Jon Boat Models: Best Options For Your Next Purchase

Jon boats are a popular choice for fishing and hunting enthusiasts due to their simplicity, durability, and versatility. They are characterized by their flat or nearly flat bottoms, squared-off bows, and lack of accessories. Jon boats are typically constructed from aluminum, although some are made from fiberglass or polyethylene plastic.

When choosing a jon boat, factors to consider include intended use, size, weight, seating options, and additional features such as live wells and storage compartments. Here is a list of some of the best jon boat models currently on the market:

- Tracker Grizzly 2072: This jon boat offers heavy-duty construction, ample features, and comfortable seating for up to four people. It has a length of 21 feet 5 inches and a dry weight of 1480 pounds.

- Crestliner 1860 Retriever CC Tunnel: With a dry weight of 970 pounds, this jon boat combines durability with a tunnel hull and jet motor, making it ideal for exploring shallow waters. It offers features such as a casting deck, center console, rod storage, and gear storage.

- Lowe 1648M: This jon boat provides a balance of sturdy construction and lightweight design, weighing only 275 pounds. It includes two bench seats, a forward platform, and a combination live well and storage compartment.

- Lund 1040: Weighing just 87 pounds and measuring 10 feet in length, this jon boat offers excellent portability and versatility. It can be powered by a small gas or electric outboard engine or a tiller-drive trolling motor.

- Sun Dolphin Pro 120: This jon boat packs a lot of features into a compact 12-foot package, including a live well, pedestal seats, gear storage, and fuel tank storage. It is pre-wired for a trolling motor and has a dry weight of 238 pounds.

Best Jon Boat Models for Fishing

Jon boats are a popular choice for fishing enthusiasts due to their simplicity, durability, and versatility. Here are some of the best Jon Boat models for fishing:

War Eagle 436FLD:

This jon boat tops our list as the best overall option. With a length of 14 feet, 2 inches, and a width of 56 inches, it offers ample space for fishing gear and comfortable fishing experience. The low front deck provides a stable platform for standing or mounting a swivel seat. Its welded construction ensures a leak-free experience, and the winged transom design enhances maneuverability.

Lowe L1032 Jon:

If you're looking for a lightweight option that's easy to transport, the Lowe L1032 Jon is an excellent choice. This rugged aluminium fishing platform is even lighter than some modern fishing kayaks, making it convenient for solo anglers to carry and launch.

Bass Pro Shops Pond Prowler 10:

For those seeking the best value, the Bass Pro Shops Pond Prowler 10 is a fantastic option. This 10-foot jon boat is compact and easy to manoeuvre, allowing you to access off-the-beaten-path honey holes with this affordable option.

Tracker Grizzly 1648:

For bass fishing enthusiasts, the Tracker Grizzly 1648 is a fantastic choice. This aluminium bass boat manufacturer's smallest offering packs a punch in a basic package. It includes a storage compartment and an aluminium casting deck, making it a worthy contender for bass fishing expeditions.

Havoc 1550 VJ:

The Havoc 1550 VJ is a beast on the water, built for speed and performance in flooded timber and stump-filled backwaters. Its all-welded construction makes it one of the toughest jon boats out there, ready to take on any challenges you throw at it.

Tracker Grizzly 2072:

The Tracker Grizzly 2072 is like the Cadillac of jon boats. With a length of 21 feet 5 inches and a width of 8 feet 3 inches, it offers ample space and features. It includes rod storage, a livewell, pedestal seats, and a centre console. The heavy-duty aluminium construction ensures durability, and its sturdy ribs provide a solid ride even in rough weather.

Crestliner 1860 Retriever CC Tunnel:

If you plan on fishing in shallow waters, the Crestliner 1860 Retriever CC Tunnel is an excellent choice. Its tunnel hull and jet motor allow it to navigate to places other boats can't reach. With a dry weight of 970 pounds, this aluminium jon boat is highly durable and perfect for exploring shallow waters and heavy structure.

Lowe 1648M:

The Lowe 1648M is a lightweight champion, weighing in at only 275 pounds. This 15-foot, 8.5-inch jon boat offers a sturdy construction with nine stringers and a reinforced floor to withstand challenging conditions. It includes two bench seats and a forward platform, providing a solid feel.

