, the PVC or painted plywood? Great idea! I'm considering doing this on my 14' alumucrafft, Thanks for your video and info you have.

[@MentalHealthDay82]

No idea on painting. It's been awesome on the water. No problems and I'm 300lbs

[@walkerbarclay7698]

Put hydroturf on it

[@mart11]

Hey, what kind of pvc have u used on your platform? Can you maybe sent a link where I can buy it? Looking sharp!

[@MentalHealthDay82]

It was at Home Depo

[@mannyd39]

How will it keep up with the sun won't it warp over time since it's is technically plastic

[@MentalHealthDay82]

Hasn't yet. It's been uncovered all winter. It's also bolted down

[@jd8146]

Genuis --- fyi 19 mm PVC is only 62 lbs per 4x8 sheet

[@MentalHealthDay82]

Thanks!

[@byronofthebend]

I was wondering, do you ever use live bait when fishing, I have seen you use lures and I believe cut bait.

[@MentalHealthDay82]

Yup. We use whatever works

[@Swamp-Fox]

Man, that turned out nice! If that PVC ends up being too slippery, you could put some seadek on top.

[@MentalHealthDay82]

Thanks! Its been great so far.

[@clayton203]

I guess that is half inch or ? The pvc sheet is what I’m talkn about

[@MentalHealthDay82]

3/4

[@michaelpotter3627]

I was thinking about the same thing, but I was gonna put the grain up so you are slipping when wet

[@MentalHealthDay82]

Good luck

[@ClaytonCountyHistoryHound]

Nice. If its to slippery you could scratch it up with sandpaper and roll out quart of paint. As soon as its done and before it is starts drying, sprinkle some course sand on it. Thanks for sharing and take care.

[@bobwalton5657]

Yes that's what I would do glue sand on it that's the dumbest thing I have heard of

[@ClaytonCountyHistoryHound]

@@bobwalton5657, I worked several years on the Mississippi and actually worked on several boats set up this way. I never once thought it was stupid and probably saved my butt a time or two especially around the rope winch. Take care ✌️

[@ClaytonCountyHistoryHound]

@@bobwalton5657 , I actually just looked it up to make sure I remembered it being sand and not some other type of grit. There are plenty of instructions online and some videos on how to mix it and apply to your boat for a non slip surface. ✌️

[@buddytheweasel]

Did you somehow secure the cross beam for your framework to the inside edge of the boat?

[@MentalHealthDay82]

I didn't. It fits snug. Been a year no problems

[@GaryCarter-t9d]

How is this holding up? I'm building my own jon boat & was wondering about pvc.

[@MentalHealthDay82]

It's been 3 years. Still the same as when I built it. No problems and it it's outside uncovered 365. I love it

[@GaryCarter-t9d]

@MentalHealthDay82 Thank you so much! I wanted to avoid plywood. My Home Depot doesn't sell the pvc, but I may have found a local building supplier who does. Thanks again.

[@LanceMcCormick]

Nice Craft!

[@michaelbdunbar8906]

I really love this idea. I’m working on framing mine out. Everyone I talk to says the pvc will rot/deteriorate in the sun. Now that it’s been a bit, have you had any issues with this?

[@MentalHealthDay82]

It's almost been 2 years. Full sun, never covered. I sit of a full cooler on the deck to operate the trolling motor and I'm 300lbs. Zero issues so far. These panels are made for outside use.

[@michaelbdunbar8906]

@@MentalHealthDay82 awesome. That’s what I was hoping to hear lol. Thanks for the video and response

[@chrisboissoneault7798]

The Nissan peaking out lol that car is so nice! The boat came out sweet too

[@MentalHealthDay82]

Thanks!

[@norml.hugh-mann]

Peeaonally i would have used diamond plate instead of PVC because it yellows in the sun and gets brittle as it ages...but your design is AWESOME

[@lsosa7622]

Can you give us an update on the pvc deck?

[@MentalHealthDay82]

Coming up on 3 years. It sits outside in full sun never covered. Its been great. No problems

[@mazdamike25]

About how many feet of angled aluminum did you need?

[@MentalHealthDay82]

Wish I remembered. I think I bought 5 or 6 bars

[@DiggingBuddy]

Looks good man, can't wait to see how it performs

[@saltymojo1602]

I like it, I’m working on my 14ft v bottom at the moment.

[@MentalHealthDay82]

Good luck!

[@dees4896]

Nice work on the casting deck! How wide is your boat?

[@MentalHealthDay82]

5 1/2 feet

[@jrb2578]

I used the exact same stuff to redo my boat. Completely unhappy with the way it warps in the sun!! I see you have it tucked up under the rails on the side and front. If you put it on the floor without something holding the edges down, it'll pull upward at least 2"!!

[@MentalHealthDay82]

Wow. Did you use 3/4" or smaller?

[@jrb2578]

1/2”

[@MentalHealthDay82]

@@jrb2578 Appreciate the info. I was thinking of using a thinner sheet for the floor. The 1/2 definitely has more flex than the 3/4.

[@jrb2578]

Definitely don’t use the 1/2”!! It warps terribly. I’m honestly thinking about ripping all of mine out and using marine plywood. I don’t have the option to use 3/4” because my boat has preformed aluminum pieces that only line up with the holes in the side of my boat by using 1/2”! I really wanted this stuff to work so I never had to change it again.

[@johngilmore7745]

Thanks for the idea. Just getting ready to redo my wood platform.

[@MentalHealthDay82]

My pleaser. This has been great

[@dustin9035]

I'll take that Z you have in the garage!

[@MentalHealthDay82]

Good eye!

[@kennyvelez8060]

Look great, my suggestion would be to move the back forward to the next bottom rib support and if you want or need the extra length then add a storage from the end to the 2nd rib support and then you wont have the seam and water access up front , just a thought,,,