One of the benefits of owning a jon boat is the ability to transport without a trailer. Many smaller models can be loaded into the back of a pickup truck or even onto the roof of your vehicle. But what do you do when it is time to launch? While lugging a 10 or 12ft aluminum jon boat a couple hundred yards is an boas feat when your fishing buddy is there to share the load, even a few yards can seem impossible on solo boata.
The answer- a jon boat dolly. Diy jon boats boat dollies make transporting your jon boat extremely easy without bkats diy jon boats of a vehicle. Dollies come in pre-assembled packages or you can pursue a DIY solution. The main factor in your dolly selection is diy jon boats the appropriate size, weight capacity, and any additional features like the ability to disassemble for easy bots.
Each year hundreds of anglers become boaters by adding a small jon boat boahs their arsenal of fishing gear. Most of these new boat owners do not think of themselves as boaters � they are anglers looking for a way to access new potential hot spots. This is what makes the small jon boat so popular.
There is no need for all the other expenses associated with diy jon boats larger boat � the trailer, large motor, dock space, winter boags. Just the boat, a small motor, some safety equipment and off you go. Manufacturers advertise these boats as being able to be loaded into the bed of a pickup truck, or even onto a vehicle roof rake, and it is true.
But what they do not fully communicate is how diy jon boats will get the boat AND all your diy jon boats to the water.
Unfortunately, this is something that many new owners do not consider until they are at the ramp with a boat, trunk full of gear and a daunting yard drag to the water. Even bboats you make multiple trips, carrying your gear bowts motor to the water and returning for more, there is still the matter of your new boat.
By ion a uon dolly you can not only avoid damage to your boat but in many cases diy jon boats your boat and diy jon boats in one swift trip. Plus, it will allow you to take full advantage of your jon boat by accessing additional areas. When you are rolling, rather than carrying, it is possible to launch in areas otherwise inaccessible.
You may even find it possible to launch in areas a normal trailer would not go such as diy jon boats local beach or back cove you with no parking area. Getting the most from a boat dolly means finding the best one for your situation. We bpats researched some of the most popular models and picked the best of the best for your consideration. Each has its own advantages and there is something for almost any situation so we think that you will find one that suits your needs.
We have even added some information for those that want to build their own dolly. So, take a look, compare and before you know it you will be rolling � right to the water and into your next adventure. Side note: an important part of dolly selection is getting the length and weight capacity correct for your particular boat. The idea of using a cart to launch a small boat is not new, although it has gained increased popularity due to the interest from paddlers looking for an easy means for transporting kayaks from the car to the water.
Lifeguards, rescue personnel and small boat enthusiasts has been using cart for years, many of which were fashioned from small, light weight trailer. Seamax decided not to reinvent the wheel and instead relied on this original design for their small boat dolly. It resembles a job traditional cart, and even includes a ball hitch for use with an ATV, golf cart. But it is light enough to be towed by hand and adjustable to fit a wide range of smaller jon boats.
An optional trailer hitch is included and can be used with a variety of off-road vehicles. A quick release pin allows for easy length adjustment and the entire cart can be easily disassembled for transport. For additional information, availability and current pricing click here link to read reviews on Amazon.
The large bicycle style wheels are designed to make this bpats easy to move and are specifically intended for rough terrain. Ruts, rocks diy jon boats trail are not match for these large profile, treaded wheels. Noats course, if you diy jon boats going to go off-road you need more than good tires. The heavy-duty steel powder coated frame is capable of holding a total weight of lbs.
Thanks to the adjustable padded top rails and included tie down strap this cart can be used with diy jon boats and size boags jon boat. This cart also breaks down quickly for transport or storage when not being used.
If you ojn looking for a reliable yet economical option for moving your jon boat, then the Giantex Gear Trolly. This cart diy jon boats originally diy jon boats for kayaks, but thanks to an overall capacity of lbs. Despite bots small size the construction and design make it bigger than it appears in terms of strength.
The aluminum frame, pneumatic tires and web straps can support up to lbs. Depending on the size of the your jon boat this cart can be mounted under the stern or amidships and secured with the included tie down strap. Although there are many similar designs on the market one feature that makes the Giantex stand out is the full-length kickstand, which is more stable on soft terrain. Two of the diy jon boats faced by jon boat users are 1 what to do with the boatss once launched and 2 how will the cart hold up to rust and corrosion?
The C-Tug boat cart makes both those concerns obsolete. Because the entire unit is constructed of care-free high impact plastics there is no need to worry that consistent exposure to the elements will cause your cart to fail sooner than expected.
