Hunting season is just about here. We’ve talked quite a bit about the benefits of using a boat to get to those ideal hunting zones that others just can’t reach. I am a big proponent of using kayaks and small vessels for this purpose. We went in-depth with the use of our Jon Boatfor duck hunting, our Bass Raidersfor a variety of hunting uses. And soon, we’ll be covering the benefits of using kayaks for hunting in this seasons articles.
When you’re hunting in pairs or groups, the Jon Boat is a common choice. Let’s cover the basics to solidify your understanding of this incredible hunting option.
A popular vessel option for people wanting to enter the boating world (fishing, hunting, or recreation) is the Jon Boat. Traditionally, an aluminum vessel, the Jon Boat is typically lightweight, small, and rather simple in design and operation. When AJ and I were looking to expand our boat modification adventures, we decided to invest in a Jon Boat that we could use for fishing as well as hunting.
The 1436 Alumacraft, Flat Bottom, All Weld Jon Boat was our choice for a starter Jon Boat. But what, exactly, did the choice mean for us?
Our Jon Boat Specifications
- Length: 14 ft. 0 in. (4.3 m)
- Beam: 55 in. (1.4 m)
- Transom Width / Height: 0 in./15 in. (0/0.4 m)
- Max. Horsepower: 15 hp (11 kW)
- Max. Hull Thickness: 0.053 in. (1.3 mm)
- Freeboard Thickness: 0.053 in. (1.3 mm)
- Weight: 135 lb. (61 kg)
- Max. Capacity: 3/600 lb. (3/272)
Just a Side Note
Unfortunately, the Jon Boat we own has been discontinued to make way for even more advanced and refined entry-level boats. So I am providing you with the basic specifications here.
So, what does all this mean?
First and foremost, let’s look at the name. Many products in the world follow a protocol regardless of the manufacturer creating the product. Jon boats are no exception. The first two numbers refer to the overall length of the boat. The second two numbers refer to the width of the bottom of the boat. Therefore, a 1436 Jon Boat, no matter what manufacturer has built the boat, is a 14-foot long Jon Boat with a 36-inch wide bottom.
Measuring Your Boat's Beam
Where do you determine the Beam? The Alumacraft Jon Boat’s Beam is the widest part of the boat. On the 2019 model, that would be at the second seat. In total, it is 55 inches wide. Why is this important? When you are planning modifications for your skeleton boat, you need to be mindful of the overall dimensions. Even something as simple as the flooring will be affected by the shape of your boat. If the beam was near the transom the flooring would be laid out quite differently. This is 20 times more complicated when creating a deck or duck blind. Even your choice of boat trailer can be affected by the beam width.
Pay particular attention to your Transom
The Transom will probably be one of the most influential factors in everything you do with or for your Jon Boat. The Transom width plays a huge factor in the size motor your boat will handle. The transom structure will influence your choices of motor type and how you may want to reinforce the transom. Alumacraft builds 1436 models with a transom width of up to 15 inches thick. Ultimately, the thicker your transom width is the larger the motor you can use. There is a spreadsheet at the bottom of this article with a few math equations that can help you determine some of the more technical factors you will need to know for your Jon Boat.
Understand the Freeboard to help keep you safe
Freeboard isn’t a loose board on your boat deck. The term freeboard is referring to the height of your bow from the waterline. Now, keep in mind, the more weight in your boat the lower your boat will sit in the water. Because of this, you could have a different freeboard measurement every time you put your Jon Boat into the water. That being said, the general principle remains the same. Your freeboard length is measured from the top of the water to the top of your bow. Remember, in a lot of Jon Boats, the bow will sit a bit higher than any other part of the boat, so for accurate freeboard measurement, you can not just randomly measure anywhere you happen to be sitting. A factor to consider in the Alumacraft Jon Boats specifically is their specification for hull thickness and freeboard thickness. Both measurements will be the same on an Alumacraft because they use 5052 aluminum for the entire construction of the boat. The thickness of the boat material will remain the same everywhere rather than fluctuating where lighter-weight aluminum could be used in more cheaply made boats.
Weight capacity is the most overlooked necessity
Weight and capacity are some of the most important safety concerns you can have both on and off the water. Your dry weight is the total weight of the Jon Boat itself with no added features, modifications, or extras of any kind. Keep in mind that even extra layers of paint or carpeting adds weight that does not apply to this manufacturer’s specification. Along the same line are the capacity ratings. Another one of the equations you’ll find at the end of this article is the process to determine your occupant capacity and weight capacity. It is important to remember that neither number is absolute.
Real World Example
Take, for example, AJ and my Alumacraft Jon Boat which we have modified a bit. The initial weight capacity is 3 people OR 600 pounds. We have added a couple of layers of paint (not that this adds a great deal of weight, but every ounce matters when you are on the water). We have added carpeting to the floor and benches. Then, there is the electrical and lighting system which adds a decent amount of weight which is semi-permanently attached to our Jon Boat. We have added a 6.5hp motor with a reinforcement panel to the transom which creates a significant amount of weight. Now, take into consideration when we take it duck hunting. We have duck decoys, our warm gear, guns and ammo, and a duck blind we built to envelop the entire boat. These items must be considered and added to the total weight when calculating the weight capacity.
