A Jon boat is one of those boat types that have a simple yet practical design. It can smoothly navigate through shallow waters like it’s nobody’s business.
Jon boats often come across as too plain, but that’s exactly what makes them so versatile. Best of all, with a bit of skill and creativity, you can fully modify your Jon boat, as well as equip it with top-of-the-line gear.
When it comes to Jon boat mods, the sky’s the limit, so in this post, we’ve gathered some of the best ideas that you can implement for Jon boat customization. Stick around!
1. Decking Setup
The first and most important modification that any Jon boat owner starts with is adding a casting deck. Not only does it provide a well-raised standing platform for fishing, but it also allows you to have a spacious storage area that doesn’t get in the way.
Some people even go the extra mile and install an elevated platform for bow fishing. It ensures better visibility and enhanced shot angles.
2. Storage
By adding a pull-up panel door to your casting deck, you can use it for storing essentials. You can also add a couple more storage compartments that are customized for your specific needs. For example, storage for your fishing rods, anchors, or even ice boxes.
You can use storage spaces to keep much necessary stuff within your reach yet out of the way. For example:
- A fire extinguisher
- A first-aid kit
- A manual bilge pump
- An emergency kit
- A boat cover
- Life jackets
3. Carpeting
Carpeting is one of the most popular mods for your Jon boat. It adds texture, comfort, and lining to the floor as well as the interior parts. Waterproof and marine carpets are both ideal options for lining the interior of your Jon boat.
For extra comfort, adding a layer of foam decking sheet underneath the Jon boat’s carpeting is a great idea.
Ideally, some people choose to add a layer of plywood decking to glue the carpeting layer to. That’s because using glue directly on the boat’s surface might get problematic when you need to remove or replace the carpeting.
4. Seats
The already built-in seats in your Jon boat probably don’t offer much comfort, nor do they offer a range of motion.
One of the coolest mods you can opt for is installing a pedestal swivel seat above your decking area. You can also install additional seats for passengers in the back too.
Pedestal swivel seats are great for fishing as they’re flexible and give you a 360° moving range. You can also have those seats fixed in place or install them over removable swivels.
Those removable swivels clamp onto the already existing bench on your Jon boat. They’re a great option for those who want to minimize drilling and cutting the original body of the boat.
5. Bimini Top
Installing a bimini top to your Jon boat is a simple yet practical solution for the burning hot sun of the summer. It will provide shading and protect you as well as other passengers from sunburns. Bimini tops are easy to install, put up, or take down.
Some Jon boat owners choose to go with full coverage by installing an enclosed collapsible cabin. It’s really useful for certain kinds of situations where you want whatever is outside your Jon boat to remain outside, like mosquitos, for instance.
The enclosed cabin offers protection while maintaining visibility with the transparent collapsible sheets of acrylic.
6. Trolling Motor
A trolling motor is one of the most valuable tools for any fisherman. Installing a trolling motor to the front of your Jon boat can come in handy. It allows you to have full control over your boat as well as manipulate the boat’s movement to your advantage.
Some trolling motors come with a foot pedal, allowing you to control your Jon boat hands-free. It’s perfect for fishermen and hunters.
Other trolling motors even come with wireless remote control. How cool is that!
Additional Accessory Ideas
There are endless numbers of accessories that you can install inside your Jon boat. Some are helpful, while others might not be all that necessary. Consider the following:
- Rod Holders: They’re really helpful for fishing. You can even use multiple rods to increase your chances of catching fish. Rod holders can be screwed in place or clamped on the edge of your Jon boat.
- Trailer: If your Jon boat is a bit large to fit into the bed of your pickup truck, then you’ll need a trailer. Boat trailers are often made of steel or aluminum, and they’re usually offered for sale when you’re buying your Jon boat as a package deal.
- Tie Downs: You’ll need boat tie-downs when transporting your boat. Whether on the top of your truck or onto a trailer, your boat needs to be securely tied. The best accessory for this job is ratchet tie-downs.
- Cleats: You can never have enough cleats. They’re so versatile that you’ll never think they’re useless. The larger size is also great for ropes and dock lines.
- Power Poles: A power pole is perfect for shallow water anchoring. It helps pin your boat in place.
- Fish Finder: There are many types of fish finders that might have additional features. Aside from fish finding, this device also shows your GPS coordinate and fishing grounds.
- Other Accessories: There are several other Jon boat accessories, which include: solar cellphone chargers, cup holders, hatches, locks, mobile phone mounts, navigation lights, a sound system, and even a grill.
Conclusion
Jon boats are not just affordable; they can also be altered to fit different kinds of activities. They come in a wide variety of sizes and options, which makes them a practical option for just about any situation.
There are an endless number of Jon boat mods that you can try. All the previously mentioned customized ideas and so many other ones vary in importance depending on each person’s personal preferences. However, we can all agree that they can’t get any cooler.