DIY Cheap Removable Casting Deck

I have always wanted a casting deck for my jon boat "the rooftop boat" but I wanted to make it removable to keep the jon boats portable nature. I didn't find any other videos showing a good portable deck solution so I figured I would film my project! I hope you enjoy!
Materials used:
Sheet of plywood, 12x1200x2400mm
Wood studs, 28x70x4500mm
Balcony Carpet
Deck screws
Tools used:
Bosch 18V screwdriver
Bosch 18V jigsaw
Bosch miter saw
Boat: Sea Nymph 14K
Cameras used:
Panasonic Lumix GH4
Music by KZbins music library

[@thediycrab2674]

2 1/2 year update: It's still going strong! the carpet is getting torn in the edges and have started to smell a little bit from getting wet and being out in rain so that is going to be changed soon. The wood shows some "cracks" but it's still going really strong. When I'll change the carpet I will at least put another coat of oil onto it. The deck doesn't sag at all yet and I have been fishing loads on this with sometimes two people standing on it.

[@emeliomusso6911]

Does she support your weight good?

[@thediycrab2674]

@@emeliomusso6911 Oh yeah, doesn't sag or bend anything at all

[@jarrod5722]

Good to hear man, cause I just bought a 14 ft aluminum boat and I'm going to put a deck on like you did. Thanks for the quality video bro

[@loukenthompson2365]

This is great! I own a ‘00 1457 Sea Nymph and this is the perfect set up for a platform. Thanks!!!

[@michaelbeckman1794]

Maybe next time use 2 coats of fiberglass resin on all of the wood after assembly. Probably last 3x as long as the tung oil.

[@MostlyPosative-nj5ex]

I like how you put the frame on top to outline the areas where screws would go. That’s a good tip.

[@marksutton3054]

You did an extremely great job. I'm glad to see young men as yourself get so involved in a hobbies and actually do the work yourselves. That shows passion,I really like your boat,great job

[@matthew5172]

Hey mark. I’m 14 and want to do this design, but I’m not sure how it’s going to work. Would it pop out if I hit a big enough wave? (I bought myself a 1973 skiff boat that I have restored over the summer dedicated to saltwater)

[@bugbiteflytying]

Sweet!! Did this to a 14ft Lund but made it permanent and added a storage compartment with a lid. Great job!

[@timothywright1318]

I just did this last week! The template took me way more time to master than I thought it would. Once that was done, the project was quite manageable.

[@colinphillips__]

The bottom of my boat is an endless supply of cardboard shavings atm lol

[@tybchance6918]

@@colinphillips__😂😂😂

[@thediycrab2674]

Some of you have asked how it holds up now after some time. I just spent 6 days fishing in this boat the past week and it still holds up great! The wood has aged a bit and you can see a few "cracks" in the wood from it drying but it's still as sturdy as it was in the beginning. The carpet have started to wear in the corners but I have been using this boat A LOT last year. Probably more than whats healthy ;) So conclussion, I will stick with this for this year and probably change the carpet for next season.

[@bigmanmichael7995]

The DIY Crab how do I make a template?

[@hunterfrancofishing1585]

I was also wondering how you made the template

[@bobhardy3]

Great job on the video DIY Crab! I read the questions below and offer how to make your template. Materials needed: cardboard, tape, pencil, razor knive, compass (www.amazon.com/Westcott-Metal-Compass-Wooden-Pencil/dp/B00DUXZNHE) Cut the cardboard to overlay each other to cover the area trying to copy. If you look at his example, it appears to be 4-6 pieces taped together. Take the first cardboard piece, and place along the side of the boat across the plane you want it rest on. Take the compass, and slide it down the side of the boat with the pencil side overlapping the cardboard. Cut along the line you made with the compass/pencil. Place the cardboard against the side to verify the cut. Make alignment marks on the side of the boat and the cardboard to provide alignment points. After cutting all of the pieces, lay it all out, aligned along the sides with the alignment marks. The pieces should be large enough to overlap each other in the center. Tape the cardboard together to complete the whole piece. Flip it over and tape it again to prevent it the pieces from shifting. Lay it back down to verify the template is accurate, and trim as necessary. Now use the template to transfer the design to your plywood. You may have to remove some of the profile to allow for the carpet that is folded over the side. Cheers!

