Crappie Jon Setup Questions / Alweld Marsh

[CrappiePappy]

Thanks for all the responses, here are some answers to questions and comments:

• I think my 25HP will push it fine. I don't fish tournaments, so I don't need to get there that quick
• I have my 25HP on my current jon which is slightly smaller, I'm happy with the performance
• Once thing I have to allow for is fitting it in the garage, this is a good size for that
• I usually fish solo or with one other person. I might add a third very rarely, so that's not a big concern

My biggest concern with the boat pictured is space on the deck for the trolling motor, fish finder, and rod holders for spider rigging and such. The offset pedestal suggestion is fantastic.

If it wasn't for the small deck I think this would be an easy choice. I can't find any pictures or reviews or anything else with people actually fishing from this model

They've got that little "riser" for mounting the trolling motor, and the way it's angled it shouldn't be in the way that much. That bow V looks to be just a "lip" cover, and doesn't go down to the floor ... so that may be a bit on the flimsy side for rod holders. You may have to see how far away that V lip is from your seat (considering the 6" offset pedestal) and if it's within reasonable range then you might want to put a block of wood under there & screw your rod holders down through the V lip and into the wood (using long wood screws). Same deal for your depth finder. My fear is that lip on the bow V isn't going to be all that strong without something under it (either a block of wood or a square metal tube).

The real problem I see is at the transom, as far as space for rod holders. You might get away with a couple of 3rod rod holders in the corners, or possibly a couple of clamp-on style single rod holders on the gunnels (just in front of the right & left side bench seats). But, without knowing how much access you have underneath the corners, my concern would be that a T-bar style rod holder would be tough to mount (and with the 0.10 gauge aluminum, whether or not it would be stout enough to hold the rod holders). And if those corners are shot full of flotation, accessing underneath them to bolt the holder bases may be a problem.

In any event .... I'd want to see the boat, firsthand, and walk/crawl around in it ... taking into account what I was going to put on it and the ease of mounting access & reach distance ... before I signed my name to any paperwork. You may even consider a bigger boat, if the trailer has a swing away tongue (and it still fit in the garage) ... provided, of course, that you could drop the motor straight down. Some low profile trailers won't allow that (mine won't, as you can see in the picture below).

[Eagle 1]

Jack of all trades. Better than some for certain things ,not as good as others for some as well . They have their strengths and limitations .

[cevans]

The thing about a jon boat is you can modify them any way you want. If you don’t like the front deck and want to expand it, not a problem to do so. I like my skinny water boat and it’s fast enough for me with a 25 Yamaha on it. You can catch a boat load of fish out of a jon boat. Slime them and hose them down to clean. Easy to launch as well as trailer down the road. Good luck with your choices.

[huntinslabs]

What Eagle 1 said is spot on. Also take a look at the layout of the Alumacraft 1544 waterfowler. I know Express makes a similar layout and a few others might too. The lower front deck might be easier. But 1448 - 1648 are workhorse hulls.

[Cane Pole]

All the reasons stated is why I have my pondtoon. Open deck, comfortable and very stable. I can go anywhere a jon boat can go as long as there is a 6 foot wide passage. Besides, it is cool looking boat. Hey, I get lots of compliments on the pondtoon. Lucky me.

Things usually go well if the motor will run. Sometimes the motor is PIA. Last time out there was a leaking fuel line.

[Erin Brewer]

I would also say check out the low front deck versions sitting down in the boat can be very nice


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[EWS]

I looked at those when I was shopping last year. Those are not cheap jon boats and have a good reputation. You can get a boat that is already finished for not much more, from an equally reputable manufacturer. Just something to consider, as I could build a dog house that costs more than a used car.

[river scum]

i like eagle is setup. open in the middle is a must for me. real happy with my jumbo16lowe, with the middle seat removed and floor installed. its not a jon though its a semi-v. i go up creeks all the time with it no problem.

[Eagle 1]

40 HP NISSAN AND A 70 LB. THRUST TROLLING MOTOR MAKES THIS RIG HANDLE VERY NICE .

[joekiller]

40 HP NISSAN AND A 70 LB. THRUST TROLLING MOTOR MAKES THIS RIG HANDLE VERY NICE .

But how often, or do you ever fish 2 up front ? Had a 50" xcell boat and it was tight but could fish two up front... Swung around to the outside to get up and walk to the back. Little dangerous if you're having a few cold buurs !

Get the biggest/widest boat deck you can. Thank me later ! You won't regret a wider decision but a solid chance you will a narrow choice.

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