How do these 3 boats rank from heaviest to lightest?

[pauldconyers]

I am looking at buying a used boat for bass fishing. I am ignorant to many things to consider when making a selection and at the moment I am thinking about weight. I am looking at something in the 12-16 or so foot range. Probably not looking at a fiber glass boat but some of the nicer plastic 2 man boats, a jon boat with a casting deck and storage built on and then some of the smaller bass trackers interest me. I have uploaded a picture of each style as an example. I would definitely be using a trailer so it's not like I would have to lift something into a truck bed or onto a utility trailer. But the vehicle I would be pulling it with isn't exact new and I do not want to wear it out. But for my education based on the style, body materials and such how would say these 3 would rank from heaviest to lightest?

[S Hovanec]

Heaviest to lightest: 1, 3, 2.  By a large margain if the foam in #1 is waterlogged like it most likely is.

 

#3 would be my preferred boat of those 3.

[Fishes in trees]

Where are you going to be fishing?   As soon as you get a boat on a trailer, many small ponds, strip pits etc, are out of bounds because you WILL need a ramp to launch your boat. Trying to launch a boat into water without a ramp is challenging.  Getting it back on the trailer without a ramp is MUCH more challenging.  It can be done, but be prepared.

I've assisted retrieving an 18' river boat on the Gasconade and it involved an electric winch, 50' of cable on the winch and several extensions, to drag the boat up the steep hill to get it to the trailer.  It was a challenge, but really a piece of cake with the proper gear. How much gear do you like to take with you when you fish?  How much space is in the boat?  Fish by yourself much or normally with a partner?

I would argue that the weight difference between the 3 boats pictured is negligible, wear and tear on your vehicle is going to happen at nearly the same rate no matter which boat is chosen.

 

You do need to find out from some authority what is the max load that you can tow safely.   Remember that the original weight of the boat generally isn't real close to the weight that you're pulling.   Batteries, weight of gas, safety gear, cooler full of ice & beverages all add up.

 

Buying used from a dealer or an individual?  There are pros & cons to each strategy.   Good luck in finding a boat that is right for you.

[crypt]

8 hours ago, S Hovanec said:

Heaviest to lightest: 1, 3, 2.  By a large margain if the foam in #1 is waterlogged like it most likely is.

 

#3 would be my preferred boat of those 3.

this.....

[WRB]

If towing weight is the issue what vehicle are you towing with?

Tom

[Fishingmickey]

10 hours ago, S Hovanec said:

Heaviest to lightest: 1, 3, 2.  By a large margain if the foam in #1 is waterlogged like it most likely is.

 

#3 would be my preferred boat of those 3.

X3 for #3