Top 10 Best Jon Boat for Fishing, River, Rough & Saltwater of 2022

Best Jon Boat Reviews

If you are planning to purchase a Jon boat, you can check out this article. We reviewed the top 10 best Jon boats for your convenience. We also explore the factors which play a crucial role in buying a Jon boat. We also discussed additional information, for instance, how to store a Jon boat. So, join the quest and pick up the best one.

Jon boats are the ideal solution for hunting excursions, river explorations, small fishing trips, and small lake transportations. The cool thing about Jon boats is that they are highly customizable and lightweight. They rarely need maintenance. Furthermore, they are reasonably inexpensive to buy.


Table of Contents

Top 10 best Jon boat Reviews

1. American 12 Jon Fishing Boat – best Jon boat for fishing (bass fishing, catfishing, fly fishing, crappie fishing)

American 12 Jon Fishing Boat

The first Jon boat we are reviewing is this one. The American 12 Jon Fishing Boat will make a fantastic purchase for any boat enthusiast. So, now we will explore the features of Jon’s boat.

The feature that stunned us most about Jon’s boat is that its portability. You can carry it easily. You can also tow a John boat with a car (at first, check out the car’s towing capacity). However, you can also use a truck or SUV for towing the boat.

This John boat weighs around 110 pounds, which is, I think, quite lightweight for a boat’s weight.

Brilliantly enough, John boats don’t need any maintenance. Thanks to its construction. It was constructed from rugged UV-stabilized Fortiflex superior density polyethylene with in-built closed-cell polystyrene foam flotation.

Furthermore, let’s talk about its seats. It has a large seating area. It can carry two persons. I think it’s pretty amazing. You can take your partner with you.

Fishing is more fun with your friend or partner. You can also spend some quality time. However, you can also take your dogs.

Additionally, it comes with 4-rod holders, Recessed drink and tackle holders, and oarlock sockets. The battery location is fore and aft.

What is more, the specifications are:

HP Rating: 6 HP, Length: 12’, Height: 21”, Width: 52”, Capacity: 510 lbs., and Weight: 110 pounds.

PROS (What we liked)
  • The Jon fishing boat is portable and impact resistant.
  • It’s virtually maintenance-free.
  • It’s fabulous for fishing or hunting.
  • It has a shallow draft design and a flat hull.
  • It offers an extra storage area.
  • It’s easy and fun to maneuver.
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • It doesn’t include the handle in the back.
  • Due to the design of the boat, it’s a bit challenging to mount anything.

Verdict:

The American 12 Jon Fishing Boat is unsinkable. If you want a small fishing boat that you can take anywhere, this is the ideal boat. It’s small and suitable for fishing.

Most importantly, it’s portable and maintenance-free. It has a Protective vinyl rub rail. The construction of this boat is exceptionally sturdy. So, in every aspect, it seems a terrific boat.


2. Sun Dolphin Pro 102 Fishing Boat – best Jon boat for saltwater

Sun Dolphin Pro 102 Fishing Boat

The next fishing boat is made of high-density polyethylene. Due to construction, it is fabulously impact resistant. It is effortless to care for.

What is more, this boat is speedy. So, it can go from one place to another in moments. It is lightweight enough to be powered by an electric trolling motor or a small outboard.

Moreover, Dimensions: 10.2 feet by 55 inches by 16.5 inches, Weight: 160 pounds, Weight Capacity: 469 pounds, HP Rating: 7 HP, Beam: 4 feet, 7 inches, and Transom Height: 16 inches.

PROS (What we liked)
  • It has navigation lights.
  • It comes with front/rear trolling motor plugs.
  • It has twin swivel fishing chairs.
  • It fits in a pick-up truck.
  • It comes with a 2-years gull and deck warranty.
  • It includes vertical rod holders.
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • Sometimes water gets trapped in the boat.

Verdict:

Even though it has a design flaw, I believe it also has some potentials. It’s very stable and easy to operate. Enough, it’s also excellent for fishing.


3. Sun Dolphin Pro 120 Fishing Boat – best Jon boat for rough water

Sun Dolphin Pro 120 Fishing Boat

First of all, the Sun Dolphin Pro 120 Fishing Boat meets CE and US coast guard standards. It is made of Rugged UV-stabilized Fortiflex High-Density Polyethylene.

