Description
1648 Plywood Jon Boat Plans – Long Front Deck Version
The 1648 Plywood Jon Boat – Long Deck is a versatile, stable, and highly practical flat-bottom fishing boat design, ideal for inland waters, lakes, rivers, and sheltered coastal areas. This model is based on a proven jon boat hull form, enhanced with an extended forward fishing deck that provides excellent space for casting, gear storage, and comfortable movement on board.
Designed with simplicity and functionality in mind, this boat is well suited for both recreational anglers and utility use. The wide beam and flat bottom ensure outstanding stability at rest and under power, while the shallow draft allows access to very shallow waters. Thanks to its optimized proportions, the 1648 performs efficiently with small to mid-size outboard engines up to 25 HP.
Main Dimensions & Specifications
- Overall Length: 15′ 9″ (4.80 m)
- Beam Width: 70″ (1.78 m)
- Bottom Width: 48″ (1.22 m)
- Draft: 4″ (100 mm)
- Interior Side Depth: 19 1/2″ (481 mm)
- Full Transom Height: 21″ (533 mm)
Extended Forward Fishing Deck (Long Deck)
The long front casting deck significantly improves fishability and onboard ergonomics, making this model especially attractive for bass fishing and multi-person outings.
- Deck Length: 7′ 6″ (2280 mm)
- Width at Aft End: 5′ 10″ (1780 mm)
- Width at Forward End: 3′ 1 1/2″ (952 mm)
Performance & Capacity
- Maximum Engine Power: 25 HP
- Outboard Shaft Options:
- 20″ Long Shaft (508 mm)
- 15″ Short Shaft (381 mm)
- Dry Hull Weight: 480 lbs (218 kg)
- Maximum Load Capacity: 3–4 persons @ 75 kg (225–300 kg / 496–661 lbs)
- Design Category: C / D – inland waters & sheltered areas
Construction Method
The boat is designed for plywood & timber construction using the proven stitch-and-glue, upside-down building method. This approach minimizes complex tooling and allows accurate alignment even for builders with limited experience.
Beginner-friendly design – suitable for first-time boat builders while still robust enough for long-term, real-world use.
Material Specifications
Imperial Version
- Bottom and sides: 3/8″ plywood
- Seats and frames: 1/2″ plywood
Metric Version
- Bottom and sides: 9 mm plywood
- Seats and frames: 12 mm plywood
Who Is This Boat For?
- DIY builders looking for a proven, easy-to-build jon boat
- Anglers needing a stable fishing platform with a large casting deck
- Users operating on lakes, rivers, and sheltered coastal waters
- Builders who want a lightweight, efficient hull with low power requirements
The 1648 Plywood Jon Boat – Long Deck combines classic jon boat simplicity with modern DIY construction techniques, delivering a practical, durable, and highly adaptable boat that performs exceptionally well in real conditions.
