Jon Boat

[ekimw23]

hi everyone im new to boat and im looking for a 12' jon boat. not sure if i want flat bottom or v. any help would be awesome. thanks !

[frantzracing0]

I have a semi v. 75% flat with a vd bow. Cuts through the water, especially when the wind picks up and still very stable even loaded with 2 people plus gear

[ekimw23]

thanks. i mean ill take what i can get so. are the v more stable?

[ClackerBuzz]

i associate flat bottom boats with smaller bodies of water and/or fair weather conditions.  and V hulls with larger bodies of water, heavier winds and/or heavy wake zones.

i consider myself a fair weather fisherman simply b/c my reservoir is electric only. I can't be out in 20-30 mph winds with 4-5 ft rollers with only an electric motor.  so a 10' flat bottom boat is fine for my conditions.  also there are no jet skis or water ski boats causing large wakes.  my reservoir is under 1000 acres. i would buy a 14ft+ V hull if I was gas powered, on a larger lake with heavy winds, boat traffic, with 2 or more anglers etc.  most ppl need a minimum 14ft flat or V hull.  the V will handle better in rough conditions.

how big is your lake and how many horsepower engine are you gonna run? some other guys can help you with Hp recommendations.  what's your budget? will you be fishing rain or shine? a few extra dollars might get you a nice 14-16 ft flat bottom boat with decking installed and a bow/foot controlled trolling motor and 10Hp motor on the back.

[ekimw23]

thanks.id like to spend probably 4-500 dollars dont need a trailer so i think that's a good price.. i will only have a trolling motor in the rear due to restrictions. i would like to do the decking myself. and i usually fish on small calm lakes. 

[Bluebasser86]

I prefer a flat bottom over the V hulls. If you can find a semi V you can get the best of both worlds though but not sure you'll find something like that in a 12' boat. Flat bottoms are much more stable IMO and have a little more room since the front isn't pinched like it is in a V hull. You can buy a nearly new 12' flat bottom in the price range you're trying to stay in. 

[ekimw23]

thanks! any trolling motor suggestions?

[BadBassWV]

Trolling Motor? Go for the Biggest you can afford. I am fishing a 55 Minn Kota on a Pond Prowler, Love it. It gets me around at 4 to 5 MPH. The lake I fish only allows Electric.

[Big Fish Rice]

Modified V hulls give you the best of both worlds. Stability and the ability to cut through chop without "beating" you and the boat to death.

I fish out of a flat bottom jon boat and have enjoyed it very much, but I wouldn't mind a modified v-hull at all. I would look for the best deal and go with it. At 12' long though, I would probably choose a flat bottom for the utmost stability.