A blog about boats, fishing, water sports and having fun on the ocean
Why do they call it a Jon boat?
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Because the boats were stable and easy to construct, they became favorite transportation for many fishermen. Apparently, one of the fishermen named his flat bottomed boat “john boat” after himself. And the name took off from there especially since “Jon” or “John” is a very common name in Scandinavia.
This design does have a drawback, which is that Jon boats don’t work particularly well for rough waters. Jon boats really come into their own in shallow waters and water with lots of mud, muck, or obstacles in it. They work well in swamps, mudflats, and other similar areas.
How much should I spend on a Jon boat?
Jon Boat Costs
You can find a 12 feet (3.65 m) polythene Jon boat for only $550, while an aluminum model of the same length will cost you about $3,000. If you have an unlimited budget and higher demands, you can purchase a high-end 21 feet (6.4 m) long Jon boat for $30,000.
Many people want to know what exactly a jon boat may be used for. Jon boats are mainly used for carrying cargo across shallow bodies of water, such as creeks and streams, as well as fishing calm waters. Many jon boats can float in as little as 2 inches of water, depending on the size of load.
Why do they call it a Jon boat? – Related Questions
Do jon boats tip over?
A jon boat which is unstable on the water is definitely unsafe for use because it could easily tip over. However, almost all things that can make a jon boat unstable can be controlled. Some examples include exceeding the boat’s carrying capacity and uneven distribution of weight in the boat.
How shallow of water can a jon boat go in?
4″ is getting somewhat shallow, and 2″ or less is the desired result. A standard well setup tunnel hull can run in 4″ all day long, takes a foot to get up, but up and going will run shallow. My jet can run in less than 2″ easy, less than that if it’s a hard sand bottom.
Are jon boats good for the ocean?
Many saltwater anglers have made the switch back to aluminum Jon boats after “having a go” with bigger fiberglass vessels in previous years. Aluminum costs very little to operate and can go almost anywhere, given the right weather conditions.
Are jon boats good for river fishing?
Jon boats are great for freshwater fishing in calm water and where access is limited. Jon boats are very practical, are inexpensive, and are very durable which make them a perfect fit for many fishing situations in freshwater.
The small, light nature of a jon boat also makes it a natural choice for those who fish in shallow water. Whether you’re a freshwater fishing fanatic or saltwater fishing is more your style, you can gain an advantage over many other boat designs because jon boats have minimal draft.
How much weight will a jon boat hold?
Most Jon boat models weigh approximately 200 pounds (91 kg) without an engine and can hold 650 pounds (295 kg) of gear and passengers on average.
How long do jon boats last?
But, how long will a Jon Boat last? Aluminum Jon Boats can last decades, if not a lifetime. Their aluminum hulls are inherently durable, not prone to rust, and is incredibly strong. If cared for appropriately, there’s no reason a Jon Boat shouldn’t last up to 30-50 years or more.
How big of a motor can I put on a 12-foot jon boat?
12-foot jon boats have an average weight capacity of 420 pounds and an average maximum horsepower of about 5 to 7 HP, however, some models allow up to 10 HP. A 5 HP motor is expected to have a top speed of 10mph. 7 HP could have 15mph or more.
Can you stand in a 12-foot jon boat?
No, it’s not as comfortable as standing on the carpeted decks of my Skeeter, but it works. When standing as high as possible is a fishing advantage, such as looking for shallow-water cruising bass during spring, one angler can stand on the seats of my 12-foot jon boat and still have decent stability.
12 to 16 feet (3.65 – 5 m) long Jon boat, fiberglass boat, and aluminum fishing boat.
How do you stabilize a jon boat?
The best way to stabilize an unstable jon boat is to identify the cause of instability, make modifications to address this issue by either increasing the width or adding buoyancy to your boat.
How do you add buoyancy to a jon boat?
Ways to Add Buoyancy to a Jon Boat
Add flotation pods.
Move some of the heavier items to the front.
Add PVC tubes.
Built-in air cavities for buoyancy.
Adding buoyancy using foam.
Why do jon boats have foam?
If the vessel is punctured and develops a hole or leak, it will still take on water, but the flotation foam will significantly slow the rate at which the boat sinks. In most cases, flotation foam provides enough time to radio for help and wait for a rescue, or to make it to shore before the boat goes under.