buying a used jon boat-what to look for, do's and don'ts?

[hookorcrook]

Hi all,

I'm sure this question's been asked before, but I didn't see anything by searching. I have been looking to buy a jon boat (10 or 12 feet) for fishing the smaller lakes for bass and trout. Going to use it for two adults plus gear. And Cartopper, not trailer. Actually I will try to be stuffing it into the back of my Ford Explorer Or on top.

Anybody got any tips on what I should be looking for? Fair price range? Riveted or welded? Are they all riveted? I've been googling for info, but don't seem to find much techie info on web sites except pictures and prices. Any tips on jon boat info in general would be appreciated, as well as tips on buying a used jon boat.

Thanks a bunch,
Suzanne

[Rollin with Rolland]

Congrats hookem!! You should have lots-o-fun with a new jon.

I'm sure you will get many suggestions, I just had a quick thought to throw by you. I have a 12'er that I throw into the back of my Tacoma every so often, and it is great for many reasons. #1, cheaper on gas to have it it the bed rather than a trailer (slightly), #2, you can access more lakes without having to have a boat launch. #3 no worries about trailer issues (bearing, lights, ect.)

With all that said, having a trailer available is mighty handy IMO. I know you said two people, so that makes loading and unloading easier. But I found, If I go fishing like two or three times a week, it kinda becomes a pain to unload all your gear (motor also if you are looking at an outboard) in and out of the truck three times a week. You can definitely do it, and I still do depending on the lake I choose to fish, but more and more often I find it easier just to keep it on a trailer, ready to go on a moments notice. Just a thought. I guess you just have to evaluate your particular situation/needs.

The only other thing, (which is extremely basic) the measurements on the truck. You probably have about a 44"-48" or so working width and maybe 6' length in the Explorer??? Overall, on top might be a pain. I used to put the 12'er on top of my corolla wagon, but it takes more time and planning......But the looks you get are priceless!!!

Best of luck...

[kzoo]

A welded jon boat is ideal. They do make them, but they're pricey. I had an old 14' riveted for a while, leaked all the time, could never repair the leak just slow it down. I actually bought a battery operated pump to bilge the water.

I don't recommend stuffing it in the back of an SUV, better on the top or what Rw/R recommends, trailers!

If your planning on sitting most of the time, you'll want to get some swivel seats that attach to the bench seats, otherwise fishing will get uncomfortable.

Thats my two cents.

[T Dot]

Hi all,

I'm sure this question's been asked before, but I didn't see anything by searching. I have been looking to buy a jon boat (10 or 12 feet) for fishing the smaller lakes for bass and trout. Going to use it for two adults plus gear. And Cartopper, not trailer. Actually I will try to be stuffing it into the back of my Ford Explorer Or on top.

Anybody got any tips on what I should be looking for? Fair price range? Riveted or welded? Are they all riveted? I've been googling for info, but don't seem to find much techie info on web sites except pictures and prices. Any tips on jon boat info in general would be appreciated, as well as tips on buying a used jon boat.

Thanks a bunch,
Suzanne

ive went through a few jon boats. if you are looking to fish with other people i would say 12, or 14 if you can fit that into the budget. if you purchase used, be sure to do a leak test on it. if you can afford new - they are pretty affordable. riveted should be fine, but if you want to bang it out on the river all the time, i would suggest welded. welded adds a big cost to the boat. you will find most of the used boats are revited.

some boats go as low as $200, but you will obviously have to travel for those deals.

check http://seattle.craigslist.org/ on a frequent basis to find a killer deal. keep in mind, you get what you pay for in most cases.

if you can, get a small trailer. at the end of the day its worth it.

[A9]

Go riveted if you are sticking it on the top of your car. Welded boats=much heavier and usually pricier. I've been in riveted boats all my life, most of em don't leak, but test it to be sure.

You can get a new jon boat in the 10-12 foot range for under $700 easy, sometimes $550 for a 10 footer.

Search craigslist a few times a day. The good deals go fast, sometimes there are some awesome deals on jon boats.

Trailers are awesome. If you have room to store the boat on a trailer, then look for a trailer. It'll make your life much easier.

[hookorcrook]

Thanks for all the replies. That is some good food for thought. I wanted to get a boat because I am getting sick of getting in and out of the float tube, carrying all the gear, etc. And the peeing situation. Well, who wants to fish for hours on end while feeling like you have to pee. If you have a tube, you KNOW what I'm talking about.

