Finding the perfect Jon boat size for 1 Adult and 3 Kids is an exciting part of planning your adventure! It’s essential for safety and enjoyment. A good size ensures stability, enough space for passengers and gear, and suits the conditions you’ll be facing. A 14 to 16-foot Jon boat is an excellent choice for this setup. These boats are spacious and stable, making them ideal for everyone and their gear!
I. Factors to Consider When Choosing a Jon Boat Size
1. Passenger Capacity
You’ll find that different sizes of Jon boats are designed to accommodate varying numbers of passengers, so you can choose the one that’s right for you! For instance, a 10-foot Jon boat is perfect for two people, while a 16-foot boat is great for four to six passengers. It’s really important to make sure that your boat can safely carry the number of passengers you’ve got on board. That way, everyone’s safe and comfortable! It’s always a good idea to check the manufacturer’s specifications for maximum weight and passenger limits.
2. Intended Use
The size of the boat you choose is really down to how you’ll be using it. If you’re planning on fishing, hunting or carrying heavy equipment, you’ll probably want something a bit bigger with lots of space. Smaller boats are great for casual outings or trips on your own, but they might not be big enough for more intensive activities. Think about how you’ll be using the boat most often and choose a size that suits you best.
3. Type of Water
It’s also a great idea to think about the type of water you’re planning to navigate, as this will help you choose the right boat size. If you’re looking for a boat to explore calm, inland waters like lakes and ponds in one of the national natural parks, a smaller jon boat is a great choice! However, if you’re planning to head out onto larger bodies of water or rivers with strong currents, it’s a great idea to choose a larger boat to make sure you’re nice and safe! Larger boats are great for when the conditions get a bit wild! They’re super stable and you’ll have a lovely smooth ride.
4. Storage and Transport
Have you thought about where you’re going to store and how you’re going to get your jon boat from A to B? If you’ve got a bigger boat, you’ll need more space to store it and it might need to be on a trailer to get it from A to B. If you’ve got limited space or you’d prefer a boat that’s easy to move around, a smaller jon boat might be a better idea. It’s really important to make sure you’ve got somewhere safe to store your boat and that you can get it from A to B without damaging it and making it last longer.
5. Cost
Larger boats generally come with higher costs, not only for the initial purchase but also for maintenance and fuel. It’s important to consider your budget and ensure that the boat size you choose is financially sustainable.
6. Enjoyment Factors
- Fishing and Recreation Space: When it comes to fishing, having lots of space to move around and store your equipment makes a world of difference. A bigger boat means more room for casting lines and storing your catch, which makes the whole experience so much more enjoyable!
- Customization Options: If you’re looking for a little more space and flexibility, a larger jon boat might be just what you need! You can add seats, storage compartments, and other accessories to make your boating experience even better.
- Ease of Handling: While larger boats offer more stability and space, they can be more challenging to maneuver, especially for beginners. It’s important to find a balance between size and ease of handling based on your skill level and intended use.
II. Best Jon Boat Sizes for 1 Adult and 3 Kids
1. 12-14 Foot Jon Boats
12-14 foot Jon boats can be a good choice for more minor children if used in calm waters and with proper safety measures. However, they may feel cramped for teens, especially if the boat is carrying multiple passengers or a lot of gear.
- Towing Capacity: You must understand your vehicle’s capabilities when towing a Jon boat. I can confirm that users have successfully towed 12-14 foot Jon boats with vehicles like the 1st gen 4Runner and 3.0L V6 2WD Rangers. However, you should proceed with caution due to potential issues with braking and traction, especially on wet or steep ramps. Adding weight to the truck bed will improve traction.
- Cost: Used Jon boats can cost a lot. Boats without titles cost between $700 and $900, while titled boats in various conditions cost between $1,200 and $3,000.
- Motor: You should get a motor for your 12-14 foot Jon boat that’s in the range of 10-15 HP. A 15 HP engine is the best choice for power and speed, especially for carrying two people and gear. You can find older engines for around $500, but they may come with reliability issues. Get a newer engine and save yourself future headaches.
2. 15-16 Foot Jon Boats
The 15-16 foot Jon boats are the best choice for families. They provide the perfect balance of space, stability, and versatility. These boats offer more than enough room for multiple passengers and gear while still being easy to handle and cost-effective. The Lowe L1648M Jon, Tracker Grizzly 1648 SC, Alumacraft 1650 AW, and G3 1652 WOF are the best models to choose for family boating adventures.
