Jon Boat As A Newbie Boat?

[Difrano]

Just a question, I'm very low on budget for a boat and was thinking about a Jon Boat maybe a tracker topper 1436 and a trolling motor they are on sale at my local BPS, just for a start and to be able to fish small lakes, maybe later I'll buy a small outboard for it.

Is this ok? or is better to wait and get some used stuff?

Thanks

Armando

[Fishes in trees]

If you're bank bound, any boat is a good starting point. A jon boat can last a long time. As a first time boater, please be aware that you will be needing some more gear than just a trolling motor.

You'll need oars or a paddle ( strongly recommend oars over a paddle) You'll need a life jacket, some sort of throwable flotation, maybe a cooler. Once you get started in tricking out your jon boat, there is lots of different stuff you're going to want.

[Jim McC]

You're better off trying to find a used boat, whether it's a jon boat or V-hull. You could probably find a used jon boat and trailer for less than a "new" jon boat only. I tried a 1436 flat jon, and it was pretty tippy. Check out your local papers and Craigslist. A 1442 jon would be nice, and a 1448 would be great, very stable.

[pa mountain man]

I'd look for a bigger used unit first. I paid $100 for a used 12.5' deep v tinny(still use it) with a 5 hp eska. I used to haul it in the bed until I hit a deer and the eska ended up on the dash,lol. Over the years, I added a trailer, fish finder, #40 trolling motor, johnson 9.9, and a small casting deck. I now have a perfect unit for myself without needing a boat worth more than my house.

[South FLA]

Do yourself a favor and by something other than a Tracker as your jon boat, I have one that I use all the time for my backyard fishing excursions and golf course lake jumping, its transom is weak and separating, rivets leak, and aluminum is as thin as onion paper. I tried to polish it up a bit, but adding some no skid deck paint and painting it camo, but its still a sub-par jon boat when compared to Lowe, G3, or Alumacraft's offerings. Keep searching Craiglist and see if you can pick up a nice used jon boat, with all the accessories, make sure you get an outboard or have some type of rudder in the back if you mount a trolling motor in the front since the wind tends to blow jon boats around like a leaf. As far as starter boat, I started out with one and still will own one regardless of weather or not I have a fiberglass boat, they can get you to places other boats simply cannot go.

[Grey Wolf]

Whatever you buy, make sure it's at least 48 " wide , anything less is too tipsy. JMHO

[SoFlaBassAddict]

You'll never find me not owning a small Jon Boat of some kind. I've got tons of lakes in my area that you cannot put a larger boat in, much less something with a gas engine.

[Marty]

My fishing partner started with a 12' john boat which he has kept after buying a bass boat. He's gotten more than his money's worth with the places he's been able to go and the fish he's caught. He doesn't have his tricked out, just a trolling motor, the PFDs and a couple of paddles. It's pretty stable, but I don't know the actual width.

[Difrano]

Thanks for your answers, I have another question: where can I find listings of used boats in central Florida? Web sites?

[Daniel My Brother]

craigslist.org should have you covered.

[South FLA]

Thanks for your answers, I have another question: where can I find listings of used boats in central Florida? Web sites?

I like searchtempest it combines different craigslist locations and eBay on one site, good luck in your search!