Questions About John Boats

[OzarkFishman]

I know this is probably the 1,000th similar post, but here it goes.

I am part owner of a corn maze up in Lowry City. Once the money comes in after this fall season (mid November), I have talked my wife into letting me spend $1,000 to upgrade from no boat to a 10 - 12 ft john boat (you got to start somewhere).

The necessities are a boat and a good trolling motor. I would also like to get a small outboard (3 - 4.5 hp).

I PLAN ON USING THIS BOAT ON RIVERS (James and Finley) AND SPRINGFIELD LAKE.

Here are my questions (any answers/opinions are greatly appreciated).

Is 10 ft too short? Should I go with a 12 ft?

How much thrust is needed to move a 10 ft johnboat with a trolling motor? 12 ft?

How much should I expect to pay for a decent small outboard?

If I have to go with just a trolling motor, then what type of battery should I get to handle a long usage?

What battery charger would you get?

I am stingy with my money (teachers have to be), but when I buy I like buying quality. I’ve seen a lot of crap on craigslist and eBay (crap is in the eye of the beholder I feel sorry for the smiley face, he got crap in his eye and is still smiling). I would rather have a good boat and good trolling motor, than a less than average boat, trolling motor, and outboard.

OzarkFishman

[Bubbas Dad]

You can get a brand new 12 foot john boat at Bass Pro for around $500. Then Add one of there new trolling motors foot controlled for around $400 and You ought to have a decent liitle rig you can throw in the back of your truck and go. If you wanna wait till the fall you can usually find a decent boat motor and trailer for around that price though it will probally be older and leak like crazy like mine. Never know though. Good luck and good fishing. Dave

[thunderbutt]

i had a 14" jon with a 36" wide bottom i bought it and sold it after the first time i used it. now if you are light weight person and pretty agile you might work ok for you. but you will regret buying a 14+ foot boat. me im a pretty large person that 14" er i thought i was in a canoe. darn neat fell out of two times in that day. 4 sale sign went on it next day. my opinion a 10 foot boat is useless. not if you had a 1-3 acre farm pond might work. you just might find a better deal on a 14" jon with all you want on it. oh if you have small kids or a wife who might want to go with you that 10 footer is not safe with two in it check out some new boat mfgr's see what the weight capacity's are for a 10,12,14+' you need a stable boat . i had a guide tell me on the illinois river that just about all drownings of men died with there zipper down think about that . is a small boat safe enough to stand up in. no idea how large the rivers you talking about big river is no place for any small boat .big boat wakes make for some white knuckle times. look on your rivers see what others are using. ask at boat dealers for recommendations they sell a lot of small jon boats go to a dealer that has more jon boats than big bass boatsyou can find a nice little boat from a dealer at a better price in nov. than june. he might have one you like at your budget.

[ozarkgunner]

i had a 14" jon with a 36" wide bottom i bought it and sold it after the first time i used it. now if you are light weight person and pretty agile you might work ok for you. but you will regret buying a 14+ foot boat. me im a pretty large person that 14" er i thought i was in a canoe. darn neat fell out of two times in that day. 4 sale sign went on it next day. my opinion a 10 foot boat is useless. not if you had a 1-3 acre farm pond might work. you just might find a better deal on a 14" jon with all you want on it. oh if you have small kids or a wife who might want to go with you that 10 footer is not safe with two in it check out some new boat mfgr's see what the weight capacity's are for a 10,12,14+' you need a stable boat . i had a guide tell me on the illinois river that just about all drownings of men died with there zipper down think about that . is a small boat safe enough to stand up in. no idea how large the rivers you talking about big river is no place for any small boat .big boat wakes make for some white knuckle times. look on your rivers see what others are using. ask at boat dealers for recommendations they sell a lot of small jon boats go to a dealer that has more jon boats than big bass boatsyou can find a nice little boat from a dealer at a better price in nov. than june. he might have one you like at your budget.

I would check Craig's list. Small boat don't really wear out and the small leaks are really easy to fix. Now for the motor.......... expect to spend $1000 alone on a motor. 6 Hp is the max you can use at lake Springfield so I wouldn't buy anything bigger.

[OzarkFishman]

Now that I am looking in to all of the specifics of owning a boat, I am quickly realizing that I will not be able to afford an outboard ... yet.

Here is what I know I need:

1 - 12 foot jon boat

1 - 12 V deep cycle battery

1 - trolling motor

1 - battery charger

2 - oars (just in case)

I am a newbie when it comes to boats.

Do I need quick connect cables?

What else do I need to be ready for the water?

You guys are great for dealing with my hundreds of questions. It seems everytime I post I ask even more questions. Like I tell my students, questions are a sign of intelligence (unless, they are dumb questions !!!)

OzarkFishman

[fishinwrench]

Must haves:

Life jackets (PFD's) for each occupant.

Throwable device (boat cushion).

Length of rope and a decent knife to keep in the boat (ya never know).

A whistle.

[brownieman]

Not sure if it's a law but from experience...

A good long handled paddle

[ozarkgunner]

Not sure if it's a law but from experience...

A good long handled paddle

lights

[OzarkFishman]

Thats what I'm talking about. All of these are things I will need. Keep the list coming so I can prepare for when I have to buy it all.

Talking about fishing make me want to go ... alright I guess I will have to hit Finley for a couple hours tonight (shucks!!!).

Thanks again,

OzarkFishman

[brownieman]

1 anchor...2 if you want to keep straight