1648 Plywood Jon Boat – Long Deck

Description

1648 Plywood Jon Boat – Long Deck

The 1648 Plywood Jon Boat – Long Deck is a stable, practical, and easy-to-build fishing boat designed for lakes, rivers, and sheltered waters. With an overall length of 15′ 9″ (4.80 m), a 70″ (1.78 m) beam, and a 48″ (1.22 m) bottom width, the hull provides plenty of usable interior space and excellent stability for fishing and recreational use.

This version features an extended forward fishing deck measuring over 7′ (2.22 m) in length. The large casting platform gives anglers plenty of room to fish comfortably while also creating useful storage and flotation space underneath.

Main Features

• 15′ 9″ (4.80 m) plywood Jon Boat
• 48″ (1.22 m) wide bottom
• Large forward fishing and casting deck
• Low draft of approximately 4″ (100 mm)
• Maximum engine power: 25 HP
• 15″ short-shaft and 20″ long-shaft transom versions included
• Maximum capacity: 3–4 persons depending on operating category and load
• Suitable for inland and sheltered waters
• Simple plywood construction
• Very easy to cut by hand
• Suitable for beginner boat builders

Technical 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)
• Dry hull weight: 480 lbs (218 kg)
• Maximum engine power: 25 HP
• Maximum load capacity: 3 / 4 persons @ 75 kg = 496 / 661 lbs (225 / 300 kg)
• Design category: C / D – inland and sheltered waters

Forward Fishing Deck – Long Deck

• Deck length: 7′ 3 19/32″ (2225 mm)
• Width at aft end: 5′ 10″ (1780 mm)
• Width at forward end: 3′ 1 1/2″ (952 mm)

The extended forward deck creates a large and comfortable casting platform. The space underneath can be used for storage compartments, flotation material, batteries, fishing equipment, or other gear depending on the final layout selected by the builder.

Transom and Engine Options

Both transom versions are included with the plans as standard, giving the builder greater flexibility when selecting an outboard engine.

• 15″ (381 mm) – short shaft (S)
• 20″ (508 mm) – long shaft (L)
• Maximum recommended engine power: 25 HP

With both shaft options included, the boat can be adapted to a wide range of commonly available outboard engines without requiring a separate transom design.

Plywood Construction

Construction Method

The boat is designed for straightforward plywood and timber construction. The hull is assembled upside down, making it easier to position and align the frames, bottom, sides, and other main structural components before turning the hull over for installation of the deck, seats, floor, and interior equipment.

This construction method is well suited to home workshops and does not require previous professional boat-building experience.

Easy Hand-Cut Build

The 1648 Long Deck has been designed to be very easy to cut by hand. The relatively simple plywood shapes can be prepared using common woodworking tools such as a jigsaw, circular saw, router, and basic hand tools.

CNC equipment is not required, making this design a practical choice for DIY builders who prefer traditional manual cutting and assembly.

Difficulty Level

Difficulty level: Easy.

The simple hull geometry, upside-down construction method, and easy-to-cut plywood components make this design particularly suitable for first-time and beginner boat builders. Basic woodworking skills are recommended, but previous boat-building experience is not required.

Perfect For

• Freshwater fishing
• Lake and river use
• Shallow-water fishing
• Large casting-deck applications
• Recreational boating
• DIY home construction
• Beginner boat builders
• Builders using hand-cut plywood components

Instant download available after purchase – start building today!