Kristian Ferrell
Jon boats are small, simple boats with a flat or nearly flat bottom, a squared-off or rounded bow, and few accessories. They are popular for their simplicity, low cost, and ease of maintenance. Jon boats are typically made of aluminium, but some are also made of fiberglass or polyethylene. When choosing the best Jon boat, factors to consider include convenience, transport, storage, weight, and cost. Some of the best Jon boats on the market include the Tracker Grizzly 2072, Crestliner 1860 Retriever CC Tunnel, Lowe 1648M, Lund 1040, and Sun Dolphin Pro 120.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Tracker Grizzly 2072 |
| Best for Shallow Water | Crestliner 1860 Retriever CC Tunnel |
| Best Lightweight | Lowe 1648M |
| Best 10-foot | Lund 1040 |
| Best for the Money | Sun Dolphin Pro 120 |
| Simple Performance | Sea Ark RXT 180 |
| Utility & Value | Lowe 1648M |
| Microskiff Jon Boat | Veer V13 by Lund |
| Go Anywhere, Do Anything Boat | Starcraft Alaskan 15 DLX |
| Agile Angler | Crestliner 1860 Retriever |
| Best Jon Boat Brands | Crestliner, Excel, G3 Boats, Lowe Roughneck, Lund, Pelican, Princecraft, SeaArk, Supreme Boats, Tracker |
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What You'll Learn
Best Jon Boat Overall
Jon boats are small, simple boats with a flat or nearly flat bottom and a squared-off or rounded bow. They are incredibly lightweight, easy to maintain, and inexpensive. They are also highly customizable, and their flat hulls allow them to navigate shallow waters with ease.
The Tracker Grizzly 2072 is the best Jon Boat Overall. Here's why:
The Tracker Grizzly 2072 is the Cadillac of jon boats. It has all the features of a bass boat but in a lightweight package. The heavy-duty aluminium hull and floor are welded to sturdy ribs, making it durable and convenient. Despite its ruggedness, the Grizzly still has the amenities of a civilized bass or bay boat, including a huge live well, ample rod storage, and four below-deck gear boxes. It's a great option for both fishing and family outings.
The Tracker Grizzly 2072 is an excellent choice for those who want a jon boat that combines the best of both worlds: the lightweight durability of a jon boat with the comforts and conveniences of a larger boat.
The Crestliner 1860 Retriever series is another excellent option for those seeking a versatile jon boat. The basic model is a bare-bones fishing and duck-hunting vessel, while the Retriever Deluxe adds some extra features. The Retriever Center Console (CC) and Side Console (SC) offer improved accessories, including driver control stations. With a variety of models and accessories to choose from, the Crestliner 1860 Retriever is an excellent choice for anglers and hunters looking for a versatile and customisable boat.
Other notable mentions for the best jon boat overall include the Lowe L1852MT Aura, a great option for fishing on shallow waters, and the Starcraft Alaskan 15 DLX, a rugged utility boat that can take you anywhere.
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Best Jon Boat for Shallow Water
Jon boats are a popular choice for anglers and hunters who need a stable, shallow-draft boat for navigating shallow waters. Their flat-bottomed design makes them ideal for accessing areas that other boats can't reach. When choosing a jon boat for shallow water, consider factors such as size, weight, capacity, and horsepower. Here are some of the best jon boats for shallow water:
Crestliner 1860 Retriever CC Tunnel
With a dry weight of 970 pounds, the Crestliner 1860 Retriever CC Tunnel is a top choice for shallow water. It combines the durability of a jon boat with the shallow draft of a tunnel hull and jet motor, allowing it to reach places other boats can't. It features a casting deck, center console, rod and gear storage, and a livewell. The boat is also highly customizable, with various colour and camouflage options available.
Tracker Grizzly 1648 Jon
Constructed from all-welded aluminium, the Tracker Grizzly 1648 Jon is known for its durability and spacious interior, making it perfect for both fishing and hunting. It offers a versatile and sturdy platform for shallow water adventures.
Alumacraft 1540 Jon Boat
The Alumacraft 1540 Jon Boat stands out for its lightweight design and excellent stability. It is easy to manoeuvre, making it ideal for individual anglers or small groups looking to explore shallow waters.
Lowe L1448M Big Jon
The Lowe L1448M Big Jon features a wide beam that provides better stability and more room for gear and movement. This makes it an excellent choice for dynamic fishing activities in shallow waters.
SeaArk 1652P Jon Boat
The SeaArk 1652P Jon Boat is known for its construction quality and customisation options, making it a favourite among serious anglers who require a reliable and adaptable boat for shallow water fishing.
Sun Dolphin Pro 120
The Sun Dolphin Pro 120 is a lightweight and sturdy jon boat made of UV-stabilised Fortiflex high-density polyethylene. It features a tri-hull design for superior stability and control, carpeted casting decks for better grip, and two padded swivel seats. It also offers dual storage compartments, a built-in cooler, and is pre-wired for a trolling motor.
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Best Lightweight Jon Boat
If you're looking for a lightweight Jon boat, the Lowe 1648M is a great option. Weighing in at only 275 pounds, this 16-foot-long boat is a fantastic choice for anglers looking for a lightweight boat without compromising on performance. Its heavy-duty construction, reinforced transom and floor, and two bench seats make it a sturdy and reliable option for your boating needs.
Another excellent choice for a lightweight Jon boat is the Lund 1040. This boat is a mere 87 pounds and 10 feet long, making it smaller and lighter than some fishing kayaks. Despite its compact size, the Lund 1040 offers the capacity and versatility you need for your boating adventures. It can be paired with a five-horsepower gas or electric outboard engine, or a tiller-drive trolling motor, giving you the power and flexibility you need.
