|
JON BOAT: THE BEST SOLUTION?
***We're looking for a boat to basically use as a moving raft in small
lakes. Not concerned about speed or fancy design but very concerned
about stability and room (mostly stability). 90% of the time it will
just be the two of us in the boat.***We've been looking at a G3 1448LW flat bottom jon boat and think it
might be the solution to our particulat boating needs. It has a 70"
beam, a 48" bottom width, 21" side depth, 16" transom and a rated total
capacity of 820 pounds on a boat that weighs 233 pounds. The quoted
price of the new boat from the dealer is $1550 + $600 for an EZ-Loader
trailer making the package w/o motor a total of $2150. ***We understand that G3 has a good reputation for building solid
boats. Also understand that with our limited use a riveted jon will
suffice and there's really no need for the extra expense of a welded
boat. ***Finally, we are thinking of putting a Briggs and Stratton 5hp
outboard on it for two reasons. 1--You can't beat the price and 2--do
we really need more to shove that square, square front jon around the
lake at 5-10 mph? ***Now comes the important part of this post....HELP!!! Opinions,
personal experiences, etc. are welcomed and appreciated. Whaddya
think? -KCB |
kcb559
Oct 20
2005
|
| Sounds like you're on the right track with a jonboat. Sounds expensive to
me, though: I can build one (out of plywood) for under $300. They're not
fancy. You might like the B&S - it IS a simple engine. But it's also loud,
air-cooled, etc. I disagree with others that say it's crap - B&S put out
reliable, long-lasting engines. It seems like a good deal FOR THE PRICE
(ie don't compare a $500 B&S with a $2000 Yamaha!) If speed is not a concern, you might consider electric. A Minn Kota
Max55T would push that boat at many 5-6mph tops, and it's SILENT: great
for sneaking up on things. And $500 would get you one complete with
battery. Lloyd Sumpter
"Dave" Walker Bay 8 c/w Max40T |
Oct 21
|
| Those motors are loud, compared to conventional outboards. Capt. Jeff |
Tamaroak
Oct 20
|
| You'd be better off getting a price on a trailer, boat and motor as a
package - G3 is owned by Yamaha and you will probably get a deal on a
package. As to the Briggs and Stratton, don't - you will be sorry you did. It's
essentially a lawnmower engine on a prop shaft and while they may be
cheap, they are loud, inefficient and a total waste of money. I've
never owned one, but I know guys how have them on duck boats and were
sorry they ever even thought of the idea. Their lower units are also suspect - hit a rock, break a prop shaft. You'd be much better off with a standard outboard rather than a kluge
from B&S. |
Shortwave
Oct 21
|
|
|
Disclaimer: This is a computer-generated and formatted feed of current postings to a public
Internet forum. We do not control the information delivered, nor do we endorse or monitor its
content. Internet forums may carry offensive, harmful, inaccurate, and otherwise inappropriate material.
|
|
