10' Jon Boat On What Size Body Of Water?

[JeremyGiroux]

I am going to start using my fathers 10' Jon Boat. Any recomendations of what size motor to buy? I was thinking about a 4 HP motor. Also what size body of water do you think this boat can handle. I want to start fishing Candlewood Lake, do you think this boat could handle it? It would be my friend and I fishing in it. We weigh about 280-290 lbs between the two of us. Also thinking about putting a 47 pound thrust trolling motor on the front.

Thanks, Jeremy

[Way2slow]

Welcome,

How wide is it? That has as much to do with the stability as the length. I would think a four to six hp motor would be fine. I know people that have run 9.9s on 10x32s.

As for the size water, as long as you be smart about it and not try to get out in the middle of mile wide area when the wind is blowing, size lake won't matter. Keep it out of the big water and in the back waters smaller areas you can go for miles is the lake is large.

I'm sure there are others on here that can be very specific. I've never tried to use one that small. Several 12' but never a 10.

[Bluebasser86]

I would put the trolling motor on the back and nix the gas motor, you really don't need it on a boat that size. I'd be leery about fishing 2 out of a 10' johnboat but if you're comfortable with it, just make sure you have lifejackets within reach. Lake size is all relative really. You could take it on LOZ, if you launch in the back of a quiet, protected cove and never left that area. 

[Catt]

Way2slow pretty much nailed but in my opinion bottom width has more to do with stabiliy than length.

With small boats I keep one thing in mind, getting me off the lake quickly & safely during inclement weather...any boat & motor is fine when it's calm!

[wnspain]

I would put the trolling motor on the back and nix the gas motor, you really don't need it on a boat that size. I'd be leery about fishing 2 out of a 10' johnboat but if you're comfortable with it, just make sure you have lifejackets within reach. Lake size is all relative really. You could take it on LOZ, if you launch in the back of a quiet, protected cove and never left that area. 

I've used a pelican 10e for some time now powered by trolling motor only and there are several times I've wished for a small gas outboard to make long runs (>2 mi). At full speed, a 50lb thrust TM can drain a fully charged 12v system pretty fast.  

[Bluebasser86]

I've used a pelican 10e for some time now powered by trolling motor only and there are several times I've wished for a small gas outboard to make long runs (>2 mi). At full speed, a 50lb thrust TM can drain a fully charged 12v system pretty fast.  

That plastic boat is going to be probably twice as heavy as a 10' johnboat also. I've had both the plastic pond boat and a 12' johnboat. It was all I could do to get my plastic boat into the back of my truck, but I could carry the johnboat over my head to the pond. I had a 2hp motor on my plastic boat for awhile. It added a lot of weight and hassle. I decided to switch to 2 batteries wired parallel instead and was much happier. 

[buzzed bait]

i see a ton of jon boat tourney guys around here with a couple of few batteries rigged to one or two trolling motors and they flat out move.

my brother has the bassraider 10' version.  he has a 9.9hp that we've ran before, but honestly i had my life jacket on the whole time....

same boat with 2 batteries and 2 motors was money.

also, not sure about up there but around here we have quite a few electric only lakes that you wouldn't be able to hit if you had the gas motor...  just a thought.

[senile1]

When not using my bassboat, I fish out of a 10 foot jon boat that has not been customized in any way.  I only use it on smaller lakes; however, I won't run it with two people unless the other person is one of my children/grandchildren and I am letting them do most of the fishing.  You and your partner will have to be very careful when casting so that you don't tangle or hit each other.  The number of rods and tackle will be limited as well with two people in the boat.  I also like to stand when casting, so that could present a problem too if you or your partner want that capability.  I fish out of mine by myself for the most part.  If you are starting out and need a boat though, you can definitely make this configuration work.  I would look for a longer boat for two people if that is feasible for you.

[lo n slo]

I remember when a 12' johnny was all I had. I mounted swivel seats, a depth finder, got a 24 lb thrust trolling motor, throwable cushion, portable lights, and a paddle. I managed to catch just as many fish as I do now in my Javelin.

Some things to remember when you're in a johnny;

Dont skimp on your battery. Bite the bullet and get the higher amps.

Know the weather. On windy days, make your first run into the wind. That way you have the wind at your back in case you experience propulsion problems or need to leave quickly

Carry a weather band radio or have an iphone app

Stay off the big water or at least traverse the shore while enroute on big water. Huge roller waves can swamp a johnny easily.

Stow a anchor/rope and some kind of hand bailer. I dont know how many times I was able to anchor down upwind from a ledge or brush pile and stay put while I caught fish in sustained winds. Old window weights on a rope will hold a john boat quite easily and are easily stowed.

Another "bonus" from using trolling motor power w/ depth finder is that you'll discover structure that may otherwise get missed, while enroute to other spots on the lake.