Jon Boat Prices

[stew3y]

Hello, I am currently a sophmore in High School and was looking to buy a Jon boat for the summer.  However, I am a sophmore, which means I don't have a lot of money.  So I was wondering, if I were to get the bare minimum (besides a kayak, I refuse to get that), what would the price be?  I don't care what the condition is, I just want something that can get me around to fish with my friends.

[Bluebasser86]

I guess it depends what your bare minimum requirements are. How big does the boat need to be? Do you need it to have a trolling motor or a gas motor? Do you need a trailer? I’ve bought a few John boats with nothing in them for less than $500. Last one was a 16’ boat that was 5’ wide with a trailer for $300. It needed work but I fixed it up and fished out of it for a few years before I sold it for $1000. 

[stew3y]

For me, Bare minimum is a boat and a motor.  Engine I would like for it to be able to get me and my friends somewhere.  And the boat, I want it big enough to hold atleast one other person. 

[Alex from GA]

How big water are you planning to fish and where do you live?  Wind and big water means a bigger boat.

[Way2slow]

You are probably wanting to buy one at a bad time.  The large corporations have pretty much monopolized the boat industry so now they have full control over pricing and have taken full advantage that.  A 1436L Lowe that I bought new for less than $600 in 2005 is now selling for almost $3,000.  Those that have realized that are taking full advantage of that selling their used jons.  Then you add the huge increase in new outboard motor prices, good, older used motors are selling for premium prices, even the used parts for them are selling for ridiculous prices.

So, if it were me, I would be constantly checking all available sources for a used boats of anything that met my needs, regardless of how it's rigged, and plan on buying it pieces at the time as items come available for a fair price.  Granted, not the most convenient way, but probably the cheapest way.  There is still a few popping up for a few hundred dollars by someone not aware of what the current market value.  You might get lucky and find a boat, motor and trailer combination but you have to be ready to buy it immediately, they don't stay on the market long.

I'm a prime example of that.  A year ago, I considered my 1436 with 1978 9.9 Johnson or 1982 25hp Mercury, rigged with running lights and removable sets, and galvanized trailer to be worth about $1,600.  I am giving strong consideration to selling it now and with a fairly new MG X3 TM, and Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 73sv I'm probably going to start off by asking $2,900.  A lot more than I would have a year ago.

[Motoboss]

On 2/15/2025 at 9:36 AM, stew3y said:

Hello, I am currently a sophmore in High School and was looking to buy a Jon boat for the summer.  However, I am a sophmore, which means I don't have a lot of money.  So I was wondering, if I were to get the bare minimum (besides a kayak, I refuse to get that), what would the price be?  I don't care what the condition is, I just want something that can get me around to fish with my friends.

 

Welcome to the site. Please fill out your profile as a courtesy to the membership to assist you regionally.

 

That being said, facebook, craigslist and local buy/sell/trade magazines would be the best place to look. Most sellers are negotiable on price and/or accessories and would make finding something easier. As example, I bought my 13’ canoe for $150 off of a local facebook member. Keep looking and don’t settle for anything less than what you want. It may take a bit longer to save the funds but in the end you’ll be happier.

 

Keep at it, and once again Welcome, don’t be shy and come back often. There are a lot of knowledgeable folks here willing to help. 

[Scott F]

On 2/15/2025 at 8:36 AM, stew3y said:

Hello, I am currently a sophmore in High School and was looking to buy a Jon boat for the summer.  However, I am a sophmore, which means I don't have a lot of money.  So I was wondering, if I were to get the bare minimum (besides a kayak, I refuse to get that), what would the price be?  I don't care what the condition is, I just want something that can get me around to fish with my friends.

You realize that in addition to the boat, depending on the regulations where you live, there can be sales tax that you have to pay, boat registration, title, and trailer license plates. Then there are the safety items like life jackets, fire extinguisher, and maintenance like trailer tires, and wheel bearings. And then, do you have a vehicle that can tow even a small boat? Does it have a trailer hitch? I assume you have a place to store a boat? You may have already considered all these things and the budget for them but your original post didn’t say much. 

[volzfan59]

Assuming that you’re driving, keep your eyes open. As you’re driving around, and can do so safely, either you or a buddy look in backyard’s, side yards, wherever you can look. If you see an old boat that looks like it’s been there a while go knock on the door and respectfully ask if they’re interesting in selling. You might be surprised. The worst they can say is no. In the area where I live, I can think of four jon boats sitting upside down in the wood line around people’s homes. One is sitting on a trailer. That’s exactly how I got a trailer for my first jon boat. It was pretty ragged, everything needed replacing but I got the thing for $25.00. The main thing is to be respectful when asking.

[Choporoz]

On 2/15/2025 at 9:36 AM, stew3y said:

 (besides a kayak, I refuse to get that)

Just curious....why?

[Motoboss]

I think it’s more about being able to bring buddies along, kayaking doesn’t work for that.

[Swamp Girl]

I'd buy an old hull, an old trailer, and a new motor. You might be able to find the first two for $500 for both, leaving more money for a new motor. I suggest this because I've owned old motors and I wasted hours and hours trying to get them running. An old hull should float, but many old motors can't be trusted. 

[Swamp Girl]

4 hours ago, volzfan59 said:

Assuming that you’re driving, keep your eyes open. As you’re driving around, and can do so safely, either you or a buddy look in backyard’s, side yards, wherever you can look. If you see an old boat that looks like it’s been there a while go knock on the door and respectfully ask if they’re interesting in selling. You might be surprised.

 

Great idea. A lot of boats are long abandoned in backyards.

[Way2slow]

In 1966 I was a senior in high school when I bought a brand new 14’ glass boat with a 65hp Mercury, mainly for water skiing.  For four years before that, my primary fishing boat was a 17 ft canoe.  I’ve probably bought and sold 100 boats since then but I still have that 17’, and spent a lot of time in it through the years.  
As for motors, thats going to depend on your mechanical skills/knowledge.  Other than two 135BHP Mercury race motors, that 1966 Mercury was the only new motor I ever owned on a regular boat.  I made bunches of money over the years buying those “used” boats and motors, fixing and selling them.  The older carbureted motors are easy to fix.  Owning one of the newer four stroke or fuel injected motors can be very expensive for most people if its not under warranty, so be careful buying one.