Looking To Buy My First Boat This Year..looking At Alum Jon Boats Trying To Decide

[Stlbob]

 I want something bigger than 12 ft....im thinking 1648 or 1752...

 What kind of Jon boats does anyone else have..trying to get good ideas on a good fishing set up.It will spend time on some shallow rivers and time on bigger lakes.Table Rock and the Lake Of the O' once in awhile.

 

 What size motor would be good for the size im looking for..? Im looking to go simple if i can less to maintain and less to break..

[NathanW]

Could a modified V work in your shallow rivers? aka Tracker pro team? Tracker 17 pro teams can be found used at reasonable prices ($3500-$5500) if you are patient. The advantages of a boat like this are endless when compared to a Jon Boat in my opinion. Great storage, more stability, usually quieter hull due to false bottom and foam, creature comforts at the dash like bilge, gauges, livewell, they have dryboxes, My tracker can store about 14 rods in the box up to 8', larger platform front and back. Just as easy to load/unload on your own, can be towed by a midsized SUV, Just all around more comfortable. 60 HP two stroke is a pretty good size for that boat.

 

It will close off some waters on your shallow river but it will open up even more on you bigger lakes and reservoirs (trust me on this). Maintenance wise you still are dealing with an outboard and that requires the most maintenance.  To be quite honest, there will be minor outboard / trailer repairs/service every year but they are inexpensive and easy to perform on your own on this sized motor.

[Stlbob]

i can do a lot of things myself...but the modified v is easier in a little rough water right..?

[tomustang]

Check out some older bass trackers, you'll probably get more bang for your buck and they're everywhere.

[Stlbob]

the 2 guys i fish with that have boats are aluminum,seems to be popular around here..been watching CL like crazy

[tomustang]

I use my glass on shallow rivers and larger lakes. I don't go everywhere on the river since it's not a aluminum jet boat but I get pretty far and know my surroundings.

 

You best bet would be what was said about a Mod-V platform.

[NathanW]

i can do a lot of things myself...but the modified v is easier in a little rough water right..?

Yep. You will get around quicker and be more comfortable while doing it. I fish some brutal waters and have never felt unsafe in my tracker, maybe just had to slow down more than I liked. Jon's are uncomfortable and your going to get wet but can manage chop safely, if you are dealing with rollers on the other-hand its plain dangerous.

[slonezp]

A modified v will track better and will handle waves better. Any aluminum boat will have a shallower draft than a glass and allow to run skinny water. You're not going to be able to run in 6" like you could with a jet or air boat, but shouldn't have any problem in 1 1/2'

[Stlbob]

i really wanted aluminum but this boat is looking good

 

15ft + 50 horse..fish finders,new wood and carpet,lots more new stuff 1800.00 obo

[Stlbob]

and a few more pics

[NathanW]

Could be a fun little starter boat. The first Pro I can see is that it is a Mercury so it might actually still run well.

 

Do a cold start while on the water and check compression once you get it back to the dock. If it runs, pumps water well, and does not bog down on the hole shot, the only other item I would be concerned with on an older outboard is the lower unit seals. For a buyer, the best way to check if they are leaking badly is to do a "I'll come back tomorrow with the money" deal. This allows the water to settle to the bottom of the gear case and before you buy unscrew the bottom gear case screw (bring a flathead) and if you get water they are bad. This is not the end of the world but you will instantly have a moderately difficult project on your hands if they are letting water in.

 

I have never been on one of those older little glass bass boats, maybe someone come chime in as to how they ride and fish.

[Fishes in trees]

How old is that boat?  How has it been stored?  I'd be concerned about a weak/cracked transom.   For sure, I would get an extra memory foam pad for the drivers seat.  A 15 ' boat will ride pretty rough in any kind of a chop, driving it will get interesting.

[Stlbob]

its supposed to have been garage kept...and i am trying to work out something to get it on the water.

thanks for the tip on those seals..i asked about service on the motor and was told (of course) it has been cared for..i have a compression checker and he was fine with me doing that.

One point that was made is i wanted something a little wider and longer,nothing is etched in stone will just have to see how it pans out.

[Stlbob]

its supposed to have been garage kept...and i am trying to work out something to get it on the water.

thanks for the tip on those seals..i asked about service on the motor and was told (of course) it has been cared for..i have a compression checker and he was fine with me doing that.

One point that was made is i wanted something a little wider and longer,nothing is etched in stone will just have to see how it pans out.

[FD.]

At $1800 it would be hard to pass on unless there are major problems with the hull.  It is a little short but I would have bought it in a heart beat as a first bass boat.

[MacP]

Wish you were closer to me.  I'd take you for a ride in this: http://www.golsn.com/listings/recreational_vehicles/boats-water_crafts/3886529.html

[FlipnLimits]

Here's an aluminum boat I wouldn't mind owning at all.  It's fast, drafts little water, has everything a glass rig has, and looks great.  Good luck in your quest!

 

FL