Best Aluminum Jon Boat: Sturdy And Affordable

Jon boats are a popular choice for fishing and hunting, especially in the Southern wetlands of the US. They are affordable, versatile, and easily customizable, making them a great option for those looking for a simple and lightweight boat. When it comes to choosing the best aluminum Jon boat, there are several factors to consider, including size, weight, and intended use.

For those looking for a small and stable Jon boat, a 12-foot flat-bottom boat is a good option. This size can accommodate two people standing and still have room for gear and a cooler. A 4-10 horsepower engine and a trolling motor will provide enough power, and the boat can be carried by two people if needed. It is recommended to look for a welded boat instead of one with rivets.

If you prioritize stability and roominess, a 10-foot Livingston boat could be a good choice. However, it is important to note that this option is heavier compared to a Jon boat. For those on a budget, a used Jon boat can be a more affordable option, but keep in mind that you will also need to factor in the cost of the motor, trolling motor, fish finders, and battery charger.

When it comes to size, a 16-foot boat is often recommended as the minimum size for a family of four, especially if you plan to bring camping gear. A Mod-V Jon boat is a good compromise between a pure flat-bottom boat and a V-shaped boat, offering improved stability and tracking while still performing well in choppy waters. It is also important to consider the busyness and conditions of the lakes you plan to explore, as this will impact the stability and ride quality of the boat.

In terms of weight, Jon boats typically range from 400 to 500 pounds, with some models weighing less or more depending on their size and features. It is crucial to respect the weight limit of your boat to ensure safe handling and avoid potential issues like poor handling, reduced stability, and capsizing.

Overall, the best aluminum Jon boat for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. Be sure to consider factors like size, weight, intended use, and engine power when making your decision.

Best Jon Boat for Fishing

Jon boats are a popular choice for fishing and hunting trips, especially in shallow waters. They are usually made of aluminium, fibreglass, or wood, and are known for their flat-bottomed hulls and shallow drafts, making them ideal for navigating through skinny waters. Here are some of the best jon boats for fishing:

Lowe Fish & Ski 1800

The Lowe Fish & Ski 1800 is a fantastic option for family anglers who want to enjoy a day on the lake. It offers a bowrider-style layout, providing ample protection from the elements with its tall wraparound windshield. This boat includes essential fishing features such as a locking rod locker, a 24-gallon livewell, and five seat bases for swivelling fishing seats. Additionally, the aft jump seats can be folded down to create an elevated casting deck, making it a versatile choice for both fishing and family outings.

Starcraft CX Fish 21 FD

If you're an angler who enjoys the pontoon boat experience, the Starcraft CX Fish 21 FD is an excellent choice. This aluminium pontoon boat is equipped for fishing, featuring an aerated livewell, a locking rod box, pedestal-mount swivelling fishing seats, and a dedicated fishing station at the stern. The fishing station includes integrated rod holders, cup holders, a cutting surface, and a tackle storage compartment. With options for additional features like a Talon shallow water anchor and a GPS/fishfinder, the Starcraft CX Fish 21 FD offers a luxurious and feature-rich fishing experience.

Tracker Grizzly 2072 CC

The Tracker Grizzly 2072 CC is a massive jon boat that offers a great balance of size and features at a relatively low price point. With a length of 21'5" and a width of 8'3", it provides ample space for fishing excursions. It comes integrated with critical fishing features such as two livewells of different capacities, a Versatrack gunwale accessory mounting system, and a rotomolded centre console with vertical rod holders. This boat is an excellent choice for anglers looking for a spacious and feature-rich option without breaking the bank.

G3 Gator Tough Jon Boat Series

The G3 Gator Tough Jon Boat Series stands out for delivering exceptional value for money. Their jon boats feature beefy 0.10" thick aluminium hulls, and even their smallest models come with camo paint job options. The stock trailers in their boat-motor-trailer package are Kodiak-coated three-inch tubular steel models with detachable tongues. G3 boats offer superior construction quality and features, making them a stand-out choice in the jon boat market.

Crestliner XFC 189

The Crestliner XFC 189 is a top choice for panfish anglers, often referred to as the "Cadillac of crappie boats." It incorporates 23-gallon livewells with removable bait buckets in both the bow and stern, along with locking rod storage for rigs up to 8'. Additionally, it features three pedestal bases for seats in the bow and a "supermount" accessory mounting system on the gunwale. The boat also comes standard with a MotorGuide X3 electric trolling motor. The Crestliner XFC 189 is an excellent option for those seeking a feature-rich and specialised panfish boat.

