Advice on Buying a Jon Boat

[fijimark]

I'm new to boating and want to get something that I can take my family out on the water with to fish. Since I am new to boating, I don't want to spend a ton of money and get in over my head. That's why I'm thinking about purchasing a used Jon boat. I saw this posted in my area and was wondering if this looks like a good deal. About how much should I expect to pay for a good used Jon boat? Any specific questions I should ask or things to look for when inspecting? Thanks!

From the seller

Condition
Used - like new
1456

$3000
Great boat trailer in perfect condition. New trolling motor battery, all work done to motor runs great. Storage section in middle of the boat. Bought a new boat and don’t really need it anymore.

 

[JimS123]

We all have opinions. They all differ. Also, our likes and dislikes and needs and wants differ as well.

Besides that, the type of waterways we have available will to some extent mandate the type of boat we buy.

That said, when I hear "Jon Boat", what comes to mind is calm water and only 1 or 2 people aboard. To me, it's not a "family" boat.

I have used a "V-Hull Utility" for many years. At only 14 foot it served our young family of 4 very well for many years, plus it was a good fishing boat. Starting with a 9.5 HP outboard I was able to upgrade to 18 HP.

If it gets windy and rough you will appreciate the better stability of a V-hull.

My only other comment is that i this day and age a 4-stroke outboard is the ONLY way to go. I ran 2-strokes for over 50 years and I would never go back.

Now, you need to explain where you intend to use it and how many people.

Before I conclude, I will apologize to all the lovers of Jons.

 

[Texasmark]

I'm new to boating and want to get something that I can take my family out on the water with to fish. Since I am new to boating, I don't want to spend a ton of money and get in over my head. That's why I'm thinking about purchasing a used Jon boat. I saw this posted in my area and was wondering if this looks like a good deal. About how much should I expect to pay for a good used Jon boat? Any specific questions I should ask or things to look for when inspecting? Thanks!

From the seller

Condition
Used - like new
1456

$3000
Great boat trailer in perfect condition. New trolling motor battery, all work done to motor runs great. Storage section in middle of the boat. Bought a new boat and don’t really need it anymore.

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Water marks on the hull and skeg of the engine indicate time spent sitting in the water with the lower unit submerged. Doesn't appear to have any obvious corrosion but better if not left in the water like that. Would be nice to know the last time the water pump had any attention.

The boat is a semi-V which gives a softer ride than a blunt nose John but these are light boats and in rougher water bounce a lot. With the 15 HP engine you won't be going all that fast so it's probably is a moot point. Rig looks good....check trailer wheel bearings for Bearing Buddies, or Jack up a wheel and spin the tire expecting a quiet, smooth, slow-steady return to stopped. If not, bearings in the trailer will need to be replaced....not an expensive, labor intensive task, but having good, properly lubed bearings means that you won't wind up stranded on the side of the road with bearing failure in the future.

Price seems fair what I can get from your comments and pictures.

 

[nola mike]

Water marks on the hull and skeg of the engine indicate time spent sitting in the water with the lower unit submerged. Doesn't appear to have any obvious corrosion but better if not left in the water like that. Would be nice to know the last time the water pump had any attention.

The boat is a semi-V which gives a softer ride than a blunt nose John but these are light boats and in rougher water bounce a lot. With the 15 HP engine you won't be going all that fast so it's probably is a moot point. Rig looks good....check trailer wheel bearings for Bearing Buddies, or Jack up a wheel and spin the tire expecting a quiet, smooth, slow-steady return to stopped. If not, bearings in the trailer will need to be replaced....not an expensive, labor intensive task, but having good, properly lubed bearings means that you won't wind up stranded on the side of the road with bearing failure in the future.

Price seems fair what I can get from your comments and pictures.

Agree with this. You can probably get on plane with just you, maybe one more with that 15. If out "with the family" just expect to be puttering around. Definitely water test with people on board to make sure it runs ok and can perform like you want/expect.

 

[DeepCMark58A]

When it comes to Jon boats wider is better.

 

[Jeff J]

I would jack the trailer and spin the wheels. Having bearing buddies does not mean they have ever seen a grease gun or the owner ever checked his bearings. In fact, I am more suspicious of bearings behind bearing buddies because a lot of people believe having them means they never have to pull a hub.

 

[airshot]

How big is the " family". ...are they big people or small people? Type of water is critical. Smooth inland lakes or choppy water where the wind and make chop? I am a fan of two stroke motors, simple, easy to repair if needed but like anything they need proper maintenence..

 

[redneck joe]

welcome to the forum

agree with most of the above but main info we need it people count and weight and where boating.

where i'm at we call that a river jon - not too long and skinny. I'm generally not opposed to them but i do prefer a v hull

 

[aspeck]

As has been said, we need a bit more information. The price of the boat/motor/trailer combo seems reasonable ... not a steal, but not way out of line either. The real question is, will you and your family enjoy being out and about in a semi V bottom jon boat. There won't be easy movement of people, which can make it no fun for young children and awkward for older or larger persons. We have watched the "Ageless Wanderer" in the past and currently "The Bandit" navigate the "Great Loop" in a jon boat, but there is a reason most people do no ... it is not comfortable and jon boats are generally not "big water" vessels unless you really know what you are doing.

And btw, a 15hp on a 14' jon boat will bring it up on plane pretty easily and move it along okay as long as the weight in the boat is distributed properly.

That said, my first boat was a 12 foot jon boat and I loved it and wish I still had it for fishing the river. But 2 footitis struck, as it does with most boat owners, and I have a 19 foot dual console now.

So, considerations are:
1) what is your budget ... how much can you afford without hurting the family?
2) what water are you planning on boating?
3) Who big is your family (number, ages, weights)?
4) What is your planned usage? Only fishing, or do you want to cruise a bit? Picnic? Swim? Etc?