Building your own Jon boat

The Jon boat is usually a flat bottomed fishing boat best suited for fishermen who work on shallow backwaters.  The boat would resemble a rectangular box and this is why it provides more space though it is only 12 ft. long.  Unlike the regular V bottomed boats that are similar in size, the Jon boat has low-cost materials that are available throughout.

One can use pine lumber to get the gunwales, chine logs, seat stringers, deck beams etc.  For the runners and the chine moldings you should use solid oak wood.  When planning the deck, bottom and side covering on the exterior you could think of AB grade exterior plywood.

Now for the construction, you need to start by cutting the planks and fit it accurately to each other.  To avoid confusion you could make a full size half portion of the boat lengthwise to check how it works out.  Once you have one half you could simply use it as a tracing and draw the other half on the plywood panel.

Next step is to cut the chine log, seats and frames according to the given dimensions.  First place these chine log, seats etc. at the right position and temporarily glue and nail them in place using small nails taking care not to damage the outer plywood.  Fasten the sides and the chine logs with screws before the glue sets.

After this is done you need to nail the seat stringers to the frame and fasten the bottom frame in place by gluing and nailing again. To avoid any leakage you should cut and fit the laminated porthole exactly by applying a generous amount of waterproof flue on all the joints.

If you are using a motor to your boat then you could avoid this molding on the porthole.  Cut the gunwale moldings to fit the flush at the back of the porthole. Cut the foredeck accurately to size using the plywood and nail it to the beams carefully.

After this is done, turn the boat upside down and attach 1x2’ oak runners.  These runners protect the boat while you drag it ashore after use.

Finally a wood preservative solution such as Cuprinol should be applied to al the surfaces thus covering the complete boat.  This should be applied at least three times.  You can use rowlocks and carrying handles along with window lifts that serve as handles.  These are fixed on firmly with bolts and nuts to be strong and keep the stern in place.

All your labor done, you have the most spectacular jon boat you would ever have wanted to have.  Just by spending a few dollars and a bit of your time you have the boat of your desire which you could use for fishing or just boating for fun.