Jon Boat To Bass Boat Conversion | DIY Jon Boat Casting Deck

Book a guided fishing trip with me
www.flobass.com
I'm super stoked with how my mini bass boat is coming along! I've never done any woodwork before, so this was all trial and error and learning as I go. It was a lot of fun making mistakes, learning from them, and improving as I tackled this project. I took my time with this, and even though its not perfect, it functions well and supports my weight with ease. I'll continue making tweaks as I go, and maybe re-do the entire deck in the future. For now I'm happy with the outcome and can't wait for the next evolution of the mini bass boat! Keep an eye on this space for the big reveal.
~Eric
Enjoy these dope beats by:
Frook:
-Manhattanite
-Midwest Diner
-Pouring Down
www.epidemicso...
#jonboat #homemade #minibassboat

[@justicedillard5643]

I've been looking for a deck build for my new Jon boat and not only was this one extremely helpful, but it was also hilarious!!! You really know how to connect with your viewers, and I love the video!

[@KBFishing-xl1jw]

Well you have 3 of us watching. Thank you for making this video and how much confidence and courage it must have taken to let us see this process. I will tell you as non handy guy or lack of confidence I have , I was so impressed that you did this that I myself will take a try at this, I have the exact same Tracker 14' boat as you and because of you, I'm going to try!

[@michaelbaltzer562]

Awesome, simple, cost effective project, on a small functional boat , its all ya need to have a day fishing. Good job.

[@Jose.liranzo]

Erick, if you would had tell me, I would had gladly go and help you work on it. Now let’s go fishing. Anytime!!! Let’s go

[@ericpeterson2725]

Great, simple deck! I love Tiny Boat Nation but the builds they do are way more complicated and expensive then I care to get into. I'll be doing something similar this winter

[@codyrivenburgh7645]

I agree tiny boat Nation builds some wild stuff that I love to watch...but if u set there and calculate the cost and time to diagnose and build the tiny boats u could go on market place and buy a decent late 90s bass boat...... for a low budget fisherman like me this deck is much better

[@kalobpowers9907]

Holy shit. This will be easy. I have this exact boat haha. I got on KZbin to look for ideas and now I know exactly what to do! 👌

[@FloBass]

Awesome! Glad it inspired you.

[@smackinbaits6693]

I don't understand the thumbsdown...this is a cool informative video...

[@FloBass]

Thanks Smackin! Thumbs down and negative comments literally don't have any effect on me. I appreciate your support!

[@kevincerce5056]

Nice work for a first-time woodworker, adding the carpet...priceless!

[@FloBass]

Thanks, Kevin! I don't know if I'd call this "woodworking ". It's pretty basic, but it does get the job done.

[@heartsnails1997]

Great job on the deck build. I'm totally inspired to get me a Jon boat and build a deck of my own thanks for sharing.

[@JTgatoring]

Solid deck! I got a few minutes in and was like... thats pretty similar haha. Thanks for mentioning me 👍 I appreciate that. That would be the one thing I would change, I would definitely make my hatch a little longer so I could reach further up near the bow. I don't mind it being as skinny as it is, but next time I would definitely change the hatch. I hope you like it, you added your own twist to it and looks like it'll work, solid job!

[@FloBass]

Hey! Thanks man! I had to give credit where credit was due. The guy who taught me how to play bass told me once that there are no original idea's (musically speaking). Every idea has already been done. What matters is how you draw inspiration from the ideas of those that came before you, and make it your own. That's basically what I did with the deck. So, thanks for the inspiration!

[@JTgatoring]

@@FloBass Right on! and solid channel too. What is your camera set up you use for fishing? You have great audio & video and you frame the footage great! I watched you catching the snakeheads and just finished the peacock bass video "punching through mats" haha perspective is everything. I saw a quick glimpse of your rig there but would still be interesting in knowing. Looks like the deck is treating you pretty good too 👌

[@juzzonmorris]

Nice work 💪🏿.I just bought my first jon boat last week! This is a helpful video.