Lowe L1648M Aura

The Lowe L1648M Aura is a versatile and customisable jon boat that can serve multiple purposes beyond fishing. It features a modified V-hull design, high horsepower capacity, and a range of available modifications. This boat excels in rough water conditions, thanks to its updated hull design. The L1648M Aura is built to last with its riveted aluminium and reinforced construction, ensuring a secure motor mount with its formed transom corners. This boat offers a great balance of durability, performance, and customisability.

Best Jon Boat for Hunting

Jon boats are a popular choice for hunters and anglers alike, thanks to their versatility, durability, and affordability. They are lightweight, easily manoeuvrable, and ideal for navigating shallow waters. If you're in the market for a jon boat for hunting, here are some excellent options to consider:

Tracker Grizzly 2072 CC Sportsman

The Tracker Grizzly 2072 CC Sportsman is an excellent choice for hunters seeking a spacious and feature-rich jon boat. With a width of 6 feet and a maximum person capacity of 5, this boat offers ample room for multiple hunters and their gear. It boasts a large deck, plenty of storage compartments, and bright LED lighting. The package weight is 3820 lbs, and it can be towed to a length of 27 feet 8 inches. While it may be more boat than the average hunter needs, it is an exceptional option for those seeking a fully-loaded hunting experience.

Crestliner 1860 Retriever

The Crestliner 1860 Retriever is a versatile jon boat that comes in several iterations, building on specs and features. The basic model is a bare-bones fishing and duck-hunting vessel, while the Retriever Deluxe offers additional features. The Centre Console (CC) and Side Console (SC) variants take it up a notch with improved accessories, including driver control stations. All models offer numerous optional accessories and come with a new trailer. With a transom height of 20 inches and a maximum weight capacity of 1600 lbs, the Crestliner 1860 Retriever is a flexible option for hunters.

Starcraft Alaskan 15 DLX

The Starcraft Alaskan 15 DLX is a rugged and versatile jon boat, perfect for hunting adventures. With a tall bow and high freeboard, it exudes a rugged look and feel. The centre bench is split, providing ample space for casting lines and nets, and accommodating a 25 or 30-horsepower outboard motor. Starcraft has been in the business of riveting and welding these boats for a long time, so you can trust their durability. This boat measures 14 feet 11 inches in length and has a capacity of 4 people or 850 pounds. It offers a lifetime hull warranty, making it a reliable choice for hunters.

Lund Jon Boat Series

The Lund Jon Boat Series offers both 10-foot and 12-foot utility waterfowl-hunting boats, ideal for hunting ducks or geese. With an aluminium flat-bottom design, these boats provide easy access to shallow waters. They deliver rugged strength and are highly portable, making them perfect for hunting in backwaters and small lakes. The 12-foot model has a maximum weight capacity of 1014 lbs and a max power capacity of 35 horsepower. Lund's reputation for quality and durability makes their Jon Boat Series an attractive option for hunters seeking a reliable and sturdy craft.

Sun Dolphin Pro 120

The Sun Dolphin Pro 120 is a lightweight and feature-rich jon boat, perfect for hunting and fishing trips. It comes with 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 offers convenient fishing rod holders and an aerated livewell. With a maximum capacity of 532 lbs, this boat strikes a balance between portability and functionality, making it well-suited for hunting excursions.

Best Jon Boat for Waterskiing

Jon boats are not typically used for waterskiing, as they are better suited for calmer waters and are unable to handle rougher waters or choppy waters well. They are best used for fishing and hunting in small lakes, rivers, and marshes.

However, some of the more powerful performance jon boats may be able to pull a waterskier if they have enough power. For example, the Sea Ark RX180 is capable of waterskiing when equipped with its 90-horsepower motor.

Best Jon Boat for Families

Jon boats are a great, cost-effective way for families to get into boating. They are simple, inexpensive, efficient, and easy to own and maintain. Jon boats are also highly durable, with most being made out of aluminum, which is more durable than fiberglass or wood. They are perfect for fishing and hunting, and their flat hulls require smaller engines, which cuts down on purchase price and fuel costs.

