1860 jon boat - anybody have one?

[mickjetblue]

I'm thinking about upgrading to an 1860 jon boat, and would like to hear
any opinions about them. There are different brands, but mostly the same
boat overall. I'd like to use about a 40hp to 50hp to keep gas usage down,
but wonder if the high water displacement underway might need more power
than that. Thanks.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1860 jon boat - anybody have one?

really the weight is going to enter into the equation, it's a sled, so will plane fairly easily, but if under powered, it is going to plow. what is the recommended HP. the rule is 70% of rated is the lowest for decent performance.

 

[flatscaster]

Re: 1860 jon boat - anybody have one?

I have an 1860 Grizzly and can say that it is AWSOME! I run a 40hp 4 Stroke merc.

 

[mommicked]

Re: 1860 jon boat - anybody have one?

I have an 03 G3 1860sc w 03 yamaha F90.I believe it would handle better w a lighter motor its seems to want to come off plane to soon to me,but i need to raise the eng. as cavitation plate is 3/4" or so below the keel and it will porpoise easily when lightly loaded and I try to trim up,trimmed just before porpoising and it runs fine and will almost jump out of the water from Idle.IM very happy w the boat otherwise.its roomy,stable,hauls alot of gear,its easy to tow w a 98 chevy S10 v6.and its pretty tough in my opinion.I dont have to worry about beaching it frequently, and can pull it on the bank by hand pretty far so it doesnt rock all over the place while Im gone hunting.the only complaint I could make is the riveted alum diamond plate floor.its a little squishy in spots and makes some noise when Im fishing.I think the new ones dont have this problem.its a very rugged boat.no cracks in welds or anywere else w the 370lb motor yet and i have beat the snot out of it a few times hitting unseen waves at 40+/-.I just installed a alum 4blade solas propeller and it performs way better than the original yama alum 3 blade.holds tight in turns and acceleration and steering response is unreal at all speeds.I would not call mine a sled,the 03s are pretty plain.dry weight is 805 lbs according to G3.I looked at grizzlys in 07 and didnt like all the sharp edges in the interior.mines camo and gets quite hot in the sun when its 80/90 degrees.but I use it In the fall/winter alot. and morning/evening when its hot.the fish bite better then anyway IMO.just looked at a triton camo 18, it was awsome.I would call it a caddilac john boat. I did not ask how much,but it looked expensive!!!buddys gettin a SEARK 18 custom order,I think its close to 30grand!he liked my boat alot,but had to 1 up me!!I cant wait to race him when he gets it.hes gettin a 115suzuki and his boat will be heavyer than mine.OH the new G3 1860s have stringers running the lengh of the hull.my 03 was ribs that run across the hull from side to side.the new ones are even stronger they claim.

 

[RicMic]

Re: 1860 jon boat - anybody have one?

I have a Lowe Roughneck, but its a 1756, with a two stroke Merc 50, it does just about 34mph with the stock aluminum prop, three batteries, one person and a full baitwell. I almost bought a 1860, but I got this one that I had never been in the water for about $5K less. Its rated for 80hp, but I can't really think that would be useful. The 50 two stroke only weighs 202#'s, so that is a huge advantage. If I went to a 60 or 75, it would weigh quite a bit more.

 

[robert graham]

Re: 1860 jon boat - anybody have one?

Mine is an Express 1870 with a 90HP Yamaha 2 stroke, plenty of power and speed, we use it for fishing, camping, cruising, exploring, etc. I built a wooden deck up front to pitch the tent on for camping and it works great for that, also has a Bimini top. It's sort of a water-going SUV, rugged, fun, easy to maintain. I like the extra width to provide stability and room for tents, sleeping bags, big cooler, all the stuff for a week's camping trip, mostly cruise the St. Johns River in Florida. Sea Ark also makes an extensive line of jon's, utility , service type boats, very rugged! Good Luck!