Interestingly enough, it includes a tri-hull design for remarkable stability. Due to Carpeted casting platforms front and rear, it provides less slip and better grip. However, the specifications are: HP Rating: 15 HP, Capacity- 532lbs (157kg), Weight: 238, Height: 24”, Width: 60”, and Length: 11.3’.

PROS (What we liked)
  • It features comfortable swivel pedestal seats.
  • It comes with fuel tank storage.
  • It features three front cools plus storage compartments.
  • It’s sturdy.
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • The design for the mounting of a trolling motor is a bit defective. It continually comes loose, which I do not appreciate at all

Verdict:

Other than trolling motor design complications, it’s a boat to reckon. The seats are comfortable and well-built. So, the boat deserves a shot.


4. 2019 TRACKER® TOPPER™ 1036 – best-rated aluminum Jon boats

2019 TRACKER® TOPPER™ 1036

The 2019 TRACKER® TOPPER™ 1036 Jon boat can carry two people for fishing. It features two bench seats, for instance, aft & center. It has a wide, 36″ bottom, which ensures enhanced stability.

Also, it constructed form from a rugged 5052 aluminum alloy. It has a compact design strengthened with corner transom braces, under-seat foam for flotation, a pressed-in longitudinal groove, and a durable powder-coat finish.

It comes with bow & stern handles so that you can lift it easily. We all aware of the fact, Jon’s boat is lightweight. And it’s no exception. You can take this boat anywhere with ease.

Move on to the warranty part; it comes with a 3-year limited warranty on riveted structure.

PROS (What we liked)
  • It features a flat-bottom, solidly riveted aluminum hill.
  • An additional trailer is available.
  • It has a compact design.
  • It’s lightweight
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • The price could be a bit more affordable.

Verdict:

The 2019 TRACKER® TOPPER™ 1036 is a simple but efficient boat for fishing.


5. 2019 TRACKER® GRIZZLY® 1654 T Sportsman – best aluminum Jon boat

GRIZZLY 1654 T Sportsman

The 2019 TRACKER® GRIZZLY® 1654 T Sportsman is crafted from 100% aluminum. It’s entirely wood-free construction.

What is more, it comes with a unitized transom, all-welded stringer, and Mod V hull. It ensures that you get a boat ride, which will be smooth and dry.

It comes with integrated sponsors at the transom, which enhances shallow-water performance. It also provides a portable storage box.

PROS (What we liked)
  • It has a sturdy construction.
  • It provides a calm and smooth ride.
  • It’s lightweight.
  • It’s perfect for group ducking hunting
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • It’s extremely pricey.

Verdict:

The 2019 TRACKER® GRIZZLY® 1654 T Sportsman is a gorgeous and high-end boat.


6. 2019 TRACKER® GRIZZLY® 2072 CC Sportsman – best Jon boat for river fishing

GRIZZLY 2072 CC Sportsman

The 2019 TRACKER® GRIZZLY® 2072 CC Sportsman is crafted for bow fishing, but you can also use it for hunting fish on the lake, bayou or river, etc.

It is made of 100% aluminum. It comes with a removable, elevated deck, which gets you up high for accurate targeting with a bow plus less deflection of your arrow. Additionally, eight super-bright LEDs brighten your quarry with 40,000 lumens.

Furthermore, it comes with a .190 floor and .100 hull, which guarantees incredible durability. Appropriately enough, the stringer, transom, decks, and hull are all-welded for a rock-solid structure that can endure hard work and rough fishing.

PROS (What we liked)
  • It’s a durable boat as it has wood-free construction.
  • It includes arrow/drink holders.
  • It has a perfect weight.
  • A warranty backs it.
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • The price is around $27,900, which, I believe. Is super expensive

Verdict:

The 2019 TRACKER® GRIZZLY® 2072 CC Sportsman makes a brilliant boat for any fishing, even the most prominent lakes and bays.


7. L1032 Jon – best Jon boat for catfishing

L1032 Jon

The L1032 Jon is designed for hunters, serving anglers, and commercial clients. It’s lightweight. So, you can carry it on your own.

