Jon, Aluminum, or Fiberglass ??

[srin50]

Hi Everyone

I am thinking of buying a boat this year and wanted to hear some opinions about the different boats available and which one might suit my needs better.
I want a light boat to fish on lakes in Alberta. As I get older the lighter the better. I have had aluminium boats before. I like the idea of a jon boat but I am worried about if they are safe or not.

Thanks in advance for your comments
Srin

[millsboy79]

Would depend on how much you want to spend ... what you have to pull it with and what sort of lakes you want to fish.

I would guess an aluminum would be the best bet because of weight and stability. Jon boat or any flat bottom boat might be sketchy when the wind comes up as it alway does around here. LoL

[Deep]

I own and use a Tracker Ten- Bass pro Jon boat. At 82 lbs for a ten foot boat, it is very easily carried about. I car top it and propel it with a Minn Kota Maxumizer motor. The convenience is what drew me to this set up.

[Mackinaw]

I have a 12 ft intruder weights 126 lb indistuctable great for the river will run in a few inches of water made from ram-x just drag it over anything.

Mack

[32-40win]

Just looking at getting something for myself along the lines of a 10ft pram or tender or maybe even a jon boat.
You can start with a plastic type boat like the Sun Dolphin 904, 769 @ Cdn tire, ok for small water, they have a couple more in the 10ft range that don't seem to be available up here. Haven't been able to get a physical look at the 904, web sale only, del'd to store seems to be the sales technique on them.
Lowe has a new 10ft jon out this yr, 56" beam, 40" bottom. Model L1040, none in Cda yet it appears. Waiting for some info from a dealer on it.

Prams are available out of BC and Washington, a few places further south or east, prices start at a bit over 1000, for an 8ft, and go up from there. Waiting on some info from a builder out there.
I expect what I want, may be in the 2500-3500 range, for a wood pram, built the way I want it.
Aluminum ones are in the 2-3 range as well, properly decked out.

Tenders are all over the place in pricing, plastic ones are around the 1500US mark, and they climb from there, there is some really nice stuff out there though.. Waiting on some info on a Walker Bay 10 ft, may be a possibility, if it can handle anchors, it's a plastic boat with really good reviews as a tender on salt water.

I am looking at the lightest stuff, and widest available where possible, in the 55"+ beam range, trying to stay under 125lbs.. Some nice stuff out there that is not light though. Some have next to no weight capacity, I want 400lbs min. capacity. Some are more than the weight of my 14ft Crestliner, it's 160lbs. There are a few in the 150-250lb range out there, way too heavy for what I want.

I may break down and spring for a Spratley yet, I don't think I want a Marlon. There are a couple of others out of the US, but, freight is a big factor on those.

[Deep]

The current price of a "Tracker Ten" at Bass pro is just under $900.00.

[huntsfurfish]

I have a small 12 foot fiberglass although someone on here thinks fiberglass boats cant catch fish.
While it is heavier than aluminum, it fishes very well. Lol

But they are hard to come by. And no not for sale.

[cranky]

Anyone have experience with the Frog Boat? Made in Canada.

[CMichaud]

The Jon boats also seem to have lower weight carrying - seems like they are only really meant for one person and gear?

[Deep]

The Tracker Ten easily holds two adults trolling motor/battery and lots of gear.

[CMichaud]

Originally Posted by Deep

The Tracker Ten easily holds two adults trolling motor/battery and lots of gear.

Are we talking about this one?

http://www.trackerboats.com/boat/specs.cfm?boat=3682

It lists max weight capacity at 320lbs max person weight at 275lbs.

I weigh 200 - that other adult will need to be no more than 75lbs.

[EZM]

For one person and gear on calm waters a jon boat is a cost effective solution. I would go with a tinner myself so you are not worried about scratches dents and dings - and it's lighter.

BUT - If I was looking for the "best light 10 footer" and wanted to fish 2 people and gear I would strongly suggest a SeaMax. Weighs 120lbs and can carry almost 900lbs.

- Lighter
- Triple the carrying capcity
- Superior in waves and chop

BUT

Way more money (twice as much)
A little less leg room

[srin50]

Just want to thank you all for your help, I think I would be more comfortable with an aluminium boat,
You guys know your stuff !!
Srin

[Deep]

2 person Tracker Ten....says max. each person 275. As I was saying it fits two in swivel boat seats and plenty of gear room.....that spec. sheet is not very clear.

[CMichaud]

Originally Posted by Deep

2 person Tracker Ten....says max. each person 275. As I was saying it fits two in swivel boat seats and plenty of gear room.....that spec. sheet is not very clear.

Respectfully disagree.

I am pretty certain that "Max. Person Weight" is the total weight of all persons combined not the max weight for each person.

In the case of the 2015 Tracker 1032, the stated max weight capacity is 320lbs. 2 persons at 275lbs would put it over limit at 550lbs before gear/motor is added.

[32-40win]

Still waiting to hear on the Lowe L1040, that one is wide enough to be pretty stable, far more so than a 1032 or 1036 boat is, extra weight capacity as well. They appear to be about 800US, so, maybe 1300 or so up here I expect with freight and exchange rate. The AB dealers haven't ordered any new inventory or new models, too much stuff on hand. In my case I am getting tired of the pontoon boat, not as young as I used to be, and thinking in terms of something a bit drier and allegedly quicker/easier to load up & set up, and something a bit easier on the legs. And if the dog wants to come with, he can.
Looked at the idea of the Zodiac/Seamax style boats, the fishing rigups I like to use won't work easily on those. And I want max length 10ft. Would be a space saver though.