Jon boat purchase question?

[scout-j-m]

I would say it's going to be too small. However, if the market is that scarce you may be able to buy it and try it for a while and if it doesn't suit you, possibly sell it and recoup your money.

[Smitty39365]

I have a 1248 with a 15hp that I use when the river gets to low for my 16 stick steer. It’s a 1979 Fisher. When it’s just me it’s perfect but can get cramped really quick when I got a passenger. I would not want anything narrower, I’m not as nimble as I used to be.


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[Lund03]

Might be to much of a drive but check Tri - cities craigslist there are several jons , some with trailers on that site , cannot vouch for condition but might be worth a look

[Lund03]

for got it is tri-cities Tennessee craigslist

[Speckalator]

Bigger is better. I'd wait until I found what I wanted.

[BobC]

Bigger is better. I'd wait until I found what I wanted.

I think you’re right. When spending that kind of money get what you want - within reason of course
Bob

[Slab Apprentice]

I’ve got a 14 ft Lowe that is also aged. 1981 model that my dad bought new. It shows its age like yours, but it’s a solid boat if you store it outside the water. My advice is hang onto your boat if you’ve had it for 40 yrs. you will miss it. Dad always kept his because wasn’t worth enough to bother selling and here I am 40 yrs later fishing it. My humble opinion is 12 will feel very small. My buddy has a 12 ft and every time we go out he comments on bow much bigger my boat is lol.


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[scout-j-m]

I’ve got a 14 ft Lowe that is also aged. 1981 model that my dad bought new. It shows its age like yours, but it’s a solid boat if you store it outside the water. My advice is hang onto your boat if you’ve had it for 40 yrs. you will miss it. Dad always kept his because wasn’t worth enough to bother selling and here I am 40 yrs later fishing it. My humble opinion is 12 will feel very small. My buddy has a 12 ft and every time we go out he comments on bow much bigger my boat is lol.


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That's a great point. I'd hate to get rid of something that had served me well for 4 decades - you may regret it shortly after for sentimental reasons.

[Gomer Snerd]

You can overload a 12 ft jon boat before you know it.

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[yobuck]

The layout of the boat means alot.
A 12’ boat with no center seat would offer alot more room than one having one.
I have a 1442 jon with an open layout, no seats except the one at the stern.
I would rather have a 48” beam but the 42 poses no problem with stability either.
I can stand up and walk around in it with no issues.
I did install a plywood floor so im not tripping on the ribs.
I looked at alot of used boats before buying the one i have about 2.5 years ago now.
I ended up buying a new but leftover 2018 model in order to get what i wanted.
The boat was built by Alweld in AR. and im completly happy with it.
The 20 horse motor runs forever on very little fuel, and the 50# thrust electric will go several trips without charging if needed.
As for your old boat, would a coating on the hull like Rhino liner or Line X be a solution?