Tough Choice

General Boats and Motors
1

So I’ve hit the crossroads of a very tough choice. I moved back to Charleston, and I currently reside on the Wadmalaw River. For those not familiar, it’s a very big body of water leading into the North Edisto. There also is very very little current and I grew up paddling around on the river. So this leads me to my tough choice. I have a few boats (for those who read my thread a while ago), but for this area I want something smaller. I have a 2013 15’ Alumacraft jon boat with the standard bench seats and a 2013 Honda 9.9hp (with a custom 5hp case to take it on some lakes farther in-state :smiley::smiley::smiley:). However, the kicker is that is has sat for two years and won’t start. I’m fairly mechanically inclined and can tell it needs a new spark plug and the carbs rebuilt. That being said, I also would have to pay $100 additional to get a battery and gas tank/line specifically for it. Total cost would be $100 + whatever the marina charges to get it fixed parts & labor.

Now on the other hand, I could get a very nice fishing kayak with a trolling motor and some nicer riggings.

So the choice comes down to: Repair the jon boat + new trailer tires + battery/fuel line

Or

Fishing Kayak

I’m indecisive here because I used to paddle the area so I’m fairly experienced. I don’t if it’s a better idea to spend $1000 on a nice kayak with a great setup or $1000 to get the jon boat running…

Thoughts and insight about rebuilding carbs etc. would be very helpful :smiley::smiley:

2

If you live on the river and your biggest problem is whether to fish a yak or a jonboat, you are a lucky man. I see no reason why you couldn’t and shouldn’t do both. Getting your boat repaired and water-ready should not be terribly expensive nor difficult. You could also find a good used kayak and build on it as you get the time and money. If I actually lived on the river, I know I would love to have a kayak and a motorized boat. If you live on the river and have a dock, I’d figure some way to keep the jonbat at/on the dock rather than have to trailer it somewhere.

“Apathy is the Glove into Which Evil Slips It’s Hand”, but really, who cares?

3

I don’t see $1000 getting a running engine only 3 years old that sat for 2 years, back running.

what dfreedom said.

“If Bruce Jenner can keep his wiener and be called a woman, I can keep my firearms and be considered disarmed.”

4

Both;;; you could tow the yak out to some rrreeally skinnie waters:smiley:

George McDonald ; Board Member ; MAD Charleston
[http://www.militaryappreciationday.org

When you see “Old Glory” waving in the breeze, know that it is the dying breaths of our fallen hero’s that makes it wave.
author unknown

5

FIX THE JON BOAT

www.teamcharlestonmarine.com
www.joinrfa.org
IF I RESPOND IN ALL CAPS, ITS NOT ON PURPOSE, AND I AM NOT YELLING

6

Fix the jon boat!

Capt. Larry Teuton
Swamp Worshiper

7

Yall have spoken and I have listened

So I’m going to start a jon boat build thread in a little while. Spent some back breaking hours today just getting new tires, new trailer parts welded, and some miscellaneous boat stuff added… The motor is in the shop and will be ready friday which is when the new thread will start.

Cheers guys.