Alumacraft Jon Boat Questions

[helms83]

For my first boat, I'm considering buying an alumacraft jon boat. However, I have questions that I would rather ask fellow anglers rather than the company itself. So here we go...

What would be a recommended length? I was thinking of 14 to 16 ft.

What is the difference between riveted and welded? I know the mechanical difference, I'm asking about long term care, water tightness, life expectance, etc.

What is the difference in performance between flat bottom and v-bottom?

What is the estimated cost of boat/trailer/motor (website doesn't list price)?

Any other advice would be great!

[Jig Man]

What would be a recommended length? I was thinking of 14 to 16 ft.

Depends on the size of the water.  The larger the boat the safer.

What is the difference between riveted and welded? I know the mechanical difference, I'm asking about long term care, water tightness, life expectance, etc.

Welded boats are easier to care for it the have been well built.  However, a friend of mine ran a rivited john for a long time and kept it dry with JB Weld.

What is the difference in performance between flat bottom and v-bottom?

V bottoms ride smoother and flat bottoms fish better.

What is the estimated cost of boat/trailer/motor (website doesn't list price)?

I don't have a clue. It will all depend on the size of the boat and motor and how you have them rigged out.

[helms83]

Thanks for the reply!

[fishn bear]

First let me say that I think alumacraft makes a great jon boat.  Although I do not own one myself.  As for your size of boat that depends on your buget and what size motor you want to run.  Get the biggest boat and motor you can afford as well as dont be cheap on the trailer.  Im on my third jon boat now and have learned that if you plan to pull the boat much a good trailer makes a world of differance.  I have had good luck with riveted boats but I do think in the long run a welded boat would be the way to go again if it fits your buget.  Like jigman said a v-hull rides better and a flat bottom will fish better.  I have had both and have now met in the middle and have a semi-V.  I think that is the way to go.  You can get the best of both worlds.  But a semi-v will cost about 10% more than a flatbottom will.  The size and weather you go welded or riveted will determine the price.  I know here in my area you can get a new 1436 with a trailer for around $1250 plus tax,tag, and all that good stuff.  However if you look around you can find some good deals on used jons.  Here is a good website to look at prices and get ideas for how to set your up.  

http://www.akmccallumco.com/  they are in Fayettville, NC might be a ride from were you are but good place to get some ideas of whats out there and what it will cost.  

[Catt]

Recommended length: 16'

Riveted or welded: welded is stronger

Flat bottom or Vee: Flat bottom is extremely rough riding, V-bottom is too tipsy, and my choice is a modified V-bottom.

Cost: Alweld 1652VV Pro Bass Model, side console, front/rear deck, 50 lb thrust trolling motor, Tohatsu 40 hp 3 cylinder 2-stroke, trailer with 12" tires $8,900

http://www.alweld.com/Alweld%20Website%2001-17-07_files/page0011.htm

[helms83]

Thanks for the great advice and links! I have another question: I was piecing together a boat from www.akmccallumco.com and boat/trailer came to $2700, w/motor was $6100. Does a motor really cost this much or was I looking at the wrong motors? The motor was an outboard 4-stroke Tohatsu MFS25BEFGS. If so, the boat recommended by catt is only $2400 with more options.

[twors]

I bought a welded Sea Ark 1548MV new in march. The empty boat with galvanized trailer(12" wheels) was $2800 plus tax. My motor came from eBay of all places...NOS 05' Johnson 25HP smoker ($2300). So theres $5100 for my boat/trailer/motor combo...and I got a deal on the motor. New 25HP merc 4 cycles run about $3500 for reference.

[helms83]

I don't know much about engines, so here's another question: what size motor would I need (I fish two big lakes) and how fast will a 25 hp motor go?

[twors]

My 25HP Johnson on my 1548MV is plenty but I wouldn't want less. I've got less than 6 hours on it so I'm still on double oil but I got a easy 21MPH (GPS) out of at 2/3 throttle when the motor had a couple hours on it. I haven't checked it here lately but I expect 25 to 27 mph when fully broke in and on 50:1 oil.

[Catt]

A 4-stroke is way more expensive than a 2-stroke; plus your piecing it together while mine is a package deal.

[moloch16]

You can get some really good deals if you buy used.  It may take a while to find what you want but you'll save a bundle.

Check your local classifieds, and see if there is a dedicated publication for selling boats/cars for your area.  Also check out http://www.craigslist.com for your area.

[ThomasL]

Helms83,lets see if i can help ya,i also looked down at ak and when i

looked he had a low inventory,stay with at least a 14' 48" wide boat,the

best brands they sell sea ark,alumacraft,weld-craft(i have )the roughnecks

are good but you'll see them everywhere.I had a 1436 and sold it,was not

stable enough for me,catts boat is about the same as my weld-craft,you should be

able to buy a console boat with a 12" tired trailer and that yammie 25 2 stroke

for around 6k,another place to try is r&k marine in knightdale,neil has just started

carrying alumacraft and may work you a better deal.

[dickenscpa]

Not to hijack this thread, but I believe you live close to me. Clarksville, TN? I've been looking to upgrade my 14' fiberglass tri-hull to aluminum and I have a bead on a 16.5' Alumacraft, 2 depth/fish finders, TM, fr/rr casting decks and a 50HP Force motor. I believe it's a MV Angler? I was thinking about buying it for $4000, but thought that price was too high. It's a 1996. From the sound of your research, maybe I overreacted on that price. I'm starting to think that was a good deal. Is it? The boat is in great shape and clean, plus I kinda know the guy, but we have mutual friends that we are both closer to and everyone says he's a stand up guy.