Stability of 1448 vs. 1648 flat jons

[Jim Mac]

I used to have a 1648 flat jon and I loved how stable it was. I'm looking into buying a 1448 flat jon, with no center seat. Would there be much difference in the stability of them? 

 

90% of the time I fish alone. There would never be more than 1 other person in the boat. Being an old fart with back issues, I want a lighter weight boat, that will be easier to handle.

 

Thanks. 

[Way2slow]

Side to side rock and reaching over the side, I would think they would be the similar but naturally the 16' is going to be a little more stable .

Now the bow rise you get when alone in the boat is probably going to me much more noticeable in the 14'.  

Also, if you are going to install a gas motor, the 16 would allow a bigger motor, giving you the ability to get on down the lake a lot faster.  (I'm like to Tool Man, always wanting more power) 

So, if you are not going to be fishing a lot of skinny water, are going to be trailering the boat, and going to be running a gas motor, I would recommend the 16'  If you plan to try adding a deck, definitely the 16'.

As for easy to handle, even a 1448 is going to be heavier than you are going to want to be manhandling.

[NHBull]

Jim,

I think stability on the water trumps the weight issue.  That said, the larger also give you options for the unanticipated.

[Jim Mac]

Thanks. I will be using a trailer, but electric motors only. I didn't think the 2' difference would make much difference in the stability between the 2 boats. 

[Catt]

1448 with casting decks is stable enough for 2 anglers.

 

Now I wouldn't try running laps ?

[Jim Mac]

Thanks. Do you guys think there is much difference in the stability between a 1448MV and a 1448 flat jon? I don't know if I want a mod V.  

[Catt]

1 hour ago, Jim Mac said:

Thanks. Do you guys think there is much difference in the stability between a 1448MV and a 1448 flat jon? I don't know if I want a mod V.  

 

The only advantage a mod-v has over a flat is a smoother ride in rough water.

 

If you're planning on putting an outboard motor then get the mod-v.

 

[Jim Mac]

So lets say I'm out on a relatively calm lake. The flat jon would be a little more stable, correct? I'm talking about walking front to rear, standing and casting, etc. 

 

Thanks. 

[NHBull]

Jim,

Are the beams the same?

Personally I would choose the wider, but that is because I am less stable ?

[Jim Mac]

Yes. Both would be 1448. I don't want to get a mod V if it's less stable than the flat bottom. 

[Catt]

1 hour ago, NHBull said:

Jim,

Are the beams the same?

Personally I would choose the wider, but that is because I am less stable ?

 

1 hour ago, Jim Mac said:

Yes. Both would be 1448. I don't want to get a mod V if it's less stable than the flat bottom. 

 

1448 means 14' in length & 48" bottom width.

 

Beam is the measurement across the top of the boat & has nothing to do with stability.

 

Bottom width is what's in the water therefore offers stability.

 

A modified vee bottom is only a slight vee (6° at best) & don't effect stability.

 

I'm currently running a 1652 Alweld mod-v tunnel hull 

[Way2slow]

I  owned one 15' mod-V (seems like it was a Fisher) and have fished out of a couple small Pointed Bow aluminum boats with curved bottoms.  I sold the mod-V so cheap, the guy thought I was giving it to him because it was always leaning to one side or the other and you couldn't melt on of those small rounded bottom boats down and pour it on me.    Years ago, a co-worker was selling a 12' "jon" with a 9.9hp Johnson for $250, and I gave him the money.   When I went to get it, it was one of those pointed, rounded bottom boats.  I lifted the motor off, put it in my truck, told him thank you, and drove off. 

[Jim Mac]

7 hours ago, Way2slow said:

I  owned one 15' mod-V (seems like it was a Fisher) and have fished out of a couple small Pointed Bow aluminum boats with curved bottoms.  I sold the mod-V so cheap, the guy thought I was giving it to him because it was always leaning to one side or the other and you couldn't melt on of those small rounded bottom boats down and pour it on me.    Years ago, a co-worker was selling a 12' "jon" with a 9.9hp Johnson for $250, and I gave him the money.   When I went to get it, it was one of those pointed, rounded bottom boats.  I lifted the motor off, put it in my truck, told him thank you, and drove off. 

Thanks, I think !

[Catt]

Fisher Marine was notorious for leaning as were Duracraft.

 

I've owned Alweld, Xpress, War Eagle (before they were War Eagle), & Weldbilt mod-v boats & none leaned.

[Jim Mac]

Thanks Catt. I'm looking at the Alumacraft jons, 1448 flat and mod-V, 20" transom. I'm still not sure if I want a center seat or not.