Jon Boat suggestion

[Chris Roberts]

So I'll be looking to pick up a boat here in the future on the cheap.  So I need to know what to keep an eye out for.  The ability to hold 2 people is a must, but I'd like to be able to put three in it.  There will also be a child in there more often then not, so stability is nice.

 

I'm thinking a 15 or 16' flat bottom boat will work out rather nice, but I'm not sure.  Because of where I'll be fishing, I have to use electric power only.

 

What type of engines work for this size boat?  I think I'd rather spend a little extra money on the motor so I'm not traveling for as long.  The reservoirs around here are all electric only and quite large.  So I'd really like to be able to get where I need to go in a timely manner.  Of course you can't expect it to be as fast as a gas engine, but I have zero experience with these things.

Thanks

[Slip Sinker]

ty chris... very satisfied with the mat. provides sound deadening, ,height and a good non skid surface

[Chris Roberts]

So I have just stumbled onto an Alweld VVSS in both 1648 and 1652.  The price difference in the two boats is almost $400.  Is 4" really worth $400?

They are comparable in price to the G3 and Xpress boats.

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

Id say find out why THEY (the manufacturer) offers the 4" difference. There has to be a reason for them to go to all the trouble of jigging and building the 4" difference. I'm curious to know, myself, because like you I cant see the reasoning.

[dick tabbert]

Chris I'll tell you if you like to stand and fish at times the 4" will be worth it but if you plan on setting the 48 will work just fine but not to confuse you personally I would go with the wider boat you'll never have a boat that will be to wide, width =stability. The wider the better I've had from 36" to 60" and I'll take the 60" all day everyday you can move around like your in your living room and much more room for comfort. Just my 2 cent worth I'm sure what ever you decide for whatever reason will work.

[Chris Roberts]

Dick I don't see myself going with a 48 at this point, I'm just curious of some opinions.  I actually don't think I'm even going to go with an Alweld. 

The leading choice for me is the Xpress 1652 in a flat bottom (not a semi v).  I think it's going to be the safest bet for me to fish with my son.

[Lord of the Fly , Rods]

Chris, I have a 1648 and it serves me well, it has even been in the Mississippi River duck hunting, I can walk around in it and it will handle a 50 hp motor,  my cousin has a 52 and it's a super stable fishing platform, them main thing  since I have gotten older is make sure it has console steering and electric start, your shoulders will say Thank You.      LOFR

[Chris Roberts]

Actually (and unfortunately) I fish electric only ponds.  I don't mind them cause you don't get idiots flying through the water, but it's auto start for sure!

[Mike Martin]

I actually sold a larger and much more powerful boat and built the one I have now so I could fish the total electric lakes. Much more peaceful than the large ones around where I am.

[Keith Ritter]

Spend as you can afford on the battery. The higher the thrust the faster you will drain the battery. I use a 65lb. Minn Kota with a good battery it will pull my aluminum 15ft Fisher bass boat all day. This is moving at fishing speed 1or 2 and calm wind. Good luck.

[dick tabbert]

Keith hit the nail on the head about a battery. I'm sure he meant to say get the largest cranking amp battery you can find its the lifeline between your boat and trolling motor. I can usually get 4 or 5 days out of a full charge but keep them topped off every chance I get. Last year I did purchase a solar charger for the pontoon boat but haven't had a chance to try it out yet.

[Chris Roberts]

So a funny little string of events occurred.  Long story short, I ended up with an Alumacraft riveted 1648.  With the trailer it ended up being about half of what just the welded boat would have cost me.

It's a new boat, but it's 2011 stock.  So the dealer has had it for a long time.  Now I just need April to come around so I can test it out!

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

Big, wide boat. Great choice. Im certain you wont regret it.

Lots of room for mods and improvements, too. Are you familiar with www.tinboats.net? A wealth of ideas and information for aluminum boats.

What will you be pulling and launching with, and what sort of power plant will it have?

And lets see them PICTURES!