jon boat size for lakes?

[mja900]

How do you know if a jon boat is safe for the size of the lake, as in being worried about getting tipped over by waves from other boats and stuff like that? Is a 14 ft ok, or does it need to be like 16 ft or larger?

[SoFlaBassAddict]

That would all depend on how big the lake is, how active is the boat traffic, and in what part of the lake you're in.

I've taken my 12' on some fairly large lakes, but those don't see very much boat activity.  I sure wouldn't want to take it out and run around the middle of Okeechobee with it.

[MattinOK]

If I'm not mistaken, width is more important than length in a jon boat. I've heard the 48-50" ones are really quite stable.

[Andy Taylor]

If I'm not mistaken, width is more important than length in a jon boat. I've heard the 48-50" ones are really quite stable.

I agree. Try to find one with a floor width of 48" wide. If you can't, a 42" wide floor would probably be OK.

[SCangler91]

We have a 14.6 ft jon boat with a 20 HP Evinrude on it.  Yeah you'll rock but it suits me and one other just fine.  We love it.

[Marty]

You'll want the biggest possible if you're going to be out in open water on windy days with lots of boat traffic. The smallest boat will do fine if you're in a protected area, regardless of lake size.

[Catt]

Bottom width = stability

I fished Toledo Bend for years out of a aluminum that was 15' in length & had a 50" bottom.

[pa mountain man]

I do all of my fishing out of a 12' deep v, as long as you know your equipment, and yourself, the sky is the limit. I've fished Presqile in my rig, but I'm usually within pitchin' distance from shore.

[Goldstar225]

I've fished a few large lakes in my 14' X 36" jon boat but I was very selective about when I did so.

[done]

I've fished a few large lakes in my 14' X 36" jon boat but I was very selective about when I did so.

Ditto. I also had some close calls on Wylie with some less than courteous pleasure boaters and skiers.

[perchin]

It can get a bit hairy at times.... but I have no reservations of fishing big lakes out of my 14' sea nymph with only a beam of 54" bottom of 42".