Need Trout Boat Input...

[jwarren]

I'm wanting to get a custom jon boat, either Alweld or Blazer, that I can trout fish on AR tailwaters and also use for duckhunting. Have narrowed down to these brands in 1748 flat jon style. Plan to add flat floors, 2 storage boxes, and simple platform upfront. Will probably run a 15-20 2-stroke for weight purposes. Don't want a jet because of leaves, moss, and duckhunting spots.

Is there much of a difference in fit/finish and performance between these 2 brands? Will one draft lower than the other based on hull design, assuming equal weight distribution? Any other input or suggestions? Thanks.

[Ham]

Those are great boats, but I do wonder why you are choosing the aluminum models over the fiberglass models like Supreme, Shawnee, or Topwater. The aluminum will tend to "grab" the rocks it hangs on instead of slide over. The aluminum with have greater initial durabillity, but it will dent and those are going to be more difficult to deal with than the occassional ding in the fiberglass.

I am seeing more and more of the Blazer style boats along the White.

[Blazerman]

I have run my Blazer jet below Bull Shoals dam for trout a few years now and I can tell you from my experience if their not running water, you are probably not gonna be using your boat.

We were there again in February like we have been for the last 25 years, and this year they did not run any water at all the four days we were there. My boat stayed on the trailer the entire time.

I have run in a lot of shallow water in Ozark streams and occasionally hit a gravel bar or log under the surface. Doesn’t really do much damage normally.

But on the White, I was hitting the solid ledge rock that is on the bottom in many spots. That stuff doesn’t give and can cause dents and even rip holes if you hit it right.

We have learned over the years that at least on the White below Bull Shoals, you are better off wading or floating in the flat bottom john boats they have down there, then trying to run a boat with a motor. I cannot even imagine how you could run a prop motor if there not running water.

[jwarren]

Thx for feedback....reason for aluminum and 17x48 size is for duckhunting purposes when the time comes. Try maneuvering a 20' trout boat in the timber....When tailwaters are real low, I still want a boat that can get me to parts on the river that others can't walk in on. I plan to use mainly for drift fishing during medium water and for getting to other spots without public access. I do solo fish a good bit so i don't want a boat too heavy(ie, 20' supreme) that will be too heavy nudge over a small gravel bar/rock, etc.

[Ham]

I'll be shocked if a 1748 aluminum is easier to get along on wet rocks than a 20 foot Supreme, but your mileage my vary.

[LittleRedFisherman]

Thx for feedback....reason for aluminum and 17x48 size is for duckhunting purposes when the time comes. Try maneuvering a 20' trout boat in the timber....When tailwaters are real low, I still want a boat that can get me to parts on the river that others can't walk in on. I plan to use mainly for drift fishing during medium water and for getting to other spots without public access. I do solo fish a good bit so i don't want a boat too heavy(ie, 20' supreme) that will be too heavy nudge over a small gravel bar/rock, etc.

In a perfect world, you would the supreme to fish out of, and the aluminum boat to duck hunt out of. I love my supreme, I actually just posted a video of it running some river. Where I duck hunt on black river, I wouldn't want to use my supreme there. I do have an old war eagle I've had for almost 15 years, so I used that when I duck hunt. If you have to pick one boat, guess you'd have to decide which is more important, the hunting aspect or the fishing.

[grizwilson]

Look at the welds Alweld is hands down better welded, in my opinion far better quality, the price reflects that too. but function about the same. I run some alum and some fiberglass, I do love my 20 ft. glass boat. If going for only one boat, it would be a 1848 Alweld, Tahatsu 25 jet, AND a 9.9 long shaft 2 stroke and interchange as seasons conditions dictate 25 jet jumps it up fine and legal on 11pt. Makes it legal on Buffalo.... One thing I would suggest... Split rear seat, much more comfortable to operate.... and move around, and switch sides.... my 2cents.

g

[jwarren]

Thanks for the feedback guys. Looks like most agree on the Alwelds being slightly better fit and finish. Pricing on them is a little better also. One other model I'm looking at is a Waco alwelded jon boat, 16x50, in .80 gauge, and smooth open floor layout. It only weighs 275 lbs. so it might work nicely with a 15 hp for rivers.

[gotmuddy]

jwarren, Have you ever tried to push a aluminum boat down a shoal? It sucks.

with the boat your wanting a 15hp will not push it upstream if there are 3+ units running. you will need at least a 25hp. these 20ft trout boats are much more nimble than your thinking.