I just traded for a 12' jon boat. This is my first boat and don't really know what I need to put on it. I don't want to get something that is to big. Just looking for some insight. 

Where do you plan on using it? Who is going to be in the boat with you? Does it have a trailer?

All of these questions will influence the answer.

The weight and HP placard are your limits on outboards, but not necessarily what you should run.

For the TM, you can not have enough thrust, but for a jon boat a 12V system will be plenty though so 55lbs max thrust.

 

I am looking to buy a 12' jon as well. I already purchased my main motor for it, a Minn-Kota Traxxis 55 lb thrust. I've tried it out on a friend's 1436 jon and it moved that boat along very well, even in a stiff wind. Positioning from the stern was a bit more tricky. I'm kind of hoping to get a smaller (probably 36 lb or so) motor for the front too.

7 hours ago, Nick B said:

Where do you plan on using it? Who is going to be in the boat with you? Does it have a trailer?

All of these questions will influence the answer.

The weight and HP placard are your limits on outboards, but not necessarily what you should run.

For the TM, you can not have enough thrust, but for a jon boat a 12V system will be plenty though so 55lbs max thrust.

 

I fish El Reno, Elmer, and some small ponds and slews. Just me and one other person. I don't have a trailer just plan on putting it in the back of my pickup. I haven't got it registered yet. I'm hoping I don't run into problems getting it tagged because the boat hasn't been tagged in fifteen to twenty years.  

Well since its your back, you decide how much of a motor you want to pull in and out of the back of your truck.

I am sure they are going to want to do a VIN inspection on your boat since it hasn't been registered in so long. You will probably need a bill of sale as well. It will just depend on your state.