Building a 10' Custom Alumminum Boat

[twanger]

So I think I have my welding buddy talked into building me a custom 10' Jon boat. If you guy's were doing this build, is there anything you would incorporate in the build?
Twanger

[Ambush]

Bottom and sides to keep the water out.


What are you using if for and type of power?

[Vanislehiker]

Make sure u have 3 bench seats I have a 8ft and the 2 seats are too far back so with to guys it lifts up the front more then IT needs to be if I had a seat up front it would make it more useable

[twanger]

looking at the Yamaha 2.5 h/p 4 stroke, also have a min kota electric.

[Daybreak]

I don't own one however you might want to incorporate a compartment with a hinged lid, seal and clasps. Something to provide a water tight place for firearms and shells etc.

[twanger]

Vhiker, really like this set up for seats.
http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/Seats.jpg

[Vanislehiker]

Looks good to me mine are just personally to far towards the back but that set up would be very useful for sure

[The Hermit]

Heated bench seats, drink holders, built in cooler, oar locks, lip on the seats so you can slide a sheet of plywood in there for a bed, built in battery compartment... must be a really good buddy!!

[Ride Red]

An aluminum shop built me a 8'er for fly fishing years ago. It had 17" sides, 15" transom, one seat in the back, one in the middle and a deck across the front. It was 52" wide up top and 48" wide on the bottom. I used to put my extra gear under the front and a rubbermaid under the back. I spent all day on the water so I was comfortable. I sat on blocks in my garage to find the perfect height for my middle seat as that is where you will spend most of your time. Should be a fun project, don't forget front and rear anchors too. As Daybreak said, storage under the middle seat would be handy too.

[twanger]

must be a really good buddy!!

Thanks Bill, hahhaaaha.......

[Sunzuki]

Built in oar holders.
Some covered storage for the life jackets and safety gear.
Maybe a strong point with a pipe to allow the use of an umbrella?
Nothing better than sitting under one when ma nature decides to have a leak.

[twanger]

Sunzuki, some great idea's.
Twanger

[twanger]

Vhiker, how thick of aluminum you use on your build, have any pictures by chance?

[Vanislehiker]

I'll send u a private message and get you some pics

[itsy bitsy xj]

Make it wide!

[Sunzuki]

Make it sooooooooo wide, it's sqware.......... :D

[nature girl]

If it is just for you 10' is good if you plan on bringing a buddy and the lake may be a little choppy then I would have a 12' boat. Or as itsy bitsy xj said make it wide. We have a 10' jon boat for the two of us and I wish we had bought a 12' one instead. As I find if a lake is a little choppy and you make sudden moves the boat can get a little wobbly.

[REMINGTON JIM]

Vhiker, how thick of aluminum you use on your build, have any pictures by chance?

100 thou thick ought to do it ! :smile: RJ