Choosing The Right Horse Power For Your Jon Boat

The horsepower of a Jon boat depends on its size and weight capacity. For instance, an 8-foot Jon boat will require 3-8 hp motors, while a 16-foot Jon boat will require 15-20 hp motors. The horsepower of a Jon boat is also determined by the manufacturer, who considers the size of the boat (length and width). While some people opt for trolling motors, which are small and lightweight, others prefer more powerful outboard motors, which provide more speed and thrust. Ultimately, the decision on how much horsepower to put on a Jon boat depends on factors such as boat size, weight capacity, and intended use.

How much horsepower does a Jon boat need?

The horsepower needed for a Jon boat depends on the size of the boat and its weight capacity. The horsepower of a boat is determined by the manufacturer, who considers the size of the boat (length and width). The horsepower of a Jon boat ranges from 3-5hp for small 10-12 foot boats to 60-75hp for longer 18-20 foot boats.

For Jon boats between 8 and 16 feet, 8hp to 20hp motors will provide sufficient power to push the boat upstream and achieve a respectable speed. More specifically, a 10-foot Jon boat will typically have a maximum horsepower of 3-5hp, while a 12-foot boat will average a maximum of 5-7hp. A 14-foot Jon boat will average a maximum horsepower of 15-20hp, but some may fall outside this range. A 16-foot Jon boat will typically have a maximum horsepower of 25-35hp.

For 18-foot Jon boats, the average maximum horsepower is 40-60hp, while 20-foot boats can have 75hp or more. It's important to note that the above figures are averages, and the specific horsepower capacity of a Jon boat can vary depending on the manufacturer and the boat's design.

When choosing a motor for a Jon boat, it's essential to consider the boat's weight capacity, especially if you plan to carry hunting gear, dogs, or multiple passengers. A heavier Jon boat will require a larger horsepower engine to provide the necessary thrust for propulsion. Additionally, the shaft length of the motor should match the length of the boat's transom to ensure optimal performance and stability.

While some Jon boat owners opt for trolling motors due to their small size and lightweight nature, these motors may not provide enough power to get the boat on plane. In such cases, a more powerful outboard motor may be necessary. Ultimately, it's crucial to follow the boat manufacturer's suggested horsepower for your specific boat model to ensure safety and optimal performance.

What size motor for a 16-foot Jon boat?

A 16-foot Jon boat will require a motor with 15 to 20 horsepower to push it upstream, achieve a respectable speed and get the boat on plane. A trolling motor will be small and light and will provide enough power for upstream use, but may not offer speed. A 3 hp trolling motor will be powerful enough to get a Jon boat moving upstream but will not provide speed.

The weight of the boat and its passengers and cargo will also determine the size of the motor required. A heavier Jon boat will require a bigger horsepower engine to provide the thrust needed to propel the boat. For example, hunters who take a lot of gear and dogs will choose bigger engines. Likewise, those who use their Jon boats for boat camping will also opt for more power as they load their boat with passengers, gear and supplies.

For a 16-foot Jon boat weighing about 900 pounds with two people and gear, a 40 or 50 horsepower tiller motor is recommended to cruise at 30 and top out a little more. A 40 horsepower tiller motor will allow the boat to cruise around 27-30, while a 50 horsepower motor will get it into the high 30s.

The type of river being navigated will also be a factor. A 15 horsepower motor will be enough to plane upstream on a river but may not be sufficient for a swift river.

Trolling vs outboard motors

Trolling motors are small, light, electric motors that are perfect for jon boats. They are ideal for quiet movement in shallow waters, and their almost-silent operation means they won't disturb fish or wildlife, making them a great choice for hunting and fishing.

Trolling motors are also highly manoeuvrable, which is useful for navigating around obstacles in the water, and for getting into the perfect position for hunting or fishing.

While they are not designed for speed, a trolling motor with 45-55 lbs of thrust will be plenty powerful enough for a jon boat.

Outboard motors, on the other hand, are gas-powered and much louder. They are also more expensive, with electric outboards costing thousands of dollars. Outboard motors are more powerful, however, and better suited to larger bodies of water, or situations where you need to travel long distances.

Outboard motors are also a more common sight on jon boats, and are better suited to choppy waters, where trolling motors would struggle.