Jon Boats really do need to be powered
When determining what motor you will be using you have to remember more than just speed. Your Jon Boat will come with a recommendation for maximum horsepower. The higher the horsepower, generally speaking, the heavier your motor will be. And here’s another kicker. You need gas to operate the motor. Gas is fairly heavy on its own. Now, the second factor is your transom flex.
Boats designed for an outboard motor are engineered to accommodate a certain degree of flex. It is expected, anticipated, and can even (to a small degree) be beneficial to the operation of a boat depending on its intended design. Excessive weight, drag, or force from the motor can exceed the intended flex tolerance of your transom. The best rule of thumb is to remain within the recommended specifications established by the manufacturer and approved by the USCG
That being said, let’s get realistic.
Most people are prone to pushing themselves and their toys beyond their intended limits. If you are considering pushing the limits of your boat or are just uncomfortable with the flex you see occurring in your boat with the motor you have chosen, consider reinforcing your transom.
Okay, you get the basics of the Technical Factors... What about the fun…
There are three major appeals to aluminum Jon Boats.
First, they are relatively cheap. Most range from $800-$4,000 while a full-blown fishing boat (bass boat, pontoon boat, etc.) will start at about $10,000.
Second is weight. A boat is typically so heavy that you are going to have to have a trailer to haul the boat around. A Jon Boat, on the other hand, can be put on the roof of your car or in the bed of your truck if you opt to not use a trailer.
Third is the versatility. The versatility is probably the biggest draw for a Jon Boat. The options for modifications, transformations, and customization are limitless.
AJ and I started our Jon Boat builds by painting ours so it wouldn’t be the same boring green that every other Jon Boat is.
Then we decided to add carpeting. It dampened the sound, cushioned our feet, and made the surface we were sitting on cooler during the summer.
We still weren’t satisfied so we added an electrical system to provide navigation lights that let us stay on the water throughout the night, spotlights to help with bowfishing and docking/trailering procedures, deck lights to make everything easier at night (changing lures, weighing fish, fixing dinner, etc.), and a fish finder.
Then we decided we needed to add reinforcement to the transom so we could attach an outboard motor. We were a bit concerned with the flex our trolling motor caused so we decided to take a preemptive strike.
If the modification bug hits you, you’ll quickly discover what we are talking about here.
We decided these mods werent enough, so we built a detachable duck blind that can be used on the boat or on land.
After a few more fishing trips we decided we wanted more comfortable seats, so we added bass boat chairs.
Something you will notice as you explore the modifications already completed by Jon Boat owners is the vast number of Jon Boats that have been transformed into “Bass Boats.” You can add decks, rod lockers, live wells, bilge pumps, spot lock trolling motors, and so much more. You really are your only limitation to creating Jon Boat modifications. There are physical limitations you have to consider, but they are limitations rather than exclusions.
When you’re ready to start modifying your Jon Boat, remember the laws of physics.
If you overload your boat, no matter how careful you think you’re being, you will sink your boat.
No amount of foam added to your boat will increase your buoyancy. The weight limitations you received when you purchased your boat will remain your weight limitations unless you make major engineering changes to your boat.
When you add weight to your Jon Boat or load your gear and supplies, you must distribute the weight evenly throughout the boat. If you pile all of your gear at the front of the boat and only have a 30-pound trolling motor on the back of your boat you will likely become front heavy and start taking on water when you hit waves or wakes from other boats. If you add a 15hp motor to your 14-foot Jon Boat, add a 10-gallon gas tank to accommodate an all-night fishing trip, pack a couple of anchors, and toss your toolbox all into the back of your boat, then sit on the back bench to steer (but there’s nothing more than a tackle box and a couple of fishing rods at the front of your boat) you’ll be likely to drop your stern to the water level if not below. Turn on that motor and you’ll drag your boat under water from the pressure of your own wake.
If you’re interested in getting your own Jon Boat, check out the details about Alumacraft.
Don't Just Take my Word for it
To get a better understanding of the technical aspects behind how Jon Boats work, read these articles. They may be very handy, especially if you’re interested in modifying your Jon Boat.
Alumacraft isn’t the only player in the game.
There are plenty of manufacturers to choose from with options specifically designed for various outdoors activities. This is just a starting point of about 20 manufacturers to choose from. Just like any other major investment, do your research and make an informed decision so you won’t be disappointed.
Coming up soon, we’ll cover the basics of how to choose the best water vessel for your needs. In the meantime, check out our breakdown of choosing the perfect kayak. This will give you a good starting point on what you should be looking for and what you will want to avoid.