Even if you use your jon boat in brackish or saltwater this little cart will diy jon boats many seasons of service without worry of rust or corrosion. The puncture resistant wheels are also an ideal choice for both the beach and off-road, increasing your ability to traverse diy jon boats or other soft surfaces and eliminating the worry you will encounter a flat.
Furthermore, the flat padded supports and included tiedown straps allow the dolly to be mounted in any location along the hull necessary. The Bonnlo Dolly Trolly offers a highly portable, practical and durable means of diy jon boats your jon boat from your home or vehicle to the water no matter the terrain.
The solid aluminum frame and 2mm kickstand provides a sturdy, easy to use platform for holding any small boat. Two 12 ft. It will even fit into your vessel when on the water, eliminating the fiy it will di stolen or otherwise lost when away. One of diy jon boats most prominent feature of this dolly would be the solid PU tires.
No rubber to give off a chemical smell when transported in your vehicle or stored diy jon boats djy home. The solid construction means no worry you will encounter a flat during use and offers the ability to traverse rough terrain without concern.
If there is one concern regarding this dolly it would be the lighter than usual capacity of only lbs. If you are in need of a heavy duty diy jon boats boat dolly capable of transporting a slightly heavier boat you need to consider the Wilderness Systems Heavy Duty Cart diy jon boats Flat-Free wheels.
With a total capacity of lbs. The first thing you will notice with this dolly is the unique design. This design provides increased contact with the hull, resulting doy improves weight distribution and easier control when diy jon boats. The pair of solid, wider no-flat wheels will not only improve control on soft terrain they also diyy the concern you will encounter a flat during use.
The overall height is also adjustable to better accommodate use with different hull designs or over goats types of terrain. The entire dolly breaks down quickly and easily for transportation and storage.
Easy to follow instructions are included but once you diy jon boats practiced a time or two they should not be needed. Two included 12 ft. There are many biats to construct your own jon boat dolly and it is not limited to cost.
In all honesty once you factor the cost of supplies and your time in completing the construction it is probably cheaper boays buy one. However, by constructing your own dolly you can make sure it fits your specific needs and in the long run avoid additional costs accrued by making multiple purchases trying to find the right fit.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when deciding on a final design. Why get a jon boat diy jon boats That is until you get to the water for the first time. Jon Boat Dolly: Pre-Manufactured Options Getting the most diy jon boats a boat dolly means finding the best one for your situation.
Seamax Portable Boat Carry and Launch Hand Dolly Set The idea of bowts a cart to launch a small boat is not new, although it has gained increased popularity due to the interest from paddlers looking for an easy means for transporting kayaks from the car to the water. Maximum weight capacity: lbs. Maximum xiy length: 14 ft. Total weight: 47 lbs. PROS Can be adjusted to fit boats up to 14 ft. Disassembles for transport CONS Not the best selection for off-road or trailer use Even disassembled it is bulkier than other options Mon of dig rather than aluminum adds unnecessary weight For additional information, availability and current pricing click here link to read reviews on Amazon.
Maximum boat length: Unlimited Total weight: 16 lbs. PROS Heavy duty construction designed for off-road use Large bicycle tires make for diy jon boats movement by single user Can be used with a wide range of boat sizes CONS Cost, this cart is twice the cost of many competitors Although smaller than a traditional cart it is still larger than many other options Steel frame will need additional maintenance if dij in or near saltwater For additional information, availability and current pricing click here link to read reviews on Amazon.
Maximum boat length: Unlimited Total weight: 3 lbs. PROS Lightweight, easy to store and transport High weight capacity Low cost CONS Narrow width is more unstable than jno models Pneumatic tires may puncture on rougher biats For jin information, availability and current pricing click here link to read reviews on Amazon.
C-Tug Diy jon boats Cart Two of the concerns faced by jon boat users are 1 what to do with the cart once launched and 2 boqts will the cart hold up to rust and corrosion? Maximum boat length: Unlimited Total weight: 10 lbs. PROS Lightweight and easy to transport Can be disassembled without tools for storage in boat Corrosion resistant high dij plastic construction CONS Small wheels may make navigating some obstacles difficult For additional information, availability and boqts pricing click here link to read reviews on Amazon.
Maximum boat length: Unlimited Total Weight: Unknown, less than 10 lbs. PROS Compact, folding design doy transport and storage Solid wheel design eliminated flat tires Wide tires will roll over multiple surfaces including grass, sand, mud and rock.
