Sun Dolphin Pro 120 Jon Boat

[Ozzey]

Just signed up on the website, long time bass fisherman from RI. I am wondering if anyone has any information on the Sun Dolphin Pro 120 Jon Boat that is sold through Cabela's. I owned a small boat about 15 years ago (Water Spider) that was ideal for some of the smaller waters here in RI/MA, graduated to a Grumman V-hull bass boat and am looking to "go small" again. Any information would be greatly appreciated. The boat is reasonably priced and looks like a good option but would love some feedback if anyone has any experience with them. Thanks.

[Grey Wolf]

WELCOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry I can't help you but some one will.

[stew6371]

i dont own one yet, but im seriously considering it. i googled the boat and found a few write-ups and everythimg has been good so far. it is stable enough to stand and fish in. plus it has a higher weight capacity than most other boats the same size.

[Ozzey]

Thanks Stew, I am seriously considering as well, wish there were some on the forums that have experience with the boat.  It might just be that you and I have to buy them to see for ourselves.  

[Wilson]

go to the local boat shop and see if they carry them take a look.  They look and sound really heavy to move around and such and people are saying 6hp is the minimum they would use and it still isn't enough..If I was you I would look for a aluminum jon boat which is lighter and easier to move you can get them dirt cheap used, and cheaper then this one new at a lot of places.

[v3bassman]

For what its worth. I bought the sun dolphin deluxe jon boat(now discontinued) 3 years ago. I have been really happy with it.  I have actually caught the two biggest bass I have ever caught out of it. I dont take it out on big lakes though.

[stew6371]

Thanks Stew, I am seriously considering as well, wish there were some on the forums that have experience with the boat. It might just be that you and I have to buy them to see for ourselves.

yep. it will be a bit before i get to buy one, so let me know if you do.

[stew6371]

go to the local boat shop and see if they carry them take a look. They look and sound really heavy to move around and such and people are saying 6hp is the minimum they would use and it still isn't enough..If I was you I would look for a aluminum jon boat which is lighter and easier to move you can get them dirt cheap used, and cheaper then this one new at a lot of places.

yes the jon is cheaper, but the sun dolphin has a higher weight capacity and a 60 in beam.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

Howdy neighbor (East Greenwich)!!

RI is full of used jons, I would personally prefer a jon to anything plastic.

JMO

Jons can be made pretty comfy too see HERE

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

649 lbs!!!!  FORGET IT!!

I employ small boats so we can get into many of the smaller lakes, here in RI, that's where the better fishing is found.  We launch lakeside usually (no ramps on these ponds/lakes) and fish electric only so this much weight would be out of the question for us.  If you fish on "Ramped" waters only, it may still be a viable option for you, but for that kind of money, you can get 2, even 3 times the boat.

[Wilson]

I my self would say your crazy to go this way rather then a jon boat. but its your choice just make sure you do the research first.

[stew6371]

no need to call me names. im not crazy. i would love to get a used jon and modify it. i will repeat myself again, i cant find a used 12 ft jon that has a weight capacity of 650 lbs like this boat does. yes a jon is cheaper and lighter but for some reason they wont handle a lot of weight.

[Grey Wolf]

So buy it then.

[stew6371]

wilson that is what we r doing is researching this boat. that is what makes forums like this one good is you can come here and get opinions and information. just sucks when someone posts a reply like bass brat did. added nothing to the thread.

LBH, I just noticed something from your post. the sun dolphin pro only weighs 225 lbs. it has a person weight capacity of 649 lbs.  

[Grey Wolf]

I just come to the conclusion that you already had your mind made up that you wanted to buy the boat and no body was going to change that fact.

I'm sorry you got P.O.'d about my straight forward comment.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

Nah,...we're not calling you names man,lol  we're an extra friendly bunch here, we are just point blank blatant about our opinions and suggestions, but they are all for you to take or leave

As for the weight requirements, I don't know too many out there with jons that adhere to that recommendation.  If you'd like, I can get you out on mine for a day and you can check it out for yourself, or just borrow it one afternoon.

They are very stable and get more so when you add weight.  I would suggest trying it before buying the other.  If you decide to look for a jon in RI, let me know and I'll put the boys on alert (UPS driver).

