Good Deal for a Jon Boat?

[Reddmann0]

I’ve never owned a boat, so I really know nothing about them. Someone offered me a 14’ (don’t know the width yet) Jon boat with a trolling motor and trailer. The trailer needs new tires, trolling motor has a broken propeller. He said the boat doesn’t leak and the trailer is good except for the tires. $350. Is this a good deal? Would this be ok for me, my wife, and daughter?

[Michigander]

Depends on your area. I would look at the going rate for a similar setup on Craigslist to give you an idea.  

 

If the prop is busted, I'd bet the battery isn't amazing either. So you're in for at least a new prop, new tires, a few other incidentals and a battery plus possibly a charger, so you'll probably be closer to $600 when all is said and done.

Also, check your state laws for boat/trailer registration, licenses, and fees.

 

[Reddmann0]

25 minutes ago, Michigander said:

Depends on your area. I would look at the going rate for a similar setup on Craigslist to give you an idea.  

 

If the prop is busted, I'd bet the battery isn't amazing either. So you're in for at least a new prop, new tires, a few other incidentals and a battery plus possibly a charger, so you'll probably be closer to $600 when all is said and done.

Also, check your state laws for boat/trailer registration, licenses, and fees.

 

Thanks!

[Way2slow]

Yes, it's still a good deal with a trailer, provided its not a junky homemade trailer..  The main thing is, being new to boats is the width.  Get one of the narrower ones and it won't be very stable and can very easily dump you over the side the first time you try to reach out to get to get a lure or something.  1432 is about as narrow as I would recommend to a newbee and would be better if it was 1436.

[MGF]

I have a 1436 and it's plenty stable...I don't know what I'd have to do to get it to go over.

 

The thing about a flat bottom boat is that it's pretty specialized. I like it on the river (where I do most of my fishing) but it doesn't take much chop to beat you half to death.

 

My old v hull worked ok on the river and it was MUCH better on bigger water. If I did it over I'd buy something different.

[slonezp]

You can by new tires/wheels at Tractor Supply, Harbor Freight, or Menards. It takes a lot of force to break a prop, I would be a bit concerned that their is damage to the trolling motor. So, as far as a good deal, yes it's worth $350, but expect to put some $$$ into it. As far as good for you, the wife, and the kid, figure the boat will hold about 600lbs total weight. That would be people, gear, the trolling motor and battery, cooler, and what not.

[Reddmann0]

2 hours ago, Way2slow said:

Thanks for all the replies. I went and looked at it this morning. It is 36” wide in the bottom inside of the boat. I’m adding a couple of photos...

[NoShoes]

That’s going to be tippy. 1448 was my first boat and there were some tippy times in it. 

[Reddmann0]

My wife is looking at the intex inflatable 5-person boat also.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084CWK9BQ/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_api_fabt1_VNRWFb873RS3E

[Michigander]

1 hour ago, Reddmann0 said:

My wife is looking at the intex inflatable 5-person boat also.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084CWK9BQ/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_api_fabt1_VNRWFb873RS3E

"Person" is defined differently than you would think. Also, those can be hard to fish from without adding hard floors as you're half laying down the whole time.

[Stasher1]

I don't think $350 is all that bad, but plan on another $100 for wheels/tires, $50 or so to address any potential problems with the lights/wiring, plus whatever you decide to invest in the trolling motor and battery.

 

Then, you get to deal with boat and trailer registration...

[Way2slow]

I'm not too fond of the way they have done the transom.  Kind of a hap hazard way to extending it, and not too sure they were also trying to reinforce it where the wood on the inside might be rotten.  Might want to check that.  It's usually not a major deal in replacing the wood inside most jons but some can be a real pain.  If you are not handy with tools a doing something like that, might want to check it close.  Bad transom can be the death of a boat, if it has to be repaired/replaced by a professional. 

On the other hand also, if you never plan to add an outboard, just running a TM it would be ok like it is.

Usually ends up though, being your first, it won't be long before you get tired of the limitations of at small TM and start looking for a small outboard.  9.9 would make a world of difference in enjoyment.

[Reddmann0]

Thanks for the replies everyone. We’re still undecided.

[Reddmann0]

We ended up getting the jon boat. It’s been sitting outside for a while, so it’s faded and needs some cleaning/painting. I’m gonna try replacing the wood on the transom and somewhat restoring it. I hooked a battery I’m up to the trolling motor and it seems to work fine, so I’ll be buying a new propeller for it soon. Thanks again for all the replies.

[Way2slow]

On the transom.  It looks like that was their way of trying to extend it for a long shaft motor (20").  The boat most likely came with a 15" transom height for a short shaft motor.  So, when you start working on it, you might want to decide if you want a 15" or 20" transom.  If a small gas motor might be in the picture down the road, the 15" short shaft motors are far more common than the 20" long shaft in used motors.  Might want to do a little research up front and see what the more common are in your area.  Around my parts, 9.9's and 15's would be hard to find in a 20" long shaft.  25's are about evenly mixed, but a 25 is a lot of motor for a 1436.  I have a 25 Merc I put on my 1436 and if will scoot.  My wife prefers me using the 9.9 when she's in it, which it's actually a 9.9 modified to a 15.

[Reddmann0]

15 minutes ago, Way2slow said:

On the transom.  It looks like that was their way of trying to extend it for a long shaft motor (20").  The boat most likely came with a 15" transom height for a short shaft motor.  So, when you start working on it, you might want to decide if you want a 15" or 20" transom.  If a small gas motor might be in the picture down the road, the 15" short shaft motors are far more common than the 20" long shaft in used motors.  Might want to do a little research up front and see what the more common are in your area.  Around my parts, 9.9's and 15's would be hard to find in a 20" long shaft.  25's are about evenly mixed, but a 25 is a lot of motor for a 1436.  I have a 25 Merc I put on my 1436 and if will scoot.  My wife prefers me using the 9.9 when she's in it, which it's actually a 9.9 modified to a 15.

Thanks, Way2slow! Most likely, I’ll never have more than a trolling motor. If I do, it won’t be more than a 9.9. So if I mess with the transom, would it be better to just remove the extension piece and replace the wood, leaving the extension piece off altogether? Thanks again.