Need advise on wide jon boat

[Foystrakh]

We are senior couple are going to buy new boat alumacraft jon boat mv 1448 ncs. We choose it for stability reason. Our lake is not big and most of the time covered with thick vegetation. So troiling motors would not work and we need to row boat to get trough this areas. i have doubts if we will be able to row such wide boat. Please advice

 

[Foystrakh]

Thanks for answering. I have additional question. Is it possiple to row the boat by on pedistal seat on bow platform, where i control foot troiling motor? This was suggested by dealarship specialist.

 

[Bob_VT]

1448 is really not that wide and stability in a small jon boat is touchy. PLEASE try one out first before you buy it. Adding a pedestal will only make it worse for stability. Try one for your safety and the safety of your significant passenger!

A 1448 will go along fine with a transom mounted trolling motor with no need for a pedestal.

Welcome to iboats!!.

 

[DeepCMark58A]

I have a 1448 jon boat and I have to beg to differ on doubts the boat is stable. I often will stand on the bench seat and cast while having my feet just inside the rail, the boat does not list much over slightly with me standing on it.

 

[ahicks]

As another senior owner of a jon boat (17.5' x 56" wide), After getting to know that boat a little, I can share it's as much about being able to maintain your balance as it is about the boat's ability to hold you up while standing near the side of it. There's very little to gab on to to maintain/get your balance back. After age about 55 or 60, those sea legs you've been trusting since you were a kid don't seem quite as sturdy!

If I were going to row our boat, I would install a set of oarlocks some place convenient and go for it - while keeping my weight as low as possible - to maintain my balance easily.