Thanks again all of you for the positive feedback!! I hope this is gonna inspire some of you to go out and build your own jon conversion!!
I had an hour to play with this morning, and seeing how everyone seems to love all the storage so far, and despite the fact I wasnt gonna do this to this boat, I couldn't resist, I figured I'd share one more little "Mod". I am dedicating this one to BangBang.....
After making the cabinet on the port side I was left with some usable space on the starboard face of the seat. I have done this in the past on several boats, in this case I could only fit one, on other boats I stack them in a group of 2,3, or 4. This is one of the cheaper mods to do as 1 tube runs about 15.00 in parts, I'm sure most of you know a plumber so you may be able to get them for free!!
I use 4" ABS as it is lighter then PVC, after laying out the hole on both sides of the seat (FROM THE CENTER!) I either use a 4 1/2" hole saw or in this case a sawzall, to remove the aluminium, then a long blade removes the foam "core". Slip in the tube, on the back side I install a rubber cap, the band clamp was removed for mock up, it will be reinstalled on final build out. Then I take a coupling peice and using masking tape as a guide I cut off a 3/4" retainer ring.
TIP: Make sure to sand the inside of the ring so it slides over the pipe easily, it will be glued on during final assembly, but you dont want to fight it when sliding it on during glue up!
This retainer is then slid on and glued tight to the face of the seat. upon final assembly I will be putting a small bead of 5200 behind my retainer ring and pushing the whole unit tight, in effect bonding it to the seat face. All thats needed now is another end cap like I pictured. I prefer to use a test plug in most cases as it is easier to remove, but I happened to have 2 end caps laying around so I made due!! If you ever have to access the back of this storage unit, simply remove the band clamp from the back, and take off the cap . The retainer holds it in place when your "lidding" it up, and the back cap in conjunction with the 5200 holds it in place when your unliding!!. Best part is its totally waterproof!!
Now many may ask "What the hell am I gonna put in that??!!!", well believe it or not I use them for things like:
-Motor Tool Kit
-First Aid
-Fire extinguisher
-Spare Props and acc.
-Rope
-Boat reg and paperwork.... you get the idea....
And the number one thing this compartment holds and keeps dry....
You guessed it TOILET PAPER, which is why Im dedicating this mod to my tourney partner and cousin bangbang: for how many "emergency" stops we have had to make, I swear we are lucky to finish a tourney!!HAHAHA Good thing we are Family!! lol
Those with a "twisted" mind like mine can already see how I've used this same "idea" to make rod lockers in my jon boats.... those that don't, think center seat.... either side would do ..... I'll leave it at that!!