Swivel Seats On Jon Boats: Installation And Benefits

Jon boat seats are designed to make marine activities like fishing more comfortable and safer. They are made of durable materials that can withstand harsh conditions. When it comes to installing swivel seats in a jon boat, there are a few methods you can use. One way is to use bolts to secure the seat to the boat. Another method is to use rivets or toggle bolts, which can be installed using a rivet gun or by drilling a hole and tightening an insert. You can also attach the swivel to a piece of plywood and then bolt the plywood to the jon boat. Additionally, you can find swivel seats that come with clamp-on mounts, allowing for easy installation and adjustable height.

Using bolts to attach the swivel seat to the boat

Step 1: Gather the Right Tools and Materials

You will need a drill, a screwdriver, and the necessary bolts and nuts for the installation. Make sure to use stainless steel bolts and nuts that are suitable for marine environments to prevent rust and corrosion. You may also want to use washers to distribute the load and prevent the bolts from loosening over time.

Step 2: Prepare the Swivel Seat

If your swivel seat didn't come with a mounting plate, you can attach one yourself. Mark the drilling holes on the seat's base, ensuring they line up with the holes on the mounting plate. Carefully drill the holes and attach the mounting plate to the seat with bolts and washers.

Step 3: Determine the Mounting Location

Choose a suitable location for your swivel seat on the jon boat. Make sure there is enough space to accommodate the seat and allow for comfortable movement. Mark the location of the mounting holes on the boat's surface.

Step 4: Drill the Mounting Holes

Drill the marked holes on the jon boat's surface. Ensure the holes are large enough to accommodate the bolts you will be using. You may need to use a hole saw or a step drill bit to create holes in the boat's surface, especially if it is made of thick aluminium or fibreglass.

Step 5: Attach the Swivel Seat

Position the swivel seat over the mounting holes and insert the bolts. Secure the bolts with washers and nuts, tightening them with your screwdriver. Ensure the seat is firmly attached to the boat but still able to swivel smoothly.

Step 6: Test and Adjust

Once the swivel seat is installed, test it to ensure it rotates smoothly and is secure. Make any necessary adjustments to the bolt tightness, ensuring the seat doesn't wobble or become loose during use.

By following these steps and using bolts, you can securely attach a swivel seat to your jon boat, creating a comfortable and functional seating solution for your marine adventures.

Drilling a hole and using rivet nuts

First, mark the position of the mounting holes on the base plate. Check for any clearance issues and ensure that the position of the base plate will be comfortable for your hands and feet.

Next, attach the swivel to a piece of plywood, preferably carpeted, and then attach the seat to the swivel. You can use a thinner piece of plywood if you don't want the seat to be too high.

Now, drill a hole in the base plate and tighten an insert that flares like a rivet. Slip a short 3/8" bolt through the swivel plate into the rivet nut and tighten it.

Finally, bolt the plywood to the jon boat. Remember to use marine-grade epoxy or sealant on the bolt holes to prevent water intrusion and corrosion.

Using toggle bolts

To install swivel seats on a Jon boat using toggle bolts, follow these steps:

First, you will need to purchase the appropriate toggle bolts for your project. These can be found at most hardware stores or marine supply shops. Ensure that you select stainless steel bolts for durability and corrosion resistance.

Next, determine the placement of your swivel seats. Mark the holes for drilling, taking into account the size and positioning of the swivel seat plates. It is important to ensure that your holes are properly aligned before proceeding.

Using a drill, create holes at the marked locations. The holes should be slightly larger than the size of your toggle bolts to allow for easy insertion. Once the holes are drilled, you can insert the toggle bolts.

Toggle bolts, also known as butterfly bolts, have a unique mechanism that allows them to secure objects in place. The bolt has a collapsible "toggle" on the end, which springs open on the other side of the material being fastened. This toggle then acts as a strong anchor, providing a secure hold.

Insert the toggle bolts into the drilled holes, ensuring that the collapsible toggle end has passed through to the other side. Tighten the bolts using the appropriate tool, usually a screwdriver or wrench, depending on the bolt head. As you tighten, the toggle will expand and create a firm hold against the underside of your Jon boat seat.

Finally, attach the swivel seat plates to the toggle bolts. Ensure that the plates are securely fastened and test the stability of the swivel mechanism. Adjust as necessary to ensure a safe and comfortable seating experience.

This method of using toggle bolts provides a secure and removable option for installing swivel seats in your Jon boat. It allows for easy installation and the ability to adjust or remove the seats in the future if needed.

Attaching the swivel to plywood and then bolting the plywood to the boat

To attach swivel seats to a jon boat, it is recommended to attach the swivel to plywood and then bolt the plywood to the boat.

First, remove the old seat. Then, measure the distance between the front and back bolts on the base of the new seat. Cut two pieces of plywood to this measurement. Next, drill holes in the plywood that align with the holes in the base of the seat. Place these pieces of plywood on either side of the hole in the floor of the jon boat, and then bolt them down using washers and nuts. Finally, screw the seat onto its base.

Another option is to use stainless or aluminum nutserts/rivet nuts. You can drill a hole and tighten an insert that flares like a rivet. Slip a short 3/8" bolt through the swivel plate into the nutsert and tighten it down.

You can also use blind rivets (pop rivets) to fasten the plywood to the jon boat. These rivets come in many different diameters and lengths. Most home improvement stores don't carry the specific diameters and lengths needed for boat building, so you may need to look for a specialty store.

Using a swivel seat mount

Step 1: Gather the Materials

First, you will need to purchase a swivel seat mount kit. You can find these at most boating or hardware stores, or online. The kit should include a swivel base plate, bolts, and any other necessary hardware. You will also need a drill and a screwdriver for the installation process.

Step 2: Prepare the Swivel Base Plate

Before you begin the installation, it is important to read the instructions provided with your swivel seat mount kit carefully. Identify the swivel base plate, which is the component that will be attached to the jon boat's surface. It should have a series of holes that will be used to secure the plate to the boat.

Step 3: Mark the Drill Holes

Place the swivel base plate on the desired location on your jon boat, typically on a flat bench or surface. Using a pencil, mark the drill holes through the swivel base plate onto the boat's surface. This will ensure that you drill the holes in the correct locations.

Step 4: Drill the Holes

Using a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the bolts provided in your kit, drill holes at the marked locations. Drilling slightly smaller holes will create a tight fit for the bolts, ensuring a secure installation. Make sure the holes are deep enough to accommodate the length of the bolts.

Step 5: Attach the Swivel Base Plate

Place the swivel base plate over the drilled holes and secure it in place using the provided bolts. Tighten the bolts securely, but be careful not to overtighten as this may strip the threads or damage the boat's surface.

Step 6: Attach the Seat to the Swivel

Now, you can attach your chosen seat to the swivel. The specific process may vary depending on the type of seat you have purchased. Carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions for this step.

Step 7: Test the Swivel Seat

Once the seat is securely attached to the swivel, test the swivel mechanism by rotating the seat 360 degrees. Ensure that the rotation is smooth and stable, without any unintended spinning or wobbling.

Additional Tips:

• It is recommended to use stainless steel or aluminum bolts, nuts, and washers to prevent corrosion.
• You can also attach a piece of plywood to the swivel before mounting the seat for added stability, as suggested by some jon boat owners.
• Regularly inspect and maintain your swivel seat mount to ensure its longevity.

Frequently asked questions