My 12 foot Jon Boat To Bass Boat Conversion!! Complete Walkthrough!!

You have been wondering for some time now so I figured this video is long overdue!! Got outside and gave you guys a complete walk through of this little fish catching machine! to summarize it its a 1964 mirrocraft, 12', originally had 3 bench seats inside that have all been stripped out, and on the back is a 1995 johnson evinrude 15hp 2 stroke. its a simple boat but my main goal was to make it as functional as I could for the size. it has a total of 10 hatches throughout the boat and plenty of accessories. I hope this gives you some ideas or maybe a lead on how you can start designing your future build. I've fished it for a bout a year with this design and I am more than impressed!! Thanks for checking out the video I hope it helped!! As always I will see you in the next video!!!
Hit me up in the comment section if you have any questions about S.S. Shkippin Shmelt!
Boat Specs:
12 feet
1964 mirrocraft
Deep v design
1995 johnson evinrude outboard 15hp 2 stroke
Lowrance hook2 9" triple shot
Minn Kota Powerdrive v2 IPilot
All Aluminum Angle framing
1/2" plywood decking
10 hatches with fabricated hidden hinges

[@killer_outdoors1481]

I like how you explain this because I have a John boat and it’s cool to see you with one aswell

[@tricknasti5121]

Hey brother! As a local Phoenix fisherman myself man your videos are super informative! Thanks for all the help man! Hope I catch you out on one of our lakes sometime! Keep up the awesome content!

[@charlesmazon3575]

*I bought this model for my 14 ft Jon boat. **enjoyable.fishing** recommend love it!!! It pushes my boat with ease ( 2 men 220 each). I would highly recommend this to anyone.*

[@Tren_is_okay]

Can’t wait to get mine done soon.

[@johnmcgowan9044]

You helped me decide on my dock boat. Thanks

[@Kick_Rocks]

Love your build man! I have a very similar boat looking to build it out. Great ideas. I like the storage bins, and the step down style deck great work.

[@SouthwestFishing]

Awesome video as always man! You gave me a few ideas for building a boat! Keep slayin!

[@desertbassin]

Happy it could help man! It makes the boat way more comfortable! Thanks for checking it out

[@louquilici1193]

Man that’s fantastic. Nice work bro. Great drone shots too.

[@desertbassin]

Thanks man!

[@ivc5150]

I have really enjoyed this series, thank you. New subscriber

[@Joel19560]

Great video. Lots of good information

[@jakeolson2114]

drone shots are amazing 👌

[@desertbassin]

Gotta make the shmelt look good lol

[@fireantfishing]

Great rig man!

[@edwinro77]

enjoy watching u on the hookup, glad to find ur channel!

[@luis9000]

Awesome content.nice looking boat

[@desertbassin]

Thanks brotha!

[@matthafer917]

Love it ..good job

[@robinmcatee9667]

Great video. CJ.

[@justinscomp]

Great video. Gave me some some good ideas!

[@desertbassin]

Happy it could help brotha!! Thanks for watching the video

[@Harleywindtherapy]

Wow. Really well done, congrats! I wanted a 12 ft v hull for a couple years...and in looking I ran across a crazy low priced 16ft '88 aluminum bass boat so I grabbed it...but I still say your set up would rival any boat for a single person to fish from most of the time.

[@desertbassin]

The 12’ are so fun but for our big lakes a 16’ would be more comfortable for sure! A deal is a deal! With one person my boat fishes really nice. I’ve fished two people on it plenty of times you just have to be mindful of your cast other than that it’s super stable and runs great! Thanks for swinging by man!

[@Harleywindtherapy]

@@desertbassin absolutely welcome. I subbed so I can follow along.

[@luckydan100]

Great videos. Nice rig

[@desertbassin]

Thanks man🤙🏼 I appreciate you checking it out!

[@777alemap]

Nice Scout hat.

[@reginaldhuckstable9797]

Love the channel

[@wolfpack7529]

probably late, but for interference problems, I would use rf choke coils on the power cables to cut out the interference

[@vinhha6073]

I get almost the same boat you had... I keep it simple, 2 seat and 6hp.... 👍👍👍

[@desertbassin]

As long as it gets it done that’s all that matters!!