Sun Dolphin Pro 120:

The Sun Dolphin Pro 120 packs a lot of features into a compact 12-foot jon boat. It includes a livewell, pedestal seats, gear storage, and fuel tank storage. With a dry weight of 238 pounds, it's easy to transport and perfect for accessing hidden fishing spots that bigger boats can't reach.

Lund 1040:

The Lund 1040 is a 10-foot jon boat that delivers impressive utility and performance. Weighing only 87 pounds, it's lighter than some fishing kayaks. Its sturdy aluminium hull and three bench seats give it the capacity and versatility to accommodate two anglers and their gear comfortably.

These jon boats offer a range of features, durability, and performance to suit your fishing needs. Whether you're looking for lightweight options, excellent value, or specific fishing applications like bass fishing or shallow water exploration, one of these models is sure to enhance your fishing adventures.

Best Jon Boat Models for Families

Jon boats are a great option for families looking for a simple, durable, and versatile boat. They are known for their stability, ample space, and ease of transportation, making them ideal for a range of activities on calm and shallow waters. Here are some of the best Jon boat models for families:

Lowe L1852MT Aura

The Lowe L1852MT Aura is a rugged aluminium Jon boat that offers a spacious layout for up to six people and has a maximum weight capacity of 1443 lbs. It performs well in skinny waters and provides ample space for customizations. Optional features include a pedestal seat base, a gravity-fed livewell, and a trolling motor mount. The side console helm also makes it versatile for activities like cruising or water skiing.

Crestliner 1860 Retriever Series

The Crestliner 1860 Retriever series offers a range of options to suit different needs. The basic model is a bare-bones Jon boat suitable for fishing and duck hunting. The Retriever Deluxe adds some features, while the Centre Console (CC) and Side Console (SC) versions offer improved accessories, including driver control stations. All models come with a new trailer, and there are numerous optional accessories available to customise your boat.

Alumacraft V-Series

The Alumacraft V-Series is a beginner-friendly aluminium outboard boat that is ideal for both fishing and family cruising. It offers a solid base design that allows for DIY modifications to suit your fishing needs. Available in 14- and 16-foot sizes, the V-Series boats can be ordered with additional features such as casting decks and trailers. With a maximum engine capacity of 25 horsepower, it is also towing capable.

Starcraft Alaskan 15 DLX

The Starcraft Alaskan 15 DLX is a rugged aluminium utility boat with a tall bow and high freeboard, making it suitable for adventurous families. It offers a spacious centre bench with a walk-through design, providing more floor space for casting lines and nets. With a maximum power capacity of 35 horsepower, this boat can take you to the best fishing spots. Starcraft also offers a range of customisation options, and these boats hold their value well over time.

Sun Dolphin Pro 120

The Sun Dolphin Pro 120 is a sturdy and lightweight Jon boat made of UV-stabilised Fortiflex high-density polyethylene. It features two padded swivel seats, dual storage compartments, and a built-in cooler. Additionally, it is pre-wired for a bow-mounted electric trolling motor and comes with fishing rod holders, an aerated livewell, and navigation lights. With a maximum capacity of 532 lbs, this boat is perfect for families looking for a feature-rich yet compact option.

Best Jon Boat Models for Beginners

Jon boats are a great choice for beginners due to their simplicity, low cost, and versatility. Here are some of the best Jon Boat models for beginners:

Lowe 1648M

The Lowe 1648M is a classic Jon Boat that offers a great balance of durability and lightweight construction. It has a length of 15 feet 8.5 inches and a dry weight of 275 pounds, making it easy to transport and handle. The Lowe 1648M features a Mod-V hull design, which provides improved performance in rough water conditions while maintaining the benefits of a flat-bottom boat. It comes with two bench seats and a forward platform, providing a solid feel. Additionally, it includes a combination live well and storage compartment in the center seat, which is great for keeping your catch fresh or storing dry gear.

Lund 1040

The Lund 1040 is a compact and lightweight Jon Boat, weighing only 87 pounds and measuring 10 feet in length. Despite its small size, it offers impressive utility and performance, making it a great choice for anglers or hunters looking to access shallow waters. The Lund 1040 can be powered by a small gas or electric outboard engine, or even a tiller-drive trolling motor. It features three bench seats, providing capacity for two anglers and their gear or a hunter with their dog and decoys. Its lightweight construction and portability make it easy to transport and store, even in a truck bed or on cartop roof racks.

