Adding Drop-Down Ramp to Jon Bost

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NMUangler

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Hello all,

I'm a Brain Injury Specialist, and avid angler. I am going to purchase a used flat bottom (Jon) boat, and would like to modify it with a drop-down ramp to make wheelchair (and other patients with an unsteady gait) transfers safe and stable.

I'm on a limited budget so will have to purchase a used boat. I'm holding off on buying it until I know I will get a proper make/model for maximum stability. Pontoon boats have been suggested to me, but I am pretty set on a Jon boat for one main reason; I want to be able to launch from a variety of places so I can take patients fishing back to their favorite spots, pre-injury. This requires the ramp to drop down to the ground (after I anchor in place, of course). Ideally I'd like a 16ft, but I'm open to any recommendations.

I have conducted a lot of research and spoken with anyone willing to talk to me on the subject, but you guys seem to be experts in this area.

I realize completing the actual modification is beyond me, so I will have it done by a professional metal fabricator/welder (even if it means taking out a loan, but once I have detailed specs, I'll apply for grants).

Details on Mod:

Seal - I'm understandably concerned about getting a water tight seal...probably through some type of gasket seal?

Strength - I've been told by a boat engineer that I will need to reinforce the ramp area, I'm assuming with steel?

Location - I really wanted to place the ramp in the front, but have read that the way most Jon boats are welded, doing so may compromise the boat's integrity. I have found a similar mod on another Jon boat online, and his was on the left side.

Functioning - Are there any other considerations I'm overlooking? I know I'll need a pulley/winch system if I can do it in front of boat (but this shouldn't be too difficult for me to figure out).

As mentioned, I need it to drop from boat to shore (I'm thinking a steel ramp to extend distance may be required for some spots)

Thanks in advance for any guidance/advice/referrals/etc. that anyone may be able to provide. After working with so many patients in my field who have no access to adaptive angling opportunities and knowing personally how my mood would be effected if I could never fish again after a sudden accident, I've found my mission in life....
 
Angler - I admire your vision and enthusiasm.
good luck in your project.

in my world, I would be looking for a Bailey Boat
and modify it with a front bow ramp similar to the Navy Mike Boat. (LCM6)
Easily done with the correct metal workers that has construction knowledge.
Boat.JPG
 
NMUangler said:
I'm on a limited budget so will have to purchase a used boat.
This sir, is AWESOME for what you're doing! I have an assortment of many odd boat parts lying around here and there. I will take some pictures and send to you and you can have whatever you need, I'll even pay the shipping!

Cheers,

Dale
 
There are production jon boats built this way. They are used to move livestock and cargo.
Try to find out who makes them and build yours the same way.
 
I commend you for what you are trying to do. =D> The Bailey boat Johnny posted looks like it would be ideal, might be a good "go fund me" post, worth a shot.
I personally would look for a big wide deep Jon boat to even begin with your project, 18-20'. At 16' I think you would run out of room fast.
 
Thanks for all the feedback, and support. It's really appreciated.

I have contacted several of the landing craft manufacturers. I also love the idea of the bailey boat, but doubt I'll happen across one for sale anywhere near me in my price range. The drop-nose jet boats are also out of price-range, but incredible looking machines.

I will keep my eyes open for an 18 footer, but if I do go with a 16 ft, I'll make sure to get at least a 60" bottom (hopefully 72").

I know it will be dependent on water depth, but generally speaking, would getting a modified V-hull Jon effect my ability to anchor close enough to shore to load clients if I decide to place ramp on the side?
 
It's going to roll with a ramp on the side. I have a 16 foot john that you could load a wheelchair into. If I were to do it I would make a custom ramp that came in over the bow and leave it with my vehicle rather than drag it around with the boat. It would need to go up, flat for a couple of feet, and then down into the hull. I would probably re-weld atv ramps to make something usable.

I would be concerned with the safety aspect with a wheelchair user in my boat. How are they going to get out if you have a problem?
 
I would also try to stay with some type of a bow ramp, usually in shallow water the bow of a Jon boat will be already over dry land when against the shore and pretty stable when it comes to entering or exiting the boat. You mentioned a Modified V hull, I would think for what you plan on using it for the flat bottom design would be preferable.
Good point by stinkfoot about if a problem should occur and the turnout weren't too good, for sure you know where that would end up no matter how well your intentions are, you would definitely have to somehow CYB on that aspect!
 

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