Topic: Jon Boat (Read 1599 times)

bassmedic46 · « **on:** March 18, 2010, 06:52:46 PM »

Thinking of getting a Jon boat from Bass Pro and wondering what would be a good size to get? It will have to be able to hold me and my twins who are 5.

Bassinkorea · « **Reply #1 on:** March 18, 2010, 08:09:44 PM »

I'm not sure what sizes they offer, but I would go with the biggest one you can afford, store and transport. You need to be comfortable and safe on the water.

If you buy a smaller one, you will regret it later down the road......I did!

Bates132 · « **Reply #2 on:** March 18, 2010, 08:30:42 PM »

Not knocking Basspro at all, but you would prolly be better off goin with something different. You could save alot of money and could probably find a great used jon boat online or in the paper. Best of luck...

bassmedic46 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 18, 2010, 09:34:47 PM »

Thank you, I've been checking the local papers and the used jon boats cost as much as a new one. Not sure what size to get.

screwballl · « **Reply #4 on:** March 19, 2010, 10:31:29 AM »

Figure in at least 48" wide to be safe. Some say 36" but with kids, I always suggest that extra little bit.

Dunham Fisher · « **Reply #5 on:** March 19, 2010, 12:04:33 PM »

Quote from: Bassinkorea on March 18, 2010, 08:09:44 PM

I'm not sure what sizes they offer, but I would go with the biggest one you can afford, store and transport. You need to be comfortable and safe on the water.

If you buy a smaller one, you will regret it later down the road......I did!

Excellent advice!

bassmedic46 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 20, 2010, 02:56:13 PM »

Would a Jon boat be safe for my twins to both be with me? They are very well behaved and would of course be wearing life jackets. I can't take one without the other.

screwballl · « **Reply #7 on:** March 20, 2010, 09:19:59 PM »

Yes with a 42-48" wide jon boat, I would not worry too much. Their safety is in your hands so as long as you get a decent width boat and are safe in transit (and stationary) then you should have nothing to worry about.
We have locals fish faster parts of the Shoal and Blackwater rivers with kids in their little 10-14 ft jon boats without a problem.

bassmedic46 · « **Reply #8 on:** March 20, 2010, 09:51:54 PM »

Think i'm going to go with a 12 footer with a 48 width.

basnbud · « **Reply #9 on:** March 21, 2010, 01:09:53 PM »

well think about how long thier fishing poles are gonna be... you need to give them (and you) as much room as possible when they get to slingin them things around ! it hurts like heck when you get a hook put into ya. just a little extra to think about when your lookin at that short one. have both of them and you get in it at the store and see how much room you all have.

Basnbud

stew6371 · « **Reply #10 on:** March 21, 2010, 08:55:11 PM »

Quote from: basnbud on March 21, 2010, 01:09:53 PM

well think about how long thier fishing poles are gonna be... you need to give them (and you) as much room as possible when they get to slingin them things around ! it hurts like heck when you get a hook put into ya. just a little extra to think about when your lookin at that short one. have both of them and you get in it at the store and see how much room you all have.

Basnbud

good advice.

bassmedic46 · « **Reply #11 on:** March 22, 2010, 09:51:43 AM »

I never thought about that, Thank you that is good advice.

Skeeter180 · « **Reply #12 on:** April 14, 2010, 05:20:10 PM »

I grew up fishing out of a 12' jon boat, and still have it. The boat was always a perfect size for the fishing I did, but I think if I were taking two small children that are going to get bigger, I would probably go with the 14'.

Camden · « **Reply #13 on:** April 14, 2010, 06:43:05 PM »

With 2 poles flying around i wouldnt go with less than 14' long and a wide platform

Donald Garner · « **Reply #14 on:** April 15, 2010, 03:56:09 AM »

Lots of great advice here,

I concur nothing less than a 14ft and as wide as you can get it.

These kids will be growing up and will want to fish so look long and wide..

Goldstar225 · « **Reply #15 on:** April 16, 2010, 06:51:31 AM »

As others have said, go with a wider bottom for stability. Also bear in mind that those twins are going to grow, the boat won't. If you plan to keep it several years don't buy less than a 14'.

bigjim5589 · « **Reply #16 on:** April 24, 2010, 06:21:42 PM »

Great advice from these guys!

I've got a jon boat that is 15'9" long, and wish it was longer. It's been decked and two adults can fish comfortably in it, but add anyone else, and it gets tight. When my kids were young, myself & two of them fit it fine, but now they're grown, and it would be difficult for three of us to even be in it, much less fish from it.

Most of the time I fish in small tidal creeks, and the size boat I have is fine for such places. But, I also like to do some Striper fishing in the Chesapeake Bay and some of the larger rivers. It's not too bad in more open water either on a real calm day, but if the wind kicks up some waves it can get a bit hairy out there. It's just too small for such conditions! Not a good boat for small kids and big water!

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