Sun Dolphin Pro 120

The Sun Dolphin Pro 120 is a feature-rich Jon Boat that packs a lot of amenities into a compact 12-foot package. It includes a live well, pedestal seats, gear storage, and fuel tank storage. The boat is pre-wired for a trolling motor, and its tri-hull design with three pontoons enhances stability. The deck is made of pressure-treated plywood and covered with all-weather carpet, providing a sturdy and comfortable fishing platform. The Sun Dolphin Pro 120 is a great choice for anglers looking to access tight spaces and hidden fishing spots without sacrificing comfort and convenience.

Tracker Grizzly 2072

The Tracker Grizzly 2072 is a spacious and feature-rich Jon Boat, measuring 21 feet 5 inches in length and 8 feet 3 inches in width. It offers the amenities of a bass boat in a lightweight package, with a heavy-duty aluminum hull and floor welded to sturdy ribs for a solid ride. The Grizzly 2072 includes a large live well, ample rod storage, and four below-deck gear boxes, making it ideal for fishing and family outings. It also has a center console and pedestal seats, providing comfort and convenience. With its durable construction and ample features, the Tracker Grizzly 2072 is a great choice for those seeking a versatile and well-equipped Jon Boat.

Crestliner 1860 Retriever CC Tunnel

The Crestliner 1860 Retriever CC Tunnel is an excellent choice for those seeking a Jon Boat that can handle shallow waters. It combines the durability of a Jon Boat with the advantages of a tunnel hull and jet motor, allowing it to navigate to places other boats can't reach. The Crestliner 1860 has a dry weight of 970 pounds and offers a refined experience with a casting deck, center console, rod storage, gear storage, and a live well. It provides a long list of customization options, including cool color and camouflage patterns, making it a versatile choice for anglers and hunters alike.

Best Jon Boat Models for Hunting

Jon boats are ideal for hunting, especially in wetlands and marshlands. They are lightweight, easy to transport and store, and can be pulled off banks and through mud and sand. Here are some of the best Jon Boat models for hunting:

G3 Gator Tough Tunnel Jon

Anglers and hunters seeking a vessel that can navigate shallow, rocky, or stump-filled waters should consider the G3 Gator Tough Tunnel Jon. This boat is highly customizable, with a range of fishing and hunting options. It comes in 17', 18', and 20' models, all with tunnel hulls that can be paired with jet-drive outboards. The estimated MSRP starts at $26,000.

Lowe Roughneck 1660 Tiller

The Lowe Roughneck 1660 Tiller is a fantastic option for those seeking a low-cost, no-frills Jon boat. It offers a complete boat-motor-trailer package starting at less than $15,000. Optional features include a camo paint job, swivel seats, a rod box, and a spray-in floor liner. The boat is built by a large manufacturer, allowing for a more affordable price.

Tracker Grizzly 2072 CC Sportsman

The Tracker Grizzly 2072 CC Sportsman is an excellent choice for those who enjoy bow fishing. It is the only production Jon boat with an elevated foredeck featuring 100,000 lumens of LED lights, perfect for lighting up fish. It also includes amenities such as a stereo system, gas shocks on bow storage compartments, drink holders, multiple pedestal seat bases, and a Sure Tread non-skid interior. The estimated MSRP is $39,995.

War Eagle 436FLD

The War Eagle 436FLD is a fantastic all-welded Jon boat, ensuring a lifetime of leak-free use. It features a low front deck, providing a stable platform for standing or placing a swivel-mounted seat. The winged transom design enhances maneuverability, and the 0.80-inch-thick aluminum hull resists tears and gouges. However, at 240 pounds, it may be too heavy for car-topping or solo dragging. The estimated length is 14 feet, 2 inches, with a width of 36 inches at the base and 56 inches at the beam.

Lowe L1032 Jon

The Lowe L1032 Jon is a lightweight and rugged aluminum fishing platform, perfect for hunters seeking a lightweight option.

Bass Pro Shops Pond Prowler 10

The Bass Pro Shops Pond Prowler 10 is a fantastic choice for those seeking a more affordable option without the need for a trailer. It provides access to off-the-beaten-path hunting spots with the comfort and convenience of a full-size Jon boat.

