Canoe or polyethelene jon boat??

[treeroot]

I am picking up something to use to trap beaver, fish little lakes and maybe duck hunt.

I was looking at

Square back canoe-
polyethlenee (plastic) jon boat -- 12 ft
Reg canoe- 16ftish


I'm 250lbs and 6foot1. My young son would be going with me a lot.

I know canoe's well and would prefer the canoe, but when I use the boat on little lakes, I have to use the quad to get it in. I was going to strap it to a ATV tub trailer. The canoe might not fit, but I know the little jon boat would.

I've never used those little jon boats so I'm not sure what they are like.

I'd prefer to have a boat I can use a motor on as a option. With the jon boat, I'd need a motor.

thoughts?

[Stinky Buffalo]

Depending on the size of motor that you are wanting - you can get adapters that allow you to mount a motor to a canoe as well. Basically a bar that straps across the gunwales and the motor mount sticks out to the side, like the one in the picture:



I do like the Pelican and SunDolphin jon boats, which are rugged and stable, but they're a bit over a hundred pounds in weight.

[treeroot]

Originally Posted by Stinky Buffalo

Depending on the size of motor that you are wanting - you can get adapters that allow you to mount a motor to a canoe as well. Basically a bar that straps across the gunwales and the motor mount sticks out to the side, like the one in the picture:



I do like the Pelican and SunDolphin jon boats, which are rugged and stable, but they're a bit over a hundred pounds in weight.

thanks... The weight of the boat isn't an issue for me..

I guess what matters most is being able to get it to a quad in lake on an atv tub trailer and stable enough for my son. I know the jon boat checks those off, but I've never been in a those little job boats. So need some input on what they are like I guess/

[Dewey Cox]

[Tannerdog]

I have had both at one time. Canoe: Pros are not much other than narrow hull to get through tight spots and the ability to carry it on your shoulders. But they are long and for a big dude and a kid, terrible for stability so the longer/wider the better. The Pelican Jons are a lot more stable but very heavy for the size. I would look into a riveted jon boat (Tracker, Lowe etc). They are very stable for their size and weigh a lot less than the plastic ones. Can be rowed easily and take a motor.

[stob]

Take a peak at the marlon Jon boats..
Stability and safety +++

[treeroot]

Originally Posted by Tannerdog

I have had both at one time. Canoe: Pros are not much other than narrow hull to get through tight spots and the ability to carry it on your shoulders. But they are long and for a big dude and a kid, terrible for stability so the longer/wider the better. The Pelican Jons are a lot more stable but very heavy for the size. I would look into a riveted jon boat (Tracker, Lowe etc). They are very stable for their size and weigh a lot less than the plastic ones. Can be rowed easily and take a motor.

I spent a bit of time looking for alum/riveted john boat that's 12-14 feet and they are harder to find for the price you'd get the 12ft plastic version.

Weight doesn't bother me.

I think the plastic would be more forgiving being bumped around the atv trail??

I think I'm ready to cross canoe off the list. I actually enjoy canoeing, but I need it to do more than paddle around and enjoy the sights.

[treeroot]

Originally Posted by Dewey Cox

?

[Dewey Cox]

Why not both?

[treeroot]

Originally Posted by Dewey Cox

Why not both?

Lol... to be honest, I found a square back canoe for 220$ and a plastic john boat for 450$..

Might just grab both and get rid of the one that doesn't end up being used after a couple years.