michaelpharrold
New member
- Joined
- Sep 4, 2013
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I picked up a 16ft Jon to fish the seagrass flats close by, and I've been reading this site almost daily since then. I'm not quite ready to start a build thread yet, I'm still running it pretty much the way I picked it up; I want to make sure that I know exactly what I want before tearing it apart. Anyways, theres a couple pictures below that show the layout and existing modifications.
Since those pictures I've removed the Bimini Top, and the Gigging lights on the bow rail (there's no electrical, PO used a small generator). I fished it like that for a long time, and it worked okay. My biggest gripe was having to sit so low to operate the tiller, it got hard to see through the rail and over passengers. I don't have pics of this, but I made a tiller extension, and added a 14" seat post to the rear swivel seat. That's how I'm running it now - much better.
Here's my real question...has anyone made their own leaning post using the swivel seat mount, and a couple of support posts? I've been looking at steering parts with the intent to build a console from an aluminum toolbox...but honestly, I love the tiller extension - and a removable leaning post in place of the rear swivel would be just as good for me as a stand up center console.
I'm thinking about how to build something like this: https://www.gatortraxboats.com/p-195-removable-lean-post.aspx using my existing seat post and seat attachment as the main support, and connection point for the leaning post. Anyone see any issues with this...I'm thinking wood (vinyl wrapped) - with thick wood dowels into a couple of really sturdy flush-mount rod holders on each side into the rear deck.
My other plans right now:
--Remove center bench (I have support rubs under it)
--Extend front deck back 2 ribs
----Flush mount cooler in front deck
--Deck back end through the front of rear bench.
--Ploing Platform
--Repair very small leaks
----Bottom paint (black)
----Top textured paint (very light green)
--Add Electrical
----Trolling motor (not sure if I can find a bow mount with my rail)
----Bilge Pump with float switch
----Navigation Lights
----Interior / transom LED's
Since those pictures I've removed the Bimini Top, and the Gigging lights on the bow rail (there's no electrical, PO used a small generator). I fished it like that for a long time, and it worked okay. My biggest gripe was having to sit so low to operate the tiller, it got hard to see through the rail and over passengers. I don't have pics of this, but I made a tiller extension, and added a 14" seat post to the rear swivel seat. That's how I'm running it now - much better.
Here's my real question...has anyone made their own leaning post using the swivel seat mount, and a couple of support posts? I've been looking at steering parts with the intent to build a console from an aluminum toolbox...but honestly, I love the tiller extension - and a removable leaning post in place of the rear swivel would be just as good for me as a stand up center console.
I'm thinking about how to build something like this: https://www.gatortraxboats.com/p-195-removable-lean-post.aspx using my existing seat post and seat attachment as the main support, and connection point for the leaning post. Anyone see any issues with this...I'm thinking wood (vinyl wrapped) - with thick wood dowels into a couple of really sturdy flush-mount rod holders on each side into the rear deck.
My other plans right now:
--Remove center bench (I have support rubs under it)
--Extend front deck back 2 ribs
----Flush mount cooler in front deck
--Deck back end through the front of rear bench.
--Ploing Platform
--Repair very small leaks
----Bottom paint (black)
----Top textured paint (very light green)
--Add Electrical
----Trolling motor (not sure if I can find a bow mount with my rail)
----Bilge Pump with float switch
----Navigation Lights
----Interior / transom LED's