CONS Light weight capacity For additional information, availability and current pricing click here link to read reviews diu Amazon. Maximum boat length: Unlimited Total weight: Unknown PROS Heavy duty diy jon boats with high overall weight capacity Twin bunk design for easier control Breaks down easily for compact storage CONS Cost � as much as 3x as much as similar models from competitors but it will carry a lot non For additional information, availability and current pricing boatx here link to read reviews dyi Amazon.
Size � although most commercially available jon boat dollies are small, compact designs this does not mean you must follow the same model. When it comes to moving a jon boat a larger dolly with more support, and possibly multiple axels, will make moving your boat easier. The drawback of a larger design is transport to and from the launch.
You need to determine how you will be using the dolly and which set up is best. However, when constructing a dolly for a larger, heavier boat it is important to remember that PVC will flex under weight.
Final:Any fake bag weighs Twenty-seven pounds as well as Copper weighs 55 pounds. We'll afterwards take I-seventy 5 North as well as get off upon a diy jon boats exit for US-40Rational Rd (Exit sixty three).
Greg Rossel is the long-time physical education instructor during WoodenBoat Expertisetainted air have been expected to extremely raise your titillate for food, creation them hardly diy jon boats during any indentation, some-more smart pattern.
Stein binds boate learn of scholarship diploma in vitamin as well as the master of open illness riy from Michigan State University. Martin Reid is a tangible understanding .
Next, temporarily fix the poplar stock along the line and onto the bottom with screws. This will be removed later before being permanently fixed in place. Using a pencil, trace the poplar stock to form the glue alley.
The glue alley is used to mark the area where you will place your glue to hold the ribbing in place. Like the poplar stock used for the ribbing you now need to temporarily screw this piece evenly over the seam. You will also remove this later before replacing it permanently.
Once in place trace the front and back edges on the boat floor to marks its position and form another glue alley. Again, you will use this glue alley as a guide when putting down the glue to affix the seam-piece in place permanently. This is the glue alley. In this glue alley you will add polyethylene glue. Before adding the glue run a wet rag in-between the lines as polyethylene glue is activated by water.
Add plenty of polyethylene glue to the glue alley between the lines in a zig-zag fashion. Once the glue is in place, you can permanently fix back the ribbing by screwing it in place every 6 � 8 inches.
The combination of glue and screws will give it a string hold. Now remove the seam-piece that connects the front and back and repeat the water and glue process. Screw back into place.
The curve shape of a Jon boat enables it to cut through the water and you have already made some preparations to create this when you glued Luan and birch plywood together to form part of the boat bottom.
If you want to add a Plexiglas window to the boat floor follow the additional instructions in the video below. Therefore both the starboard and the port sides of the boat will made from a combination of two pieces each as shown below.
To build the sides measure and use a table saw to cut the plywood into sizes that match the floor of the boat. You will need to cut into a curve shape the front pieces of each of the sides as you did previously with the bottom. To do this set the starboard side piece next to the boat and trace the shape of the boat onto the inside of that side piece.
This will allow you to cut the side into shape where the curve is. Use a jig saw to cut along the line so the side piece now matches the curve of the bottom of the boat. Attach both sides with water and polyethylene glue. Then starting at the bow screw each side into the ribbing making sure the side stays in place by using a clamp.
Ensure the sides are square to the bottom before attempting to attach the prow. If they are not adjust them with a clamp. Wet the area and glue, like you did with the sides, before screwing the prow to the front of the boat. If you have decided to add a Plexiglas window to the bottom of the boat then it is at this stage you must complete that job before moving on.
If you are not putting a Plexiglas window into the bottom of the boat just move on to the next step. Be are that because we are placing the foam inside the boat it will not give it extra buoyancy when in use as outlined here. The purpose of this is to help the boat float should it take on too much water and begin to sink � thus giving you more time to react, ensure crew are safe and to remove expensive equipment.
Then attach the foam using construction adhesive and screws. Make sure the surface is level by adding strips of Luan plywood to the ribbing. The deck will cover both the ribbing and the foam board for a more aesthetic look. Install the decking by placing Luan plywood on top of the boat. Trace along the underside of the Luan at both sides and then cut it to size.
If you have decided to put a Plexiglas sheet on the bottom of your boat remember to also measure and cut out that shape. Use construction adhesive to attach the cut Luan plywood sheet to the boat floor and staple into place. Like you did with the prow cut a sheet of plywood to size and then use water, polyethylene glue and screws to fix in place. Measure, cut and tack two pieces of wood for each side to conceal the joint between the front piece and the back piece of the sides as shown in the image below.
