[DanCampbell]

Hello,
I have a novice question. How do Jon boats rate in stability?
I rented a 14ft Jon last weekend and took in out on the lake for about 6 hours. It was proetty stable even when I stood up to give my back short breaks.
I notice that some guys upgrade their Jon boats with flat decks and carpet, and they look really cool. How do they rank in stability?
I have a 10 month old daughter and my wife and I are thinking of a small boat to take out on the weekends.

Is a mod V better in stability? What would you recomend as the most stable type for a guy who is overly concerned with safety? (Is it best to just stay seated?)

I really like your Jon boat conversions, thank you for any help you can offer.
Dan

[WannabeeFishing]

Both boats (v-hull and jon) can be very stable. I'd suggest you decide on a style depending on the type water you will most likely use.

If you plan to fish primarily small lakes and ponds such as pay-to-fish and electric-only, the jon boat will do fine. A good 12 volt hand controlled electic motor with a deep cycle battery or a small gas motor will suffice.

If you are going to use larger lakes where you might encounter large boat wakes and wind-blown waves you would be better served using a v-hull. These also tend to have higher sidewalls that will contain the child better. And they will probably take a little higher power engine.

Don't overlook the foam-filled plastic coated boats available at big box sports stores like Bass Pro, Academy & Cabelas. Walmart and Dick's Sports may also carry them. They are light weight and fit the back of a truck or SUV/Van.

Jon boats might lend themselves better for modification due to the flat floors and bench seats. Clamp on seats and some coolers will make comfortable seating in most any of the small boats.

Good luck.

[DanCampbell]

Thank you for the information, I will keep my eyes open for a used boat. I really like the Jon boat projects.
take care
Dan

[Spike-A-Pike]

I would say the may factor in a jon boats stability is the amount of surface area it puts on the water. The longer and wider the better. If you are wanting to go fishing with a growing family, a 12 foot jon boat won't last very long; they are only rated to carry a little under 300#, is only 32" wide and is rated for a 3 hp engine. If you try to add a few creature comforts and you may overload the boat's capacity. Be sure you don't go to small.

[JSC]

Bruce & wannabe .. gave you some good advice.
Just a little further .. I would not get one shorter than 14' .. Highest sides and width .. several Jon boat builders make a semi V and would look for one that the V extends to the transom .. speaking of transoms .. go ahead and get the deep one while you are at it ... this will get you a good platform to build on .. great in small or on big waters (big waters with caution .. depending on your skill ) Another thing that will cost a little more but more than save the difference in the long run and that is to get an all WELDED hull. ... Been there done that .. Love my Aluminum boats ...
Hope this helps a little
JSC

[DanCampbell]

Thanks guys,
I am new to boats and I know there is a lot to learn, I have been looking around. A guy down the street has a fiberglass bass boat tfor sale that looks new, he said he paid 14K for it and will sell it for 8K. He said it has 14 hours in the water (Lake Anna)
Seems like a great deal but I do not have 8K, it sure looks nice though.
Dan

[Spike-A-Pike]

I agree with getting a welded construction boat. Go to the manufacturers site; look and read. You'll see that some build better boat and have been doing it that way for years, and that tells you what used boat to look for. You are going to be truly amazed by all the boat site and manufactures there are . Good luck

[miles]

I have a 14ft Jon with a deck like a big bass boat and a foot controlled trolling motor. when i am fishing alone i love it! but when i bring a friend to fish out of the back it can get a little tough. If one of use moves a foot it will really move the boat. I haul mine with a Mercury tracer which is a really small 4 cylinder car without a problem. I work at bass pro and from what I have heard from people I should upgrade to a 16ft to solve the stability problem and be able to fish open water a little more(which I do a lot). Its great for ponds or small lakes which is all i really do. But bringing a friend makes it a hassle really quick. Hopefully that gives you a little bit of something to think about!

[JSC]

Miles it sounds like you have gotten a "narrow" 14 footer .. Low sides as well ????

You have to consider the width and the height of the sides all as part of adding up what will work the best ... Sounds like you have one of the narrower 14 footers.

14 and 15 footers wide and deep will handle a lot of situations ... for open waters get one with a v bottom (I am speaking of Jon Boats) not the v hull. A V hull will take the rough waters better but I find them not to be as stable as the "Jon" boat.

Hope this was not confusing

JSC

[thedude]

14' jon can be very stable. Get a wide one! 48" floor and 72" beam (widest point across the gunwales).
i use one this size for hunting and fishing and its very stable.