Jon Boat Front Deck ALUMINUM FRAMING Part 1 {Jon Boat to Bass Boat Conversion} Lowe 1448 Jon Boat

[@johnw3458]

Just stumbled onto your channel and am very fascinated to see this transformation of a jon boat. Anxious to see the series. Nice job with your documentation of this adventure. Thanks for being the pioneer on this and perhaps it will spark my attempt to do the same thing. Nice job!

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Awesome man. Welcome to the channel. Enjoy the series. Buckle up for a crazy ride 🤙🏾👍🏾😃

[@MrYz250fman]

Respect for taking on a project like that.

[@milamkinner1583]

This guy gives me super chill sad vibes and l love it

[@troyelliott9465]

I'M A FAN, your good, your honest. Love it.

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Thanks. Appreciate the feedback. 🤙🏾👍🏾

[@fishingwithjett5373]

Wishing you nothing but luck on your project. Looking forward to watching each part you share.

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Thank you Arjectrick. Appreciate the positive vibes. More updates coming soon.

[@michaeljdixon1]

Good job on your build brother! I'm about to start my own 14 ft Jon boat, one of my main apprehension is measuring and layout the deck. stay safe

[@Virginiaarcher2007]

This video is exactly what I was looking for on how to frame the front of my Jon Boat

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Awesome man. 👍🏾

[@Virginiaarcher2007]

@@BassBrothersFishingDMV is that Aluminum “L” angle 1/8 thick? My deck now is built with 2x4’s and plywood on top. But I wanted to lower the weight. So seeing your video has given me some great options. Thanks.

[@Virginiaarcher2007]

@@BassBrothersFishingDMV nevermind I got to one of the other videos that said you used 1/8 angle. Thanks

[@Virginiaarcher2007]

@@BassBrothersFishingDMV sent you a Message on your FB page.

[@mcguirebeirman4259]

Great vid. Thanks for goin in depth so that we understand what you are doing

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

No problem McGuire. Doing my best to capture key details for everyone. Thanks for watching.

[@andrewbushey6180]

I’m looking to do something like this with my boat as well. I have limited experience though. I think this video is great, going step by step and showing your thought processes. Thank you I appreciate your hard work

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Thanks and good luck 👍🏾🤙🏾

[@danweise2140]

I love how you describe everything you do ty

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

👍🏾🤙🏾

[@WitchDRofKabul]

Everything gets measured twice or more as you obviously already know lol. That being said, with a big project, first time or not, the plan changes again and again. Just keep learning. Stay safe. And stay adaptable. This is looking great!

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Thanks Johnny. Words of wisdom!!!

[@markdelisle5957]

Like the pace you set for explanations. All good information and tactics👍

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Thanks 👍🏾🤙🏾

[@traviswinters2879]

Love this series!

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Thanks Travis

[@JeffBlackwel]

love your attention to detail..glad you didnt delete your mess up like most others do...Scared me to death when you using the cut off wheel...G/f asking me who the hell I am yellin at..lol. Totally agree with your point of research, research....I spend 5 times more researching than the project takes itself.. or shopping for parts, etc.....I appreciate how you represent with honesty and humility...Do yourself a favor tho if you are working with tools new to you , always ask someone or research, research....Even a researched injury sometimes happens.. An unresearched injury is just plain stupidity. TIGHT LINES.

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Worrhy advice.

[@Gumboslice520]

Awesome job glad you didn’t get hurt. Next time please look up how to use a grinder with a cut off disc. Never cut towards yourself and never put your arm or any other body part in the path. God bless 🙏🏼

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Great tips. Thanks.

[@stetsonspurs4680]

Good video man. Looking to do the same to my Jon boat coming up. Keep up the good work & happy fishing.

[@buddytheweasel]

So glad I found your channel! Been trying to plan to do something like this, but with my Lund WC14, which is a deep v up front and flattens out towards the back. Been watching TBNation along with some other folks, and I just cant see the plan in my head for how to frame everything out, I only know what I want the end result to look like. I have to say, so far, your videos and explanations are leaps and bounds better than everyone else on youtube doing these conversions. I think that, thanks to your videos, I'll actually be able to learn something and do it for myself. Thanks! Hope to see you guys out there on the Occoquan or Potomac one day!

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

That's awesome man. Enjoy the process. Celebrate the wins and learn from the losses. In the end you'll end up with your very own custom creation.