We are in the neighbothoods all day and see lots of these rigs.  This is how I found mine, I had a bunch to choose from.

Good luck and keep us posted on your decision and if you are satisfied or not.

[kreed]

I've fished from several jon boats on rivers and lakes pretty much all of my life. When I was looking for a small boat for the small lakes around here I was really wanting a Pro 120. I wouldn't pay the new price for one but found several deals (some required long drives) on www.craigslist.com but most of them sold VERY quickly. I researched them long and hard and would have bought one without hesitation. I actually found a fiberglass tri-hull 15.5' with a 20 hp mercury and that ended my search for a pro 120.

From what I've read on them you will not be hurting if you get one. I've never read a negative comment about them and if I ran across a deal on one now I'd still buy it!

BTW, they are rated for 15hp motors if I remember correctly. They may be short but they are also wide and have foam built into the hull, hence the high weight capacity.

If ya get one be sure to post pics and your impressions of it!

Kevin

edit: a quick search of RI craigslist found this: http://providence.craigslist.org/boa/625702306.html

http://providence.craigslist.org/boa/593566929.html

There are several other jon boats and fiberglass boats on there that I seen and I'm sure I missed some. Whatever ya get, I'll be happy for ya!

[stew6371]

thanks LBH . i was wondering if anybody adhered to the weight capacities. i would love to come fish with you for a day, but it would take me a day just to drive there, so i will have to take a rain check for now.

kreed, i didnt like the new price of the sun dolphin either.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

lmao,...stew, it's still an open invite but that was aimed at Ozzey, he lives here in RI,lol

[weatherman]

I have owned the sun dolphin sportsman for years, for a pond boat there is nothing better. You can't turn it over and the thickness of the material compares to no other composite (plastic) made boat. and the jon is still available, though with bench seats, you could order them or go to walmart and buy the seats and swivels and mount them yourself.

[stew6371]

lmao,...stew, it's still an open invite but that was aimed at Ozzey, he lives here in RI,lol

lol. that makes more sense. thanks anyway.

[kreed]

My little bro had a 14' jon that he just sold. When me and him would get into it without poles, boxes, batteries or ANYTHING we were over the weight limit. Add all that other stuff and it was waaaaaay over. Never had any problems with it though. As someone mentioned before they seem more stable to me when they have some weight in them.

[Wilson]

My little bro had a 14' jon that he just sold. When me and him would get into it without poles, boxes, batteries or ANYTHING we were over the weight limit. Add all that other stuff and it was waaaaaay over. Never had any problems with it though. As someone mentioned before they seem more stable to me when they have some weight in them.

I find that quite hard to believe.  My 10 footer has a limit of 550. add another 4 feet andI bet yours was close to 700 or so max but i my be off I just kidn it hard to beleive that 2 people put it over the weight limit.

[kreed]

Wilson, not all boats are the same, friend. I've fished from many jons over the years and there are great differences from one to another.  His 14' from BassPro had a lighter limit than  our Dad's 12' jon (and not a small difference at that), it was also narrower. I can't remember exactly what the limit was on it but I weigh in at 225 and my little bro is pushing 280. We were joking the first time we got in it about how far into the lake we'd be before we took to swimming . Got no reason to lie to you bud   Here is the same boat I believe: http://www.trackerboats.com/boat/specs.cfm?boat=2863 Max weight capacity on it is 440 lbs. They say it is a 3 person boat, but max person weight is 325  ;D Must be made for very small men!

btw, how much were you betting?  I accept checks     (j/k)

[Ozzey]

Sorry, been away a couple days, thanks for all the feedback.  As I said in an earlier post, I have been through the small boat to big boat phase and am considering the Dolphin for a small boat option again.  To me, it has alot of the bells and whistles of the big boat but will allow me to get to some of my small pond spots in RI.  I will also likely be accompanied by one of my kids so I like the stability that the wide beam provides.  I am not criticizing the upside of a nicely fitted jon, but, I think that works better for one or two more experienced fisherman who aren't worried about going "swimming" if someone makes a sudden movement ;D.  Again, I appreciate all the feedback and would rather be on a big lake in Maine with a big boat, but......then reality kicks in.