[@lanijohnson9849]

Good video. I'm picking up a little John boat saturday. Was just wondering how to put a floor in it so it doesn't have the V design for more comfort. Keep fishing those Arizona waters. I personally live in North Phoenix. Thanks again for the ideas.

[@desertbassin]

Thanks for watching the video! The floor wasn’t too hard. After I made the front and back deck I took 3/4” ply wood cut it to where it would fit between the two decks. sealed and painted it really well because it will be the most walked on portion of the boat. Than added a piece of 2x4 along the front and back edge running width wise as well as one in the center running the length of the floor. The back of the floor was flush with the flat floor of the boat in the back but the front I added a short piece of ply wood coming down from the 2x4 that runs vertically to meet the v shape of the boat and trimmed it till it was the right contours.

[@realwolfcry]

Awesome set up! What thickness of aluminum angle framing did you go with? Custom boat framing typically runs from 2" down to .5" thickness. I'd like to add compartments to my boat as well and was thinking about using angle framing.

[@jimmorrison-ye2yj]

To stop interference to fish finder, ground battery to boat hull.

[@enrique6943]

I just picked up a 12 foot boat just like yours but it's a chrysler little fisherman old too like 50s or 60s not sure. But will try to register and put a small outboard like you did. I stole it for $100 does not leak it just has the usual scratches and paint fading no big deal. And it's 94 lbs empty. Winner winner chicken dinner.

[@jamesdishman3005]

Thanks for the lesson WATER PROOF YOUR WOOD!!!!!

[@marcelahurtado4100]

2015 because of good reviews and and a great price for 55 pound ...

[@bassinnw3608]

Definitely keep the power cables away from the transducer wire! You should definitely look into isolating the two circuits. A battery cut off switch before the accessories then I ran a similar trolling motor and used a 60amp breaker on the positive side, then ran another positive off the battery cut off to a fuse block for the bilge and graph. Boat fires are real and very scary even on small simple 12v systems.

[@desertbassin]

That’s an awesome setup man I appreciate the feedback. I definitely like the idea of having a fuse/breaker just in case. I ended up buying a separate small atv battery because I was getting a lot of interference from running it off the same battery. Now the graph and trolling motor are separate and work great however adding a fuse to both would be smart. Thanks again man 🤘🏼

[@andreiwilson309]

In the settings of the sounder will have a sensor that you can adjust for the noise

[@Livinoutdoors_]

What thickness plywood did you use for the bow ? I just picked up a 12 foot boat and would like to do the same and install a bow trolling motor

[@millertimeoutdoors7820]

Nice job on the boat man! I had a similar issue w my old boat when I installed an ultrex. U will probably have to run graph to separate battery and use 10 gauge wire unfortunately. Hope u find an easier way.

[@desertbassin]

Thanks for the tip man! Will give it a try and see what happens. Seems to be the quickest fix. Thanks for checking out the video 💪🏼

[@explorster]

Shielded cable will stop the interference from trolling motor.

[@bcs28fly]

How much weight do you think you added to the boat? My son just bought a ‘71 Mirrocraft 14’ that is very similar. How did you attach the framing to the sides of the boat? Is the front deck the same height as the old seats you pulled?

[@Captain514]

At the widest, how wide is this boat? I've got a project boat and wondering if it will be worth my efforts

[@logannewman4532]

Ive been wanting to build a jet-jon for a while now. I have a spare Kawasaki 650 engine and pump.

[@michaelmilton4427]

Where do you sit? How is the front trolling controlled? I didn't see a foot pedal. Great video tho. I just made a deal on a similar boat last night and im looking forward to building a deck

[@justinlogan9501]

haters. GOOD videos with great content. Best of AZ ive watched. See you maybe at Sag one day

[@TheCountryboy1207]

I have the same year and length v hull mirrocraft, but i dont think mine is the same depth. You think i could get away with the same deck setup?