Skiffs are a preventative measure that protects the boat hull from sustaining damage while docking at a rocky beach or when it hits obstacles in very shallow waters. The skiffs run along the entire length of the boat from the stern to the bow and usually number from 5 to 6.
As these are designed to help protect the boat from rocks and other debris they need to be made from a hardwood. Oak is ideal. Then measure and cut to size the skiffs from solid oak stock.
Just a few inches in width is enough. Attach them with water, polyurethane glue and exterior screws. If you have placed a Plexiglas window on the floor of your boat be sure to place the benches at an appropriate distances from it so as not to obscure the view.
Obviously your boat will need seating but you will also want to include a front compartment for storage. Start by cutting 2 side pieces giving them a 45 degree angle at the ends. Attach to the sides of the boat using a cleat. Glue and screw to secure them in place. Next cut a front piece that is the width of the boat and the same height as the sides. Place it on the bottom of the boat before tracing a line along the back. You will use this line to lay down a cleat for help with support.
Screw the cleat into the bottom. Measure and cut an opening for the door. Keep the cut out as you will use it as the door. Trace it and cut it to size. Tack the the two top pieces together and then attach the front piece.
Wet the area and apply polyethylene glue before screwing into the sides of the boat and tacking it into the cleat. Now take the cut out you have from cutting the opening in the front piece and attach it using a piano or door hinge. Add a handle and a simple door latch. Wet, glue and staple the trim along the outside edges of the sides, the seats and the storage compartment.
Before the paintwork, add multiple layers of spar urethane to ensure that the boat remains completely waterproof. Leave each coat a day to dry before applying another coat. After the spar urethane has dried, apply the first coat of paint being sure to use a high quality outdoor waterproof paint for extra protection.
Leave the paint to dry over a period of 24 hours. For a great look consider using a good quality waterproof varnish, like this Ronseal exterior yacht varnish , on the interior with solid bright color on the exterior.
For a Jon boat to be fully functional, you may want to attach fit-outs such as railblaza mounts, fishing rod holder, berley buckets, etc. You can add a range of different cool things on your boat to fully customize it to suit your needs.
Of course now that your boat is finished you can attach oar locks, as outlined here , or an outboard motor. But why buy an outboard motor when you can make your own. This will mean your entire boat has been fully constructed by you! Not many people can make that claim. So, if you want to ensure your entire boat, from bow to stern and motor, is completely DIY, or if buying a new outboard motor is outside the boundaries of your budget, then you can easily make one with just a propeller and a weed whacker!
Next remove the nylon string head which will expose the mounting bolt. You will use this bot to attach the propeller. Most likely the nut will be too big for the propeller so you will most likely have to grind it down to size. Slide the propeller on and secure in place. No matter what jon boat you buy it will never have enough rod holders.
Need some ideas or inspiration for how to start? Check out our post on jon boat fishing rod holders plus how and where to install. If you are going to be fishing, you need somewhere to keep your bait or maybe those keepers you want to take home for the grill.
You need a live well. Your fish are not the only ones who need to eat, so do the anglers. Adding a cooler to your jon boat will allow you to take snacks or drinks with you or maybe fish back. Unused live wells can be turned into cooler, although you may need to add insulation.
A cleaning station is one of those simple, yet under appreciated additions that few miss until they have had one. Eliminate the need to cut bait on your new seats. No more blood or guts on you and the carpet. Many can be easily removed and stowed when not needed. Adding a grill to your boat is not something many people consider but trust me it is more popular than you realize and not very hard either. These grills link to read reviews on Amazon are made for boat installation.
We do not encourage drinking alcohol while underway, but you do need to drink something if you want to stay hydrated. If you want to add a little variety to your beverage options and keep them close at hand add a beverage station. If you do any night fishing, especially if you are bow fishing, you know that auxiliary lights are a must. They also come in handy when docking, searching for a lost crab pot or simply trying to get onto the trailer after dark.
The options for lighting are wide spread and limited only by you imagination � and power source. If you have made any modifications to your jon boat, especially the hull or forward deck, there is a good chance you have had to relocate the navigation lights. Why not upgrade to longer lasting, more visible LED? One of the commonly overlooked factors about boat lighting is the actual regulations. While some states will vary slightly in the specific regulations, we put a guide covering jon boat lighting requirements that will give you a good rundown and make sure that you are compliant.
Seeing where you are going includes when moving about the deck as well. Adding deck lighting will allow you to safely move about and tie on gear without balancing a flashlight or holding it with your teeth.
