mdaugherty1988
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- May 23, 2012
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So I'm looking at purchasing my first Jon Boat for inland lake fishing up here in Michigan. I have a 1000lb towing capacity on my 4 cylinder car, so it has to be something lightweight. Also, I usually fish with a couple of buddies, so the boat will need to be able to hold three people. Based on everything I've read on the interwebs so far, it seems like a '14 riveted model would be right up my alley. I plan on adding wood decking to the boat to make it into a "poor man's bass boat", complete with swivel chairs and a electric trolling motor. As far as a gas motor, I plan on putting the largest one on there that I can afford and that the boat can handle.
My questions are:
1) Is a '14 model too small for three people on chairs?
2) Is it better to look for a used boat, or a new one? If used, do the hulls 'wear-out' over time, and if so what do I need to be aware of?
3) I don't have enough room in the garage to store it, so it'll have to be outside year-around. Is this a problem? Do they make covers that can protect the boat AND the motor for all season outdoor storage?
4) I'm pretty much set on a flat-bottom Jon Boat, because of my past experiences with rental v-hull boats. AFAIK, flat bottom boats are more stable when you stand up in them than v-hull boats. When you add decking to either type, do you actually notice a difference in stability?
I hope this wasn't too much for a 1st post, I just thought I'd ask as much as I could in one shot. I hope I can get a boat this summer, shore fishing sucks!
Thanks guys!
Mike
My questions are:
1) Is a '14 model too small for three people on chairs?
2) Is it better to look for a used boat, or a new one? If used, do the hulls 'wear-out' over time, and if so what do I need to be aware of?
3) I don't have enough room in the garage to store it, so it'll have to be outside year-around. Is this a problem? Do they make covers that can protect the boat AND the motor for all season outdoor storage?
4) I'm pretty much set on a flat-bottom Jon Boat, because of my past experiences with rental v-hull boats. AFAIK, flat bottom boats are more stable when you stand up in them than v-hull boats. When you add decking to either type, do you actually notice a difference in stability?
I hope this wasn't too much for a 1st post, I just thought I'd ask as much as I could in one shot. I hope I can get a boat this summer, shore fishing sucks!
Thanks guys!
Mike