I've had a lot of jon boats in my lifetime. The 20 footers are just plain better in my always humble opinion. Yeah a 1648 will do it but a 2048 will do everything the 1648 does better, more comfortably and more stably and usually shallower. My first 2048 was an aluminum jon with a 35 mercury on it. Seemed like every time I took it to the river, somebody tried to buy it from me. Sold it and got an 18'6" x 54 with console steering and a Yamaha pro 50 with tilt and trim. That was a good one too. But I swear the 2048 Shawnee with the prop Yamaha 15 I am in now is the best jon I've ever had. LOVE all that rocker it has, really helps running shallow water. I'm sure a jet can get a few places I cannot, but there are not many. Aluminum is lighter but to me that's the only advantage. Glass boats are quieter, cooler in the summer and do not stick to rocks like aluminum does. All that said, it's your money. Best of luck with whatever you do.