James Heddon

Here's what I did. I used 3/4 in exterior plywood cut to the same size an my factory benches. I then applied a good dose of construction adhesive between the plywood and the benches. I then laid out a grid like a checkerboard, and set stainless steel screws through the plywood into the factory bench about three inches apart. I then fastened the seat pedistals to the plywood using the fattest screws I could find insuring that they pierced the factory benches too. All holes were pre-drilled pilot holes. This is a 14 ft JohnBoat with a 6hp only. I weigh 200lbs, and the majority of the people I have taken with me out weigh me, and the seats haven't budged in ten years. If I ever put on a larger motor, which I seriously doubt I'll do, I'll take another look at this particular part of my setup.

I try to fish the side where the fish are hangin' out. I have not been doing too good. ;D

A sheet and a half of plywood, some indoor/outdoor carpeting, two pedistal seats, and a trolling motor with a battery is all she needs. SWEET!!!

BRILLIANT! That's slick!

I own THREE!!

I chose not to find humor in boat ramp mishaps. It could (and may very well) happen to me some day.

Here is a link to the Maryland Safe Boating Course, required for anyone born after 1972. Just for fun, go to the test and try it. No studying or reviewing the program, just take the test. It wouldn't be fair for me to participate, because I did this several years ago even though I was born in 1957. As I recall, without reviewing the program first, I scored in the low 70's....YIKES!! http://www.boat-ed.com/cgi-local/exam/practice.cgi?st=md Come back and share your score results with a reply to this post. Have Fun!!!

I don't know about in MN, where the original poster is from, but here in Maryland you need to do this: http://www.boat-ed.com/md/index.htm Just for fun, try the practice test right off the bat. You may be surprised at what you DON'T know!

PVC Pipe cut in two foot lengths.

A solid aluminum prop is available here: http://www.youngprops.com/

My local upholsterer made mine out of extra material that he had ordered for another customer. It set me back $200.00 Lucky for me, I'm a screenprinter, and he's a customer so it only set me back $200.00 worth of Tee Shirts.

Here's what I did. I used 3/4 in exterior plywood cut to the same size an my factory benches. I then applied a good dose of construction adhesive between the plywood and the benches. I then laid out a grid like a checkerboard, and set stainless steel screws through the plywood into the factory bench about three inches apart. I then fastened the seat pedistals to the plywood using the fattest screws I could find insuring that they pierced the factory benches too. All holes were pre-drilled pilot holes. This is a 14 ft JohnBoat with a 6hp only. I weigh 200lbs, and the majority of the people I have taken with me out weigh me, and the seats haven't budged in ten years. If I ever put on a larger motor, which I seriously doubt I'll do, I'll take another look at this particular part of my setup.

By all means, if you have room for two tanks, do so. Another thing to remember is the one third, one third, one third way of thinking. One third of your fuel out, one third of your fuel back, and one third in reserve.

I "did in" the transmission of a Dodge Caravan with Front Wheel Drive by pulling a pop-up camper. It took time (more than a few outings) buy I did it. Also, I was informed that with such a set-up I would have most likely jack knifed had I attempted a "panic stop". A very scarry thought considering I had my kids in the minivan with me. My lesson learned was: Don't believe any salesman that says: "Sure! You can pull what I have to sell with the vehicle you're driving!"

I didn't ask the question, someone else did. The truth be told, I cut an opening in one of my factory benches, and turned it into tackle storage. I removed the styrofoam from the compartment and relocated it in the bow. I am well aware that the sole purpose of the styrofoam in JohnBoats is to keep it at the surface even if it is full of water. Had you experienced your mishap in "gatorbassman's" modified boat, your fishing buddy, the one not wearing a life vest at the moment of the mishap may well have drowned! What's the price of HIS life?

http://www.myjonboat.com/

Now I'm not trying to start an argument here, but we clearly have crossed signals going on. A new user asks is styrofoam necessary in a JohnBoat, and most everyone who replied implied that it was indeed necessary. Okay, that said, when "gatorbassman" was asked where the styrofoam was in his post titled "Birth of an electric Bass Boat. FINISHED" his reply was "Floatation foam is a possibility but will add several hundred dollars to the cost. " YIKES!! What's the price of a life?? How about a little clarification please.

I own four transom mounted trolling motors and the only one I bought new was the first one. I have picked up the other three at yard sales for next to nothing, and they all work great. I can't say for certain, but I'm willing to bet a reconditioned motor will come with a short (very short) warranty. Check your local classifieds, and online auctions and you may be pleasantly surprised. Good Luck!

Here's how he gets the rig to remote lakes.

Can someone PLEASE post a pic of that fellow with the styrofoam boat thing with the Alabama hat on. I can't find it and want to show my brother in Alabama.

A 10' TRACKER, after prep and shipping will set me back $554.00 See It Here http://www.trackerboats.com/boat/index.cfm?boat=2860

Last summer I purchased a 10' John with no leaks. It came with a trolling motor, anchor, and paddle, but no title. I paid $200.00 for it, and had to do magic tricks for my DNR to get a title.

Here's mine. My lure retriever on a carpenter's chalk box. Works great!

Thy Rod and Thy Reel, They Comfort Me Hey!!! What's with the pictures of all the TRAILERS??? It's not a boat if it isn't in the WATER!!

Thy Rod and Thy Reel, They Comfort Me.