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

[Mike Martin]

Chris, I have a 1648 Alumacraft that I low decked and run total electric 95% of the time with a 55lb Minn Kota TM. There are some pictures of it on my page. It might give you some ideas. Either hull you are looking at should do fine. Good luck on your build.
Mike

[Chris Roberts]

I see where you say you get about 3mph on yours...  That's about all I could ask for on a 55lb thrust.  That's very much appreciated.

The carpet in your boat looks very nice (as does the entire boat).  Are you glad you put it in vs just having the ribbed floor?

[Mike Martin]

Yes I get about 3 mph on electric. I put the floor in to keep the noise down in the boat, plus not tripping over ribs, which I've been known to do:). I've been happy with it. The carpet is from BPS and has stood up well for 3 seasons.

[Chris Roberts]

Did you secure the plywood to the boat in anyway?  Or are they removable.  I've been reading about people who have done it both ways.  I was just curious of how you did it and your opinion on it.  I think carpet is in the future for me.

[Mike Martin]

Yes, I used 1/2" plywood with several coats of polyurethane before putting the carpet on. The decking is attached with stainless steel screws. The boat gets used 50 times a year or so. Everything has held up well. I either flush it out with water or use my shop vac on it to keep it clean.

[dick tabbert]

Chris all good boats but then again I'm kinda parcel. Jon boats are great a boat for fishing they are stable and get into shallower water. The downsize is they don't handle rough water well and the wind will have you all over the place so you can never have to much trolling motor in this instant bigger is better. As far as the boats I'm sure the welded would be the best for you but would opt for something wider. Wider makes your boat more stable and you navigate into shallower waters. I'm seeing the G3 15 foot with a 48 inch bottom width, the 1650 16 foot 50 inch bottom width and the 1652 16 foot 52 inch bottom width all good boats. When I bought my boats the wider the better that was the way I figured it and after having a few I'm telling you wider is better but welded could illuminate lot of leakage for a dryer ride. But if your not planning on leaving it in the water it probably wouldn't be my number 1 priority. Hope I helped remember wider is better and you will never have enough power.

[Chris Roberts]

It's definitely down to these three boats due to funds and location.

I will store my boat in a garage so weather wont be an option (I have an old farm building).  And honestly... I think it's down to either the 1652 (three bench seat) Xpress or the 1548VBW (casting platform and rear seat) G3.  The G3 also has an aluminum floor on top of the ribs and is vinyl wrapped.

The 1652 is about $500 cheaper though.  I'm trying to talk the G3 dealer down in price a little to make it a more attractive option.

I'm also fishing pretty strictly on not so wide reservoirs so the chop never gets real bad.  I've fished some 48" boats on these before and they seem to do fine.

[Slip Sinker]

Chris… I have the tracker topper 1542 and I love it. Very economically priced and rugged I currently operate it with a Minn Kota 45 lb thrust transom mount that does about 3mph. two batteries and front and rear nav lights, Lowrance elite 7 sonar, aeration complete the electrical. I added a gas power 4 stroke Coleman outboard that pushes the boat at 7mph and sips the gas. The boat I added ¾ in rubber mat I bought at home depot adds cush and nearly levels out the ribs on the bottom. Added the oar locks to fish the very skinny water and add a little exercise. The boat comes with an insulated live well small but usable. I’m adding a Tohatsu 4stroke electric start outboard that should push this boat around 20mph. can’t wait for that to happen. Yaught Club trailer and added guides to the bunks. Easy load and unload even with my bad back. This was very important to me. Very, very stable on the water.
Hope this helps Good luck on your future boat

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

Nice ken - Im inspired

[Slip Sinker]

thanks McScruff

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

I may never get the boat I dream of - -  but if I do, it'll borrow something from this.

[Chris Roberts]

Ken I really like what you did with the mats here too by the way.