From the replies it seems like I really won't be eliminating too many of the reasons for getting out of a tube and into a boat. Leaks. Yikes. Also, I can't trailer it. No room. 10' boat would be manageable when I go by myself. 12-14' not so much, plus room limitations again. Other than being able to troll/cover more water and pee more comfortably, I'm wondering if getting a boat would really be worth it, or I should just stick with the tube?

You guys have a take on advantages/disadvantages between tube and boat? I am excited to get a boat also because I can get a depthfinder too. I know I can put one on a tube, but seems to be too much gear to have to fish around. Also I check Craig's list daily

Thanks
Suzanne

[T Dot]

You guys have a take on advantages/disadvantages between tube and boat? I am excited to get a boat also because I can get a depthfinder too. I know I can put one on a tube, but seems to be too much gear to have to fish around. Also I check Craig's list daily

Thanks
Suzanne

in the end, its mucheasier to sell a boat than a tube.

pro boat:
- you stay dry!
- ability to carry more gear
- ability to carry 2 persons, even in a 10ft, but you really gotta know what you are doing though [ive done it before].
- you are on top of the water instead of in the water = better for the polarized glasses

here is the winner for you:
- ability to cover more ground = more fish

do yourself a favor, get ahead of the game and look for a deal on 2 batteries and a motor. sometimes those dont come with the boat. i have a 30lbs minn kota if you are interested?


you putting this in the back of a truck or on top?

[Bodofish]

get your jon boat and graft a Kaw 550 motor and pump in it. You'll have a bad a$$ jet boat that's easy on the wallet hauls ..... and will run in about 2" of water. A buddy of mine in So Cal made one for fishing the rivers down there. Skinny skinny skinny!!!!!

[kzoo]

Another big advantage is you can cover more water in a jon boat over a float tube. You can skip dead waters and get to the honey hole.

If it's possible, get a jon boat.

[A9]

Worst comes to worst, you buy a Jon boat and you don't like it, you can flip it back on craigslist for what you paid for it, or more....

[wolverine]

After having 8 or 9 alum jons over the years I've finally settled on a 10' x 50" welded Spratley thats made up in BC. Yes its heavy (around 180 lbs), but its solid, durable, and doesn't leak. It's rated for a 10 hp outboard but I've never had bigger than a 6 on it. Usually I just use a 40 electric to get around with. I have a trailer for it but most of the time I load it into the back of the pickup. By their usage nature jons get beat up pretty good in a hurry. Riveted jons are going to leak but are quite easy to repair. I always kept a couple of sponges in my jons to soak up the leakage. If I had to spend a lot of fishing time squeezing out the sponges it was time to find the bad rivet and replace it. Winter is a good time to buy a boat so good luck on your search.

[hookorcrook]

Well, thanks for all the tips. After much consideration I think it will be worth it to get a boat. Especially on a day like today. It's beautiful out, but I am not about to slip into my float tube. BRRR. Too cold. Now that I'm armed with a little more knowledge, I will keep searching Craig's list and see what I come up with.

Thanks again for all the replies,
Suzanne

[clam man]

I got a 10 foot up here at a used store for $45. It leaks a little, but I have patched it up and painted it, and I can fish all day with only a few ounces in the back. It is too small for two people, if you plan on using an electric trolling motor. I am looking to upgrade to a 12 to 14 foot myself.

[HillbillyGeek]

I've got a 10 foot jon boat that I would part with. Price = $200.

Previous owner sealed all rivets and it didn't leak at all when I was using it.

Honestly, if you can get the one that was previously posted for $45 -- BUY IT. You will NEVER see a better deal than that.

[A9]

hookemdanno,
If I was shopping for a jon boat, I'd pull the trigger on HillbillyGeek's boat. Good little boat, and no leaking...Rarely will you see a deal like that on Craigslist....

[RB]

i have a tube... i love it but when the fall hits it hits you hard. i can only stay out for 2hrs max. after that i cant feel my toes. 2 hrs only allows me to cover 1/4 of my small lake i like to fish with the tube. a boat keeps you dry *hopefully* and will allow you more storage and you can cover more ground with it as well pplus the added advantage on being able to see down into the water and notice if you have any followers.