Tracker Grizzly 2072

The Tracker Grizzly 2072 is the Cadillac of jon boats. With a heavy-duty aluminum hull and sturdy ribs, this boat offers a solid ride in rough weather. It's loaded with features like rod storage, a live well, pedestal seats, and a center console. At 21 feet 5 inches long and 8 feet 3 inches wide, it's one of the largest jon boats available.

Crestliner 1860 Retriever CC Tunnel

The Crestliner 1860 Retriever is perfect for families who want to explore shallow waters. With a tunnel hull and jet motor, it can go where other boats can't. It also has a casting deck, center console, rod storage, and a live well. You can also customize it with cool color and camouflage options.

Lowe 1648M

The Lowe 1648M is a lightweight jon boat that doesn't sacrifice performance. It's 16 feet long and only weighs 275 pounds, making it easy to transport. It has a reinforced transom and floor, two bench seats, and a forward platform. You can also add electronics, a trolling motor, and comfortable seats to improve your family's comfort and fishing experience.

Lund 1040

The Lund 1040 is a small but mighty jon boat. At only 10 feet long and 87 pounds, it's easy to transport and can be powered by a small gas or electric outboard engine or a tiller-drive trolling motor. It has room for two anglers and their gear or a hunter, their dog, and decoys.

Sun Dolphin Pro 120

The Sun Dolphin Pro 120 is a great option for families who want to access areas off-limits to bigger boats. At 11 feet 3 inches long and 238 pounds, it's small enough to fit in a pickup truck bed, yet it packs in features like a live well, pedestal seats, gear storage, and fuel tank storage. It's also pre-wired for a trolling motor.

Best Jon Boat for Calm Waters

Jon boats are a great option for calm and shallow waters, offering stability, durability, and versatility. Here are some of the best Jon boats for calm waters:

Starcraft Alaskan 15 DLX

The Starcraft Alaskan 15 DLX is a rugged and versatile Jon boat, perfect for those seeking a simple yet reliable vessel. With a length of 14 feet, 11 inches, it can accommodate up to four people or 850 pounds of weight. The boat features a tall bow and high freeboard, giving it an imposing look. It comes with a 25 or 30-horsepower outboard motor, providing ample power for your adventures. The Starcraft Alaskan also offers plenty of legroom and space for your gear, along with a deeper cockpit and higher freeboard than most other utility or Jon boats. Additionally, it comes with a lifetime hull warranty, ensuring peace of mind.

Lowe L1852MT Aura

The Lowe L1852MT Aura is an excellent choice for those seeking a spacious and versatile Jon boat. With a maximum weight capacity of 1443 pounds, it can accommodate up to six people comfortably. The boat's rugged aluminum construction and wide-open layout make it perfect for fishing on shallow waters. It offers a range of optional features, including 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.

Tracker Grizzly 1754 SC

The Tracker Grizzly 1754 SC is a durable and functional fishing Jon boat, perfect for calm waters. It features a rotomolded side console, a 9-gallon aerated livewell, and seating for up to three people. The welded-in, foam-filled interior sidewalls and thick aluminum floor ensure a quiet and sturdy ride. This boat is pre-wired to accept a trolling motor, and it comes with LED navigation lights and port-side rod holders. With a 60 hp motor, you can expect speeds of 30-38 mph, and upgrading to a 75 hp motor can help you crack the 40 mph mark.

Lowe L1032

The Lowe L1032 is a straightforward and functional Jon boat, perfect for calm waters. It offers fishermen ample room with its flat square-shaped bow and 15" transom. The boat includes two bench seats and two oar lock mounts for paddling oars. Additionally, it features thoughtful details like transom corner caps and formed-in keels, providing excellent flotation in very skinny waters. The Lowe L1032 has a maximum weight capacity of 275 pounds and a maximum horsepower capacity of 3.5 hp. While it may be basic in features, it gets the job done!

Starcraft SL 12 Utility Boat

Sometimes, simplicity is best, and the Starcraft SL 12 Utility Boat embodies this principle. This Jon boat comes in two sizes, 12 and 14 feet, offering integrated benches and ample room for your gear. The SL series boats have no frills or options, providing an affordable and straightforward option. If you need more space, the SF series offers higher sides and comes in 14 or 16-foot versions. For an even higher freeboard and a split center bench layout, consider the Alaskan series, available in 13 or 15-foot models. The Starcraft SL 12 is a rugged and lightweight choice, perfect for calm waters.

Frequently asked questions