Move on to the capacity part. It can carry two people efficiently.

Furthermore, it features a flat bow and 15” transom, which ensures that you get ample room to get there and get the work done.

Move on to the technical part. The overall length of this boat is 10′. Beam: 48″, Approx. Basic Hull Weight: 80 lb., Bottom Width: 32″, Fuel Capacity: Portable, Hull Gauge: .043″, Max HP Capacity: 3.5 HP, Max Person Capacity: 2, Max Person Weight: 180 lb., Max Weight Capacity: 275 lb., ribs: 2, Seats: 3, Side depth: 16″, and Transom Height: 15″.

PROS (What we liked)
  • It has a durable paint finish.
  • It comes with transom corner caps.
  • It can carry two people.
  • It can withstand rough use.
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • It’s not long-lasting like other Jon boats.

Verdict:

As an economical boat, it is comfortable to use and easy to power.


8. 16′ Olympic Jon Mod-V Bow – best-welded aluminum Jon boat

16' Olympic Jon Mod-V Bow, 20

At the very first, let’s talk about its max person capacity. It’s about five people.

Move on to the seats. This boat features three seats.

Move on to the construction part. It is built of marine-grade 5052-H34 riveted aluminum alloy. However, the max weight capacity of this boat is around 1,216 lb.

Move on the technical part. Overall length: 15’9.5″, beam: 75″, Approx. Basic Hull Weight: 450 lb., bottom width: 52″, fuel capacity: Portable, hull gauge: .072″, Max HP Capacity: Tiller 35 HP/Remote 50hp, Max Person Weight 715 lb., Ribs: 9, Side Depth: 21″, and Transom Height: 20″.

PROS (What we liked)
  • This boat is exclusively designed to work hard and put away wet.
  • It comes with sturdy lifting handles.
  • It’s built to last.
  • It’s comfortable to maneuver.
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • Not yet found.

Verdict:

This one is quite excellent for fishing.


9. L1648M Jon – best Jon boat for bass fishing

L1648M Jon

L1648M Jon boat is specially designed for hunters and anglers. It’s considered as one of the most durable and reliable boats among the John boat.

Let’s talk about its maximum capacity. It can carry four people conveniently. However, the maximum weight capacity of this boat is around 1014 lb.

Move on to the seats. It has three spacious bench seats. The overall length of the Jon boat is 15’8.5″. Furthermore, it features a flat-bottom, modified-V hull for best stability.

Move on to the technical part. Beam: 70″, Approx. Basic Hull Weight: 275 lb., Bottom Width: 48″, Fuel Capacity: Portable, Hull Gauge: .072″, Max HP Capacity: 35 HP, Max Person Weight: 555 lb., Ribs: 9. Side depth: 21″, and Transom Height: 15″.

PROS (What we liked)
  • It has convenient grab handles.
  • It is made of aluminum.
  • It features comfortable seats.
  • It’s portable.
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • It could have additional space for utility items.

Verdict:

L1648M Jon adds excellent quality and value to your boat journey.


10. White river Jon Series

WHITE RIVER 1448 MVX JON

The white river Jon series is made of 100% aluminum. Wood-free construction ensures the longevity of the product.

You can take this boat, lake, pond or rivers, etc. It is fully equipped for fishing and hunting. You can also mount the fishing accessories easily.

What is more, it provides a .190-inch hull thickness for durability. It’s roomy to keep your utility items. Most importantly, it comes with a 5-year hull warranty.

PROS (What we liked)
  • It’s rugged and dependable.
  • Camo patterns are available.
  • It provides enough space for the necessary gears.
  • It’s affordable
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • The stability of this boat is not as excellent as other boats.

Verdict:

This boat is lightweight and sturdy. If we judge every aspect of these boats, it seems a good deal to buy this boat.


Wrapping up

These are our top 10 best Jon boats. If I have to recommend one, I will pick up the American 12 Jon fishing boat. This boat is just totally eye-catching. It’s lightweight, portable, easy to maneuver, and excellent for fishing or hunting.

However, the final call is yours. So, whatever decision you make, best luck with that. If you would like to share anything, comment below


Best Jon boat accessories

1. Classic Accessories Jon Boat Cover – best Jon boat cover

Classic Accessories Jon Boat Cover

The size of the classic Jon boat cover is 12-14-feet. It is made of 100% polyester. It resists any mildew. The material also offers a layer of protection from detrimental UV rays.

