Installing Seats In Your Jon Boat: A Step-By-Step Guide

Jon boats typically come with flat benches, but these can be uncomfortable and cause back pain. Jon boat seats are designed to make activities like fishing and hunting easier and more comfortable. They are made of durable materials that can withstand harsh conditions and are usually lightweight, compact, and easy to transport. There are several ways to install jon boat seats, including mounting them directly onto the benches or using a pedestal or swivel base. When installing seats, it is important to use stainless steel screws to avoid corrosion and to ensure that the screws are not too big, as the aluminum on the boat is thin.

How to use swivel plates

Swivel plates are a great way to get seats into your existing benches. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use them:

First, you will need to cut round holes in your existing benches. These holes will then need to be tapped and threaded. The tapping process will create grooves in the holes, while threading will involve cutting a helical groove into the holes, which will allow for the smooth and secure insertion of screws or bolts.

Next, you will need to acquire some plates made from Delrin, a type of polyoxymethylene known for its strength and rigidity. Delrin plates are ideal for this purpose as they facilitate swivelling while providing a stable base for your seats. Attach the Delrin plates to the holes you have cut, tapped, and threaded.

Finally, mount your seats on top of the Delrin plates. Once mounted, your seats should swivel properly. It is important to note that this setup does not allow for sliding the seats left and right.

An alternative method for attaching swivel seats to a Jon boat involves using stainless or aluminium nutserts or rivet nuts. This method is ideal if you are working with a blind hole (where you don't have access to the backside). Drill a hole, then tighten an insert that flares like a rivet. Slip a short 3/8" bolt through the swivel plate into the nutsert and tighten to install.

Another option is to attach the swivel to a piece of plywood, preferably carpeted, before attaching the seat to the swivel and bolting the plywood to the Jon boat. This method is useful if you are concerned about the thickness of the material between the seat and the boat, as it introduces less height than a thicker piece of plywood.

Pros and cons of clamp-on seats

Jon boat owners have different preferences when it comes to installing seats. Some prefer to clamp on the seats, while others opt for more permanent solutions like drilling and bolting. This text will explore the pros and cons of clamp-on seats for jon boats.

Pros of Clamp-On Seats:

• Easy Installation: Clamp-on seats are generally easy to install and can be set up in minutes without requiring any modifications to the boat. This makes them a convenient and quick solution for adding seats to your jon boat.
• Adjustable: Clamp-on seats often offer adjustable height and 360-degree swivel action, allowing you to customize your seating position for a more comfortable experience.
• Versatile: These seats can be used as standalone portable seat stands and are ideal for jon boats or as detachable seats on aluminum vessels. The rubber-coated legs provide stability on any flat surface, making them versatile for various boat types.
• No Drilling Required: One of the biggest advantages of clamp-on seats is that they do not require drilling into your boat's benches or seats. This is a less invasive method of installing seats, which can be appealing to those who want to avoid making permanent alterations to their boat.

Cons of Clamp-On Seats:

• Stability Concerns: Some users have reported issues with clamp-on seats not feeling secure enough. There is a risk of the seats shifting or falling off, especially when kicking back or getting up on plane. This can be dangerous and may require additional measures to secure the seats properly.
• Tightening Challenges: The wing nuts on clamp-on seats can be challenging to tighten sufficiently by hand. They are often located in tough-to-access places, and users have had to create custom tools or use PVC pipe wrenches to tighten them effectively.
• Storage Inconvenience: Clamp-on seats may not be the best option if you plan to store them inside between trips. Removing the seats can be cumbersome, as you have to "monkey with wing nuts," according to one user.
• Potential for Slipping: There are reports of people falling out of their jon boats due to seat slippage. This is a significant safety concern and indicates that proper clamping and additional security measures are crucial.

In conclusion, clamp-on seats for jon boats offer a quick and easy installation process, adjustable features, and versatility. However, they may pose stability and security concerns, requiring extra measures to ensure a safe experience. Ultimately, the decision to use clamp-on seats depends on your personal preferences, how often you use your boat, and your comfort level with the potential trade-offs.

Using a pedestal

To install a pedestal seat in your Jon boat, you will need to first source the necessary materials and tools. These include a pedestal seat, a swivel plate, a post, a base plate, a china marker, a drill, a wrench or socket, and marine-grade epoxy or sealant. You may also need aluminium pan head screws, nuts and bolts, washers, and a backing plate.

Before you begin, you should carefully consider the placement of your pedestal seat. Check for any clearance issues and ensure that you will be able to use the seat comfortably for its intended purpose, whether that is controlling a trolling motor or fishing. It is also important to consider the height of the seat, as a high seat may make it difficult to control a foot-control trolling motor or tiller handle.

