jon boat for duck hunting and carrying 4 wheeler

Post by **Luke** » Sun Nov 22, 2009 9:55 pm

I'm looking to buy a jon boat to use mostly for duck hunting, but I also need to be able to carry a 4 wheeler occasionally on small calm water bodies. I would like to hear any experiences or suggestions people might have in regards to jon boats (good or bad). I am leaning towards a welded boat but would like to hear from people who have had or used jon boats for hunting and hauling.
Thanks

Post by **LeGrand** » Mon Nov 23, 2009 8:32 am

Get yourself an 18' minimum.

Post by **1lastcast** » Mon Nov 23, 2009 8:42 am

I own a 14' 48" beam tracker Grizzly all welded. Its rated for a 30hp max outboard. It rides nice for a Jon boat. I have had 4 large guys in the boat with no problems. Keep in mind that if your loading a ATV into the boat maybe a flat bottom with no V in the bow is the way to go? Mine is great for pulling up onto shore as its a true flat bottom Jon boat no V. You can step out of the boat and onto land. No wet feet

Also go with a welded boat! They are rock soild!!!

Post by **Andy_L** » Mon Nov 23, 2009 10:15 am

check this out:

http://www.thefloattrailer.com/index.html

even has a dropping ramp at that front to drive the ATV onto it. I believe they are available at Thompson Marine in Carleton Place

Thompson Marine

10837 Hwy 7, RR 1
Carleton Place, Ontario
K7C 3P1

T: 613.257.0042
E: sales@thompsonmarine.ca

Cheers

Andy

Post by **Roughneck1860** » Wed Dec 09, 2009 7:10 pm

I have a Lowe Roughneck 1860vt. That's an 18' mod-vee hull jon that's tiller steer. There's a 50hp Merc 2 stroke hanging on the back, It will push the boat with 80-100decoys and 3 hunters with gear through 2-3 ft chop with no problems at all. On calm water its will cruise along at 28-30mph with that load. I've had 2 two ATV's in with no problems loading at all. One goes flat on the floor the other goes with the rear wheels on the floor and front on the casting deck. Its all welded as well. I beat the heck out it. There's a big difference in boats when you go from the 16-17' range up to the 18'-20' range. If you have any questions about them feel free to drop me a line.

Good Fishin'
Tim

Post by **hook&shoot** » Thu Dec 10, 2009 2:22 pm

Andy,
FYI I don't think Thompson's is in business any more.. at least there are hardly any boats there and there is a real estate sign on the fence.
Mark

Post by **Andy_L** » Thu Dec 10, 2009 3:14 pm

hook&shoot wrote:Andy,
FYI I don't think Thompson's is in business any more.. at least there are hardly any boats there and there is a real estate sign on the fence.
Mark

yeah i noticed the dwindling boat supply and the for sale sign the other day. hmmmmm...they have a nice NEW glass centre console with a 150 on the back....wonder what the price is now.....