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TBNATION BLOG

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Building a Jon boat from scratch or upgrading an old one involves unexpected challenges, from structural issues to budget surprises, that new builders often learn only through experience.

Jon Boat Builds: 5 Brutal Truths Nobody Told Me Before I Started

Key Takeaways A build may look simple, but even a basic DIY boat requires precision, patience, and careful planning to ensure stability and performance. Choosing the right material is crucial: a wooden boat is easier for beginners to shape and customize, while an aluminum boat is more durable and lightweight...
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Boat wrapping secrets, professional vinyl wrap being applied to aluminum hull, revealing tips and techniques for beginners and DIY enthusiasts.

Boat Wrapping Secrets: Things Nobody Tells You Before You Start

Key Takeaways Boat wrapping is more than visual appeal, it protects the hull, minimizes UV damage, and increases resale value. Surface preparation is crucial, clean, sand, and smooth the surface before applying vinyl to ensure proper adhesion. Material selection matters, boats with an aluminum sheet hull need specialized vinyl designed...
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Truck camping setup with a Tiny Boat by a serene lake, illustrating an affordable outdoor adventure and off-grid lifestyle.

Truck Camping With a Tiny Boat - How Much Does It Cost?

Key Takeaways Ultimate Flexibility and Adventure: Truck camping with a Tiny Boat allows spontaneous travel, enabling you to camp almost anywhere and explore remote waterways. Affordable Outdoor Lifestyle: Starting costs can range from $2,300 for a DIY setup to $6,800 for premium gear, making it cheaper than RVs or hotels....
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Proper installation of a D-Ring on an inflatable boat, raft, or skiff, showing cleaning, applying adhesive, and securing the ring in place.

How to Properly Glue D-Ring on Your Inflatable Boat, Raft, or Skiff

Key Takeaways Attachment points are essential for inflatable boats, rafts, and skiffs. They provide reliable spots for securing gear, towing lines, anchors, and safety ropes, enhancing both safety and functionality. Proper installation is critical. Choosing the right placement, cleaning and sanding the surfaces, and using a compatible marine-grade adhesive ensures...
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DIY boat deck made with EVA foam flooring showing lightweight, affordable, and non-slip marine decking design.

Budget Boat Building Made Easy: How EVA Foam Transforms Affordable DIY Decking

Key Takeaways EVA foam is lightweight and resilient, making it easy to handle for DIY boat projects while providing long-lasting performance in marine environments. The cushioned surface enhances comfort for long hours on deck and its textured finish improves stability even when the deck is wet. Installation is simple with...
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boat deck sprayer

Non-Skid Coating for Hunting Boats: Apply Like a Pro with a Deck Sprayer

Key Takeaways Applying a durable non-skid coating is one of the most impactful upgrades for your hunting boat, improving safety and extending the boat’s lifespan. Proper surface preparation, including sanding, cleaning, and sealing seams, is crucial for ensuring the coating adheres well and lasts for years. Using professional spraying equipment...
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ePropulsion Spirit 2 Electric Outboard

A New Era Begins: The ePropulsion Spirit 2 Electric Outboard

ePropulsion Launches the New Spirit 2: Power, Portability, and the Future of Clean Boating The world of electric boating continues to accelerate, and once again, ePropulsion proves why it remains a global leader in marine electrification. On November 18, 2025, at exactly 3:12 pm, the company introduced a major addition...
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remigo electric outboard motor

Remigo One 3HP Electric Outboard Motor Review

Key Takeaways The Remigo One is a fully integrated electric outboard motor that combines the battery, controls, and propulsion system into one sleek, waterproof unit, ideal for small boats like kayaks, dinghies, inflatables, micro skiffs, and sailboats. This 3HP-equivalent motor is lightweight and portable, weighing only 27 pounds, making it...
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custom boat pontoon

From $4K Pontoon to $200K Super Toon: The Ultimate Fishing Rig Transformation

Key Takeaways Pontoon boats offer unmatched stability, comfort, and space, making them ideal for fishing, especially for families, groups, or long days on the water. A basic $4K pontoon can be transformed into a $200,000 super toon with the right upgrades in performance, technology, and accessories. Upgrading the engine, electronics,...
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Boat transom installation on a small fishing vessel, featuring clean lines and secure motor mounting on a durable transom structure.

Plastic vs Aluminum Boat Transoms: Which Is Better?

Key Takeaways The transom is a critical structural component of any small fishing boat or jon boat, supporting the outboard motor and absorbing wave and engine stress. Aluminum transoms offer unmatched strength, rigidity, and corrosion resistance—ideal for high-performance builds or boats used in rough water. Plastic and composite transoms are...
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A customized Pond Prowler 10 fishing boat with aluminum framing, mounted trolling motor, rod lockers, and foam decking, docked by the water and fully rigged for angling.

Pond Prowler 10 Transformation: Turn Your Plastic Boat into the Ultimate Fishing Rig

Key Takeaways The Pond Prowler 10 is a popular, affordable plastic boat ideal for anglers seeking a lightweight and customizable fishing platform. With smart Pond Prowler modifications like adding an aluminum frame, decking, and safe wiring, this plastic jon boat can be transformed into a stable, fully rigged plastic bass...
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Overhead view of a professionally modified jon boat deck featuring integrated plastic lids used as functional hatch covers, illustrating an innovative and cost-effective DIY upgrade.

How a Simple Plastic Lid Can Transform Your Jon Boat Deck

Key Takeaways Plastic lids are a lightweight, water-resistant, and affordable alternative to traditional marine materials, making them ideal for upgrades on plastic jon boats and other small boats. They provide exceptional versatility and can be used as access hatches, deck panels, storage covers, or enclosures for batteries and wiring. Easy...
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