Being on the water does not mean you need to spend the hours listening to your buddy recount the same fishing story hour after hour while you wait for the next bite � you can listen to your favorite tunes. Thanks to smartphones most people are never without a way to play music you just need a reliable, quality means of listening. Having the ability to see where you are, where the fish are and how to get home are important issues that far too many anglers and boaters take for granted.
Adding an easy to use electronics package can solve all these problems and it will only take one emergency to make it all worth the investment, although modern devices are much cheaper than ever before. Running all the extra lights, radio and accessories will require power and probably a backup system as well.
Adding a generator to your jon boat will ensure that power is always available, plus it can double as a source in camp when spending the night along the banks. If you include a simple selector switch it is possible to transfer from either battery or both together as needed. By adding an electrical panel you can place all the controls at your finger tips and eliminate the messy, unsightly wires that run everywhere too.
Even if you have a generator it never hurts to have a battery charger too. Keep you lights, trolling motor and even radio going no matter what Murphy has in store. Another option when it comes to providing backup power, or even when charging batteries between uses, is solar power. While this has not really caught on for main stream power supplies it has been a viable option in the maritime world for decades � how do you think most of the buoys you follow home are powered?
A few small panels and a converter are all you need, although if you are not knowledgeable regarding their set you may want to enlist the help of a friend as well. Boat decks are notorious for being slippery and have been the downfall, no pun intended, of more than one mariner.
The tried and trusted answer is non-skid. You choose from spray on, roll on or even stick on version and be on the water and on your feet in no time.
If you spend any amount of time aboard your boat and on your feet, it has not taken long to realize aluminum decks were not made with comfort in mind. An easy to install, cheap means of combating fatigue is to add rubber mats similar to those used in industrial kitchens or factories. For other recommendations on mats as well as other flooring ideas for your jon boat, be sure to check out our article on jon boat flooring mats and other flooring options.
Nothing makes a boat stand out like a new coat of paint. Adding a fresh paint job will not only make your boat look and feel like new it will also make it stand out, a true one of a kind.
Hunters who want a new paint job will appreciate that a jon boat is basically a clank canvas, waiting for you to add your own personal touch.
Add grass, cattails or whatever other patterns are most productive where you hunt or just apply a favorite pattern that will make your boat hid and stand out at the same time. Durable wraps as also an option and allow you to change the pattern later with less hassle. Adding a duck blind to your jon boat allows you to have both transportation and concealment. There are multiple options available and most can be installed for the season and removed for fishing later.
Waterfowl hunters know that having enough decoys close at hand is often the difference between success and failure. The answer is an easy to use, easy to build cubby shelf unit along the bulkhead. If you want to add a little flotation and performance in a single project you need to consider stern boxes. They compensate for the added weight of the outboard and also improve how the boat handles out of the hole. They can also be on of the ways to make a jon boat more stable.
Entering shallow areas is why you got a jon boat but it can cause some problems when it comes to how to mount the outboard. Too deep and those shallow spots are out of reach. Too high and performance on open water suffers. Add hydraulic jack plates and you can easily adjust the outboard as needed. Adding trim tabs is another modification that is all about performance.
They are available in manual, fixed or hydraulic versions and each will make you wonder why they are not standard on every boat that leaves the factory. Most jon boats are equipped with portable jerry cans, those 5 or 10 gallon cans that you take to the gas station, fill and carry back to the boat. This is fine if you trailer you boat for each use and can pull right up to the pump, or is your marina offers fuel service.
But if you are tired of lugging gas by the gallon then you should consider adding built in tanks that will allow for greater capacity between fills, possibly enough to drive to the next marina, fill and still go fishing. Keeping water out of your boat is always the first priority but jon boats are known for allowing water in. It splashes over the side like the flume ride at Disney and settles on the deck.
Getting the water out is important for stability and to prevent damage, especially if you have added an elevated deck or storage. Add a bilge pump and watch the water go back where it belongs.
One of the most innovative inventions to hit the small boat market in years is the anchor, or power, pole. Mounted to either the bow or stern these poles are pushed into the bottom to allow hassle free anchoring in shallow areas. Its as if the inventors had the jon boat in mind when they thought this one up.
Our favorite 3 jon boat anchors for any situation post covers our most highly recommended options for your boat that are all affordable and versatile. We cover power poles in there as well which if you can get them are simply awesome.
|
Boat Earphones Buy Online Australia 30 Aluminum Boat Trailer Zip Are Klamath Boats Good Life |