Furthermore, the elastic cord in the bottom hem provides a secure and quick fit. Interestingly enough, it comes with a handy storage bag plus tie-down rope. The company also offers a 1-year hassle-free warranty. Isn’t it brilliant? Due to FadeSafe solution-dyed fabric, the colors last in all environments.


2. Attwood Corporation Seat Mount Clamp – Best Jon Boat Seat Bracket

Seat Mount Clamp-On with Swivel

This product is crafted from aluminum. It is designed with a black powder-coated finish. Brilliantly enough, it can align from 7 ½ inches to 18 inches. The interesting fact about this product is that it is very to install.

You will not face any issue with its quality. It’s highly well-built. The dimension of this product is 14.9 x 9.4 x 7 inches. And it weighs around 8.65 Pounds.


3. Rust-Oleum Not Available 207005 Marine Topside Paint, Battleship Gray, 1-Quart – best Jon boat paint

Rust-Oleum Not Available 207005 Marine Topside Paint

Rust-Oleum Topside Paint is suitable to use with job boats. This oil-based formula is flexible plus applies efficiently with brilliant leveling. It dries to the touch in as little as 1 to 2 hours. Furthermore, it covers up to 100 sq. Ft. It is designed with a durable coating that resists abrasion plus rough weather conditions.

More importantly, it offers long-lasting UV protection. Due to a smooth finish and superior gloss retention, the elegance of your Jon’s boat surface never fades. The dimension of the product is 5 x 5 x 5 inches. And it weighs around 2.2 pounds.


4. Garmin Striker 4 with Transducer – best Jon boat fish finder

Garmin Striker 4 with Transducer

This high-frequency sonar provides near-photographic images with thorough representations of objects, fish, and structure. The best thing about this boat fish finder is that it is fantastic to use and easy to install.

It is available in 7, 5, 3.5-inch display sizes. It features a high sensitivity GPS. So, you can quickly check out your position concerning the waypoints you have marked.

Furthermore, you can use the waypoint to mark, view easily, and navigate to the location, for instance, stumps, docks, and brush piles. It’s also an excellent gadget for finding your way back to the boat ramp.

You can also use this tool to check your speed on the screen. In that way, you will know that are you going at the right speed or not?

Luckily enough, it comes with a portable kit that protects your fishfinder. With the help of the kit, you can also take the fishfinder anywhere.

However, it additionally features a sealed, rechargeable battery with charger, storage and suction cup transducer mount and float, and built-in transducer cable management.


5. Minn Kota Endura Transom Mount Trolling Motor – best Jon boat motor

Minn Kota Endura Transom Mount Trolling Motor

Minn Kota Endura Transom Mount Trolling Motor is designed to make fishing comfortable and relaxed. A reliable engine must have some promising features such as easy control, instant responsiveness, and unyielding toughness.

And this trolling motor has all of these leverages. It is fabulously energy efficient.

What is more, it features 5 Fwd./3 Rev Speed Settings. It also has an Indestructible Composite Shaft. The cool thing about this trolling motor is that a 2-years warranty backs it.


6. Extreme Max Grapnel Anchor Kit – best Jon boat anchor

BoatTector Complete Grapnel Anchor Kit for Small Boats

The entire PWC grapnel kit features a 6.5′ anchor chain, 5.5 lb. Anchor and 100′ anchor line. It is exclusively designed for Jon boats, Small boats, inflatable boats, and flat bottoms.

They made it with one aim in mind: convenience. You will be delighted to use it — the 3.3 lbs.

Folding grapnel anchor is ideally suited for use in rocky, coral, or slowly weeded bottom conditions. The anchor chain is durable and corrosion-resistant.

The braided nylon anchor line is shock load resistant. It is easily handleable and resists sunlight higher than all other synthetics. In every aspect, it is a great anchor.


7. Attwood 98391GNMX Padded Boat Seat – best Jon boat seats

Attwood 98391GNMX Padded Boat Seat

The Attwood Padded Boat Seat offers comfortable boat eats. In the long run, you will notice that it is durable enough to endure the rigors of a marine environment.

