20' River Jon Help!

[Bill Monty]

Hey everyone,

New to the forum and relatively new to fly fishing. I just picked up a 20' fiberglass river jon and trailer off CL for 100 bucks. I figured for 100 dollars I could give it a shot. Anyways, this boat needs the wooden rails replaced. Also needs a new board cut for transom but I think I can figure that out. It also needs new bunks and side wood cut for the trailer. I guess my question is, What wood is best for replacing the wooden side rails? They run the length of the boat and are bolted to the sides.

[fishinwrench]

I replaced the gunwale braces on a wooden jon with ash strips followed by a treatment of Thompson's sealer AFTER it began to age and dry out a bit.

[Jason R.]

Dude I saw that thing on- is that all it needs? Thats a great buy if so. Heck a rolling trailer is worth 200. I just redid the rails on my shawnee- I think they are ash- All I did was sand and paint them though.

[BFTMASTER]

For a $100 boat, I would use whatever is free and available. Black Locust, Heart White Oak, Teak, IPE (Brazilian Walnut), or for a forever no maintenance use KING STARBOARD are all acceptable materials.