Lower river in johnboat questions

[Mark]

I have read that some people float the lower 23 mile section in a johnboat. At normal early June water levels, is it possible without hassle of pulling thru shallow riffs? And the big question, is it legal to use a johnboat with a jet prop attached on it as long as you don't use the jet?? Is current enough to push a johnboat along ok without a lot of paddling and work? Buddies have jet boats and no longer like getting in and out of a canoe all day, plus the extra space would be ideal for hauling camping gear in a johnboat. Thanks in advance.

[Gavin]

Buffalo has a 10hp limit so forget about the jet boats. You will need to check the level on the USGS gauge at Harriet to see if you have enough flow. There are not many springs on the Buffalo, so its highly rain dependent. Good luck.

 

[Greasy B]

We took our fiberglass river Jon from Rush to W. R. a couple of years ago. The boat took some pretty good hits but not much worse than other rivers we’ve taken 4 days of gear and beer on. I don’t think I’d take the chance with a motor that exceeds the limit. It’s no fun arguing with a cop when the cop is right. 

[Al Agnew]

Plus, I can't imagine the logistics of handling a jetboat on that river when you couldn't use the motor.  I think it would be a bad idea.  The lower Buffalo has a few tricky rapids and a lot of slow water.  I'd do it in a river john or even just a 14-16 ft. light johnboat with a trolling motor, but a jetboat would just be way too heavy.  

[MOPanfisher]

It's been quite a few years but we floated it in Jon Boats once, with under 10 HP outboards.  The scariest part was the confluence of the White, you had better know what you are doing and where you are going.  We had planned to motor upstream to a resort where we had stashed our vehicle, the flow was enugh that at wide open throttle a slow walking person would have passed us on the bank.  Also I think it was the longest shuttle I have ever been on in my life.  We ended up stacking both boats onto one trailer and heading back to the put it point.  I think we spent 2 nights on the river.