[@stevewinters9151]

I am very impressed with it, now I got to do mine but I have a v-haul boat but watching your video gave me some more ideas the other thing I don't have a trailer for it but I'll make it work. Thanks for the video

[@FloBass]

Awesome! I hope you have fun with it. Glad I could inspire.

[@jonathandownersr5567]

This is what people like to see. So they can see the mistakes made and learn from it.. your only human of course your going to make mistakes. Don't be afraid showing it that's how we learn and we get to see how you do everything. So say if I want to do it like this I will know how and see what you messed up on so I won't do the same thing you did. Keep up the good work. Your doing great besides not showing everything. Still love the content 👍👌

[@FloBass]

Thank you Jonathan!

[@zayt8637]

You Inspired me to make a quick stop at Lowe’s

[@FloBass]

Yes!

[@BFFG-bigfoot-research]

Great job brother. You have a vision and your getting there. I'm proud of you.

[@FloBass]

Thanks, dude. It's all finally starting to come together. Just gotta put in some time on the water.

[@anthonytauber9062]

Awesome video. Thanks for sharing your project. Ill be doing that soon. You gave me a few ideas. Nice work

[@FloBass]

Awesome! I hope it turns out well. Have fun with it!

[@fossilcreekkennels1973]

Good job and I love the old FORD also

[@randomguyw5kids685]

Cool video Eric, I love to watch people make upgrades like this and the music during the whole thing was amazing liked the variety

[@aarontiller3271]

That’s awesome pal getting ready to buy my first job boat and will Be stealing your idea lol you done a really good job

[@FloBass]

Awesome! Steal away my friend! Glad you were inspired.

[@akcanterbury4485]

Nice job dude!

[@FloBass]

Thanks! It was a fun little project.

[@Grumpyolegrunt]

Great build. I agree TBN are very involved and I’m looking for easy. I use Bondo resin to protect my wood, and it helps the wood last longer. Just a little info for your next build! Keep up the good work!!!

[@DEEMACKEY901]

I’m late but here new sub! Thanks for the shout out to the ladies! I’m up next!!

[@FloBass]

Always thinking about the ladies 😉

[@nathanschneiderphoto]

I may be a little late, but WOW! Nice job!!! 😁🎣

[@FloBass]

Thanks! 👍Weekend warrior stuff.

[@josephfienga5835]

Very nice I’m getting ready to put a deck on mine

[@southronjr1570]

Welcome to boat ownership, you have just discovered the amazing hole in the water. It's a hole because you seem to always be throwing money into it justifying it to yourself (or more importantly, your significant other) that it's worth it, or its increasing it's resale value (my personal favorite when the wife gives me THAT face when she sees the cc bill). I made a similar modification on mine several years back but used aluminum angle and square tube just bolted together and deck screws to fasten the ply to the frame then carpet to cover the ply. I put a hatch in the deck to let me access the hull and store a BUNCH of gear and put the Batts to move the cg forward to get it up on plane faster. Have been using mostly just the trolling motor and am building a mud motor from a 6.5 Predator for it. One tip I discovered, the metal with get blazing hot on even a warm day, I took some 1/4 inch thick plywood, cut them the same size as the seats, and carpeted them with the same carpet I used for the deck, made a tremendous difference. Enjoy and good luck going after the fish.

[@FurrReal56]

Love the color on that f100

[@FloBass]

You can choose any color you want, as long as its black.

[@ic5699]

Thanks for your help. Let’s go get em!! Boys!!! And girls

[@FloBass]

Definitely don't forget about the ladies

[@j.walker3498]

good idea. as wood worker use the blondwood for framing as well. pocket screw joints. titebond 3 glue. light and strong wont flex as much either. happy fishin.

[@jordanclark350]

Love love love this video . I will be using this as a reference for my 1st deck project ! Thank you! Awesome work!

