All About Aluminum Jon Boats
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A Jon boat (or Johnboat) is a
flat-bottomed boat made from aluminum or wood with one,
two or three bench seats.
They’re especially useful for hunting due to
their stability as opposed to the V-hull aluminum boat.
They’re useful for fishing as well as hunting.
If any of us has spent any time near lakes
fishing, they probably were in a Jon boat.
I can remember as a child spending weeks in the
summer on the lake where my aunt and uncle lived.
I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was always
in a Jon boat on the lake.
My older brother and I would go out on the lake
at night or very early in the morning to fish.
We only had bamboo poles, so when we caught
something, there was little play on the line.
But it was fun to be on the lake with the waves
lapping against the sides of the boat.
The stars at night would be winking brightly, and
if the moon was out, it would reflect off the water,
illuminating the shore, my brother’s profile – making
the moment memorable, tranquil – magical.
Because the Jon boat is nearly
flat, it rides over the waves rather than cutting
through them as a V-hull will.
This limits the Jon boat to calmer waters.
They typically have a transom onto which an
outboard motor can be mounted.
Jon boats are simple and easy to maintain, and
inexpensive with many options to upgrade.
Jon boats are available
commercially between 8 and 20 feet long and 32 inches to
56 inches wide, though custom sizes may be found.
The boat’s simple design includes an open hull,
without a bilge, leaving the ribs exposed.
Many choose to cover the ribs leaving a flat,
level surface.
Interestingly, The Wasserwacht
branch of the Red Cross in Germany has chosen Jon boats
for their civil protection units for use during floods.
In many places, small V-Hull boats
can be considered Jon boats.
Lowe produces a high-value, low
cost, all welded Jon boat for all types of freshwater
fishing.
They also offer a painted camouflage Jon boat.
Lowe made their name with Jon boats and they have
a good reputation for their leadership in aluminum
boat-making.
Alumacraft Boat Co. lists ten
reasons to own one of their Jon boats.
Among their list is: 1.
Since they’re independently owned and
manufactured, you can get your boat rigged the way you
want it. 2.
They can offer a greater selection of sizes.
3.
Their Jon boats ride drier, quieter, smoother and more
responsively.
4.
The use high quality hardware.
5.
They use heavier gauge all aluminum for
a tighter fit, smooth and even welds, larger
rivets and precise construction.
6.
They use the highest quality paint, the same used by
major auto makers.
Sea Ark builds all types of
aluminum boats including Jons and Super Jons.
Star Craft began making Jon boats
over a hundred years ago.
They obviously produce a fine product with so
much experience under their belts!
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