[@mtg42c1]

I have the same issue with the interference. I just got some ferrite clamps. I heard clipping one right on the graphs power cable right behind the plug is supposed to fix the issue. I can't confirm yet though bacause the lakes are frozen

[@desertbassin]

Hahaha well being able to test it on the water definitely helps I agree. I guess it’s time to break out that vexilar for the time being. I hope that method works for you man! I ended up buying a small agm atv battery to run my graph off of separately. Works like a charm! Gonna make a follow up video here shortly.

[@davidv8229]

I pilot is a lifesaver

[@desertbassin]

Game changer man! Makes fishing an area so much nicer with spot luck

[@shanepeter1616]

Is that a MirroCraft? Never mind....you just said it at the end. Lol. I have a 1970 14' MirroCraft with a 85 Johnson 25HP tiller. Building mine out this fall.

[@jjrocescobar]

Dope

[@desertbassin]

You gonna be tricking out that kayak??

[@jjrocescobar]

@@desertbassin naw. I'm looking for a boat right now. Got my eye on a 16ft Lund with a 25 hp on it for now. I want to hit up more lakes.

[@flopzus4278]

What do you use as a live well

[@UguysRnuts]

A Jon boat is a narrow flat bottom, hard chine, square ended vessel, usually of aluminum. You have an aluminum boat.

[@doubleasilva]

Great video! 👍 Wondering what bow you shoot and if it's just for fun or do you hunt to?

[@desertbassin]

Hoyt spyder turbo! And I would say I’m getting into hunting. Claimed my first elk two years ago

[@Joel19560]

Are all your aluminum pieces angle or are some flat?

[@Pol53218]

How much weight your boat can hold.and how much weight u got with motor and deck

[@chowboy44]

Fantastic work bud, any more foam besides the noodles up front?

[@desertbassin]

I stuffed a couple underneath the hatches in the back but other than the front that’s about it!

[@chowboy44]

@@desertbassin cool man, mines the same way and its flex sealed on a big tear...still beats pounding the shore! Just keep your vest close by homeboi and send it. Be safe out there bud, gluck

[@justinbartels4637]

Nice work. I don't think I heard you mention what size battery you have for that trolling motor, but I was wondering how long you are able to run that motor for? Does it get you through the whole day?

[@desertbassin]

I have a group 27 deep cycle. Just went to Alamo last week and it ran my trolling motor for two days. Spot lock in the wind and all

[@thurmanmerman5383]

First, try separating your power cables for the two systems. Also, move any power cables away from any display cables there might be. You might want to look at a voltage isolator as well or you can look at a ferrite bead/EMI filter. I bet that trolling motor is letting off some EMI.

[@desertbassin]

Thanks a ton for the feedback man 🙏🏼 will look into it and give it a few test runs with that info! Only happens when the trolling motor is on low speed. Thanks for checking out the video man 🤘🏼

[@thurmanmerman5383]

@@desertbassin You are very welcome. Try separating those cables first and the ferrit beed on that display cable of your monitor. Hopefully this fixes the issue. Thanks for the vids as always.

[@Melicoy]

@@desertbassin Could be a grounding issue. make sure its grounded properly

[@phoenixarizona8441]

I done a similar build before we got our boat what Part of Arizona

[@rjtrucking2251]

Dope set up bro, how does the trailer handle with the added weight did you have to do anything on trailer

[@desertbassin]

The trailer handles great. Honestly it’s a double jet ski trailer that I modified to fit the boat. It’s a wide trailer so pulling it is nice and balanced.

[@rjtrucking2251]

@@desertbassin right on on just built my 12 footer but I used wood I tried keep the material to minimal but still added a few pounds and that’s my only concern was trailer it’s not crazy heavy but still

[@desertbassin]

@@rjtrucking2251 could always try adding some weight to the front of the trailer if it gets squirrely on you

[@vortexrace]

This is a 12ft boat. But how wide is it? 4ft? 5ft?

[@jeremyb6012]

What do you use to seal holes where you run bolts, rivets, etc? I'm new to this world.

[@tomtee4442]

Rubber washers or silicone.

[@arizonasniper7177]

@DesertBassin. If you had 4-5k for a preowned bass boat would you buy a fiberglass or aluminum boat. Thanks

[@desertbassin]

Nicer aluminum boat for sure!