[@thekraken1173]

Why you decided to name your channel "the diy crap''

[@Rick_Sanchez_C137_]

That’s a fine job. The tung Oil probably doubled the usable life of the wood... that said, you’d have at least quadrupled it by applying two coats of two part epoxy.... but you may not be worried enough about seven years down the road to spend that much... good job. I may copy it with a few minor changes...

[@avidhuntr]

Been thinking of doing this to my 14' Princecraft for a while, now I'm just gonna do it, great ideas and a great build thanks partner.

[@dirtyhooker6317]

How did it go?

[@bardinkurtis]

@@dirtyhooker6317 he never did it

[@lattapix]

Nice job! I made a casting deck some years back and about the similar size as your boat. Never used any frame work for support tho only 12 mm high quality marin ply. Weights over 100 kg have jump around on it, throwing things in all directions, once a 70 g jerkbait even touch my head in the back of the boat but I got out of it with all my senses alive. The deck have keept up relly well. I first planed to use some sort of carpet mainly for avoid the risk of sliping and fall but got the advise of a friend that done a lot of things with boats just to paint the casting area with marine quality paint and "sugerspray" the last coat to get a rough structure. He said by using a second skin that will keep and trap the water I would get the wood rutten in a while even if it's protected of some sort. Don't now what's right or wrong but it seems to work. Anyway, you made a really nice and tidy work my friend!

[@thediycrab2674]

That sounds cool! thanks for the input and nice comment :) maybe will try that on the next deck!

[@steveman223]

Love it...and I love the cardboard template. You don’t see that simple method often

[@j.murphyscontractinginc.3482]

Nice work! I just bought a 14 foot aluminum and this casting deck will add to the coolness for sure!

[@erNomic]

Nice work, it is a game changer. I never used my boat until I did this, now I love it and use it all the time. I dropped in 2 lower carpeted floors too between the seats.

[@TheShelltrack]

Cool! Now, I'm gonna have to make one for my boat. I think I might add a hatch door on mine so it's easier to get to the stuff underneath. Thanks!

[@HuskyKMA]

Yep, one simple hatch door and you can utilize all that storage space underneath.

[@beebob1279]

Absolutely. Are you going to have a seat up there? Love the storage idea

[@TheJJohnsonExperience]

I love the portability of this build. I want to make a casting deck for my boat but don't want to do anything to the structure of the boat. I think this will work perfect!! Thanks for the awesome Idea. I subbed as well.

[@smokinhic]

Nicely done! Like the removable option

[@juststatinfactssv4989]

Very nice. When i did mine i sprayed it down w rubber in a can to seal up the wood and made my frame different to lighten the load and add hgt.

[@Rich3553]

I really love the idea. No destruction of the original boat and nice and clean finish. Great ! Thanks for sharing !

[@MichaelConsul]

Impressive work. Video editing and angles also very impressive. Well done.

[@cod2510]

It becomes even more removeable down the highway :D

[@TURBOINTEGRATYPER]

Yeah if you're a dumbass

[@willz71]

I can relate so much to what you were saying. Thanks for the motivation 💙

[@allidoispoo6678]

This is sweet. I've been looking for ideas for my boat for some time now and this is exactly what I had in mind. Now that I have seen t your process it is totally doable on my boat. Thanks for the great vid

[@thediycrab2674]

Ryan Pearce Thanks! Glad that I can inspire others :)

[@motorcycleskullcaps]

I love it! I just purchased a 12 foot Jon boat and plan on doing the same.

