***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

Those motors are loud, compared to conventional outboards.

Capt. Jeff

On Thu, 20 Oct 2005 21:12:10 -0700, kcb559 wrote:

***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.

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

Lloyd wrote:
On Thu, 20 Oct 2005 21:12:10 -0700, kcb559 wrote:

***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.

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

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

A lot of the focus in the responses have been regarding the Briggs and
Stratton motor. I only meant for that to be a part of the post. Just
as important, or maybe more so, is the issue of stability, room and
safety of the jon boat that is 14' long with a 48" bottom width. I
would appreciate opinions of individuals who have actually owned and
used a similar sized jon boat and therefore would have some first-hand
input on the issues of stability, room and safety.

-KCB