Jon boat vs pelican/sun dolphin

[Anthony12118]

So I've been researching small boats, a bass tracker classic is still a few years away.  I've read almost everything on pelican bass raider (which for some reason I can't find in upstate NY anywhere) and sun dolphin sportsman and the field and stream angler 10.  I'm 300lbs and my dad is 220 that's the weight limit of people for those boats.  I understand I'm looking at 16ft jon boat for the stability and comfort.  I know the specifics of the boats, i guess I'm just looking for advice or experiences from,big guys on which is the better buy,or why you v recommend one vs the other.  I should also say that i can afford the pontoon style and trailer brand new but I'd have to find a used jon boat and "work" on it, a new jon boat is out of reach right now but I have the skills to do the work.  Any v advice you fellas can offer is so greatly appreciated.

[Dirtyeggroll]

This is a huge thread, but a good read that might help you answer your question.

 

As someone who has owned a BassHound, I wouldn't suggest both of you on a 10ft rig.

[markedman]

Just recently sold my Pelican Bass Raider. It's ok for 1 person. I'm 5'10" 250#  and my son 5'8" 125# and it was really cramped when we were both using it.

[Anthony12118]

I went and looked at an 8 foot field and stream angler 8 today and it was small, i can't imagine 24 inches is going yup be a game v changer.  

[cyclops2]

No wind & bow splashing OVER & INTO the hull.   Love a Jon boat when they are DEEP & WIDE.  Should have plenty of FLAT FLOOR SPACE for everything...………….Driver & lighter person up front with all the gear & iced down dead fish box.

 

Add 200 for a motor 14 gallon gas tank full 90 pounds  5 gallon separate RESERVE tank 35 pounds.  Chest with bags of ice20 pounds.   10 pound anchor  Big dog ?  

 

You need at least 16 footer with a 30 hp  You will probably not get up on a full plane across the surface.  big people need bigger boats & bigger motors

[CaptPete]

I won't say you need 30hp, but I'd highly suggest a boat wider than 36" unless you plan on small water (with minimal pleasure boaters). 

 

PS. Jon boat is the way to go, keep your eyes open, season is winding down (sorta, lol), deals will pop up. I picked up a 1438 with trailer and 20hp for $750 very close to you a couple years back, the first day it snowed that season. 

[OCdockskipper]

I really like my Pond Prowler, but 500 plus pounds of humanity plus gear is just too much weight for these little boats.  I'd recommend a john-boat, there are alot of cool modifications you can do to make them a mini bass boat.

[Fishes in trees]

Please consider - 500+ pounds of humans + gear is a load, even in a 16 foot Jon boat.  If it is a narrow 16 footer, if you were to catch a wave side ways or quartering you from behind (like when a faster boat is coming behind you and passing you) that boat might swamp.  10' pond boats are very stable and unlike a Jon boat are very likely to float if you get surprised by a wake.   Get two of them.  then you can fish together, but separately, probably be much safer.

[cyclops2]

All excellent advice about idiots laughing as the send a big wake wave at you. Those recent WAVE MAKING skiing boats WILL ALWAYS send white cap wave all the way to shore lines.  Take a picture of the waves coming at you & get the state Police or USCG to ticket them...………..NO ONE can legally throw those wakes at any other  boat .  You will need a description & registration # of the boat if possible...…………...No #. Enough complaints will get them ticketed.  Been there & done it with the USCG on my area. Good people.

[Anthony12118]

Thanks fellas, i think I'm going to start looking for a larger jon boat. I appreciate your time.

[cyclops2]

Good choice. Our northern waters can bring on Hypothermia very quickly in the colder seasons.

[Shimano_1]

Having owned both I would highly suggest the jon boat.  I'm 200 lbs and my dad is 190 and we were always cramped on the plastic boats.  No storage room either. They're fun for small waters and fishing alone.  If you fish with a partner usually I'd go jon boat for sure

[Rainerius]

I usually get worried with big wakes/waves on my previous Jon Boat. Now I have the Bass Raider and I feel safer.

 

I even filled it up with water and it just will not sink. I also purposely tried to catch big waves with it and it rolls over them like a pro.