Best Jon Boat Models for Shallow Waters

Jon boats are a popular choice for shallow water navigation due to their flat-bottomed design, which allows them to operate in waters that other boats cannot. They are stable, durable, and highly versatile, making them ideal for fishing, hunting, and transportation. When choosing the best Jon boat model for shallow waters, consider factors such as size, weight, capacity, and customisation options. Here are some of the top Jon boat models that are well-suited for shallow waters:

Lowe 1648M

The Lowe 1648M is a multi-purpose Jon boat that can be used for fishing and various other activities. It features a modified V-hull, high horsepower capacity, and the ability to handle rougher water conditions. The hull design adds stability, and the boat offers ample storage space. It has a weight of 275 pounds and a length of 15 feet 8.5 inches, making it easy to transport and manoeuvre.

Starcraft Alaskan 15 DLX

The Starcraft Alaskan 15 DLX is a rugged and versatile Jon boat, perfect for exploring remote waters. With a length of 14 feet 11 inches and a capacity of four people or 850 pounds, it can handle choppy waters while providing ample legroom and storage space. Its tall bow and high freeboard make it ideal for the Alaskan wilderness.

Alumacraft V-Series

The Alumacraft V-Series is an excellent choice for beginners. Available in 14 and 16-foot sizes, it offers a solid base for DIY modifications to suit your fishing needs. It is lightweight, sturdy, and ideal for both fishing and family cruising. The 16-foot model performs better in rough waters, and both sizes are easy to trailer.

Crestliner 1860 Retriever

The Crestliner 1860 Retriever series offers versatility, with different models catering to various needs. The basic model is a bare-bones fishing and hunting vessel, while the Deluxe and Centre Console (CC) or Side Console (SC) models include additional features and driver control stations. All models come with a range of optional accessories, and they are sold with a trailer.

Sun Dolphin Pro 120

The Sun Dolphin Pro 120 is a sturdy and lightweight Jon boat, perfect for weekend fishing trips. It features a tri-hull design for superior stability, carpeted casting decks for better grip, and two padded swivel seats. It also includes dual storage compartments, a built-in cooler, and pre-wiring for a bow-mounted electric trolling motor. With a capacity of 532 pounds, it offers a great balance of features and performance.

Tracker Grizzly 2072 CC Sportsman

The Tracker Grizzly 2072 CC Sportsman is a spacious and feature-rich Jon boat. With a length of 20 feet 5 inches and a width of 8 feet 3 inches, it provides ample deck space and includes features such as rod storage, a livewell, pedestal seats, and a centre console. Its heavy-duty aluminium construction ensures durability, and it can withstand tough weather conditions.

Sea Ark RXT 180

The Sea Ark RXT 180 is a high-performance Jon boat that offers both speed and manoeuvrability. With a maximum horsepower capacity of 90 hp, it can reach impressive speeds while maintaining stability thanks to its extra width. It includes fishing features such as swivel fishing seats and an extra-wide bench seat. It also comes with a comprehensive package of accessories, including LED lights and a transducer bracket.

Lowe L1852MT Aura

The Lowe L1852MT Aura is a versatile Jon boat that performs well in shallow waters. With a rugged aluminium construction and a wide-open layout, it can accommodate up to six people and has a maximum weight capacity of 1443 pounds. It offers ample space for customisations, such as a bow fishing platform, pedestal seat base, gravity-fed livewell, and a trolling motor mount.

Stalker MV 120

The Stalker MV 120 is a compact and stable Jon boat, perfect for solo or duo fishing trips. It features a slightly modified V-bow design for added stability and two non-removable swivel seats. It is pre-wired for a transom-mounted electric trolling motor with a maximum capacity of 5 hp. Its lightweight construction and stability make it a great choice for calm, shallow waters.

Sun Dolphin American 12

The Sun Dolphin American 12 is a simple and customisable Jon boat, ideal for fishing and duck hunting. It features a heavy-duty deck and hull construction, two large bench-style seats, built-in motor mounts, battery storage, and four rod holder locations. It offers a great platform for DIY modifications, allowing you to add features such as swivel chairs and livewells over time.

Frequently asked questions