Jon Boat To Bass Boat?

[1099gl]

In a few years i am going to get a 14 foot jon. Is it worth it to convert it to a "bass" boat. if so what is the price point for a engine, trolling motor, fish finder, flooring, and maybe a live well. also what type of boat am I looking for semi v full v or flat bottom for a lake. or is it more worth it to get a kayak which in some cases costs more.

[200racing]

you want what ever boat yo get to be at least 48'' wide in the bottom to deck it. your best bet at maintaining a smaller budget is buying used. let someone else buy everything at retail.  cant really give a price on accessories since FF's and TM's range from $100 to $2000. and dont forget batteries in your price.

 

as far as boat vs. kayak i would think the water you plan to fish is the main factor. rivers, smaller lakes and ponds with more difficult access would be kayak territory. if your going out on big lakes with bass boats,wake boats,pontoons and jetskis i would say that is boat territory.

[Loop_Dad]

You look young and I trust you are fit (?)

 

Do you see many kayak fishermen in your area? I recently moved to Austin Texas, boy there are so many kayak fishermen. It is kayak friendly area.

 

Maybe you think about jon boat for next few years and in the mean time get a used kayak to be on the water? Just an idea.

 

For jon boat, I think there's a big difference between welded and riveted. I met a guy with simple but nice jon boat set up. I praised for his set up, he said only if it didn't leak. When I look at the floor, he had about two inches of water! He said he use bilge pump to get the water out.

[B@ssCrzy]

A jon boat is going to end up costing you way more than a kayak in the end.  Here is the thing a GREAT kayak can be had for under $1000 by buying used or even brand new.  You may be able to get a jon boat for $200-$300, but that won't include a trailer and probably won't include a motor, or any electronics.  Even if you go all electric on the motor you then have batteries to pay for and if you go with both an electric and gas then you have added costs of fuel, etc.  On top of that you have to register it and pay for that cost every year.  If you want one with a trailer you are looking at $500-$600 plus all the above mentioned things to pay for.  Then you are wanting to modify it to fish more like a bass boat so you will have cost for that as well.  If you get the kayak you pay the upfront cost for the yak, added electronics, roof rack (maybe) and then that is it.  No maintenance for boat or trailer, no taxes or fees, and can be easily transported wherever you want to go.  I don't know what your financial situation is and only you can decide which will really fits you as a fisherman more, but I have both a bass boat and a kayak and there are days when I think I could sell my bass boat and fish my kayak only.  Just got done buying sparkplugs, fuel, paying taxes on the boat and trailer, and putting new tires on the trailer....all the while my kayak just hangs on the wall not costing me a dime.  With all that being said I do like the fact that my bass boat allows me to go from spot to spot on big lakes without having to paddle and I can cruise the shore with my trolling motor while fishing.  Like previously said some of your preference will be dependent on whether you fish small bodies of water or big lakes.  Good luck with your decision.  Hope this helps.

[Chris186]

It all depends on what you want to do with it. If you are going to get serious about fishing and fish tournaments, then a kyak will do you no good. However if you are just fishing for fun, a kyak will save you alot of money. I have owned and built up a few jons for myself, shoot me a pm if you want specifics.

[Big Fish Rice]

One of my most popular videos on YouTube is converting a jon boat to a bass boat. Granted, there is a lot of time involved, as well as money, but you can take the most basic boat and turn it into something unique. Still fishing out of it today! Message me if you need help...I'm willing to help you along with any questions you may have.