Jon Boats Aluminum
Jon Boats Aluminum
Tips On How To Build A Duck Boat
Duck boats are customized and design for the purpose of duck hunting. And with right planning, you can learn how to build a duck boat yourself.
Duck boats are generally small boat which can have a capacity of up to 2 person but it is best used for one person only. It is used in mild and calm waters as it doesn’t have the structure to withstand waves.
In building a duck boat you have the option of building the boat completely from scratch or outfitting an existing jon boat or row boat to customize it for duck hunting. These two options are are available and it is completely up to you to choose.
However, if you don;t already have a jon or row boat, I have to say, it is just as easy to build a duck boat from scratch. All that’s required is meticulous planning and your willingness to exert the required effert to build a duck boat.
So to go over some of the factors:
BUDGET
Building your own duck boat is way cheaper than buying it. However, you still need a certain amount as an earmark as this will determine the type of materials you will use. This also allows a tight rein on the cash so you don’t spend more than what you have to.
MATERIALS
Generally, the most common materials which can be used to build a houseboat are wood, aluminum, polyethylene and fiberglass. Choosing the right materials depends on your priorities and preference. If budget is the main concern here, wood is the cheapest materials to use. You just need to coat it with special paint so it will not easily rot. On the other hand, if durability is high on your list, aluminum and fiberglass are good materials for this purpose. Aluminum is very sturdy but would require some welding skills and fiberglass is not prone to leaks and very durable but budget-wise, it is not exactly the cheapest. Polyethylene is an alternative too but make sure, you haul it right as dragging can cause damage to the material.
DESIGN
Having a good and workable duck boat plan will make the building process easier. You will get an idea of the materials you’ll be needing beforehand, the skills required as well as the complete instruction to build a duck boat.
Personally, I have worked with a very good boat plan and I strongly suggest you do the same. It will prevent unnecessary frustration that’s usually associated with designing the boat yourself.
In my case, I’ve used a very nifty boat plan with step-by-step instruction coupled with pictures which leaves nothing to the imagination.
You may want to check it out here:
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About the Author
I started out as a boating enthusiast who just wanted to build my own boat. After successfully building my first boat, I’ve never looked back, got hooked into the craft and built my second and third and looking forward to build many more…
To anyone who have the same passion as I do, you may want to check out boat plans of every kind which I find very helpful in building my own boat. You may check out that resource here:
Similarly, you may check out this resource I’ve compiled on tips in building your own boat.
Has anyone tried hauling a 14 foot aluminum jon boat strapped down on top of a minivan? Will it work?
I am buying a 14 foot flat bottom boat tomorrow. No motor or anything. Is it feasable to try and haul it home strapped down on top of my minivan (96 Mercury Villager). The boat is 14 feet long and 56 inches wide at the top.
I don’t plan on going that fast with it and I will be using several tie downs and bungee straps to secure it.
Buy yourself a canoe tie down kit that has 4 foam blocks that attach to the gunnels, Tie ends of jon to bumper or tow hooks firmly with and also tie over middle. Be carefull if it is windy.
12ft v-hull jon boat meyers