Looking for a little advice regarding buying a new (to me) jon boat. I’m basically looking for an all around lowcountry boat, and wanted to make sure I got the right length/width. I’d be using the boat for duck hunting, flounder gigging, fishing and general cruising around with the wife.
At first I was only looking at 16ft boats because I wanted something wide and stable for gigging, as well as something that could make trips across the harbor to Morris Island. But now I’m wondering how much of a difference WIDTH makes relative to length. Meaning, how would a 14’ 48" handle compared to 15’ 42" or a 16’46"? Basically, what is the relationship like between width and length for jon boats and how they hold up in Lowcountry waters? What size do you have and whats you’re experience?
To specify a little more, I’d mostly be using the boat in the ICW+creeks behind Sullivans and IOP, in and around Copahee/Hamlin, and the Wando River in/around Hobcaw and Horlbeck. Trips in the harbor every now and then, but obviously only on a calmer day. I know a 16’ would be more ideal, but would a 14’48 or 15’42 still be safe?
Before you buy check out a J16 Carolina skiff. The most bang for the buck I think. Ive gone thru 4 jon boats I mean junk yard tor up in my life time and still use the Carolinaskiff I bought new in 1990 for less than $1000!
IMO a 16’ Jon boat with trim and tilt can’t be beat. Most versatile and long lasting boat you can get and you don’t have to worry about cleaning the hell out of a white boat every time you get home.
i have a 1967 1442 that has been to the grillage on a flat calm night gigging. I do wish i had another 6-12 in on the width… but then again dont we all
IMO a 16’ Jon boat with trim and tilt can’t be beat. Most versatile and long lasting boat you can get and you don’t have to worry about cleaning the hell out of a white boat every time you get home.
Boatpoor, how did you go through 4 jon boats?
What he said.I have had all different sizes from a 12ft up to a 16ft,I loved my G3 1652 with the 40hp Yammaha.
I have a Lowe 1448 with Rear Side Console w/Steering & Control Cables and a 18hp Tohatsu 4 stroke. She’s a little slow but does everything I need / want it to do in the rivers and creeks. Don’t see me making to many trips accross the harbor in it, that why they build bridges .
Get something in the 18’ range. You can outgrow a jon boat very fast and a few extra feet never hurt nobody. They are also wider so more stable, and you can throw at least 90 horses behind it. My buddies thought I was crazy when I got my G3 1860CC, but once they hunted, fished, gigged, shrimped, drank beer, and rode around in it, they all realized I was right.
I have run my 1648MV PolarKraft to Deveux Bank too many times to count. (that is leaving from Steamboat Landing)
As with any aluminum boat, chop is always an issue. A heavier skiff is somewhat better but they still are gonna beat you in chop also.
Good thing about the aluminum boat is that it will perform pretty good with less hp.
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