[@matthewwebb2709]

This is awesome! TBnation and Fireants content is great, but I have no experience with this stuff at all. I’d say the most DIY experience I have is from moding my kayak. To be able to watch how you do this is really making more since. Idk why those guys have not made a true beginner guide to these projects. Thank you for sharing your experience! I’m finishing school in a few weeks then starting my job. I hope to get a boat soon and start working on it.

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Sounds awesome man. Go for it!!!

[@rickbedard1923]

Great vid…keep’em coming.

[@samuel112313]

Loving the build, a hacksaw with a metal cutting blade is great for cutting that kind of aluminum btw

[@daxtruman4530]

Really solid video man good stuff!! I don’t always measure twice. But when I do, i only have to cut once.

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Yea. It's a real thing. I've made the mistake of not and paid for it

[@bryanjones7347]

Looks good, deck should be level with the front seat. Also when you eventually replace wood deck go with HDPE and it will never rot.

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

HDPE plastic? How heavy is it compared to aluminum? I'm thinking to go with aluminum Decking next time

[@buckreynolds1779]

I may just buy a new jon boat and trailer like U. Man appreciate you sharing this

[@buckreynolds1779]

and do exactly what your doing....

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

@@buckreynolds1779 go for it man. It's great feeling when it's all done

[@buckreynolds1779]

@@BassBrothersFishingDMV I'm going to Harbour Marine in AR as I live in Dallas. Buying a Weldbilt 1448 100 guage instead of 80 thickness. I've had boat fever for a week and nothing but junk out there.

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

@@buckreynolds1779 nice man. No better time than the present. Go for it!!!

[@jeremiahjohnson5870]

Awesome!

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Thanks Jeremiah.

[@shuaybbacchus3989]

I would've put those 4 middle brackets all the way to the floor for extra support . I like it either way

[@nazimkarim6988]

Nice work brother

[@FlexedPoleFishing]

Good job on your build man! I'm about to start my own my 16 ft Jon boat soon

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Awesome. Good luck. Enjoy the process

[@bighensdog74]

So far so good dude. Try putting the rivit in the gun first, it's easier and quicker.

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Hey Mike. You're absolutely right. I eventually started doing that and it does work much better. Thanks for the advice.

[@Jake-xm6fl]

Great frame ideas! Thx

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Thanks 👍🏾🤙🏾

[@richardkeller6940]

4 1/2 is the diameter of the wheel, only part of wheel is going to cut. You can use the grinder to grind off the burr or a file to clean the cut up. A chop saw will give you clean cuts and much easier if you have one. A band saw is good too for cutting angle but not everybody has one. I would have run my supports by the live well down to the floor for more weight support. Not exactly sure how you were going to do the rod locker but you mentioned cutting out the bench, you might want to do that before you have framing in the way. I admire you taking on the challenge. Not telling you how to do it just trying to help brother. Not matter what it will all be ok and once you fish out of it you will see what works and what to change.

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Thanks Richard. I stopped using the angle grinder for the most part. Started using a jig saw which is easier to control on the cut as well as makes cleaner more straight cuts. Thanks for the advice. I agree. I think I need to do my rod locker cuts soon. I could go the easy route and not do the rod locker but what's the fun in that. :)

[@samfreeman8799]

Awesome video

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Thanks 🤙🏾👍🏾

[@johnwagner5514]

I sure hope you bought a miter saw to make those cuts.

[@plutovuhza1118]

Great build can we see how everything healed up over a year

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Yea man. I'll put out a vid soon

[@jordanfos8545]

Where did u get the aluminum and what size is it

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

I got it from a Metal Supermarkets. It's the way to go. Saved a ton of money over buying at HD or Lowes. Bought mainly 1/8th and 1/16th 1.5" angled aluminum.

[@icheckraise]

what is the size of the angled aluminum? 1/8 or 1/16?

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Mostly 1/8th. Sorry for the late response

[@spirited_angler]

I see in the video, you have 4 pieces of Aluminum, Can you share how much more aluminum you purchased throughout the build?

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Hey Kevin. Great question. I bought approx. 8 pieces of 1/8th and 5 pieces of 1/16th in ch aluminum. Try to get your aluminium from a metal shop if you can. It's wayyyy cheaper.

[@kennethnied5242]

Took me a while to interpret DMV (DC-Md-Va). Around here DMV means Dept. of Motor Vehicles. Couldn't understand what that had to do with fishing boats.

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

lol... yes... you got it right... We fish primarily in the DMV.