[@yourenotwrong3511]

How did it turn out

[@thediycrab2674]

@Nathan Fynaardt Thanks! I have been fishing a lot now on this deck and I would say that I am happy that I skipped using glue. Already the deck looks a bit "walked on" with the carpet getting a bit torn where people have been standing. So I guess I will have to change the carpet next year or maybe the year after that. But with a higher quality carpet maybe this won't be an issue. However, the carpet is held in place really nice and there is no slack so I am happy with the result other than the low quality of the carpet I chose.

[@azzkeo8677]

marine grade carpet should last years it's durable as

[@thediycrab2674]

Azz Keo Yes of course, but the whole thought with this project were to make it cheap. I am ready to have to change the carpet in the next year or the year after that

[@Astralpilot2.0]

The DIY Crab nice. well enjoy man. Florida sounds like a paradise but it is a drug fueled shit hole. I want to get my kids out of here. every day someone overdoses and gets murdered. Its an over populated shit hole. bumper to bumper traffic daily. wasn't like this 15 years ago but its bad now

[@andrewcorston4712]

Just finished making this for my boat. Such a cool idea. Can't wait to try it out. Thanks for the video.

[@palerider55]

AWESOME job, brother, and GREAT video, just get to it and NO TALKING. I'd hack the thumbs up and give you a few HUNDRED if I could. You set the benchmark for HOW TO VIDEOS.

[@thediycrab2674]

Thanks a lot for your kind comment :)

[@PucketyCrik]

Nice, as I was watching your video I realized I have the same boat, but newer. Cool.

[@1965JB]

Nice job! I want to make one of those for one of the boats at the cabin I rent for a week each summer.

[@TRITONFPV]

Been meaning to do this for sometime now with a leaning post. Glad I can across your video. Thanks 👍🏻

[@melesmeles2095]

Mine is not as net as yours, or framed quite the same, but it functions the same !!! I am NOT a carpenter by any means... THANK YOU !!! Now I have a deck and storage for my batteries, life vests and other little items !!!

[@goalieboarder8931]

Made this with son this past weekend! Looks awesome and works perfect,

[@edstimator1]

I think I am going to do some kind of a version of this myself. I like the idea of having options if my platform needs change.

[@davidr.4699]

Nice, we did basically the same for our 14 foot except we did 2 sections to reach back to the middle seat so we can have 2 guys standing comfortable for bow fishing. We have seats to clamp to the benches for regular fishing so this works good, just a few minutes to switch.

[@davidcalcagno4394]

Can I see a pic

[@davidr.4699]

@@davidcalcagno4394 Be glad to show you if I knew how to put pics on these replies lol.

[@brianfranks3123]

Just did something similar to my boat. Might redo the 2x4s to make room for a hatch. But that'll take some figuring out. But it works great for now! Thanks for the idea!

[@kendallgillespie3783]

Looks great. I had a design very similar drawn up to build on my 12ft v hull. I’m gonna build mine busing basically the same template and making some hatches in mine. Great simple vid!

[@danhuerd4993]

Great build. If anyone does this just use marine grade plywood and you'll never have to replace it.

[@LS-yv8zh]

certain plywoods , some have chemicals that eat aluminum

[@cougargold]

Nice job man! Really clean cuts and well thought out.

[@nathanhejny4045]

The concept of the casting deck is sweat built like tank but a lot of waisted space could bulit a few enclosed compartments for storage and a battery compartment and indtall a bow mount trolling motor and if you like a casting chair to lean against

[@SmokinBigTruck224]

Awesome video! I enjoyed the relaxing music, no talk get it done! Great job and great video thanks!

[@chriscook5613]

Should have put a hatch in it. Lost a whole bunch of storage space. When you're dealing wood (be it a deck on a boat or house) never seal the bottom. Sealant on the top always wears off first, so what you create is a barrier to hold water once that wears off on top. Try Try carpet adhesive next time. Coat the to flip it onto the carpet on a flat driveway or cement pad, and put some blocks on it. Not only will it deal the wood better, it'll keep the base of the carpet from absorbing as much water. Came out nice. I did that to a boat awhile back.

