Around the end of March this year, I picked up a 1974 Ouchita 14' jon boat from my grandpa. It was his first boat when he got his fish camp at Toledo Bend lake in Louisiana. He has since upgraded to nicer bass boats, but held on to this little guy and has told me since I was a kid that the boat was mine whenever I wanted it. I finally have a place to keep it and time to work on it, so I told him to go ahead and bring her on home to me.
Before even getting the boat in my possession, I began researching ideas on how to "fix-up" a jon boat. I stumbled upon this site, realized it's called doing a 'conversion', and found more information that I ever though possible about upgrading these boats. I never realized just how functional a little jon boat could be. Having fished from a Tarpon 120 kayak for many years, this boat is going to be amazing in the way of space while fishing and bringing my fiance or friends along for some company.
Much of my inspiration came from IDAHOAUGER's New Lowe L1436 Conversion. Even though he started on a new boat, his was nearly the same size as mine and his decking ideas made me realize how much decking can change the look, feel and function of the boat. Especially the raised from deck with hatch for storage. Much thanks to you, sir.
https://www.tinboats.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=27828
I've taken many pics along the way (74 so far) but I don't guess it's a good idea to try and upload all of them.. I'll try and hit the high spots. I'm not quite finished yet, still need to support the raised deck, finish the hatch, navigation lights, trolling motor and finish seats. Also want to add some LED lights inside so I can see what I'm doing at night.
Before even getting the boat in my possession, I began researching ideas on how to "fix-up" a jon boat. I stumbled upon this site, realized it's called doing a 'conversion', and found more information that I ever though possible about upgrading these boats. I never realized just how functional a little jon boat could be. Having fished from a Tarpon 120 kayak for many years, this boat is going to be amazing in the way of space while fishing and bringing my fiance or friends along for some company.
Much of my inspiration came from IDAHOAUGER's New Lowe L1436 Conversion. Even though he started on a new boat, his was nearly the same size as mine and his decking ideas made me realize how much decking can change the look, feel and function of the boat. Especially the raised from deck with hatch for storage. Much thanks to you, sir.
https://www.tinboats.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=27828
I've taken many pics along the way (74 so far) but I don't guess it's a good idea to try and upload all of them.. I'll try and hit the high spots. I'm not quite finished yet, still need to support the raised deck, finish the hatch, navigation lights, trolling motor and finish seats. Also want to add some LED lights inside so I can see what I'm doing at night.