[@ssmith261078]

I enjoyed watching your project, I've just started mine. I noticed the risers you put on the bench. My bench has an overhang and I'm trying to figure out how to put the risers on flush. Maybe notch the bench where the riser sits

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

That's interesting. Knotching out the bench may work. Or maybe use square tubing on top of the bench with small angled pieces holding it in place.

[@ssmith261078]

@@BassBrothersFishingDMV That might work. I may just wind up putting a 1x4 under the overhang

[@williamverduin1338]

Hello, question. Do you think I could build a frame out of 1/16 for the whole frame? Or should I use 1/8?

[@jlk8145]

1/16 is too light. 1/8 is better, at least it can take weight if you have enough uprights to transfer weight to the hull.

[@CbusHas]

In a lot of videos I've watched of boat shops doing this type of conversion, they use 1/16th angle with 1/8th tubing for the uprights.

[@jchrismagee]

Where in the DMV are you that requires a 9.9 restriction? Also what reservoirs are you referring to? In MD and would love to check them out if not to far.

[@wayfararout6258]

Why didn't you put the braces on the seat all the way to the floor I'm about to get started working on my boat and I been looking for the best ways

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

You want to use the least amount of aluminum as possible to keep weight and cost down.

[@paulpapamarkos252]

For the front supports that are installed to the factory front casting deck did you cut the from the angle aluminum?

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

I cut the angled aluminum and riveted it to the factory front deck. Hope this answers your question.

[@144hb]

Looking forward to the next build you recently painted, Great content across the board! helping me dive into my 1636. Question, did you concern yourself with a perfect level on your horizontal supports, or did you try to tie into your bow, and front seat with more eye on a smooth transition? My 16 has more taper up on the front. I noticed you measured down from the gunnel to to top of the beam to create a smooth horizontal transition. Did the horizontals also perfectly level front to back? I'm scratching my head on this for my build - Follow the rivet line, or trust the bubble on my level . . . Thanks man!

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Correct. I measured from the gunnel down and off of the front deck. Works out great. Thanks for the comment. Got another conversion vid coming soon

[@buckreynolds1779]

U rock

[@flipmyjonboat4485]

Awesome Channel! I like it as much as TBN, FireAnt & A Jones. Thanks for the info!!! How wide is angle aluminum? 1” or 1.5”? I may have missed it in the video and comments...

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Thanks!! I use 1.5 angle

[@charleshoodmanhood7874]

Watch those Tiny Boat Nation videos

[@xero3965]

Hey what was that tool that you were putting those little screw thingys in to secure it ?

[@johnryan296]

Was that the rivot tool? they are great, inexpensive too.

[@JeffBlackwel]

you mentioned using 1/2" grip rivets due to the open space.. but originally using 1/4" grip on the rest?..not sure how that can work?

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

I don't remember exactly from this video but i learned that with rivets, don't overcomplicate it. Just use the length you need based on the thickness of the material you need to secure. Typically you can stick to two different lengths. A medium and long rivet. That should pretty much cover you for most boat builds.

[@ghoststories8622]

Love the boat! Thanks for sharing! Question will a Ipilot minn Kota trolling motor work for the same kinda boat ...... if I install a deck? No out motor install for you how do you like just the trolling for the front of boat? Thanks again

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

I don't see why it wouldn't. I do have a mercury 9.9 outboard motor for this boat. The boat handles all of it very well.

[@jmaverick]

I claim to have read all the comments, but I’m looking for a good place to purchase aluminum framing. Did you buy yours locally or online? If online, can I ask where from?

[@poepflater]

eyewear for aluminium work is a good idea.. iron shavings can simply be pulled from the eyeball with a magnet by doctors... aluminium is a whole other kettle of fish.

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Right

[@poepflater]

@@BassBrothersFishingDMV been watching your cahnnel as I have plans for the original 1978 12' Jon Boat... It is pretty easy to build and inexpensive for a home build. Which can get pricy fast.

[@kevinclements2969]

this awesome boat what aluminum used for framing 1/8 or 1/16 kevin clements

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Mostly 1/8 but consider 1/16 if you can. Lighter and cheaper

[@paulpapamarkos252]

Did you let out air from your trailer tires to adjust it and make the boat level?

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

No I just leveled the trailer one time and it all seemed to work out fine. Great question. At first I told myself I'd do the boat on the ground but I'm glad I didn't try that. My back would be tore up by now lol...

[@jlk8145]

If you put a straight edge across the boat and measure off the floor that’s all you need to go by. A level for all intents and purposes is useless. In most cases the benches aren’t the same distance from the railing on both sides.