If you're looking for a motor for your jon boat and are trying to decide between a trolling motor and an outboard motor, it's important to consider what you'll be using the boat for. If you plan on fishing or hunting in calm, shallow waters, a trolling motor is a great choice. It's quiet, manoeuvrable, and won't disturb the fish or wildlife around you. If you need to travel longer distances, or plan on taking your jon boat out on larger bodies of water, an outboard motor may be a better option. It's also a better choice if you're boating in choppy waters, as trolling motors are better suited to calm waters.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to go with a trolling motor or an outboard motor depends on how you plan to use your jon boat. Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages, so consider your specific needs and choose the motor that best suits your requirements.

Thrust vs boat weight

When choosing a motor for your Jon boat, it's important to consider the boat's weight and the amount of thrust you'll need to achieve satisfactory performance. Thrust is the standard measure of how powerful a trolling motor is and is typically measured in pounds. The bigger and heavier your boat, the more thrust you'll need.

As a general rule of thumb, you should aim for a minimum of 2 lbs of thrust for every 100 lbs of boat weight. So, for a 3000 lb boat, you would need 60 lbs of thrust. It's important to calculate the heaviest possible weight, which includes the weight of the boat, gear, fuel, and the maximum number of passengers.

In addition to boat weight, environmental conditions such as wind, swell, and current can also impact the amount of thrust needed. If you plan to operate in choppy water, fight currents, or deal with strong winds, you may need to increase the pounds of thrust. On the other hand, if you'll mostly be fishing in calm waters with little to no current, a lower thrust motor may suffice.

Now, let's discuss the weight of Jon boats and the recommended thrust:

Jon boats are typically lightweight and don't require excessive amounts of power. The maximum horsepower for a Jon boat depends on its size, with smaller 10-12 foot boats averaging 3-5hp, while longer 18-20 foot boats can handle 60-75hp. For a 14-foot Jon boat, the average maximum horsepower is 15-20hp, but some boats may fall outside this range. A 16-foot Jon boat typically has a maximum horsepower of 25-35hp.

To summarise, when choosing a motor for your Jon boat, consider the boat's weight, environmental conditions, and the specific size of your boat to determine the appropriate amount of thrust needed. Remember that boat weight plays a vital role in selecting the correct motor, and it's important to follow the manufacturer's suggested horsepower for safety and optimal performance.

How does shaft length affect motor choice?

Choosing the right shaft length for your outboard motor is crucial, as it can impact the performance and efficiency of your boat. The shaft length determines how deep the propeller sits in the water, affecting the boat's speed, fuel efficiency, and handling. If the propeller is too deep, it can cause drag and reduce speed, whereas if it's too shallow, it may not provide enough propulsion.

Outboard motor shaft lengths are typically categorized into three types: short, long, and extra-long. Short shafts measure 15 inches, long shafts 20 inches, and extra-long shafts 25 inches. The right shaft length depends on the type of boat and its transom height, which is the vertical distance from the bottom of the hull to the top of the transom, where the motor will be mounted.

As a general rule, the waterline should be located at the lower third of the motor's cavitation plate when the motor is in use. For a 15-inch transom height, a short shaft is recommended, while a 20-inch transom height requires a long shaft, and a 25-inch transom height needs an extra-long shaft.

While transom height is crucial, it's also important to consider boat and motor type. Sailboats, for example, often need long or extra-long shafts due to their deeper hulls, whereas small fishing boats or inflatables typically work well with short shafts. Four-stroke motors, being heavier than two-stroke motors, can cause the stern to sit lower, possibly requiring a longer shaft.

Other factors to consider include water conditions, boat load, and performance expectations. Boating in rough water may call for a longer shaft to keep the propeller submerged, while a shorter shaft may suffice in calm water. A heavier boat load can also cause the boat to sit lower, requiring a longer shaft. If speed is a priority, a shorter shaft can reduce drag, while a longer shaft may be preferred for improved stability and handling.

In summary, choosing the right shaft length is a critical step in ensuring optimal boat performance. By taking into account factors such as transom height, boat and motor type, water conditions, boat load, and performance expectations, you can select the shaft length that best suits your specific needs. Consulting with a marine professional or motor manufacturer is always a good idea when in doubt.

Frequently asked questions