[@FloBass]

Awesome!

[@ArmadilloJunction]

lookin good , cant wait to start on the fun stuff on mine , just finished paint on boat now motor work.

[@FloBass]

Sweet! Definitely a fun build for sure.

[@mr.c1563]

Very nice job. Perfect for the weekend warrior!

[@FloBass]

Thanks, Mr. C! Exactly what I was going for.

[@dbentley2195]

Hey you learn as you go. Don't have to satisfy anyone but you! You know what your budget is stick to it. You will know next time. And as someone that has done wood work and upholstery all my life. Its not how good you are its how well you hide your mistakes. If they weren't standing there and you cover it they never knew what you did anyway. Good luck man will all be worth it in the end..👍

[@rev-ragoutdoors6593]

Great job sir...i'm building my first deck, and i will be using some of your ideas...Thanks;

[@FloBass]

Awesome Rev! If you have instagram tag me in a pic so I can see the finished product. @flo.bass

[@yumagawlers]

About to do this same project. Great video! I hope mine is a close to perfect as yours!

[@FloBass]

Haha thanks! Mine is definitely a little wonky, but I appreciate the kind words. Have fun with your project!

[@fireantfishing]

Lookin good!!👍👍

[@walkingaroundcentralflorid1173]

very cool thanks for sharing this. cool build

[@FloBass]

Thanks!

[@rustycrustymakesstuff6528]

Nice job! Take a couple pieces of your left over carpet and put it under the points where it contacts the boat. That’ll take up the difference and also make it quieter. You could just staple it to your runners or it would probably be ok just laying in between the aluminum and wood.

[@scaryback]

Nice video. Your motorcycle reminds of a transformer I had as a kid…

[@joegutshall4321]

Was this a comedy show on what not to do...LMAO

[@FloBass]

💯

[@taspro_53]

Looks dope

[@FloBass]

Thanks!

[@JaxBaron]

Congrats man. The boat/ deck look great. I’m excited to see where the channel is going.

[@FloBass]

Oh its definitely going! Big moves have been happening.

[@richardpatureau3980]

Good job buddy. Better than I would have done.

[@FloBass]

Thanks. First time doing something like this, for me. I did a little research, took my time, made some mistakes, and in the end it came out decent. I bet you could build a better one after watching this video.

[@richardpatureau3980]

FloBass I doubt it Brother! Keep a tight line!

[@jaredhingle8607]

Dude, your video editing is niiccceee

[@FloBass]

Appreciate it!

[@CyberYaker]

Are you kidding? That is a great job. You won't feel that little flexing in the corner once on the water. Great job sir.

[@FloBass]

Thanks man. Its not so bad on the water, but it does kinda bounce in the front when I'm running or trailering it. More peace of mind to add the brackets in the front. I have the worst luck so anything to keep that thing from flying off is a plus.

[@80ajflores]

It came out nice bro. I did the same to a 1967 fiberglass Jon boat.

[@FloBass]

Thanks, Alex

[@FloBass]

Thanks, Alex

[@RiverRatCatfishing1]

I turned an older bass boat into a catfish rig. I really enjoyed the entire build process

[@timwagner9170]

Looks perfect !

[@FloBass]

Thanks! Fun project.

[@gjsfishing383]

Love your channel man keep it up ✅

[@johnhamilton9229]

Great video. A true diy

[@FloBass]

Thanks, John. I did my best with what I had to work with.

[@browardbassin2610]

Hell yea bro. Nice set up. Can’t wait for part 2 of the deck build. When we fishing?

[@topdawg9106]

Great job looks good!

[@FloBass]

Thank you, pops!

[@richardtrowell8812]

You could run a flat piece of aluminum all the way across the front plate about 4 inches wide. Then you culd mount a trolling motor as well.