The cool features about this boat seat are its camouflage cushion exterior, which is sensational. It comes with a molded plastic frame plus a hinged backrest. It also features thick padding so that you get maximum comfort in your adventure.

Most importantly, it is brilliantly lightweight and compact. So, you can easily transport it anywhere.

Another impressive thing about this seat is that it meets ABYC code B standards. The measure of the product is 20.5 x 18.5 x 11 inches. And it weighs around 8.65 Pounds.


8. PLUSINNO Fishing Boat Rods Holder – Best Jon Boat Rods Holder

Fishing Boat Rods Holder with Large Clamp Opening

This rod holder includes two pcs fishing boat holders. It is crafted from high impact resistant heavy-duty ABS. Due to construction, it’s eco-friendly and anti-corrosion. It is 360 degrees adjustable.

At first, you must unscrew the two different joints. After that, the fishing rods will be adjusted to any alignment you want.

Interestingly enough, it can be clamped everywhere you want, for instance, kayaks, dock handrail, pier, canoe, kayaks, boats, and so on.

Amazingly enough, it is pretty easy to install. Most importantly, the company provides a 100% after-sale guarantee plus 12 months warranties on all f their products.


9. Attwood 14190-7 Marine boating-navigation-lights – Jon boat lights

Marine Gray boating-navigation-lights

The entire kit features a white LED stern light, Red/ green bow light, quick release mounts, pole, and hardware. The C-clamp mounting allows fast addition or removal as required.

The lights have sealed electronics in a shockproof housing plus a shatterproof polycarbonate lens. It can run over 150 hours on 3AAA batteries.

However, you have to buy the batteries separately. The dimension of this product is around 1.5 x 10.8 x 9.5 inches. And the weight of the product is approximately 1 pound.


10. ABN Universal Kayak Carrier – Jon boat carrier

Universal Kayak Carrier

ABN Universal Kayak Carrier can carry your Jon boats, canoe, float mats, paddleboats, and kayaks. It’s durable and has a 200-pound weight limit.

It is made from high-strength anodized steel so that it lasts for a long time. The 9.5” knobby tires are easy to inflate. It also lets the smooth boat movement across rough surfaces, for instance, gravel, sand, and thorough wooded areas.

It’s designed with oversized foam bumper pads that defend the vessel from dents or scratches. It includes a 12-foot tie-down strap to protect your boat.

Moreover, it features a spring-loaded kickstand for rapid plus easy loading. It is compact, so you can easily transport or store it. The dimension of the product is 22 x 9.2 x 13 inches. And the weight is around 8.85 pounds.


Frequently Asked Questions

How to find the best Jon boat for your needs?

There are some factors which you must have to keep in mind to buy a Jon boat. If you plan to purchase a used boat, you have to pay more attention to the details. So, here we will cover some main factors which you need to check out before buying a Jon Boat.

What are the best Jon boat brands?

There are several Jon boat brands. But different models of different manufacturers’ boats are coming with news features. You may choose according to your needs with the help of our buying guide. Here We have listed the 9 best brands for you: (1) Sun Dolphin (2) Lowes (3) Lund (4) Ranger (5) Tracker (6) Gator Trax (7) Triton (8) Marine (9) Alumacraft

What size Jon boat should I get?

Jon boats come in different sizes and shapes. So, here comes the question, what length of the boat is suitable for you? The answer depends on many factors, for instance, location and purposes, etc. Place (where you will take your boat) is a big player in buying a Jon boat. For example, wide and larger boats ride choppy water much greater than smaller ones. Usually, most Jon boats are crafted between 8 to 20 feet in length, with the standard sizes being 10-16 feet long. Interestingly enough, more weight capacity needs more boat lengths. So, you also need to focus on the purpose of buying a boat. Do you have to ask yourselves some questions such as are you buying this boat for some essential fishing on a pond? Or do you plan on going out on various rivers for fishing plus also want to take some friends (1 or 2) with you? Or are you transporting your boat to several hunters to a duck blind? The thing is that boat length, and carrying capacity is intimately related. The bigger the Jon boat, the more it can carry. However, a bigger boat also has a few complications. You can’t take it everywhere. They need more juice. Sometimes, you can’t carry it on your own.

