I'm looking to buy a jon boat to convert to a simple bass boat. A neighbor offered to sell me his 14 ft jon boat and trailer for $400. The boat is pretty basic, with bench seating, and a carpeted bottom. I would have to buy a motor, seats, and anything else I wanted. Does $400 sound like a good deal?

A 14 ft.'s(without seats, etc.) around $650 new at BPS.  I just bought a 12 footer for $469.  They also want $599 for a trailer.  I've found trailers for as low as $300 (cheaper models).  The only thing about buying a jonboat used is there may be leaks, etc.

I think that sounds like a pretty good deal if you trust your neighbor.  Will they let you take it on water to see if it leaks?  I've heard of filling the inside with water if you can't take it out.  

I know my neighbor fairly well and he has said that the boat doesn't have any leak problems. He even said that I could come to him if any problems become evident right away. I think I'm pretty safe. Nonetheless, is there some type of paint or leak sealant that I can apply to the boat as an extra protectant? I'm thinking of applying a sealant and a camo paint job.

I've heard of people having the bottoms of jon boat coated with rhino lining----truck spray on bedliner. I'm sure it would work well but will be expensive

To check if it leakes to can leave it on the trailer or put it on some sturdy saw horses and fill it up with water I have done it before and it is effective.

If your boat ends up leaking get some caulk that is called gutter guard aluminum gutter sealer to seal the holes it works great.

Here's how to do the conversion:

http://bassresource.com/fishing/bass_boat.html

http://bassresource.com/fishing/bass_boat_2.html

http://bassresource.com/fishing/bass_boat_3.html

Enjoy!

they talk about the support legs for the bow deck. exactly how is this done? and what is the deck attactched to at the very front of the boat? does is just rest against the aluminum? i would think that would bend the frame after a while.

it is a great deal, put some money in to it and it will be a good little bass boat.