First project

cc-smoker · Jun 21, 2010

Hello to all, this is my first post on this forum. While I have owned a jon boat, several years ago, I have used canoes for the majority of my fishing and hunting over the years. I have decided as of late to purchase a used jon boat and make a project out of it to get me through the off season, though I am unsure of the type of boat that will fit my needs. I plan on using the boat mainly for hunting, but also for fishing small lakes and small rivers/creeks. The boat will almost certainly never have more than 2 men in the boat, plus decoys and gear. I currently have two motors, a 6hp Mercury, and a 9.8 evinrude. What size and type boat would you suggest given the use, motor size, and type of water? Thanks for any help

bobberboy · Jun 21, 2010

I had a 1236 with a 9.8. It was pretty sweet but the sides were only 15" high. It wasn't much good in choppy water or water with a lot of boat traffic. If you can avoid that kind of situation I think a 12 footer could do what you want but maybe a 1436 or 1442 would be better. A little longer and higher but not so wide that the 9.8 wouldn't push you along ok. Lowe makes a 1436 with 17" sides and a weight capacity of 675#. Lund makes a 1436 also with 17" sides and a max weight capacity of 552#. Tracker makes a 1436 with 16" transom (doesn't list the sides) and 580# max capacity. Crestliner makes a 1436 with 17" sides and a 675# max limit. There are lots of regional manufacturers so maybe there are others in your area.

jasper60103 · Jun 22, 2010

I never hunted from a boat before, but considering your engines, it makes a good choice.
I was out last Saturday and the lake was choppy.
I observed a few anglers in 14' semi-Vs and they seem to
handle it well. Also, used 14s can be had dirt cheap if
you shop around. Here's an example of a clean
un-molested 14', but I would prefer deeper sides.

Ictalurus · Jun 22, 2010

Go with a 14' with around a 48" bottom and 17"+ sides, try and find a modified v if you can. You may like the open floor plan (no middle bench) and consider an aluminum floor, easy to clean out when hunting. Your 9.8 will push it alright.

cc-smoker · Jun 25, 2010

Found this jon for $150. Given the prices people are charging on CL as of late, seems like a pretty good price for a utility boat. Any thoughts on whether it is a good buy? No holes, 14 ft, guy wasn't sure of the width. Also, does anyone have any idea what make or year it is?

MallardAddict · Jun 26, 2010

hard to guess a year or make on it but i would hazard a guess that it is a 1436 (14' long 36" bottom width) sides arent really high but with some caution would make a good duck boat.

your 9.8 will move it fine but not warp speeds. and for $150 its a good price.

perchin · Jun 26, 2010

I'm guessing its only a 1432 because the seller is being shady with saying he is not sure about the width. He could always just measure it eh? nope he rather hide the facts. You'll find this with CL sellers. Also the ribs don't go up the sides, meaning the seats are holding the sides from taco'in. If your not looking to do many mods though, its probably a great skinny water boat, and would fly with the 9.8hp. If you want a mini bass boat, I would find something else. JMHO

cc-smoker · Jun 26, 2010

Well I drove over and checked out the boat, and took a tape line with me. Boat measures 12ft on the dime, from transom to the tip of the boat, and is 30 inches wide at the bottom, 12 in sides. Boat is extremely light, and max motor size is 6hp. The seats don't go all the way to the floor, and there is only about 2in of foam under the seats. I'm not planning on having anywhere except ponds, creeks, and backwater, and I don't have a trailer, so being light will help with loading and unloading. But, the tag saids max weight is 415#. My brother and I are both about 180, and that doesn't leave much room for a motor, gas, and decoys. Would adding foam increase the weight capacity of the boat? As far as the bracing on the sides, could braces be welded on to beef the boat up?

perchin · Jun 26, 2010

Adding foam will not add to the max capacity. The foam's only purpose is to stop the boat from sitting on the bottom of the lake if it swamps, fills with water. A 30" floor with 2 guys pushing the limits of its capacity is going to make it feel like one of your canoes. I would wait on something else. Sounds like the seller tried to upsell it..ie, 12' not 14', didn't give a width, because he knew it was not much. That being said $150.00 is too much for it. Around my area for another $50 you can find an actual 14' that is much wider. JMHO

tccanoe · Jul 1, 2010

That's the kind of jon you pull up on the bank of a pond and take out fishing with oars when the mood strikes. You want something quite a bit more substantial to hunt out of. Getting dunked during hunting season (cold) ain't my idea of fun. When you look for a boat think of the Mother-in-Law rule Short Wide and Tuff. Keep looken, you'll find a good deal.