Best River Jon

[David Thatcher]

I am currently in a playcraft RiverSkiff 2142 with a 25hp etec. . It was the cat's meow when I got it in 2010, but with the water so high and fast on the white now when I go I need something with a bigger beam.   My dad is getting older too , and he only fishes when we head up to Arkansas. My uncle has 3 of the 7 made Backwoods boats that were made out of kevlar. Before that we fished out of Shawnee's. So I am well versed in the river jons . I may keep the riverskiff for the buffalo and crooked creek. Then again I just might sale it and carry my 9.9 with my on trips and rent a boat for the 9.9 places.   

 

I like the playcraft a lot,  and would look at their 2149, but they do not appear to of done anything with the line at all. Topwater looks really nice,  and from what I can tell the one company pushing the bar with the river jons. I had looked at the supremes back in 2009 and 2010 right before the went under and went with the riverskiff . However, they look to be back making a good boat.  Then the Xtream is there too, but I have not seen one in the wild. I do want to go with a 60/40 jet too. I can use  the jet in Georgia on the hooch in the summer months when it is too hot and rough to bass fish the big lakes.

I am interested to know what your opinions are on the pros and cons of the current river jon makes and models? 

 

[netboy]

I see many of the local fly fishing guides on the White river using Topwater boats and 40 hp Mercury Jet engines. They seem to run very shallow and look very well made. Most of them are rigged with a rowing station in the middle and are very maneuverable.

I have a 17/48 Blazer Sport with a 25 Merc Jet and it works great for me, but you don't see many down here in Arkansas. They are made for the Missouri spring fed rivers like the Current, Eleven Point and North Fork of the White. I basically use it as a taxi to access wade fishing areas.  

The Xstream boats look great also. Don't think you would go wrong with either of these. 

[Big_Jake]

I really really like my topwater 2160. It's very stable with that 60"width and runs very shallow. 

Easy and fun to fish out of. Highly recommend. 

[Greasy B]

Does Topwater have a web site? All i'm finding is a facebook page which is worthless.

 

 

[Big_Jake]

No website unfortunately. I can give the owners number or both Bull Shoals Lake Boat Dock and Hodges Marine are his dealers.

I'm happy to give what info I can as well.

[Greasy B]

Thanks, I'll ask for specs and info through the dealers.

[cracklebak]

On 5/13/2018 at 10:00 PM, Big_Jake said:

I really really like my topwater 2160. It's very stable with that 60"width and runs very shallow. 

Easy and fun to fish out of. Highly recommend. 

Jake what are you running as far as a motor goes?  

[Big_Jake]

I run the Mercury 40 jet. I didn't trust that I knew the river well enough to stay with a prop. 

[cracklebak]

6 hours ago, Big_Jake said:

I run the Mercury 40 jet. I didn't trust that I knew the river well enough to stay with a prop. 

I don't blame ya there! How many ppl can it haul with gear? 

[Big_Jake]

4 is the most I want slinging hooks at once. Handles that pretty easily though.