bassmedic46 Posted June 16, 2009 Posted June 16, 2009 Would a jon boat be safe for my 5 yr old twins with me. I weigh about 220? What size would fit on top of a 2004 Jeep Liberty? Quote
sneaker Posted June 16, 2009 Posted June 16, 2009 Its nice to see you starting the kids early and instilling in them the love of the O/D and fishing. I started mine at 4 y/o and she is now a granny and still my favorite fishing partner. We are always among the last boats off the water each day we are out, and she cleans the fish. The Jon boat is a pretty stable craft for its size, even with 350 lbs aboard. It ought to be OK on quiet water that doesn't have a lot of traffic. It is probably the best you can do with a boat that can be car-topped. Just make sure the flotation is in place and the kids have their PFDs' on. I would go for a boat no smaller than 12 ft, preferable 14 ft. Quote
bassmedic46 Posted June 16, 2009 Author Posted June 16, 2009 Thank you, I was thinking of going with a 14' Jon boat. I will probably need to get a trailer. Not sure if I can get a 14' on the roof by myself. Quote
done Posted June 16, 2009 Posted June 16, 2009 I would trailer it. I got a 1446. Would have been tough to get it on the roof day 1. After i added a 8hp outboard, all my tackle, TM, batteries, fish finder, etc well now it is not even possible. You will likely add toys over time to make it more fishable. Maybe a litte gas motor, TM, etc. With a trailer off the get go, you will be good to go. Haggle a bit with the boat dealers. I played BPS and 2 locals here on price and got mine (1446 hull, trailer, and 8 hp 4 stroke OB), about $300 cheaper at the local guy. Quote
bassmedic46 Posted June 16, 2009 Author Posted June 16, 2009 I know Bass Pro has a set up of the 1446 and trailer and motor for about 2100 dollars. To rich at the moment for me but I will see if I can get a better deal at a local place. Quote
Super User Wayne P. Posted June 17, 2009 Super User Posted June 17, 2009 Check craigslist in your area, you may find what you want at good price. Quote
Super User Raul Posted June 17, 2009 Super User Posted June 17, 2009 Would a jon boat be safe for my 5 yr old twins with me. I weigh about 220? What size would fit on top of a 2004 Jeep Liberty? Yup, unless you have one of those 8 ft jonboats it 's pretty safe, I fish with my kid ( 6 ) from a 12 ft. 12 Ft will fit on top of a Liberty, mine fitted on top of my Honda CRV. Problem was cartopping it, darn bulky tub :-/ Quote
bassmedic46 Posted June 17, 2009 Author Posted June 17, 2009 Will it be hard to put a 12' boat on top of my Liberty by myself? Any tricks? Quote
Super User Grey Wolf Posted June 17, 2009 Super User Posted June 17, 2009 Get a1448 and a trailer , you will be so much better off and a lot safer for the kids. Quote
bassmedic46 Posted June 17, 2009 Author Posted June 17, 2009 I'm thinking that will be my best bet is the 1448 and trailer with a small outboard. Quote
Folshen Posted June 18, 2009 Posted June 18, 2009 I've got a 12' jon that holds myself, wife or daughter, trolling motor, battery and all the normal tackle...and holds it all quite well even while battling the wake of jet ski's and speedboats. I had a 10' jon (very briefly) that I took out once, myself and wife, two poles, two PFD's and oars...and felt like a human bobber for every little set of waves that passed under us. Not sure if the bottom width has a lot to do with it or not but the 12' is 36" and the 10' was only 32". Quote
SW Florida Kid Posted June 18, 2009 Posted June 18, 2009 An 8ft jon boat is extremely small... A perfect size would be a 12" jon boat. I found it to be great for two grown men and all of our gear. Quote
SW Florida Kid Posted June 18, 2009 Posted June 18, 2009 I've got a 12' jon that holds myself, wife or daughter, trolling motor, battery and all the normal tackle...and holds it all quite well even while battling the wake of jet ski's and speedboats.I had a 10' jon (very briefly) that I took out once, myself and wife, two poles, two PFD's and oars...and felt like a human bobber for every little set of waves that passed under us. Not sure if the bottom width has a lot to do with it or not but the 12' is 36" and the 10' was only 32". +1 a 12" is perfect Quote
deermaster Posted June 18, 2009 Posted June 18, 2009 bottom width has SO MUCH more to do with feeling and staying safe. i would stay well above 30", in the 36" range at the very least, 42-48" being ideal. and remember, 2' in length is a world of difference, a 12 footer is HUGE compared to a 10', and a 14' is a totally different class of boat when compared to a 12 footer. Quote
bassmedic46 Posted June 19, 2009 Author Posted June 19, 2009 Sounds like the 14' would be overkill and the 12' would fit me better. Quote
Daniel My Brother Posted June 19, 2009 Posted June 19, 2009 I'd strongly consider trailering a jon boat over car topping. It's so much easier to launch and load a boat onto a trailer, and you don't risk denting and scratching your jeep in the process. Plus, a trailer allows you to buy a bigger, wider, safer boat, and carry more gear for a more enjoyable trip for you and the twins. Good luck with whatever you decide. Quote
Super User Raul Posted June 19, 2009 Super User Posted June 19, 2009 Will it be hard to put a 12' boat on top of my Liberty by myself? Any tricks? Get a friendly neighboor or a fishing partner, it will make your life a lot easier. The problem is not really the weight in a 12 fter, it 's the bulk, flip the boat, lift the bow until it reaches the top of the vehicle, go to the back, lift the back of the boat and push to slide it, then let it drop gently on the top, push more so the back is inline with the back of the vehicle, place the tie downs, tighten and you are ready to go. That 's it, sounds easy, yeah, right : specially when you are short and the darn vehicle is too tall for you. With somebody helping you it takes about 10 min to do the entire operation, on your own it 's going to take a lot more. I know it 's easy to say, sure ! get a trailer, but what you do when you don 't have place to store a trailered boat ? ---> you gotta cartop it, like I do. Quote
bassmedic46 Posted June 19, 2009 Author Posted June 19, 2009 I need to find a adult to go fishing with as well. My 5 yr old twins won't be much helping me with lifting. Quote
Super User Raul Posted June 19, 2009 Super User Posted June 19, 2009 Sure, you do need another adult, it 's pretty unsafe to be on your own with only two kids with you. You never know what may happen. Quote
bassmedic46 Posted June 20, 2009 Author Posted June 20, 2009 Thank you, I never thought about that. You never know what might happen. With another adult and the kids I'll have to rethink a Jon boat maybe. Quote
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