Questions on jon boat

noboatyet · 05-30-07, 09:49 PM

I'm searing around for a good deal on a john boat, preferably with a motor. I'm looking at use or not very old. I'm looking for somthing 12 to 14ft and room enough for two folks.

What size motor would you use to get around the lake with. I won't be using it when its busy out in the lake because of the wake, and when I do use it I'm only going to troll the coves and what not. I want more than just a trolling motor for getting from point A to B.

A bass boat would be awesome but its not affordable right now. Some of the best bass fishing I've done was from a 12' john boat.

Any reccomendations on motors, flat hull or v hull, sizes?

bassbooger · 05-31-07, 08:13 AM

For a first boat I would go with a 12-14 foot flat bottom aluminum. That way if you hit any stumps you won't be too worried about scratching the bottom or putting a hole in it very easy. As far as a motor goes, a 9.9 would push that size boat with no problem, I have seen then with as big as a 35 on them, but it was really weighing the back end down.

Please fill out your profile so we can get an idea of where you are from. You might be surprised how many members on here live in your area.

Oh, check craigslist for any boats in your area.

patchino22 · 05-31-07, 01:39 PM

I dont know what your price range is, but I got a 12 ft Coleman (plastic) w/ a trolling motor off of Craigslist for $600. I dont have a gas motor yet and still rely on the trolling motor to get me around, but it works just fine. I was checking Craigslist everyday for a couple of weeks to find it....and it was totally worth it. It is a great resource for this type of purchase.

Also, I like that my boat is plastic and a flat hull. Its lightweight and I can put it in the water myself pretty easily. The trolling motor doesnt have to work as hard because the boat is not as heavy (which means longer battery life and it goes faster). I dont know how you plan to transport your boat (trailer vs. in the back of a truck), but that should also weigh in on your decision.

noboatyet · 05-31-07, 07:53 PM

Patch yea I'm checking craigslist every day. Good buys out there. I want to spend around what you did. Found a little 10 footer with trolling motor two seats anchor. It was flat bottom but had to be transfered on truck bed. My truck bed is only 6' because I have a king cab. But for the right deal, I'd transport it on my truck bed.

Is yours one of those pond prowlers? I saw new ones at Bass Pro Shop but I'm not sure if I want to get one out in lake lanier. Its a busy lake and pretty choppy at times. Other times its mirror smooth.

05-30-07, 09:49 PM	#1
noboatyet BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Flowery Branch Posts: 21	Questions on jon boat I'm searing around for a good deal on a john boat, preferably with a motor. I'm looking at use or not very old. I'm looking for somthing 12 to 14ft and room enough for two folks. What size motor would you use to get around the lake with. I won't be using it when its busy out in the lake because of the wake, and when I do use it I'm only going to troll the coves and what not. I want more than just a trolling motor for getting from point A to B. A bass boat would be awesome but its not affordable right now. Some of the best bass fishing I've done was from a 12' john boat. Any reccomendations on motors, flat hull or v hull, sizes?

05-31-07, 08:13 AM	#2
bassbooger BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Dallas, NC Posts: 316	For a first boat I would go with a 12-14 foot flat bottom aluminum. That way if you hit any stumps you won't be too worried about scratching the bottom or putting a hole in it very easy. As far as a motor goes, a 9.9 would push that size boat with no problem, I have seen then with as big as a 35 on them, but it was really weighing the back end down. Please fill out your profile so we can get an idea of where you are from. You might be surprised how many members on here live in your area. Oh, check craigslist for any boats in your area. __________________ cast, reel, cast!!! Repeat if necessary!! Dallas, NC

05-31-07, 01:39 PM	#3
patchino22 BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 116	I dont know what your price range is, but I got a 12 ft Coleman (plastic) w/ a trolling motor off of Craigslist for $600. I dont have a gas motor yet and still rely on the trolling motor to get me around, but it works just fine. I was checking Craigslist everyday for a couple of weeks to find it....and it was totally worth it. It is a great resource for this type of purchase. Also, I like that my boat is plastic and a flat hull. Its lightweight and I can put it in the water myself pretty easily. The trolling motor doesnt have to work as hard because the boat is not as heavy (which means longer battery life and it goes faster). I dont know how you plan to transport your boat (trailer vs. in the back of a truck), but that should also weigh in on your decision.

05-31-07, 07:53 PM	#4
noboatyet BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Flowery Branch Posts: 21	Patch yea I'm checking craigslist every day. Good buys out there. I want to spend around what you did. Found a little 10 footer with trolling motor two seats anchor. It was flat bottom but had to be transfered on truck bed. My truck bed is only 6' because I have a king cab. But for the right deal, I'd transport it on my truck bed. Is yours one of those pond prowlers? I saw new ones at Bass Pro Shop but I'm not sure if I want to get one out in lake lanier. Its a busy lake and pretty choppy at times. Other times its mirror smooth.

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