My hubby wants a Jon Boat......?

Brand new at wal mart... about 800 dollars

Jon boats are typically aluminium. Aluminum boats are great, they need little maintenance and last forever. They aren't flashy boats and can usually be cleaned in a sufficient manner by just rining out with a hose.

The boats have bench seats and come in lengths from 10-18 feet. You can get them w/ or w/o a trailer. Bigger the boat, bigger the motor it can take.

If he is going to fish smaller bodies of water with maybe only 2 people in the boat, 12-14 feet will work. If he is going to have 3-4 get a 16 footer.

If he is a strong guy and owns a truck or SUV with a rack on top, he could get by without a tralier. However, you don't need fancy trailers for Jon boats and get them them pretty cheap.

I would say look to spend around a grand new w/o trailer. Maybe as low as 500 for used and no trailer.

If the boat isn't scrached and dinged too bad, get it used, its cheaper and then spring for a trailer! I should also add that these boats are small and light enoug that a Honda Civic could pull a 14 ft. Jon Boat.

You need to decide if you want to get a motor or not. Most people put a 9.9 or 15 hp motor on it. Again you can pick these up used. Check w/ a local marina or boat dealer, often you can pick these items up used and save some cash. I would never buy a new boat, get something slightly used and use the extra money on gagets for it!

1

A john boat is an aluminum flat bottom boat that ranges from 10ft to about 14ft long, and generaly they are about 5 ft wide. Most of the time they have a small motor on the back up to 50horse. They are great for fishing in the shallows. Look in your local paper at the for sale section, you can find a basic one for 500 or less. Or if you have the $ to spend go to a Cabellas or Bass Pro shop and get a new one. Some of the upper quality new boats have enclosures for gas cans, and have storage, even a live well to keep fish in. As for maintenance there is very little. Mix oil and gas, about 3 dollers per can of gas. And a general tune up once a year costs about 30$ for high end plugs and such. Other than that, a spray down after each use and you are good to go.

Wow, you are a dream wife! I had to beg to get my first boat!!

At any rate, Jon boats were invented here in the Ozarks, and we have several manufacturers here that make fiberglass versions of the design. I suppose it really depends on how much you are planning to spend, and if you want a motor on it. Most manufacturers make an aluminum version for consumers. I would suggest Bass Pro Shops, or even better, try G-3 boats, as they have quite a line (www.g3boats.com) If it's a real nice fiberglass one you're after, you have to buy them down here in the Ozarks. If that's your choice, e-mail me, and I'll give you a list of local dealers here in Arkansas. Or better yet, take him on a nice vacation to beautiful Mountain Home Ar, and go home with a boat as a souvenier!

The previous answer to mine is right on the mark but, I would seal the wood with epoxy. It will last longer than varnish. A jon boat is not going to be a work of art. Unless you are willing to put a lot of money into one. I have always thought less is more where jon boats are concerned.

You are a great, wonderful, thoughtful, caring woman.

An aluminum boat really just needs a garden hose once in a while.

Jon boats can be hard to find used .I've tried..

Look around for a package deal which will include required, flotation , oars & such.

A small gas or electric motor would really be nice.

Did I mention what a great wife you are?

Best regards

Get a 13' Boston Whaler, it is "Foam Filled" all the way through the hull, so it is "UNSINKABLE" (even when cut in half), they are a bit "Pricey" (even used) but, unlike other boats, you get your money back when you sell it (High Demand boat). He won't sell it though. Low maint., great on gas, safer than any other boat of the same size. "John Boats" are kind of junky, keep him safe out there, buy him a good boat, and a life vest too, many look like fishing vests now. If he does'nt like the boat, sell it, the "Green" will fall right back in your hands, no problem selling these boats, FINDING one for sale is the problem.

You Are a good woman, There are not enough women like you anymore Just a few, You made me feel good when I read your question, I have a good women also 39 years. Wall-mart, for the boat and a few lours, hope this helps

Lucky man, with a wife like you why would he want to go fishing? He's already made the best catch he'll ever get. I live in New Zealand and our Wall Mart's suck .