Need 1648 jon boat for electric-only lake rig. Which one?

I want to buy a jon boat that I will set up for fishing electric-only ponds, lakes, and reservoirs, trailer launched. I currently use a NuCanoe F12 kayak for this, but I am getting too old and lazy to keep hauling that thing on and off a trailer, and me in and out of it. Don't want to spend more than $7500 if I can help it on just boat and trailer, no motor.

I am thinking a 1648 size (or wider) jon boat would be good for me. So I'm going to buy a boat and trailer first of the year, and start rigging it and installing Garmin electronics. I will be installing a 80lb MK Terrova iPilot on the bow, and maybe a couple cheap Newports in back for driving around. I want it to fish two fat old guys max, or myself and a young'un.

My current "big" lake boat is a 1756 Alweld mod-V cc with an F50 Yamaha, and it suits me fine for the major reservoirs I fish, but the county municipal reservoirs and various private waters are electric-only, and you can't even have the gas engine on the boat.

The Lowe roughnecks are nice but more than I wanted to spend. I am looking at welded construction jons such as Alweld, Weldbuilt, etc. Any recommendations?

In your situation, I'd choose from one of a gazillion boats that size available every day on Facebook Marketplace. I see them all the time for $500-$1000.

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Originally Posted by DoyleAlley

In your situation, I'd choose from one of a gazillion boats that size available every day on Facebook Marketplace. I see them all the time for $500-$1000.

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Yes you will, but i doubt you will be finding many 15x48s mixed in with those, especially better ones with names like Alweld.
Which could also explain why so many are for sale.

Moved to correct forum

I think you’re on the right track wanting a welded boat. For an electric only, I would think you would want something without such high sides that grab wind and make control tough. Another point, where to put all the batteries? Golf cart batteries are long lasting but heavy, lithium’s are light but pricey. Lots of issues to contend with. I’ll be watching to see how it turns out for you.

Riveted boat is going to be much lighter. Which translate to faster speed and longer run time on the batteries. I don't like being in a boat less than 48" wide. With 2 full growns,16 ft length is about right. 15 is do-able. Big decks, rod boxes, consoles etc also equals lots of weight.

If you stick to welded, I would look at backyard landings offerings of Weldbuilt.

I'm with bfish. No need for a heavy welded boat on a community pond using only an electric motor. A decent riveted boat will serve that purpose just fine and cost a whole lot less.

One more thing to think about. Many of these great little electric-only ponds and lakes will have less-that-adequate ramps. Many will be no more than just a dirt road that ends at the water. A light-weight boat will be an asset on those ramps. I used to have a little '14 that I could actually load from dry land (tilting trailer with bunks that almost touched the ground when the trailer was tilted).

We're done here. Thread is not getting the info I wanted and has been moved where it does not belong, as this is not a "boat wanted" ad. Not replying nor reading.

This hauls 2 fat men with stability and is roomy and comfy. Something to consider if you happen to gander over here. The boat is made in south Alabama, but I can't help that.

Alweld is the best boat made in my opinion.


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