Fixin to buy a Jon Boat - what's a good choice?

[kstall]

Greetings,<br /><br />I am in the process of buying my first boat. I am looking at welded aluminum, 18 ft., center console, 24v trolling motor and 40 to 50 HP main motor.<br />Manufactures I have looked at like for the boat are:<br />G3 by Yamaha, I think. <br />Xpress<br />Alumaweld<br />For the motor - 4 stroke: <br />Mercury<br />Yamaha<br />Honda<br />My son is about to turn six and it is real pain to "tag along" with rambuncious child. Plus I want to be me and him and soon my daughter.<br />Of course I want to get someting that is safe and economical but big enough to take everybody, even the wife. In this economy I wish could say price is not a factor. Does anybody have any thoughts on my choices? Like, what the best boat and motor combination would be etc?<br />Sorry to be so wordy.<br /><br />Thanks and all the best,<br /><br />Kevin S.

 

[DJ]

Re: Fixin to buy a Jon Boat - what's a good choice?

Kevin S.,<br /><br />I know you may think so now, but do NOT let your six your old son enter your mind as a "PAIN". <br /><br />You have much to offer by showing them the outdoors, especially by boating. Very few get to see that side.<br /><br />I took my youngsters "everywhere", hunting, fishing, boating. Yes, it was extra work, but it has all paid off. They left those interests, for a while, in their young teens. However, as older teens, their interest has peaked again. <br /><br />Now, to answer your boat question. The brands of boats you mentioned are all good ones. If the family is to come along and I hope so, then power the boat to AT LEAST 75% of it rated capacity.<br /><br />By a rig from a dealer that you trust and has good service support. There are really no "BAD" brands of engines out there today.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Fixin to buy a Jon Boat - what's a good choice?

Hi.<br />In my opinon...<br />Center console jons, and deluxe jons in general, don't offer up much as a family boat. They have a shortage of seating and storage space. They make great fishing rigs for one or two people though. I would look at the side console model, or, dare I say, maybe even a tiller model.<br /><br />For deluxe jons, I would go with a Lowe Roughneck.<br /> http://www.lowe.com/fishboats/roughneck-jons/roughneck/ <br /><br />For a regular jon, something like this, which offers more seating space for the children and wife.<br /> http://www.lowe.com/fishboats/roughneck-jons/jon-boats/L1852MT.html <br /><br />But for a family fishing type boat, my choice is the Lund Rebel 1650, with the vinyl flooring option. I know its only a 16'6", but it has a ton of space. 1 - 7' rod locker on the side console model, and 2 - 7' rod lockers on the tiller model.<br /> http://www.lundboats.com/Page.cfm?intMenuItemID=2789&blnReload=0&intSiteID=53 <br /><br /> http://www.lundboats.com/index.cfm?...ndBoatsAction=DISPLAYMODELSPECS&intModelID=67 <br /><br />Have fun deciding.

 

[KCook]

Re: Fixin to buy a Jon Boat - what's a good choice?

I agree with roscoe. The jon will not cut it as a family boat. The females in your crew will expect real seats with cushions and backrests. Here is my idea of the minimum family boat. If a new one is too pricey, then go shopping for a used one. Your wife will thank you.<br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[kstall]

Re: Fixin to buy a Jon Boat - what's a good choice?

DJ (Admiral)<br />I used poor wording when describing fishing and my son. What I meant to say was it that his behavior can be distracting to others when we are invited to fish with them. When it is just him and I renting a boat, short of him falling out of the thing, he is no problem for me. I bring his toys and a cover to get him out of the sun light or pull up to shady spot and we may both to a snooze. He and my daughter are my the greatest treasures and Gods greatest gift to me.

 

[Mike Langianese]

Re: Fixin to buy a Jon Boat - what's a good choice?

Kevin:<br /><br />Have you considered a pontoon boat? One of the all aluminum jobs from Bass Pro should do the trick. You didn’t specifically state what you want to spend but IMO these are good values. <br />Great space for the kids, they can walk around and have an out of the way place to play safely.<br /><br />Just my .02 <br /><br />Mike

 

[Capn Mike]

Re: Fixin to buy a Jon Boat - what's a good choice?

If you're going to boat in any currents, I'd vote for the jon boat over the pontoon, but lakes only, the pontoon is a good choice.<br />I think a jon boat is a great choice for a small family....heck, just getting out of the house is a great treat for a wife with young kids. Put a bimini on for shade, either in front or back, and you can stay out all day.<br />The welded boats will last longer (no rivet leaks), particularly if you're in salt water. But if you're family likes boating, you won't keep one for more than a few years before you move up to something bigger!<br />And never, never, ever, let the kids step in without their life jackets!

 

[havinfun]

Re: Fixin to buy a Jon Boat - what's a good choice?

got an 2002 18'6 Crestliner Alu. john w/side console I love it, got a 2003 75 Yamaha 4 stroke on it and love it too. On the boat you mentioned, I'm afraid you will be power starved at 40 and slow at 50 with the family on board. I only run 37 tops w/two people with the 75 HP. I put on a 12 volt Rip tide trolling motor and wish I had opted for the 24 volt.