Well here lately I have been putting together my new rig for this coming fishing season and had a question about its width. Its a 1432 flat bottem jon and I was wondering, would it still be stable enough to withstand a raised front deck? Last year my buddy bought a new 1436 jon and we decked it no problem and took it to the lake and it was just as stable as my old 12 foot vbottem, so could losing 4 inches really make that big of a difference between mine and his boat?

I only ask this because if I do deck it, I don't think it would be wise to take it to the lake in these cold water temperatures to try it out and have an accident 

I would say no. I would put a level removable floor in one that narrow.

The wider the bottom width the more stable a jon becomes

Could you fish from a raised front deck of a 1432 jon boat?

Absolutely, but you had better not make any sudden sideways motions or you might be swimming.

You're asking for trouble.

the 4 inches can make a difference in the stability when fishing form a raised deck.

If you are dead set on building one, wait till you can get on the water, see if you can't rig something up temporary and take it out (stay near the shore and be prepared for what you will do if you fall in).

I know guys who could stand up fishing on a log without any problems. I also have had guys in my PT 175 that feel shaky so it depends on your personal balance and comfort level. I would however not expect it to be as stable as your buds.

Thanks for the responses guys. I'm going to maybe take it out sunday and try standing on the front bench and seeing how it works out and if its ok I guess I'll go ahead and start building my deck if not I guess there will be a jon boat for sale  ;D

Thanks for the responses guys. I'm going to maybe take it out sunday and try standing on the front bench and seeing how it works out and if its ok I guess I'll go ahead and start building my deck if not I guess there will be a jon boat for sale ;D

Make sure you have a good life vest on.

There's been plenty of discussion on an unnamed jon boat site regarding a 32" width bottom jons.  Though not impossible, a 32" bottom jon is unsafe to deck.  IMO, just build floors, and if you absolutely must deck it, deck it no higher than your bench.  You have the right idea....take it out and stand on the bench to see how comfortable you are moving around.  Remember to wear your PFD.  To answer your question, 4" difference in bottom width makes a big difference esp for small vessells.