[@markhuseman8631]

Do you have any issues with functionality with your decks not be level from the front to the back What is the height from top of rod locker to casting deck. Just an estimate would be great.

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

No issues at all. The rear deck is a little lower than the front but it doesn't matter. The rod locker is about 1 to 2 inches lower than the front casting deck.

[@samacosta58]

What size rivet did you use for the hole made by the 1/8 drill bit?

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

I used 1/8th Medium rivets with the holes I drilled with the 1/8th drill bit.

[@samacosta58]

Bass Brothers Fishing DMV do you think 3/16 rivets will work just as fine?

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

@@samacosta58 3/16th will work but might be too big for applications. In some cases you'll need to drop a few rivets in a small location and 1/8th would be the better way to go since they're smaller.

[@samacosta58]

Bass Brothers Fishing DMV thank you so much sir!! I really appreciate it! I’m working on my 1993 smoker craft and doing a similar back deck like this. Been searching around and this has been the first video I have ran Into that goes Into depth on decking with rivets!

[@jamesmccarthy7258]

When did you use 1-16 angle and when did u use 1/8 angle

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

I used 1/16th for the entire rear deck and wherever I could throughout the build to save on weight

[@atravers349]

What is the sheer strength of the rivets? The way you framed it, and this is NOT a criticism, the rivets are going to bear all the weight. I want to do the same basic thing with my boat, and am trying to decide how to frame it.

[@donovanswift5010]

Shear strength of a single aluminum 3/16 pop rivet is around 250lb, with all these rivets it will hold easy

[@atravers349]

@@donovanswift5010 thank you for that. I had no idea they were that strong!

[@jlk8145]

@@donovanswift5010 but he’s using 1/8” rivets. If you have uprights, the rivets keep their position with zero sheer stress.

[@henryruffiniii7976]

Let me know if you need some pour foam? Got an extra gallon from my conversion left over. Just finished mine a couple days ago. I'm in Fairfax county.

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Thanks for the offer Henry. Don't plan to use pour foam. I don't want to take on more than I can handle. 😁 Sounds like you did a cool conversion. What boat do you have?

[@henryruffiniii7976]

@@BassBrothersFishingDMV I have a Grizzly Tracker 1648 with a Mercury 9.9 4 stroke. The build was a PIA but very happy with end result. You'll be grateful once it's all over!

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

@@henryruffiniii7976 I can't wait to get to the finish line. Tight lines and be safe out there.

[@fishingthe2528]

I see u live in md and I use to live by md

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Cool. Where in MD did you live?

[@username92a44]

What size aluminum are you using/cutting for the front bracket mounts

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

1/8th inch. I may have used 1/16th for the front ones closest to the front deck.

[@username92a44]

Width for both?

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

@@username92a44 1 1/2 inch wide

[@username92a44]

You’re the man! Awesome videos. Watched em all, keep adding content

[@boogiebrooks50]

I want to ask what Gage aluminum sheeting do you use?

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

I use several different ones depending on the application

[@boogiebrooks50]

Just for the decking ​@@BassBrothersFishingDMV

[@boogiebrooks50]

I'm nervous I've been following you for a year great job coming from NWA

[@boogiebrooks50]

North West Arkansas

[@mangojrnoneya224]

What size rivets did you use?

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

1/8th and 3/16th.

[@mangojrnoneya224]

@@BassBrothersFishingDMV thanks

[@DedaRidgell]

What size aluminum angles, and how many?

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

@DedaRidgell I used 1/8th 1.5 x 1.5 at the time. I now use 1/16th more with under supports where needed. I believe I used 10 sticks of 8ft long.

[@michaeldixon3445]

Don't change measurements side to side, you only create a headache for yourself. When the boat is in the water it isn't going to be 100% level just like you garage floor and trailer bunks aren't 100% level

[@ndhood55]

Looking forward to seeing the finished product. Would love to do something similar.

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Its an awesome project. It does have its ups and downs though. But im enjoying the ride.

[@calebz1448]

Man eye pro is also super nice to wear when drilling metal or wood. I've had shavings travel a long ways upward into my eyes with the twisting of the drill. It may not happen as much on aluminum but still thought it was funny to use eye pro on just a grinder. Power tools should not be underestimated even at the homeowner size

[@kadesavant3689]

Can’t wait to see more!!!

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Thanks for watching. More coming your way.

[@icheckraise]

which size aluminum are you using? the 2inch?