What size Jon boat for duck hunting?

Well, it depends on where you are going for duck hunting? In small lakes and ponds or big lakes? Or do you want a lot of gear with you? Or do you want something that can be easily hidden? For instance, a large boat, a 20-foot Jon boat, can bear a lot of gear with you. On the contrary, a small boat can’t carry many utility items. Again, a smaller boat is easy to hide while hunting. It’s also easy to push off sandbars than a large boat. If you are going to a small pond or lake, then I guess 10 feet or 12 feet is the perfect size for the job. However, if you intend to hunt in packs, then a small boat, I think, won’t be the best choice. Case in point, a 17-foot boat can carry three men with gear correctly in the right weather conditions. However, in bad weather, it may affect the stability of the boat. Also, it may even feel crowded. In that case, the 18-feet or 20-feet boat is large enough to haul dogs plus decoys in larger areas. It also provides perfect stability in rough waters.

What size Jon boat for bass fishing?

Jon boats are also trendy for bass fishing. However, you also have to ask the same question (which you asked in duck hunting). For instance, how many people will be on your boat? Or how much gear you plan to carry? Or Where are you planning to go fishing? The interesting fact is that smaller boats fare pretty amazing when it comes to bass fishing. So, you can go for a small size Jon boat.

What size of Job boat is excellent for bow fishing?

Aluminum Jon boats are a very common pick up for bow fishing. Aluminum boats are very long-lasting if you use them in f4eshwater. However, it rusts easily in saltwater. If you plan to use your Jon boat in saltwater, the aluminum boat may not be the best choice. In that case, you can go with fiberglass or wooden boat. Enough, Flat bottom boats are more suitable for bow fishing because the boat’s shallow draft allows it to access pats that deep draft boats could not enter. Flat bottom boats are also outstandingly stable in calmer waters. They also make it easy to add a shooting platform to the deck. Jon Boat hull: Jon boats are designed with a flat bottom hull, which provides the boat a shallow draft and excellent calm water stability. Some of the Jon boats have a semi-v hull metamorphized design. The alteration to the basic hull design provides the boat more excellent stability in rough weather and waves while permitting it to access still the kind of shallow water which a full v-hull boat could not.” image-5=”” headline-6=”h3″ question-6=”What is the best motor for a Jon boat?” answer-6=”If you are going to use your boat for fishing, case in point, bass fishing, bow fishing, a smaller motor is an excellent choice. A smaller motor is quiet. It doesn’t scare away the fishes. However, if you want to travel on your Jon boat in long distances plus require more speed, a larger boat is a suitable choice.

How to store a Jon boat?

Storing a Jon boat is not a challenging job. We are already aware of the fact that. Jon boats rarely require any maintenance. So, you will not face myriad problems to store a Jon boat. To store a Jon boat, you have to follow some procedures. No worries, the procedures are super easy. If you follow these rules, your boat will be as perfect as possible. First of all, you have to clean your boat. If you are using the interior to keep fishes, you will also like to scrub the interior. Also, check out the boat properly in case there is anything weird growth happening on the hull. When you clean your boat correctly, you will not get any smell. After cleaning the boat, you have to move on to the inspection part. You have to inspect your boat meticulously. You have to look for the damages, including scratches, dents, peeling, cracks, or anything else. It’s lovely if you find no such complication. But it’s always better to check out. Because if there is any problem, it may lead to corrosion. So, I am sure; you want to solve the complication before storing it. Move on to the storage location part. You can store your Jon boat outdoors and indoors wherever you want. However, I will recommend storing it indoors so that no critters or weather conditions can affect your Jon boat. The most common method is to store a Jon boat of any dimension is to turn it upside down plus keep it raised above the ground. This is a perfect method as the hull turns something like a roof for your boat’s interior. So, nothing can fall into it and possibly cause damage to the boat. The storage method also ensures proper air circulation. Another option you can try to store a Jon boat is by leaving it on its trailer. But I will suggest this way if you are not planning to store your Jon boat for an extended period. This process will let you quickly move it around as well. However, in that case, the interior of the boat will not be protected by its hull. So, I will recommend you buy a beautiful cover.