Questions About John Boats

[TRSmallie]

Ok from where you are going to fish, I fish those waters a lot. I bought a 14' jon boat with the 36" bottom brand new at bass pro spring of 08'. I purchased a 65# foot control trolling motor. 2 group 27 deep cycle batteries, a $200 fish finder/gps, and Trailer. I then decked the front and carpeted it and mounted by pedelstal seat up front with a seet mounted on the reer bench. I wiegh around 250# and my trolling motor with batteries and front deck add another 170# roughly. But with the trolling motor on speed 5 I go about 5.1 to 5.3 MPH by my GPS I can can fish Springfield lake on just my trolling motor on speed 3 avg for over 8 hrs of power fishing. Then I have a 10hp Suzuki that will psh me around where ever I go. With all this in mind I spent around $2300 The suziki was already paid for. Well from fishing Springfield lake you wont have to many problems with your boat untill you use your out board and you WILL get leaks. You go down the river you will accelerate this. 6 mnths in 17 leaks. I had every rivet welded by BPS. I REALLY RECOMEND go with all welded, it is worth it if you ever want it to last longer than a yr. I would really consider at least 48" wide bottom toofor the stability. I am more than welcome to take you out in mine to show you how it fishes, so you see what you really want. Just PM me for more questions

[OzarkFishman]

Yeah, I think my nickname for the boat is going to be "Tank". Anyway, I really need a trailer to get this boat in the water. Craigslist is great, but you deal with a lot of crap and a lot of stuff without titles.

So, I need a trailer that is between 15 and 17 feet. I don't care what it looks like as long as the main components (tires, wheels, axle, LIGHTS, etc.) are is GOOD working order. Also, I don't want to spend much (if any) over $200. I know I am asking for a good deal, but if you can help just PM me. If not, thanks for reading through all of my questions.

OzarkFishman

[deerman]

Enjoy that boat and don't let the age bother you.

I've had better/newer boats and deeper and wider ones and all welded ones. The one I guess I've ended up settling with is a 1957 Ouachita. At least that's what its supposed to be. The serial number on it is one that has been issued by the state of arkansas for a boat with a missing serial number and or title.

Its 16 foot long and 36 wide in the bottom. Usually you find alot of 14/36's but the longer ones are usually wider. I like the longer/but not too wide combo for the places I fish because it makes it a good river or creek boat.

It is riveted and in 3 years since I've owned it, it has never leaked. If yours is riveted, keep a good coat of paint on it and it will help to keep the rivets sealed. I've had a Searark 14ft 48 wide all weld, but it was so heavy, you couldn't easily just slap trolling motor on it and head to just any creek.

The old boats are alot of fun to tinker with and set up the way you want.

[OzarkFishman]

I got a trailer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I now need to fix my towing light connection on my truck (the left side doesn't work). Now I have to give some money to the government (taxes, etc) and then hit the water.

OzarkFishman

[phineas]

I have a 2013 Tracker Topper 1036. Its 9' 10" long and 36" wide. I run a Minn Kota Endura C2 it has 30 lbs. of thrust. I don't think i would take it on a big river but it works great on lakes no mater what size. My friend and i weigh about 525 lbs. combined weight. The motor pushes us along at a good speed and it has been really stable. If its just two people and lakes are your main fishing spot a 10" boat does a great job. Very easy to transport without a trailer. If you have to do any walking with the boat to get to your lake you'll love this boat.