1648 Plywood Jon Boat – Long Deck

Description

1648 Plywood Jon Boat – Long Deck

The 1648 Plywood Jon Boat – Long Deck is a practical and stable 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, this design provides a spacious and stable platform for fishing and recreational use.

The main feature of this version is the extended forward fishing deck, measuring approximately 7′ 3 19/32″ (2225 mm) in length. It provides a large elevated casting area with useful space underneath for storage, flotation, batteries, or fishing equipment.

Main Features

• 15′ 9″ (4.80 m) plywood Jon Boat
• 48″ (1.22 m) wide bottom
• Large forward fishing deck
• Maximum engine power: 25 HP
• 15″ short-shaft and 20″ long-shaft transom versions included
• Capacity for up to 3–4 persons depending on operating category and load
• Low 4″ (100 mm) draft
• Suitable for inland and sheltered waters
• Easy plywood construction
• Very suitable for first-time 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

• 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 long forward deck creates a large casting platform and gives the boat a practical fishing-oriented layout. The space underneath can be used for storage compartments, flotation material, batteries, or other equipment depending on the final arrangement chosen by the builder.

Transom and Engine Options

Both transom versions are included as standard with the plans, allowing the builder to choose the configuration that best matches the outboard engine.

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

Having both transom options included makes it easier to match the boat to a wide range of commonly available outboard engines.

Plywood Construction

Construction Method

The boat is designed for plywood and timber construction using a straightforward assembly method suitable for amateur builders.

Construction is carried out upside down, which makes it easier to align the hull panels, frames, and main structural components before the hull is turned over for installation of the deck, seats, floor, and interior equipment.

Easy Hand-Cut Construction

The 1648 Long Deck is particularly well suited to manual cutting and home workshop construction. The hull uses relatively simple plywood shapes that can be cut using common woodworking tools without requiring CNC equipment.

This makes the design a good choice for builders who want to construct the boat from standard plywood sheets using a jigsaw, circular saw, router, and basic hand tools.

Difficulty Level

Difficulty level: Easy.

The straightforward hull geometry, upside-down construction method, and simple plywood components make this design suitable for beginner boat builders. Previous boat-building experience is not required, although basic woodworking skills are recommended.

Perfect For

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

Instant download available after purchase – start building today!