- The Perfect Size for Family Adventures: One of the best things about a 15-foot Jon boat is that it’s just the right size for small family outings. This lovely boat is just the right size for parents and children to enjoy a comfortable ride together while still being easy to store away. One user told us how they could launch and dock their 15-foot boat all by themselves in no time at all, which made going to the lake Sherando with the family a total breeze!
- Affordable and Practical: We know how important it is to be able to have fun without breaking the bank, which is why a 15-foot Jon boat is such a great option for many families. One user told us how they kept an older boat going, and it was still cheaper than making long-term payments on a new, expensive model!
3. Larger Jon Boats (17+ Feet)
If you’re looking for a little more space for your growing kids, additional gear, and a higher passenger capacity, a larger Jon boat (17+ feet) is a great choice! They’re great for family outings, fishing trips, hunting trips, and even longer holidays! We’d highly recommend models like the Lowe Roughneck 1860, Tracker Grizzly 1860 CC, G3 Gator Tough 20 CC, and Alumacraft MV 1860 AW – they’re absolutely perfect for what you’re looking for!
- Engine Power and Boat Size: The power of the engine relative to the size of the boat is another important consideration. While some users expressed concerns about overpowered engines, others noted that modern outboards like a 115HP engine on a 17’ boat are manageable and necessary for coastal waters. It’s crucial to ensure that any boat you consider is trialed first to check for issues like low rear scuppers that might need plugging.
- Condition Over Price: Given the budget constraints, it’s essential to prioritize the condition of the boat over its price. Many boats in the 17+ foot range and within a $6000 budget will be around 20 years old, so inspecting the condition of the hull, engine, and other critical components is vital. Users also advised being flexible on the make and model to find a boat that holds value and is easy to sell if needed.
III. Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Jon Boat Trip
1. Safety First!
Safety is the most important thing when you’re taking a great Jon boat trip, especially with children or inexperienced passengers. It’s so important to make sure everyone wears their life jackets at all times, no matter what the state laws say! Make sure you wear brightly colored clothing so you can be seen from a distance! If you’re boating with toddlers, why not make it even safer by securing them in a comfortable spot on the boat?
The sun is stronger on the water. Use sunscreen with SPF to protect your family, especially a tinted one. Learn more about tinted SPF for kids.
2. Boat Selection and Stability:
It’s so important to choose the right type of boat for a safe and enjoyable experience – and there are so many great options out there! Jon boats are great for calm waters! They’re generally stable and ideal for smaller lakes. However, they may not be the best choice for larger lakes with significant waves or wakes from other boats. If you’re looking for a boat that can handle rougher conditions, a V-hull is a great choice! When buying a used Jon boat, it’s important to check for leaks, transom cracks, and the condition of the motor.
3. Comfort and Shade:
It’s so important to provide shade to protect against sun exposure, especially for young children! Installing a Bimini top is a great way to beat the heat! And don’t forget to bring along some boat bean bags or blankets to make sure everyone’s comfortable during naps!
4. Towing and Launching:
If you’re planning to tow your Jon boat, make sure you practice backing up the trailer in an empty parking lot before you head to the boat ramp. It’s also a great idea to make sure your vehicle’s hitch and wiring are properly installed and tested. And don’t forget to bring a checklist for launching and retrieving the boat, so you can avoid any common mistakes like forgetting the drain plug!
5. Fishing with Kids:
When it comes to fishing with kids, two things are essential: stability and ease of use. A 16′ aluminum boat with a beam of at least 5 feet and a 15-30hp engine is the perfect choice for stability and performance! Make sure the boat is not overloaded and you have enough power to handle any unexpected conditions – it’ll be an amazing trip!
6. Offshore Considerations:
If you plan to take your Jon boat offshore, be aware of its limitations. Jon boats are not designed for rough seas or high winds – but you can still have a great time! Just equip your boat with essential safety gear like a radio and EPIRB, and always check weather conditions before heading out.
Choosing the perfect Jon boat for one adult and three kids is an exciting adventure! You get to balance your intended use, weight capacity, motor compatibility, handling ease, budget, and desired features. And the best part is you can start with a boat that meets your immediate needs while allowing for future upgrades. This way, you’ll have a satisfying and safe boating experience for years to come!
IV. FAQ Section Jon Boat Size
A 14-16 foot jon boat is generally recommended for fishing with kids on small lakes. Ensure the boat has a wide beam (at least 5 feet) for stability and consider a motor of at least 15hp.
Typical weight capacity: around 500-700 lbs. Consider the combined weight of passengers, gear, and motor. Stability can be affected by weight distribution and boat design.
Yes, if the boat has a motor, registration is generally required. License requirements vary by state and depend on factors like boat size and motor power.