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Boat Length?
Posted: May 7th, 2008, 9:13 am
by mattfsu7
I am in the process of looking for a new boat and want to go with an aluminum jon boat. I really want to focus on inshore as in bars and creeks. Does anyone have an opinion (Boy there is an open question!) about an 18 ft. versus a 19ft. jon boat? I am leaning towards the 18 ft. because of price and ease of use and under the assumption that it will be an easier boat to manuever in tight spaces. Any insights would be appreciated.
Re: Boat Length?
Posted: May 7th, 2008, 10:27 am
by bman
I don't think you will notice a difference in maneuverability in respect to length.
The bigger questions-
Beam/ width? is there a large difference between the two?
Motor choice?
Jackplate and/or trim and tilt?
One other comment- Oysters can do a number on fiberglass but I still prefer it to an Aluminum boat for fishing.
Aluminum is loud...
Re: Boat Length?
Posted: May 7th, 2008, 10:36 am
by wevans
I have a 17.5 foot aluminum and would LOVE for it ta be a 19 or 20 footer

more than two people makes fishin hazardus, but an extra 2 foot would make a world of dif. when fishin 3 people

plus what bman said

and I aint had no problem catchin fish from a noisy ol aluminum boat

Re: Boat Length?
Posted: May 7th, 2008, 12:14 pm
by One Keeper
I fish out of a 18/60 G3, while I like the boat the next one will be 19 or 20 foot in length. My opinion is you can never have to much room.

Re: Boat Length?
Posted: May 7th, 2008, 12:39 pm
by mattfsu7
Thanks for the responses. I am currently considering a G3 and when you go from a 18' to a 19', the difference in the beam and interior space is noticeable. You also go from a 60hp to a 90hp (4 stroke), both have trim and tilt. Of course you run a bit deeper, but probably nothing worth worrying about. I would guess only about an inch of difference unless you really load up the bigger boat.
I was also thinking that the wider boat would be a bit more stable. The price difference is about $2,500.
Re: Boat Length?
Posted: May 7th, 2008, 1:20 pm
by BAD BEHAVIOR
mattfsu7 wrote:Thanks for the responses. I am currently considering a G3 and when you go from a 18' to a 19', the difference in the beam and interior space is noticeable. You also go from a 60hp to a 90hp (4 stroke), both have trim and tilt. Of course you run a bit deeper, but probably nothing worth worrying about. I would guess only about an inch of difference unless you really load up the bigger boat.
I was also thinking that the wider boat would be a bit more stable. The price difference is about $2,500.
Check out the Express line up at Jacks in Perry. Tell Wayman BB sent you.
Re: Boat Length?
Posted: May 8th, 2008, 9:40 pm
by tin can
Take a look at the Gatortrax boats at Parkway Marine while you're looking.