We all get bedazzled by big boats with lots of bells and whistles, but truth be told many of us would probably be happiest with a simple old Jon boat. Jon boats are basic, simple, inexpensive, and extremely common. And it’s no wonder why. They can serve as freshwater fishing boats, saltwater fishing boats, hunting boats, and utility boats – equally well.
Jons are more or less flat-bottom boats with bows that are fairly squared-off as opposed to coming to a V-shape, they are almost always built of (nearly indestructible) aluminum, and most are small enough to easily handle and trailer. They’re also significantly lighter than their fiberglass brethren, so they require smaller outboards to attain the same performance.
There’s plenty to love, but also a few pitfalls to look out for. In many the ribs are exposed, and may create tripping-points. But you can add a sheet of plywood to serve as decking, and on larger, more expensive Jon boats the manufacturer may offer aluminum or ply decking. While this does increase both the weight and cost of the boat, decking is a a major benefit. Also be careful to check the thickness of the aluminum used in the hull and hullsides. This can vary quite a bit depending on the boat’s size and on very small Jon boats meant for use in ponds and small lakes the hull may be as thin as 0.05-inches. On an 18-footer designed for a big outboard the hull thickness will likely be double that. And on very big Jons or heavy-duty models made for running rocky rivers the hull bottom could be three times as thick, though often the bottom will be a thicker gauge than the sides. This biggest issue you’ll generally have to cope with, however, is the boat’s simple nature. Don’t expect to find comfy seats or stereo systems, unless you add them yourself.
So, would you be happier with a Jon boat than you would be with a larger, fancier craft? Maybe or maybe not – that’s a personal decision. But when considering what type of boat to get next don’t sell the Jon boat short. It may not impress your friends and neighbors, but it will likely serve you well for decades no matter what sort of aquatic activities you love most.