Converting Jon Boat to Mini Bass Boat

Why convert?

The main reason many people look to convert their jon boats into bass boats is because they want the V-shaped design of the bass boat, which is meant for cutting through rougher waters more successfully than the flat bottom of the jon boat. Mini bass boats are built very much like jon boats except for that flat bottom, so conversion is a usually just a matter of changing the bottom of the boat into a V-shape.

Choose a plan of attack Some people choose to do this themselves by building a new hull out of plywood attaching it to their jon boat. This works fine for wood jon boats, but aluminum jon boats or plastic jon boats will require some more complicated additions. Your best bet is to look for a commercially available kit, which will include instructions as well as the materials required for making the conversion. The kits are essentially designed to provide you with what you need in order to build and attach the V-shaped hull to your boat.

Other things to know

In order to make a jon boat into a true mini bass boat, you'll also have to make some adjustments to the decking of the boat and make sure that your new build doesn't interfere with wiring. Many people find that they have to sacrifice storage space and the light weight of the boat in order to make the conversion. If you're willing to tear out the bottom of the old boat and essentially rebuild it from scratch, you can conserve the interior space, and if you use 1-inch aluminum supports, they'll minimize the added weight. But all in all, yes, you will have to make a few small sacrifices in order to make the conversion. But for anyone looking for the versatility of a V-bottomed mini bass boat instead of their flat-bottomed jon boat without investing in a new boat, it's worth it the effort and cost.

Don't forget: if converting a jon boat to a bass boat seems too complex for you, there are professionals who offer this service. But if you're determined to do it yourself, there are lots of instructions online to guide you through the process. The key is deciding on a plan of conversion and making sure it's within your time and energy before you begin. One thing's for sure though: a successful DIY boat conversion can be a source of pride for many years to come.