[@jacobkuiper8110]

Thanks just for a 14 ft and this is gonna work great

[@lowcountryfishing8943]

Thanks man, great video I’m building mine off of your ideas

[@FloBass]

Glad I could provide a little inspiration. Take your time, have fun, and it should turn out well!

[@njfishingBassBoys]

i used that sealent on the transom and my deck. Keep up the great work. Its going to be interesting to see how youre going to power the boat.

[@FloBass]

That video is posted. Check it out! The sealant didn't work out too well. I have to keep the boat outside, and the wood is coming a part. I should have used a marine epoxy. Oh well. Next one will be better.

[@codyshaub4232]

No problem man

[@joshualoura9415]

Bro keep it up you got some bomb ass content. Love it man keep going strong.

[@FloBass]

Thanks dude!

[@joshualoura9415]

@@FloBass your welcome

[@fishingwiththebeard]

Looks great I have a 12ft John boat and been wanting to build a deck for it.

[@FloBass]

Thanks, Kevin! Give it a shot. If a goof like me can do it, so can you!

[@coleschwartz477]

Love the music. It’s very similar to Jon b

[@FloBass]

Thanks, Cole!

[@jjfrog3940]

Congrats on boat.

[@FloBass]

Thanks home slice

[@mltron]

How has this held up?? I love the vertical 1x3 idea vs entirely 2x4. Gotta be huge weight savings. And having a removable deck is the way to go IMO! After all this time how has the deck held up?

[@5napBak5oldier]

Put a trolling motor mount on the side with the twisted wood. Should weigh it down and hold it straight

[@joeyyearian1209]

Use short pieces of 1 inch tie down strap, like a piece of ratchet strap, under hatch door as hinges. They allow it to move a lil and still stay connected

[@tonythomas951]

You can cut aluminum just like plywood with that circular saw. Just get a blade for aluminum. I cut 1/2 plate like butter.

[@crbrepairmotorcycles6608]

I believe I would of started this project with covering that nice bike

[@Iowawalrus]

That was the first thing I thought... What a Dick

[@GlitterPoolParty]

Great job! Call it "FloStadium"

[@mitchking6673]

i really want to do the same framework your doing with but with front and back decks. I want to use a 1452 and also build in 14" wide walk-around gunnels. I love the way you store your rods under the deck along the frame. trying to decide how much of the front deck space should be storage/hatches and how much should be filled with floatation.

[@FloBass]

Mitch, remember that filling your boat with floatation foam doesn't actually add floatation to the boat when its in the water. It only helps keep it from sinking once the boat has taken on a lot of water. You need to add surface area to the outside of the boat to if you want to add more flotation.

[@mitchking6673]

Right. With my two girls on the boat, it would give me and the wife some added peace of mind.

[@dragsmoothfishingtv635]

Awesome KZbin channel. Just subscribed and I really enjoyed the video and editing. 😁👍👍👍👍😎💪👌🇺🇸🎣🎣🎣🍺🍺🍺😁👍👍👍

[@FloBass]

I thank you

[@cjioutdoors68]

Man you should check out tiny boat nation! I wanna do the same thing you’re doing but with aluminum and he shows you how to build decks easily

[@FloBass]

Yeah I've seen a few vids. Good info on that channel.

[@michaeldixon3445]

Lol i commented before i saw the weather treat

[@matthewharr6372]

how did this hold up? I'm looking at doing something like this or going the aluminum angle and rivet route. This looks so much more manageable for me and my skillset. I do have a foot controlled trolling motor that I need to mount. That deck looks perfect for that as long as I can secure it to the boat .

[@znunn2121]

Nice Ford

[@ibefishingtv7574]

Yo! You did a great job man👍

[@FloBass]

Thank you!

[@garysample1980]

Run some of that 1x2 on the inside of the hatch, giving the door more to rest on. I would also run a 1x3 in the middle of the inside of your hatch door and it won't bow when you step on it. It will in do time. Great job though

[@FloBass]

I cut out the hatch opening larger than the surrounding frame so the door rest on it. I was wondering if it would eventually bow. So far its really solid, but I like your idea.

