Jon Boat Help

[captkeyser]

I am in the market for a Jon boat. I simply miss the flats too much and just want something hassle free that can get me back to the shallows. I have been looking at a 1756 G3 that has a 25hp Yammy tiller. I know it is under powered, but was wondering if anyone has any experience with a similar setup. Not looking for a speed machine, just something that will do low 20's with 2 to 3 folks on board. The other option is a 14/48 Alumicraft with a 25hp Merc. Both are priced similar. I know that the Alumicraft will give me more speed, but I would lose deck space. It's a toss up.

Any advice, experience or opinions would be greatly appreciated.

[Gulf Coast]

Eric, I've had three G3 boats and love them all...1860 cc, 1442 jon and a 1656 ( I think) side console with a 40 hoss. Service from Mike's Marine was a big factor as their down the street

[captkeyser]

Thanks Chris. Yea, I had a 1756 CC with a 60 on it a while back, loved it. Unfortunately, I broke it. Got a new one from Yamaha, broke it. Third times the charm right? Nah, broke that one too. Don't take them offshore.

My main question is this. Do you think a 25HP Yammy 4 stroke would have enough arse to get on a plane quickly? Best guess on top speed? Better off going with the smaller Alumicraft with the Merc? Both setups have bow mounted trolling motors.

[Rhettley]

Wow! I thought Wevans was the reigning champion at breaking aluminum boat hulls while offshore fishing in a flats boat.

[captkeyser]

Wow! I thought Wevans was the reigning champion at breaking aluminum boat hulls while offshore fishing in a flats boat.

Nah Rhettley, I have gotten pretty good at it let me know and I can show you how . Just something about catching a Grouper in a boat that you shouldn't be catching Grouper in that fuels my stupidity.

Now I want to do it again.

[Rhettley]

I know what you mean. My SeaChaser is around 19 and a half feet. It gets some funny looks when I'm out in 95 foot water fishing.

One tip on the jon boat type hulls. I have an old 1989 Bass Tracker TX17 that is currently incapacitated. That thing would pound me severely in a 1 to 2 foot chop and it wanted to tail slide in a sharp turn. I put one of those Stingray hydrofoils on the motor and it made a huge difference! It jumped on plane with no bow rise, rode over the chop instead of pounding into each one, and hugged into the turns.

[captkeyser]

Very good to know Rhettley.

Yeah, I used to take my 20ft Back Country out way further than I should have as well. Always funny to see the look on folks faces when I'd pull up to O tower, grab some bait and head SW for deeper water. It was really cool when we were 30 miles out and sprung a leak. If it weren't for a bilge pump, I might not be typing....man, I'd do it again. Something is wrong with us.

[Flint River Pirate]

If you want something easy, look at the 1648 with a 25. I had one and loved it. I would still have it today if this didn't happen....

[Jhults11]

If you want something easy, look at the 1648 with a 25. I had one and loved it. I would still have it today if this didn't happen....

And this is why I have insurance on my 1648 didn't think it would be necessary on a jon boat but decided it was worth the 17$ a month!

[captkeyser]

So, I bit the bullet and purchased a nice Alumacraft yesterday from Lakeland, GA. It's a 2012 Boat 15/42 and Trailer with a 2004 Mercury 25hp 2 stroke pull and electric start. Brand new motorguide trolling motor on the bow.

The rig is registered until 2016 in GA. Pretty sure that FL will want me to register it here. Questions! Would you go ahead and register it in FL? Or, do you think I can get away with being a GA boy for a little while?

Flint River- Sorry about the tree. Hopefully insurance played their part.

Hoping to get back into some inshore tourney's now!!! The goal for the boat was to be able to get back where not many others can go. I hear that's where the big ones stay.

[FUTCHCAIRO]

GO AHEAD AND USE IT UNDER THE REGISTRATION IT HAS NOW, CHANGE WHEN THE REGISTRATION RUNS OUT, IF ONE OF THE FFC STOPS YA JUST TELL THEM YOU ARE CONSIDERING BUYING THE BOAT AND IF HE WRITES YA UP, GO GET BOAT CHANGED INTO YOUR NAME AND REGISTRATION. MY .02
PA
SEMPER FI

[captkeyser]

Excellent advise. Makes perfect sense. Thanks FutchCairo!