Short 8'-9' jon boat usability?

[emblem75]

Hello! I am considering purchase of a cheap old 8ft. (approx. 41" wide) jon boat and was hoping the experienced users here could shed some light on the usefulness or uselessness of a jon boat in this size. I's unable to trailer a boat and I do not have a driveway so I've been stuck using car top only vessels: small sit in kayaks, Radisson canoe, Portabote etc. I found an 8ft. jon boat for sale on FB marketplace about 1.5 hours away from me for $250. I'm thinking it might be cool to try out as I've always wanted a jon boat but was dubious on the reality of cartopping one. Will this be worth pursuing for someone who solo cartops and fishes primarily smallish, relatively shallow lakes.? Or should I stick to my initial (much more expensive plan) and pursue a wide, capable kayak such as a Nucanoe U10 with dolly. It will be mostly solo fishing occasionally with my 12 yr. old), I don't pack a ton of gear, 2 rods at most and a small 30lb. trolling motor. Does anyone have experience with these old 8-9 footer jon boats? More stable than a wide kayak/canoe? Worth the trouble? Thanks for any info/opinions you can provide!

 

[Bantou]

Of the two, I'd probably go with the yak. I can't speak to a 9' but my Dad's old 10' is pretty wobbly if you try and stand up. You can definitely do it, it just takes some getting used to. I'd assume the yak is going to be pretty similar stability wise. You don't really have to worry about swamping a yak like you do a jon though. I'd be hesitant to put a 9' jon and anything much bigger than a pond unless it was a calm day. If you get into much chop at all, it's going to get sketchy fast.

 

[emblem75]

Of the two, I'd probably go with the yak. I can't speak to a 9' but my Dad's old 10' is pretty wobbly if you try and stand up. You can definitely do it, it just takes some getting used to. I'd assume the yak is going to be pretty similar stability wise. You don't really have to worry about swamping a yak like you do a jon though. I'd be hesitant to put a 9' jon and anything much bigger than a pond unless it was a calm day. If you get into much chop at all, it's going to get sketchy fast.

Thanks so much Bantou...this is the conclusion I've come to as well. I've always wanted a jon boat, but its not in the cards for me at this point. I'll stick with my kayak/(Motored)Radisson canoe combo that I can rooftop/carry alone easily, anywhere I want to fish. My son only joins me a few time per year and the Radisson is pretty stable with the both of us in there anyway. I thought a jon might be cool, and would provide a better fishing experience but I'm finding this is likely not the case. Thanks again!!

 

[ripdmup]

I'll stick with my kayak/(Motored)Radisson canoe combo that I can rooftop/carry alone easily, anywhere I want to fish.

Been there done that when it comes to small Jon boats.
Save some money and go bigger when the time warrants it.

 

[Bantou]

Thanks so much Bantou...this is the conclusion I've come to as well. I've always wanted a jon boat, but its not in the cards for me at this point. I'll stick with my kayak/(Motored)Radisson canoe combo that I can rooftop/carry alone easily, anywhere I want to fish. My son only joins me a few time per year and the Radisson is pretty stable with the both of us in there anyway. I thought a jon might be cool, and would provide a better fishing experience but I'm finding this is likely not the case. Thanks again!!

Glad I was able to help. My twin brother and I put Dad's 10' in some pretty sketchy situations when we were still young and dumb (at 35 we've at least mostly outgrown the young part). I can tell you from first hand experience that a white capping lake in a small jon get's interesting fast. One thing about it though, the pucker factor makes getting knocked out of the boat almost impossible.