Canoe Vs Jon Boat ... Dumb Question..

[MoSportsmen]

Length does matter. The canoe is at leats 15 ft and probably 36 inches wide at most. I have never been a big fan of 10 ft johns. To me they are not very stable. Give me a canoe any day.

Not sure about the rating being with max power? Look at a 16 ft 36" wide flat back canoe 5hp max. 700 pound weight capacity on Osagian's web site. I know max rating for two identical motor boats one with no console "tiller stear" and one with a console stearing wheel the one with the console will have a higher weight capacity listed or at least a higher hp rating. So the motor does have something to do with the rated capacity I guess.

[rowill]

Coast Guard regs do not require weight, capacity or motor rating on boats over 20 feet in length

It is considered a "yacht". This is why most of your fiberglass river boats are over 20. You are

also exempt from leavlized floatation at over 20 feet.

[gotmuddy]

Ratings are for people who dont understand safe boating speeds and conditions.

yep.

[Daryk Campbell Sr]

I guess the quote "Ratings are for people who dont understand safe boating speeds and conditions" probably applies to someone like myself.

I was raised in the concrete jungle, the only swimming we did growing up was at the local pool. The ponds we fished in as kids were 3 feet deep at the most, and stocked on a regular basis, and did not allow any type of watercraft. I have ventured out, but mostly fished from the banks of other areas and I have been to the Mississippi River on many trips, Just did not have access to a boat. I carried all of my tackle and rods on my bicycle. Now I have a boat and a couple of kids and I am trying to be the parent that teaches the children safety over all else. I realize that many factors come in to the CG tag and I figured it is rated low, for extra security. I will be powering with a 32lb thrust trolling motor, mostly on slow creeks and slow rivers. I just don't want to become a statistic.

Thank you guys for the replys, it does give me a basis, and I guess like everything else in fishing, it will be a trial and error learning experience.

[gotmuddy]

Thank you guys for the replys, it does give me a basis, and I guess like everything else in fishing, it will be a trial and error learning experience.

with most things the best way to learn is screw up. Boating is the same, just hope that when you screw up it isnt big and you are prepared(life jackets)