[@keithmckay7928]

How stable is the deck when standing on it? I had a 10 foot flat bottom i put a deck on it and it was so wobbly.

[@desertbassin]

It was very stable. On the v hulls it all depends on how high the deck is. Too high and the weight of the person isn’t displaced right. I found on my boat that the deck balanced the best at the water line of the boat.

[@MrPhoenix1800]

Hey I want to do a similar build I see that you have a 15hp outboard on your boat. What speeds are you getting with that set up?

[@desertbassin]

I was hitting 20-21!

[@unwedasilor86]

Nice job man! Did you remove any pre existing seats in the boat?

[@desertbassin]

There was 3 and I pulled them all out

[@thedailyruns6046]

You shouldve used epoxy resin to seal them. It would last you a decade without warping

[@FroztyFelix]

What carpet is that

[@SeaRuwais]

شي جميل

[@jaxson_h2289]

How stable is it, for mine I want to put in a deck but it’s not very stable.

[@desertbassin]

Really stable man! Just keep the deck low and it will balance better

[@Joel19560]

I always thought that Jon boats had all flat bottoms and a square front

[@mattwaters6987]

You are correct. This is a V hull.

[@randyjlricafort5624]

Separate lithium 24 to 48ah battery for your fish finder💯👍

[@desertbassin]

Thanks for the tip brotha. Ended up buying an agm atv battery to run my fish finder off of and it works great! Going to make a follow up video soon. Thanks again

[@sbr4649]

less face more boat

[@bootloops888]

Your foam next to the battery serves as a fire hazard i think might want to rethink on a rebuild

[@fireworksxxx2226]

12ft x ??

[@strikeking14]

I agree with some people. Separate your batteries. You could get a real cheap lithium or just small SLA battery that will run the graph by itself and keep the TM on the big battery. The small lithiums are what everyone uses in kayaks and runs graphs a long time. Good luck!

[@desertbassin]

My big concern separating the batteries was if the smaller one would be able to run the graph all day but in that case Lithium would be the move! Thanks for the tip man I’ll have to try it out🤘🏼

[@glenndaugherity6187]

Nice job on the boat but your title is wrong it should read v hull because it’s not a Jon boat a Jon boat has a square front bow you have a v hull. But a nice small boat for sure !!

[@desertbassin]

Definitely true! Keeps the title short. Can definitely transfer that layout to a Jon boat from my v Hull. But thanks for checking out the video man! I appreciate the feedback 🙏🏼

[@davidv8229]

First comment! 😄 🤣 😂

[@desertbassin]

Ayyy let’s goooo🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@colton7754]

Do you fish tournaments with it

[@desertbassin]

No man I haven’t found any clubs that are willing to let me do it and there’s not live well (could make a cooler well) but it would be really cool if someone started a jon boat circuit

[@dizzybassfishing8614]

Always comment lol

[@desertbassin]

Hahaha always on point man 💪🏼

[@sampson583]

Nice build. I agree that the drone shots in the intro were sweet going through the marsh. Please check out my build on my channel. Yours reminds me of mine in many ways.

[@richardmcatee7963]

Trolling Motor costs more than the boat!.

[@desertbassin]

Hahaha it really is!

[@edhaggins3646]

Buy a small 12 volt battery for your fish finder..never a good ideal to run your motor and fish finder on the same battery..that cause interference to your fish finder

[@BrokeBackBob4559]

Never run your trolling motor and fish finder on the same battery. Trolling motor should have its own battery with nothing else on it.

[@nicocua3118]

JESUS CHRIST LOVES YOU SO MUCH!!!!

[@logangionet9836]

I don’t think it’s a jon boat it’s not a flat bottoms

[@brianchisnell1548]

Runabout. Not a Jon

[@nicocua3118]

JESUS CHRIST IS THE WAY THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE!!!!

[@2566Conan]

Why? Is he your Imaginary friend.

[@DubJay315]

V hull, not a Jon boat.

[@DubJay315]

But very nice set up. Good job!

[@LeAnn57]

That ain't no Jon Boat!

[@bwbassin7380]

Take more pride into your build. You kinda hacked the whole thing up.

[@desertbassin]

Any tips?