Jonboat questions

[drew03cmc]

Guys, I'm in the market for a small jonboat, something 12 to 14 foot probably. Its primary use would be on small waters near the house in KC, trolling motor or small 15hp prop outboard being the primary propulsion. I'm curious what rivers I could run and how far with this setup, say a 1236 or 1442, maybe 1448. A jet would be ideal, but the cost would be prohibitive up front. I'd be carrying myself and my son mostly. I'm rambling, but I'm looking for something in the next few months. My shoulder won't allow me to paddle, but I can still fish everyway I want to as long as I can access the water. If you have recommendations, rivers, etc, please don't hesitate to post. Thank you!

[Ham]

I’d go 1442 and a 10 HP

[gotmuddy]

What is your budget?  I would get a 1636 or 1448.  a 36" boat can be pushed by a 15hp fine, possibly a 48.  Your only limit on river fishing is being willing to pull a boat up a shoal.  If you watch CL and FB you can get jet motors for under $1500.

[fishinwrench]

The boy is growing.....get a 16 !   

It's actually only 15'10" and only a couple pounds heavier than a 14.

Here's a quiz for ya.....Who here knows why 16' Jon boats are made 15'10" instead of 16 ? 😊 

 

[dan hufferd]

11 minutes ago, fishinwrench said:

The boy is growing.....get a 16 !   

It's actually only 15'10" and only a couple pounds heavier than a 14.

Here's a quiz for ya.....Who here knows why 16' Jon boats are made 15'10" instead of 16 ? 😊 

 

Maybe because the actual sheet length is 16 ft, once the sheet is rounded up to make the bow, the over all length is becomes 15'10" ? 

[fishinwrench]

Nope 😊 

That's pretty good though. 👍

[bfishn]

1 hour ago, fishinwrench said:

Here's a quiz for ya.....Who here knows why 16' Jon boats are made 15'10" instead of 16 ? 😊 

 

I'm gonna guess regulations. Like for 16' & over you need a throwable PFD, or something similar. Kinda like why there are 9.9HP outboards.

[fishinwrench]

23 minutes ago, bfishn said:

I'm gonna guess regulations. Like for 16' & over you need a throwable PFD, or something similar. Kinda like why there are 9.9HP outboards.

Close enough!  

By state law boats under 16' are legal with only one of these for each adult occupant 

You don't have to clutter up the boat with wearable PFD's unless you want to.

 

[drew03cmc]

Is the difference in draft on a 16 vs a 14 that significant? Again, I'm just asking because I'm curious and needing a boat. For some reason a 1442 sounds like it would suit my needs just fine with a small jet, but would bigger be better with a prop or am I completely wrong here?

[fishinwrench]

A 16 will float shallower, but the benefit of a 16 over a 14 is more than just an inch of draft.  IMO the only reason to own a Jon boat smaller than a 16' is if you want to haul it in the back of your truck instead of on a trailer.  But you still can't do that with a 1442 

Resale value is greater on a 16 and they sell fast when you are ready to unload it.

14 footers are hard to sell when you choose to upgrade (and you WILL), you're gonna take a beating on it. They're a dime a dozen on CL, and you won't have to race anyone to get to it first.   There's a reason for that.