Extending front deck on jon boat

[wily]

I'm wanting to extend front deck a couple ribs...anybody have experience?

What did you use for framing across the ribs?  I've look at Tin boats...and tiny boat nation a little.

I'm surprised someone hasn't marketed an off the shelf option.

I'm not very mechanical...but think I could run rivet some sort of bracket off the vertical of existing deck...the figure out some way to make the bracket for the ribs...then just put a top on it...probably leave the vertical on extension open so I can use underneath as storage.

Sounds easy...but I don't think it is...anybody ever did it? Or have any tips...or things to avoid...besides wood...would prefer it was aluminum...with a tread plate or similar deck...

If it matters...I think brace would be 48inch wide and 9inch high...probably run a couple stringers between the two brackets

[fishinwrench]

An old aluminum step ladder (or even a new cheap one) can provide excellent framing for a deck addition on an aluminum boat.    If you plan it right you can even use the spaces between the rungs for storage hatch lids....or a livewell.   

Keep in mind that rivets (with backing washers) are 100 times better than screws.  A few well placed rivets are better than a weld when building aluminum boats, because whether you want it to or not things are gonna flex and move.   Better to just control it rather than trying to stop it.

[Dutch]

I did it in a Lowe a few years back.  I got 1/8" aluminum from Rose metal in Springfield.  I made a cardboard template and had a metal shop fold down all 4 edges I then attached them to the front deck and the console.  I did not have to attach to the sides.  The folded down aluminum was strong enough so that I did not have to have any underneath bracing.  I left the end open and had a lot of under deck storage.

[wily]

Been looking for old ladder on Craigslist...but no luck

This boat doesn't have a console or middle bench...so need to make some sort of a cross member.  When you say folded down...do you mean like 2 inches so you can rivet to the existing deck?

Thinking I might scale it back a bit...boat isn't primary boat...just something for son to use fishing...and to haul decoys

Might make the deck out of wood...and carpet it.  I saw this on a boat for sale...this isn't super duper craftsmanship but I like the simple design...would be cool if you could just lift it out when not wanted...almost like a tool box.

Wonder how they attached that plywood to the rib?  Could run brace across the rib similar to above...and then lay deck on top

 

[Ketchup]

ive done a few. If you need the number to the buddy of mine that has done all my fab work and welding, PM and i will give you his number. He lives/works in Springfield. 

[wily]

Thanks...I've talked to a shop in Joplin too...plan to run it by there if can't figure out how to do it...im sure 400 bucks would get it done right...but don't know if That makes sense

[Dutch]

The fold down was only about 1.5 inches.  That made it very sturdy.

[wily]

Thanks...that sounds like a good idea.  Fold down the front..and attach it direct....then build the cross member similar to below

i think the aluminum is avalable at Lowe's or home depot.  I think one 8 foot piece would be enough to frame it...

Down side is...it wouldn't be removable...and it's a bunch of holes drilled into the boat

[LARRYG]

I did it  like what Wiley did to my boat. I found the aluminum at a machine shop cheaper than Lowes. I used 2 cross beams offset to make lid for storage box. I also closed off the front to make a closed deck. I used 1 1/4 in. angled alum. and 3/4 regular plywood sealed with 3 coats Spar varnish to keep the plywood waterproof.

[wily]

Thanks wrench for ladder idea

I found part of a ladder stand that fits pretty good...needs a tiny bit off one leg...so it drops down a bit so the deck will be flush

Just need to figure out how to stabilize against the rib...

 Any ideas?  

I wonder if I could just use a 90 degree angle bracket...bent to correct angle...then rivet to rib and bottom of the ladder?  Could use similar against the deck

Or maybe run a vertical support up from where rib angles up to the side...it's only 9 inches or so high

Hey larry...have you got any pictures of your framing?  Thanks