[@Gtihigh]

Just noticed you’re pulling it with your golf😂 im going to pull mine with my ‘17 golf gti lol

[@FloBass]

Yup, the GTI is what I have to work with for now. It's done a great job and has been up and down some sketchy ramps. Everyone always pulls out their phones and records me in hopes I get stuck or worse. I disappoint them every time.

[@Gtihigh]

FloBass right on mane thats sweet👌🏽

[@frankyalvarez7160]

FloBass how’s the transmission and drivetrain holding up?

[@FloBass]

Mine has a manual trans. I’ve been up some really bad, steep, unpaved boat ramps with no issues. Handles it like a champ. Boat, motor, and trailer only weighs maybe 400lbs so it’s like having 2 grown adults in the car.

[@frankyalvarez7160]

FloBass nice!

[@itsacountrythang1374]

What kind of screws did you use I'm doing this tomorrow on mine

[@FloBass]

I used outdoor decking screws. They said they were coated to be weather resistant. One update to this is you should get marine epoxy paint and coat the deck with it instead of water seal. The epoxy will dry hard as a rock and nothing will get through it. It will make the deck last a really long time.

[@itsacountrythang1374]

Awesome! Thanks for the info, Your video is helping me out alot man! Do you know the kind of paint tj gatoring used on his?

[@michiganmoto7687]

If you do this again I would recommend using 2x4 for actual strength. If you put your carpet on the decking before attaching to frame you won’t have unfinished edges showing. I would also put a small hatch up front so you can access forward mounts to hold frame to boat and any future wiring you may want to do. But with that said, at the end of the day you have a deck that you made yourself and your happy with it. So good for you for being a self starter and doing a project that was maybe outside your comfort zone. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@Austin-zx9xs]

Good jobbbb

[@toddpeterson2362]

In my head, as a biker, I was screaming..... "Cover that bike"!!!!!

[@FloBass]

I gave her a nice wash the next day for my old man. He told me not to because his reasoning was all the dust will blow off on the next ride... lol. That bike never sits.

[@toddpeterson2362]

@@FloBass Awesome! Thanks for the response! Love the video!! Keep it up!

[@KBFishing-xl1jw]

What s the thinness of the plywood? Also, JT Gatoring is awesome! He help me with my floor he designed. Cool guy!!

[@CalibassinTV]

Yoooo. Mk 5 gti gang!!!!

[@FloBass]

lol its an alright vehicle. Tows the boat and gets me from A to B.

[@CalibassinTV]

How do you tow it??? No hitch on the back

[@brendonlong3814]

CaliBassinTV add a hitch

[@CalibassinTV]

The gti doesn’t have a stock spot for a hitch. I’m assuming he did it custom somehow

[@Thecaster4545]

If I buy one and start in April will I have it done in June I will probably be able to work on it all day every day

[@FloBass]

Cody I know you can finish it in a weekend or two. Just be confident and have fun with it. What helped me is I sketched it out before I started cutting any wood. I went through a few renditions on paper before landing on this layout. If you do the same, and have a game plan moving forward, you can frame it out in a couple hours, cut the ply for the deck in an hour or two and screw it all together. The longer parts would be figuring out a hatch if you wanted one, and painting it. Use a marine epoxy paint and do a lot of coats. That would be an all day process due to drying time between coats. Laying the carpet would take a couple hours as well. Even though this isn't really a how to video, you should have a good idea of what it would take if you wanted to copy what I did.

[@alexgadson]

Do you have a decal pack, I have a 1974 14.7 Lund v-hull boat with a 25 hp Yamaha tiller outboard motor. Ideas welcome

[@FloBass]

One day. One day my friend.

[@KWlion]

yeah, nice job on the boat deck, but, what was the music?

