How to Install the Base for Boat Seats on Jon Boats

The design of Jon boats includes full-width benches and plywood deck areas that provide platforms for fishing seats. Folding seats face forward or aft, and the hinged back allows you to maintain a flush deck profile when transporting the boat. Swivel seats on aluminum pedestals are removed from the base when transporting the boat. The locations and type of seats you install are a matter of personal preference. You install bases for folding or swivel seats on a Jon boat using everyday shop tools.

Things You'll Need

  • Folding seat mount
  • Swivel seat base
  • Power drill
  • Assorted drill bits
  • Screwdriver or screw-tip attachment
  • Socket and ratchet
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Instructions

  1. Folding Seat Mount

    • 1

      Establish the location of the seat on the forward or rear edge of a bench. Some prefer the seat to one side, while others like the seat in the center. Position the seat mount flat atop the bench with the lip against the forward or rear edge of the bench. Mark for pilot holes at the center of each machined countersink hole on the mount.

    • 2

      Set up a power drill with a drill bit that is one-half the diameter of the provided wood screws. Drill pilot holes through the bench at each of the marked locations.

    • 3

      Position the mount on top of the bench and align the countersink holes with the pilot holes. Attach the mount by driving a screw flush into each countersink with a screwdriver or the power drill with a screw-tip attachment.

    Swivel Seat Base

    • 4

      Establish the location of the swivel seat on a bench or the deck on the boat. Typically, pedestal seats are located at the center of the foredeck for casting ahead as the boat approaches a fishing spot.

    • 5

      Position the aluminum base at the desired location. Mark the deck for pilot holes at each of the machined holes in the base. Drill appropriately sized pilot holes for the provided stainless steel machine bolts at each of the marks.

    • 6

      Set the base in place and align the machined holes with the pilot holes. Insert the provided bolts fully into the base and through the pilot holes.

    • 7

      Reach under the deck. Slide one of the provided washers on the end of a bolt. Thread a provided nut on the end of the bolt by hand. Repeat this and install a washer and nut onto the remaining bolts. Tighten the nuts securely against the underside of the deck with a socket and ratchet.