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[DAWGMAN]

Which kind of jon boat do people like the best? Looking to buy one this fall or winter. Looking at Spratleys, Lunds or Lowes. Any suggestions or info would be greatly appreciated.

[EZ_Rolling]

I am very happy with my Spratley, what info are you looking for?

[Knife]

Have a look at Marlon boats. A couple of guys I know bought one each and like them a lot. Wider than other types of jon boats and 10 ft. only 87 lbs.

[zabber]

I bought my old man this boat for his b-day: http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/5/SportsRec/Marine/FishingBoats/PRD~0798234P/Bass+Hound+10.2+Fishing+Boat.jsp?locale=en

Seating is super comfy. Big step up from an inflatable raft w/ motor mount. A bit more expensive & heavy than a similar jon but a great boat nonetheless.

[fishfulthinkin]

Have a look at Marlon boats. A couple of guys I know bought one each and like them a lot. Wider than other types of jon boats and 10 ft. only 87 lbs.

My uncle just got one from Chilliwack, on our way to Merritt, a couple weeks ago. He got the 12' and it can be loaded on to a boat rack on your truck by one person
(granted its easier with 2 but it still can be done) The boat was great. Tons of room, tracked well in the water no problems there, with just an electric it did great.
Some people have mentioned its really thin gauge aluminum but its only .02 smaller than the Lowe's and I didnt noticed a difference when walking around in it.
The boat was crazy stable with 3 full size guys in it and more room than you'd need. was almost like sitting in a car.

So far no complaints. He's still blown away with all the room

[DAWGMAN]

EZ Rolling, how big is your Spratley and how heavy. Looking for a 12 ft. and also looking to be able to load it on my truck by myself. Fishfulthinkin, what brand name did you guys buy. How much did you guys pay for the boats. thanks for the reply

[fishfulthinkin]

it was a 12' Marlon Jon boat. its 110lbs compared to the 12' Spratley which the website says it weighs in at 198lbs
Spratley's are very well built boats and will last because of that. Be tough to load one of those on your own though.

Best to write down a list of wants and needs.
Where you'll want to do most of your fishing with it.
Whether or not you'll be using it mostly by yourself (so loadability options) Car top or trailered.
Might want to note their max. load capacity as well as number of passengers
and so on...


Then pick 3 or 4 models write down all their stats and just weigh your options. Once you've got it narrowed down ask others who own them how they've
enjoyed theirs and if post purchased if they would have gone a different route or maybe some things they had to compromise on, or maybe they didn't?


oh, and the Marlon 12' was around $1600

[bbronswyk2000]

I wouldnt trade my Spratley for any other boat in its class. Had it for over 4 years now and its just the same as when I bought it. Of course I added my personal touches to it as well.

[fishgutz63]

i have a 10' crestliner jon gets a lot of use  very very lite can handle two guys n gear  very stable n solid for the price,do a bit of homework and see which one will suit your needs and budget. good luck 

[EZ_Rolling]

Dawgman, I have the 10.5 it weighs @150 lbs a little heavy if your by yourself but could be done.

[fishingbuddha]

I just bought a 14ft lowe with a a 70 inch beam and a modified v front end.
Fantastic boat. Wide and stable. It is a little bigger than the spratley which a few of my friends have.
Lowe has more room and can hold a bigger engine.
They also make a welded lowe roughneck in the same size which i contemplated.
This boat would need a trailer but the spratley could be a roof topper

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=249774

Here is a link to a boat that is the same as mine but a little more bells and whistles. Mine is also grey which i like better than green

Also have an optima battery like the one in the picture which i really like and recommend.

[firstlight]

You should also look at the Harbercraft Flyfishers if you can find one.
They dont make them anymore but have a strong following with the stillwater crowd.
They only come as big as 11 ft though.
Around 100 lbs.

The Marlon was a very poorly finished boat when they first came out.
Hopefully they fixed that by now though.

Spratleys are nice but way over priced for a little boat imo.

I had a flyfisher and took it out once and realized that a flat bottom isnt for me.

Do your homework before you buy and make sure that you indeed want a flat bottom.

[fishingbuddha]

another boat i have for a car topper that is really sturdy is the kamloops rebel. its a fiberglas 10 foot boat with a 40 inch something beam.
http://www.rebelfiberglass.com/id22.htm

These boats are really sturdy and can hold a lot of weight. I don't like it because its a fiberglass boat but it does track through water nicely.