Jon Boat Dredge

[Mgumby16]

Has anyone ever seen or used a small (10'-14') jon boat that was turned into a dredge? So basically im planning on building a 5 inch dredge and want to use a jon boat as the flotation for it with the power jet and sluice discharge going through the haul. Has anyone ever seen this done. If you have pics please post.

Thank you,

 

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[Jason in Enid]

I have seen pics of one converted like that.

 

[Mgumby16]

Any idea where? Also can anyone share the dimensions of their 5 inches sluice box. As of right now im working off of 20 inches wide by 60 inches long. My main question is how high are the sluices side walls? Ill have the duel power jet done next weekend and hopefully will bend the sluice box then too.

Thank you,

 

[okbasspro]

There was a guy on here awhile back that had something like that. Do not know if he ever got it going when it comes to dredging the KISS method works best. More time sucking dirt less time fixing.

 

[Mgumby16]

Oh im familiar with kiss. Use of the jon boat eliminates the need for a frame, the engines and pumps we will use will come from our groups two proline 4's. Its main purpose would be for dredging on larger rivers where we can put in at public access. When in shallow water simply remove the engines and use the 4's.

 

[Bonaro]

This is one of the ideas I have on the back burner.
You need a boat that is big enough to float the weight of the dredge when its full of rock and water.
The sides f the sluice should be at least 8" to prevent rock from spilling into the boat
You also have to build a well to allow the hose to exit the hull below waterline...your jets must be below water to work right
Also consider how you will attach the outboard over the sluice.

There is much to consider, young luke

 

[Mgumby16]

Bonaro, any idea what that weight would be for a 5 inch sluice box full of rocks and water. I would think it wouldnt eclipse 200 to 300 lbs. To address the outboard issue there would also be a well within the boat for the sluices discharge, that would also allow the sluice to be closer to the water line.

 

[ratled]

Yes, a buddy of mine has built several. They can work well but you have to have a real good understanding of what you are trying to do and have just as good skills. I have also seen a drift boat the same way. I'll see if I can find pictures of Tom's Jon boat


ratled

 

[jog]

I think I would run the sluice out the side, no chance of running the boat high and dry on tailings when in shallow water.

 

[Jimmydolittle]

Not a jon boat, but my friend in Alabama built this one:

 

[Hoser John]

There were 2 boats built to dredge the Sacramento river below Keswick dam that operated for quite a few seasons till CDFG figured out what was up. Used underwater dredges hanging off the bottom of the boat. STEALTH mandatory as fines/jail/misc. bs is expensive now-John

 

[fowledup]

Ive got a patio boat that I've always wanted to hang a box and pump underneath between the pontoons, that would be dredging in style, BBQ and camp on top, dredgin down below- have to rename it the dredge lounge

 

[Gelmac]

bs is expensive now-John

Black Sand is expensive ? Well I have loads of that nasty stuff, might get rich quickly selling these instead of Gold !
Just kidding

Good advice John, as usual

 

[spaghettigold]

Here,s a Jet boat dredge

 

[russau]

Now that's what I call a dredge nozzle! I only wish I was able to run it! maybe a bucket list wish

 

[ratled]

I can't find any pictures of Tom's dredge. If you PM a list of questions I can shoo t them to Tom and see what he says

ratled

 

[spaghettigold]

Now that's what I call a dredge nozzle! I only wish I was able to run it! maybe a bucket list wish

Russau,why not find yourself a young and fit apprentice,he,s there for the heavy works and you supply gear and experience.

 

[enamel7]

Russau,why not find yourself a young and fit apprentice,he,s there for the heavy works and you supply gear and experience.

That's what I do, get someone with a strong back and weak mind!!!!

 

[russau]

Ha ! finding one locally is the problem! then youll have to work around their schedule! Misery isn't the "ideal" gold location!

 

[spaghettigold]

That's what I do, get someone with a strong back and weak mind!!!!

as long as he is not dredging away the underburden of a unsecured camper-size boulder hanging over his head-why not