[@thediycrab2674]

Thanks for your comment, I wanted to keep this cheap and simple and show that you don't have to over do a casting deck to make it work. Of course if I wanted and even better one I would do as you describe or maybe even epoxy the whole thing. Regarding hatch, that would add a bit of weight, especially with extra framing for the hatch and this deck is so easy to lift up so it adds like a big compartment and we store loads of stuff under there. Even made som straps undeneath for stuff as you can see in the first clip of this video :)

[@HawkEye3188]

So cool,,, although I would've use a stencil and spray painted my logo on the deck...... but this is so freaking cool...

[@thediycrab2674]

HawkEye3187 That is a cool idea! Thanks for watching :)

[@jbeeker16]

Awesome Job!! I'm going to do the same to my boat! Thanks for posting.

[@pedroaldorodriguez1161]

Brother nice, simple and clean. Camt wait to start on mine

[@ezragamson4519]

thank you helped me build a boat deck really helpful

[@rickmandigo6673]

You should add plenty of carpenter glue to your joints before screwing them together. It really adds to the strength and durability of all your joinery.

[@dougcameron8429]

Pretty slick man! I think I'm going to use this exact plan for my boat! Might try to add a little storage door as well. Thanks for the vid!

[@1065Olivia]

Great idea and great job! I may try this with my 14' crestliner.

[@TravisInCanada1]

Heck yeah nicely done dude it looks awesome!

[@Ertdizzle]

Go out and go fishing when you can BECAUSE ITS GOOOOOD FOR YA

[@fatpromdate]

Looks good! But if the frame isn’t resting on the seats, aren’t you still just relying on the strength of the plywood resting on the seats? If the frame is resting on the ribs of the side of the boat, I suppose that would support it well enough.Sounds like it’s holding up though but I’ll try to incorporate some joist hangers or bracket to allow the 2x4 frame to be supported more by the seats that just the plywood.. Great Video

[@tewksburydriver8624]

The weight is transferred to the 2x4 frame below. The ends are supported by the seats and when standing there the body weight is transferred to the seats below. When standing in the middle the braced framing of the 2x4's distributes the weight evenly, basically like a skeleton does. The plywood and the 2x4 frame become a system of support. The 2x4's below would have to snap before the plywood on top does.

[@AbrahamRomney]

Totally going to use the cardboard template trick. Thanks

[@tylorkirklin4636]

Great video! This really helped me out when building mine.

[@Carnivorefitness2024]

Fantastic! Just what I am wanting to do, thanks!

[@thomasandersson6618]

I have the same boat as you , need to copy your deck 😃 But i want to build a cast deck rear also!! Nice work !! Tight lines/ Thomas

[@hawkman302]

I am refurbishing my boat right now. Replaced all the wood since it was rotted. New boards are coated with fiberglass resin to keep them sealed from the elements. Hoping it lasts.

[@storypunman]

I built a similar deck for my 14 1/2 foot boat. What is good about removal decks is you can take them out, stand them up and hose of fish slime and dirt. Then leave them standing up to drain and dry in the sun. My wood is 24 years old and never had to change the wood. I primed the plywood, then 3 coats of oil based paint on both sides and edges to seal it. I did have to change the carpet once, because the first carpet had a rubber backing that started to come apart. The second carpet has been on for at least 20 years. Great for everyone to share their ideas.

[@villeeklind4379]

Snyggt! Tackar för inspirationen! Bara att börja bygga!

[@TheGoofyGenius]

Your a beast bro! You make it look so simple.. I might just try it out

[@mrandall19]

The 10 people that didn't like this video are idiots. Great video!

[@thediycrab2674]

Thanks a lot! :)

[@robertgardner536]

man that was an awesome video for dummies like me !! lol love the way you laid it all out ! you did a great job and thanks for this video. gonna give mine an update soon i hope. thanks again

[@NashMagnum]

Awesome video, I'll be doing the same exact thing for my row boat. Thanks for the help!