For those seeking an even lighter option, the Stalker MV 120 is a fantastic choice. Weighing only 140 pounds, this compact and stable boat is perfect for fishing or hunting trips, especially if you're looking to cruise slowly and take in the scenery. It's pre-wired for a transom-mounted electric trolling motor and features two non-removable swivel seats, ample storage, and a modified V-bow design for added stability.
Lastly, the Sun Dolphin Pro 120 is a fantastic lightweight Jon boat option. With a dry weight of 238 pounds and measuring 11 feet 3 inches, it packs a lot of features into a small package. It includes a live well, pedestal seats, gear storage, and fuel tank storage, making it a comfortable and convenient choice for your boating excursions.
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Best 10-Foot Jon Boat
If you're looking for a 10-foot jon boat, the Lowe L1032 and the Lund Jon Boat 1040 are two great options. Both boats are compact and easy to transport, making them perfect for ponds and small lakes. They also offer a flat bottom design, which is ideal for navigating shallow waters.
The Lowe L1032 is a riveted aluminum boat with a flat bow and a 15" transom, providing ample room for fishing or hunting. It has a basic hull weight of 275 lbs and a maximum horsepower capacity of 3.5 hp. This boat also comes with two bench seats and two oar lock mounts for paddling. However, it lacks a dry storage compartment, which can be a drawback for some.
The Lund Jon Boat 1040 is another excellent choice, offering a standard boat weight of 87 lbs and a maximum weight capacity of 419 lbs. It has a maximum horsepower capacity of 5 hp and features a flat bottom, square bow, formed transom corner caps, and formed-in spray rails. This boat is designed for waterfowl hunting and utility fishing, providing easy access to shallow waters.
Both the Lowe L1032 and the Lund Jon Boat 1040 are fantastic options for those seeking a 10-foot jon boat. They offer durability, portability, and the ability to navigate shallow waters with ease.
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Best Value Jon Boat
Jon boats are a great, low-cost way to get into boating. They are simple, inexpensive, efficient, and easy to own and maintain. Jon boats are best suited for calm and shallow waters, like the Southern wetlands of the US, and are popular among fishermen and hunters. They are also highly customizable, with a basic layout, a flat-bottomed hull, and a durable aluminium construction.
When looking for the best value jon boat, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, you should think about the size of the boat. Jon boats typically range from 8 to 20 feet in length, with larger boats offering more gear space and seating, as well as better performance in choppy waters. However, bigger boats will also require more storage space. Another important consideration is weight. Jon boats are known for being incredibly lightweight, with an average weight of around 400-500 pounds. However, as size and features increase, so does the weight. Lastly, you should consider the weight capacity of the boat, which can range from around 325 pounds for a 10-foot jon boat to around 1425 pounds for an 18-foot boat.
Lowe 1648M
The Lowe 1648M is a multi-use craft disguised as a fishing boat. With a modified V-hull, high HP capacity, and available modifications, this boat can serve many purposes. It offers versatility and durability, with riveted aluminium and reinforced construction. It has a length of 15 feet 8 inches, a beam of 5 feet 10 inches, and a transom height of 15 inches. The max weight capacity is 1014 pounds, and the max power capacity is 35 hp. It features three benches, with one each at the bow and stern, and a centre bench with a built-in live well. It also has two stern handles and comes in three colour options.
Starcraft Alaskan 15 DLX
The Starcraft Alaskan 15 DLX is a rugged aluminium hull boat that is built to take you anywhere. It has a tall bow and high freeboard, with a split centre bench that allows for more space to move around and cast lines and nets. You can attach a 25 or 30-horsepower outboard, making it perfect for finding those hidden fishing spots. Starcraft has been building these boats for a long time, so you'll have plenty of choices on both the new and used markets. These boats offer exceptional value and hold their value well over the years.
Sun Dolphin Pro 120
The Sun Dolphin Pro 120 is a sturdy and lightweight jon boat made of rugged UV-stabilized Fortiflex high-density polyethylene. It features a tri-hull design for superior stability and control, as well as carpeted casting decks for better grip. It includes two padded swivel seats, dual storage compartments, and a built-in cooler. It is also pre-wired for a bow-mounted electric trolling motor and has fishing rod holders, an aerated live well, and navigation lights. With a max capacity of 532 pounds, this boat offers a great balance of features and value.
Stalker MV 120
The Stalker MV 120 is a compact, stable, and convenient jon boat perfect for a father-son fishing trip. It is pre-wired for a transom-mounted electric trolling motor and features two non-removable swivel seats, ample storage under the deck, and a modified V-bow design for added stability in choppy waters. With a max hp capacity of 5hp, this boat offers great value for money.
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Frequently asked questions
Jon boats are good for fishing, hunting, and carrying timber. Their flat hulls make them ideal for shallow and calm waters.
Some performance jon boats with sufficient horsepower can pull a water skier. For example, the Sea Ark RX180 with its 90 horsepower motor.
Jon boats are simple, low-maintenance, lightweight, and low-cost. They are easy to transport, float in shallow water, and require less horsepower due to their flat hulls.
Jon boats lack comfort features like cushioned seats, consoles, windshields, and integrated coolers. They are also lightweight, which makes them susceptible to being blown around by strong winds and bumpy rides in choppy waters.
Jon boats are usually made of aluminum, but some are constructed from fiberglass or polyethylene (plastic). Aluminum is the most common due to its light weight, durability, and lower cost compared to fiberglass.
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