Hi Joy,
I have had all those sizes of Jon boats and really loved them.
The difference between a 12' x 36" (bottom width) and a 16' x 48"+ is huge.
Jon boats are traditionally measured by length and bottom width. Another
factor is the aluminum skin thickness which can run from .050" to .100".
This will affect weight and durability.
A 12' long x 36" (bottom) Jon boat is good for very small water for 1 or
maybe 2 people as long as they are not too heavy. It can be loaded easily on
top or in the back of a pickup or SUV and can be taken into tight places.
The maximum weight capacity for this size Jon boat is around 500# of people
motor, fuel, battery and gear. On this boat you can use some 7' oars, a
larger 55# 12 volt tiller electric or a small gas outboard of 4hp to 10hp.
A 14' x 48" (bottom) is a very popular boat for 1 or 2 people and some gear.
Most will use a trailers for these larger boats. You can run a 15hp to 25hp
tiller outboard on these depending on your load and speed requirements.
Maximum weight capacity for this size is around 700# of people, motor and
gear.
A 16' x 48" or wider bottom is a great boat for 2 to 3 people and is a
wonderful size for larger protected waters. Most use 25hp to 40hp on this
size boat. This is a good size for a bow mounted 55# 12 volt electric motor.
Maximum weight capacity for this size is over 1,000# of motor, people and
gear.
Most , but not all, Jon boats are flat bottom with fairly low sides. This
makes them fantastic for fishing ponds, lakes and sloughs that normally
don't get too rough. The mostly flat, wide bottom makes them very stable and
wonderful for standing and casting especially for fly fishers.
There are lighter weight Jon boats with thinner aluminum skins from .050" to
..070" that are partly welded and riveted. These are lighter in weight for
several reasons.
There are heavy duty Jon boats that are all-welded with thicker skin around
..100" thick. Most will trailer these and they can last almost forever.
New these boats will run a little over $500 to about $2,000US.
--
Bill Kiene
Kiene's Fly Shop
Sacramento, CA, USA
www.kiene.com
"Joy" wrote in message
...
Want to buy a used aluminum boat. Must be reasonable and in Dallas area
(or
if your willing to travel) at least 12/16 foot and well taken care of.
Please send pictures.
Thanks
Joy