[@TherealJimDunsworth]

Man I owe you my life

[@thatslivinfishing1089]

Just made kinda the same thing just by watching this video. The hardest part was making the cardboard outline haha apart from that it came up a treat

[@reesy22]

Awesome mate. Absolutely awesome

[@BrokeboyOutside]

Very nice job dude!

[@james-im1sj]

Cool idea I use same boat for fishing our river and duck hunting that would be awesome for my dog 🤙

[@beebob1279]

Any thoughts on building storage compartments. When you replace the carpet look at hinging the long sides and build some compartments to hold you're equipment. Batteries, and stuff like that. I found your channel because this is what I want to do with a boat my buddy gave me. Thanks for the framing idea. I was going to build down lower and use 2x6's. I like your idea much better. Oh, did you add seats to the deck? How about a bow electric motor? These are things I'm considering

[@stanih.1427]

thank you for this example. iam looking forward to build it like you!

[@darthbaker820]

Nice job. I have a 1958 Rich Line and want to do something similar.

[@RonMTube]

Well thought out. Want to do the same but wonder about the plywood holding up to dampness and you can't use pressure treated in an aluminum boat because of galvanic reaction with the metal. Keep us posted on how it holds up.

[@thediycrab2674]

Ron Mehringer hi! Thanks for watching. I have been out on over 30 fishing trips so far with this deck now and it's holding up just fine. We had some heavy rain and spilled some coffe and monster all over it. I am storing the boat under roof all the time tho. What you could do is coat the wood in a layer of epoxy or some other plastic, it will raise the cost but add durability and a bit of weight.

[@kentyler966]

Nice work. I have been considering using an oil based paint with and an anti slip additive on the plywood.This would eliminate the carpeting. If you don’t seal up the plywood it holds water like a sponge, I used marine carpet previously and between the plywood holding water and the carpeting not allowing the wood to dry quickly the flooring began to fail in 7-8years.

[@TranslucentJuice]

nice job man, ill be trying something similar to this in the coming week :D

[@techguy3424]

Nice deck would be cool to fab a hatch for easy access to storage below deck.

[@godzilladestroyscities1757]

If you do it again, consider using a fiberglass resin to seal the wood.

[@jameslaw3740]

Made mine with a false floor up front for lifejackets storage, tackle boxes, put carpeting on the wood over middle and rear seats. Cut hole in center seat for live well. Rear seat is for me and fishfinder. It does not work well, just can not find the fish. Looks great for a 12 foot boat. Placed a 2 x 8 in the oar locks and I run 2 down riggers to fish salmon , trout , and planer board for walleye. 2 x 8 board is great for cutting baits for catfishing with a piece of lexan on it. Two dollar store cup holders and a magnetic 18" strip holder ( princess auto) to hang lures on and pliers knife, lot of space in a twelve footer if you organize it right. Your build prep is a great idea , did you put a casting seat up front or not utilize the under storage up front??

[@strada21_]

Good job 👏 very detailed

[@nomaddamon670]

Here’s one I can actually pull off and not spend more than my boat cost me. Thanks!

[@DDFJ1230]

Very nice. I got a 12 foot jon boat for free. I just need to check it for holes and get a trailer for it

[@heathschwab]

Very nice may do that I'm making one for my Jon boat but may do like yours thanks. God bless

[@damnbogeygolfmelchert8912]

Awesome! 1) Do you have to leave a small amount of room on the sides (?1/4 inch or so) to accommodate for the carpet or is that not an issue? 2) Do you trailer the boat with deck in place? If so, does it ever get close to flying out? How do you ensure that it doesn’t?

