Blazer Paddle Jon Owners?? Pics please!!

[JP_in_STL]

I think I want one?  2 Adults, 2 pre-teens, cooler, gear - for float fishing the Bourbeuse, Piney, and Meramec day trips.  I have a Merc 3.3 for those long slow holes.  Wife and I used to run a 17ft Grumman Square Stern before the kids but she's concerned about stability.  We have multiple canoes, but the wife is not confident to run one on her own and the kids are not quite there yet either.  Troutt and Sons would be my closest dealer.  Pics and specs seem to be non-existent on the web, but I do know they are 080 thick and I've seen a couple pics.  

 

So what length do I need?  18ft?  Needs to be long enough, but I also don't want a barge.  The boy is 11 now so eventually he could move into a kayak solo.

Seat Placement?

Options? Motor Mount, etc.

$2500 +/- sounds like the range I'm in after talking to Troutt.  Steep, but I'm a fan of "buy once cry once" so want to get it right the first time.  Also sounds like a 3 month lead time so I want to get moving on decisions.  

Suggestions?  Who has one?  Pics of your rig setup?  Thanks!!!

[fishinwrench]

What does the rating plate on that sucker say?

[snagged in outlet 3]

54 minutes ago, fishinwrench said:

What does the rating plate on that sucker say?

You can rip those off if you don’t like them.  

[jdmidwest]

Thats different.

Oarlocks are needed, don't see them on the one in pics.  My little 14' river jon has them.  A boat that size would be cumbersome to paddle, oars would make it easier.  Like a drift boat.

[fishinwrench]

24 minutes ago, jdmidwest said:

Thats different.

Oarlocks are needed, don't see them on the one in pics.  My little 14' river jon has them.  A boat that size would be cumbersome to paddle, oars would make it easier.  Like a drift boat.

Too skinny.  That's a PADDLE jon.  

[jdmidwest]

Perspective makes it look wide.  And long.  17' x 48" just looking at it.

[fishinwrench]

2 hours ago, jdmidwest said:

Perspective makes it look wide.  And long.  17' x 48" just looking at it.

That sucker ain't no 48" wide !

32" more likely.  

 

This is what 48" looks like 

 

[gotmuddy]

Thats a good looking boat.  I am very impressed blazer makes one.  Personally I would want it to have a smooth bottom, but that width would paddle easily.  These boats are meant to be steered not so much as paddled, like the ozark longboats.

[Devan S.]

Anyone know the weight on that boat?

I really like this idea for 2 guys and fishing or longer float trips vs. a canoe. 

[gotmuddy]

26 minutes ago, Devan S. said:

Anyone know the weight on that boat?

I really like this idea for 2 guys and fishing or longer float trips vs. a canoe. 

I dont know a weight but I bet its pretty light.  Blazer makes jet boats that are .065" thick which is basically paper lmao.