[@themichaeltanner]

I had a lot of redos on my first deck. For the hatch I used nylon strap from an old book bag for my hatches. Holds them in place and up when open. For that bounce in the front just buy some 5 inch lag bolts and washers and screw the deck down to the front platform. It will work great. Also I would buy some spray on sealer and do all the bottom wood. I didn’t and when it got wet it molded. Also, did you weigh that deck when done? Curious to see the weight.

[@FloBass]

I sealed the underside as well and also the support legs. Should be good for a while. I weight myself holding the deck, and with out and it came out to be 43lbs.

[@drk4698]

Where did you get the carpet? Thanks!

[@FloBass]

Its indoor/outdoor carpet from Lowes.

[@mrjams6140]

How long, wide and high is your boat?

[@robertslawnservices4317]

You did okay job but you should and same more storage apartments in that front deck for tackle just for easier access I fine one hatch doesn't do the job as well as you think

[@FloBass]

🤦🏻‍♂️

[@timsiegel2824]

Use a door shim will help with that corner

[@timelessvickdamone]

Don’t be to hard on yourself bro it’s good! as long as you can stand on that bitch and fish off it your good to go 💯💪🏼

[@FloBass]

I didn't mean to come off like that. Just trying to give some context regarding my experience with this type of stuff so all of the "experts" cut me some slack. I think I did okay relaying to the viewers that its okay if you don't have any experience. Just take your time, give it a shot, learn, and have fun. I know I that's what I took from this build.

[@ryanhickey6812]

Why not use 2x2 half the weight and will be just as strong for what your using for. I’m just doing research for my build

[@FloBass]

These 1x2's worked perfect to give me the space under the deck to store my plano boxes.

[@leorivera2844]

Hey buddy. Got a question? Did you used to work for tide water interior products?

[@FloBass]

Negative

[@jamesmitchell780]

What plywood did you use is it marine grade/ thickness? Great video

[@FloBass]

Its called blondewood. Not marine grade at all. It was half inch. The water sealing I did on it did not last. I re-did it with marine epoxy and nothing is getting through it.

[@anthonysanders4318]

I'm building a deck on my jon boat how stable is it and how can I make it more stable

[@FloBass]

Stability depends on the width of the boat. My boat is a 1436 and I’m comfortable on the deck. Other people I’ve had on it are not. If you have a 48” wide jon boat it’s going to be much better, but jon boats are very light and will rock side to side a lot regardless of the width.

[@anthonysanders4318]

@@FloBass welp I sold it😂

[@popnsmoke100]

Throw a small one man tent a light sleeping bag and put some eyelets on the rail and you got a house boat. You can stay out all night and it stores under the deck.

[@popnsmoke100]

And btw my OCD is going bonkers right now with those gaps lol.

[@brianmowder9376]

I've got this idea to convert a center console 15 ft to a side console with bench seats. It's going to have a back deck with a front casting deck. Anyone ever tried this? And can it be done?

[@FloBass]

Anything can be done if you're willing to dedicate the time and effort.

[@CJohnson301]

Yes you definitely can, but you can’t go crazy, balancing the weight is key, and depending on how wide the boat is.

[@brianmowder9376]

Are there any u tube videos on the type of conversation?

[@michaeldixon3445]

You really should be using pressure treated would to frame and marine grade plywood or epoxy coat the regular plywood

[@bryanstaten5585]

Dude cover that bike and truck when sawing, save some maintenance cleaning time. What year is your Ford?

[@codyd9753]

Is this a how to? Good job.

[@FloBass]

I didn't really film it with intentions of it being a how to. Just documenting.

[@ic5699]

Hey I hat to get personal but I am a good 250. You think this deck is strong enough to hold me and have you had any problems since?

[@FloBass]

It will definitely hold you. I’ve had some robust folk on the deck with no issues. Just be sure to add some uprights in the middle and you’re golden.