Jon Boat?

[Fishin4Life]

I was looking today online at the crestliner jon boats. I currently have an old old 14 ft crestliner. Would there be any benefit to going to a jon boat style? Are they more stabil in the water, or would it be less stabil? They seem to be about 6 inch wider than my current boat. Any comments on this? Or should i just look at a newer V-style fishing boat?

[Ralph Wiggum]

The advatage is they don't draft as much water, so you can run shallower. This is great on a shallow river, but if you plan on using it on lakes, you'll take a beating because a jon doesn't cut through waves like a V does.

[Fishin4Life]

I can't imagine I would take any more beating than I do now with my boat, mine rides real ruff. Are they pretty stabil on rough waters?

[Bobby Bass]

If you are looking at a true Jon boat they have a flat bottom with a very small vee at the bow. Great for shallow water and river fishing, They do ok on lakes with a light chop. If you get into any kind of weather they do not ride well. If you have a big enough outboard to get you up on plane you can ride on top of the waves but it takes some experience and a well balanced boat. They have a low profile which is good as far as being pushed around by wind. If you get into some of the larger Jon type boats like a Tracker there hulls have a semi vee. They still draft little water and ride much better in chop and waves 2-3' I have had both types for years and they have their place.