id would get an ex wide ex deep aluminum jon boat and when you go to buy the bay boat in a few years, dont sell the aluminum one. Then you will really be able to lots of fun things.
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I moved in the exact opposite direction, went from jon boat to a CS J16 (30 HP Honda tiller) now have the KW Stealth. Loved all the boats at their time, but I wouldn’t go backwards. I think you’ll miss the power you have now. A J16 loaded up for shrimping can struggle to plane. Plenty of room but top speed might be 24 mph.Very wet in the chop on the CS too.
The Stealth can be trashed then washed down just as quickly as the CS or jon boat. Handles the chop WAY better than either. I’d stick with the Stealth until you are ready for the bay boat.
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Originally posted by Local ClusterA J16 loaded up for shrimping can struggle to plane. Plenty of room but top speed might be 24 mph.Very wet in the chop on the CS too.
I’ve got a J16, runs 34 with me and my son semi loaded. Loaded to the gills I can still get 28-30. 40 Suzuki. You are spot on with it being a wet boat in the chop though. 
I wouldn’t go back to an aluminum in the salt, maybe not this year or the next, but salt will have her way with an aluminum john boat. imo.
Fred67, Have you seen aluminum Jon’s damaged by salt? I prefer glass these days too but I’ve had aluminum Jons all my life in the salt, and all my fishing and duck hunting buddies have too and while I’ve seen a few broken welds or popped rivets, I’ve NEVER seen any corrosion or damage that I associated with salt water. Maybe I’m missing something. How does salt water damage aluminum?
16’ High Tide Flats (Green) w/Yamaha 90
Wilderness Ride 135
Wilderness Tarpon 120
[quote]Originally posted by JLeephoto
How does salt water damage aluminum?
Electrolysis
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I gave Flat Bottom my experience because he specifically said a J16 w/ 30hp tiller, which was my set up. Mine was a 4 stroke though so the weight probably factored in for a slower plane. Of course it would run faster w/ the 40 Suzuki, but I think the max rating was for 25hp.
Outboards and jack plates are aluminum too.
Salt won’t hurt a good aluminum boat.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose
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Originally posted by JLeephotoFred67, Have you seen aluminum Jon’s damaged by salt? I prefer glass these days too but I’ve had aluminum Jons all my life in the salt, and all my fishing and duck hunting buddies have too and while I’ve seen a few broken welds or popped rivets, I’ve NEVER seen any corrosion or damage that I associated with salt water. Maybe I’m missing something. How does salt water damage aluminum?
16’ High Tide Flats (Green) w/Yamaha 90
Wilderness Ride 135
Wilderness Tarpon 120
Yes, I’ve seen several John boats corroded and owned two that had major corrosion problems. Maybe poor electronics and electrolysis or just a cheap boat??? One I had you could take a pick and poke straight through the corrosion and hull. A local company rino lined it for me after I used J B weld on all the bad stops. Neighbor still uses it.
As to Crackers comment, Yes I’ve seen several aluminum charter boats in Alaska that never had an issue. I guess they were good boats!