Perks of Jon Boats

One of the most popular boats in the South is the Jon boat, a mobile aquatic platform that’s perfect for a number of marine activities. If you’ve been around the bayou, the Ozarks, or even the Everglades, you’ve probably seen a Jon boat. With a wide range of sizes and options available at multiple price points, the Jon boat is a practical boating option for many people.

So what exactly makes a Jon boat different than any other fishing boat on the water? The answer has to do with the special design of the hull and how it’s suited for specific types of a waterway. Read on to learn more about why Jon boats are a great choice for many people.

Stop by L&M Marine if you’re ready to pick up your very own Jon boat. We’re located in Stapleton, near Mobile and Theodore, Alabama. We proudly serve the areas of Pensacola, Florida, and Biloxi, Mississippi.

History of Jon Boats

Jon boats became popular in The Ozarks late in the 19th century because they were perfectly suited for skimming on top of the shallow waters of the Missouri Valley. The name seems to have derived from a pejorative term in that they were originally referred to as “Ozark John Boats.” The name was eventually compressed into Jon boat, which it remains today.

Why Jon Boats are so Useful

Jon boats are essentially flat-bottomed, utility boats. They are used for a variety of different tasks, from hunting to fishing to collecting lumber. Because of the flat shape of the hull, Jon boats tend to sit on top of the water as opposed to cruising through it. For this reason, Jon boats don’t tend to have high sides. This design does have a drawback, which is that Jon boats don’t work particularly well for rough waters.

Jon boats really come into their own in shallow waters and water with lots of mud, muck, or obstacles in it. They work well in swamps, mudflats, and other similar areas. Equip a Jon boat with a surface drive or longtail motor and you can get even more mobility in these areas. This makes them ideal boats for hunting, fishing, crawfishing, and other sports activities that are popular in southern waterways.

When it comes to shallow water fishing, Jon boats can’t be beaten. The flat hull is great because it allows you to cruise over shallow water, mud, or reeds to get to the most desirable fishing spots. This is especially helpful when fishing for bass or other fish that like to hide away from the open water. The flat bottom also helps to provide stability when you stand up. You can wrestle your catch as hard as you want and know that your boat won’t tip.

Hull Construction & Motor

It’s important to pick the right type of hull and engine when you buy your Jon boat. In the past, Jon boats were made out of wood, fiberglass, or metal. Today, many Jon boats are constructed aluminum because it’s lightweight and durable. The two most common forms of construction are riveted hull and welded hull. The general rule of thumb is that welded hulls are stronger. Many boat owners believe that the rivets will eventually start to leak over time. That being said, these usually are not catastrophic leaks. So if you can deal with a little bit of water in the bottom of your boat, going with riveted might be a good way to save money.

You’ll also need to pick the right engine for your boat. A standard outboard will work fine in most circumstances, although if you plan on getting into a really rough territory, you might think about opting for a surface drive or longtail motor.

Jon boats are an awesome platform for fishing, hunting, and general marine navigation, so stop by L&M Marine today to take a look at all the best models. We’re located in Stapleton, Alabama, near Mobile and Theodore, as well as Pensacola, Florida, and Biloxi, Mississippi.