Once you have decided on the placement, use the china marker to mark the mounting holes on the base plate. Drill out the screw holes and, if necessary, a 3 1/4" hole in the centre of the deck to clear the post holder. Before drilling, check the underside of the area for any fuel lines or electrical connections that could be damaged. If the seat will be under a lot of weight or pressure, or if the deck is very thin, you may want to add a backing plate for extra reinforcement.

When it comes to securing the base plate, you have a few options. You can use screws, nuts and bolts, marine tri-fold pop rivets, or well nuts. If you choose to use screws, make sure they are compatible with aluminium to prevent galvanic corrosion. Apply a coating of paint or another insulating material between the screw and the aluminium to prevent the metals from touching.

After drilling the holes, apply a bead of marine-grade epoxy or sealant to prevent water intrusion into the hull. Then, screw or bolt the plate down. Finally, install the seat post, swivel plate, and seat. The seat post slides into the hole in the base plate, and the swivel plate attaches to the bottom of the seat and slides into a hole in the top of the seat post.

And that's it! You're now ready to enjoy your new pedestal seat and get out on the water.

Attaching seats to benches

Attaching seats to the benches of your Jon boat is a straightforward process, but it requires careful planning and execution to ensure safety and stability. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to attach seats to the benches of your Jon boat:

Step 1: Choose the Right Seat Type and Positioning

Before you begin the installation process, decide on the type of seat you want. Common options include swivel seats, pedestal seats, and bench seats. Consider your preferences, fishing style, and comfort when choosing a seat type. Additionally, think about the desired seat positioning. Do you want the seats to be fixed in one place, or would you like the flexibility to slide them along the bench?

Step 2: Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials

To attach seats to your Jon boat's benches, you'll need a few basic tools and materials. These may include a drill, drill bits, screws or bolts, washers, nuts, and a screwdriver or wrench. If you plan to create a swivel mechanism or attach a pedestal, you may need additional hardware, such as swivel plates, brackets, or pedestals.

Step 3: Prepare the Bench

Before installing the seats, prepare the bench by cleaning the surface and ensuring it is free of any debris. If you need to create holes for the seat hardware, use a drill to make precise holes in the bench. Mark the drill holes carefully to ensure they align with the seat hardware. If you're concerned about the thin aluminium of the bench, consider reinforcing it with a piece of plywood or aluminium underneath the bench.

Step 4: Attach the Seats

Now, you're ready to attach the seats to the benches. If you're using swivel seats, follow the manufacturer's instructions to assemble the swivel mechanism and attach it to the bench. For pedestal seats, attach the pedestals securely to the bench, ensuring they can bear the weight of the seat and an occupant. If you're attaching bench seats, line up the screw holes in the seat with the pre-drilled holes in the bench and secure them with screws or bolts.

Step 5: Test and Enjoy

Once you've attached the seats, test them thoroughly to ensure they are secure and stable. Sit in the seats, apply weight, and simulate typical movements to ensure the seats can withstand normal use. Check that all hardware is tight and secure before taking your Jon boat out on the water.

Remember to consult online forums and video tutorials for additional tips and tricks specific to your Jon boat model and seat type. Always prioritise safety and stability when modifying your boat, and don't hesitate to seek advice from experienced boaters or professionals.

Using a swivel base

If you're looking to install swivel seats in your Jon boat, there are a few methods you can use. Here's a step-by-step guide using a swivel base:

Step 1: Prepare the Swivel Base

Firstly, you'll need to purchase a suitable swivel base for your seats. There are various options available, including clamping systems, pedestal bases, and swivel plates. Choose a system that fits your budget and preferences.

Step 2: Attaching the Swivel Base to the Boat

Now, you need to decide how you want to attach the swivel base to your Jon boat. Here are some common methods:

• Bolting: You can bolt the swivel base directly to the boat's bench seats. This method may require access to the underside of the seats, which can be challenging.
• Toggle Bolts: Toggle bolts are an easy solution as they don't require access to the underside of the seats. Simply drill holes and insert the toggles, then tighten them down.
• Rivets: Using a rivet gun, you can quickly and securely attach the swivel base to the boat.
• Nutserts/Rivet Nuts: Drill holes, tighten the nutserts/rivet nuts, and then attach the swivel plate with bolts.

Step 3: Adding a Plywood Base (Optional)

For added stability and to avoid drilling directly into your boat, you can attach a piece of plywood to the bench seat and then mount the swivel base onto the plywood. This method is especially useful if you want to avoid drilling holes in your Jon boat.

Step 4: Mounting the Seats

Once the swivel base is securely attached, you can now mount your chosen seats onto the base. Make sure the seats are compatible with the swivel mechanism and securely fastened to the base.

Step 5: Final Adjustments

Check that your newly installed swivel seats are stable and secure. You may need to add some grease to the swivel mechanism periodically to ensure smooth movement.

Remember to always follow the manufacturer's instructions for any products you purchase, and ensure that your seats are installed securely and safely before taking your Jon boat out on the water.

Frequently asked questions