[@thediycrab2674]

Thanks! 1. Yes a little bit, but once you step on it it will go into place even if it's a snug fit. 2. Yes I do! I put a strap under the seats over the deck just in case it would fly of but I don't think it will even without it. But I drive pretty fast with it when travelling far so feels more safe to have it secure

[@DC-iu2eh]

Thats awesome. Well done.

[@wildtrophyhunts300]

Excellent video. Thank you for posting!

[@Unk-Dre]

Good video on DIY good idea keep up the good work.

[@tiemanmalcolm]

Looks good but wouldn’t it been easier, stronger just to use thicker ply?

[@DanhNguyenster64]

If you cap the bottom with wood and fill it with sprat foam it would make a good flotation device if you sink. It would be like the movie titanic lol

[@bountyhuntas]

THATS AWESOME AS HELL.....GOOD SHIT BRUTHA

[@mikepowell8958]

For those who have done this. How has it affected the stability of the boat? I assume that standing up that high affects the center of gravity. Anyone tipping over?

[@AUGUST7337]

No one will answer this question

[@JamesJones-cx5pk]

She looks quiet.👍

[@MidwestCoinHunter]

Great build!

[@jdplante4540]

Felt like a Bosch commercial for a moment.

[@Robert_Keel]

That was a cute paint brush.

[@64kdawg]

Awesome idea, thanks👍

[@robertkline2371]

I want to do the same but the height on the bench seat and bow are different so I'll have to use wood to level it out. You're lucky

[@thediycrab2674]

Thanbks for watching! That shouldn't be too hard to fix! I actually added a little piece of wood in the front because the seat is sloping aswell. Good luck with your build!

[@robertkline2371]

The DIY Crab Thanks! The video was great. Love the straight forward style.

[@rosscanant9173]

I have done the same thing, but I used treated lumber and plywood.

[@williambannister1127]

That will rot fast.

[@joegrizzly6579]

no treated will last. untreated will rot quick

[@letsdothis1677]

Joe Grizzly not the lumber the boat! The chemicals in the pt lumbers will destroy aluminum.

[@peteryeung111]

Good job. Excellent video👍

[@malo6868]

Cool, and I'm not knocking your work but I don't get what the studs underneath are doing except keeping it locked in place. They're not supporting any weight (in fact they're adding weight) since they're just dangling there under the plywood. If the studs rested ON the seats, different story. Looks good anyway

[@chuckxjarhed982]

Excellent video.

[@thediycrab2674]

Thanks!

[@ethanmacheras5967]

Looks awesome

[@garrykowaluk7475]

I have mine to do soon . I like the balcon carpet idea. I think I might use pressure treated wood though. You did a nice job ! 👍

[@ZachMcInerney]

love the video. But my question is how do you make such a good cardboard template? I don't get how you get the perfect shape.

[@punchfukker3383]

I plan on doing a removable deck for a dingy too, but instead of carpet I am going with either spaced out strips of grip tape or a double thick layer-mix of marine grade anti-slip additive to a lacquer or epoxy. Also, I'm making mine with about 3 *inches* of overhang in the back with a bunch of pre-cut holes to serve as pole holders, net holder, slots for pliers and forceps and knives... you get the idea.

[@thediycrab2674]

Punch Fukker Thabks for watching! I really like your idea of an overhang! Personally I prefer to store my rods horizontally in the boat so they are not in the way when I'm fishing but I could have used some overhang on the sides to make cut outs for tools, pliers, maybe hanging some lures, that would had been nice. Good luck with your build!

[@punchfukker3383]

Ah, no, I should have been clear, the rod/pole holder holes will be diagonally drilled so rods can hang over the sides for slow trolling, bait'n'bobber fishing, or catfishing.

[@thediycrab2674]

Ah I see, that sounds sweet! :)

[@Astralpilot2.0]

Punch Fukker go to autozone they sell shock absorbing rubber matt. very durable

[@TrustGod-l6j]

My man!.....Nice work!

[@alfredlee1472]

Good job, pressure treated lumber should be used though😀

[@C-Dub487]

Awesome! Looks great man.