What are some of your thoughts on the stable size of a Jon Boat. I woul like to get a 16' and fish lakes but I also want it to ba as stable as possible. Is a 48" bottom suitable?

Thanks

I would think so but it would depend on the conditions on the lake your on and the amount of weight/distribution of weight you have.

With a 16 ' boat I believe I would want a 54 " wide bottom . That 6" would make a big differance.

The wider the bottom the more stable the will be; on a 16' boat I would not get anything under 44.

A wider bottom also means a wider beam which translates into a drier ride  

I think it depends on how you define stable.  Of course, the wider the better, but it's all relative.  A jon boat generally doesn't have much weight, and sits almost on top of the water.  It may not tip much, but it will "slide" from under you getting in and out at the dock.  If you're planning to fish out of a bare hull boat with no decking or other significant weight added, keep this in mind.

i have a 14 ft 1432 alumacraft with a 36" bottom.  the boat is vary stable for my needs

like everyone said, it all depends on the water conditions you fish in.

here i fish on smaller lakes.

i have a 16' alumacraft, ill have to check the beam and width but its pretty stable, though it is a v-hull. the small lake (195 acres) that i fish is in ks, and its usually a bit windy so a v-hull is nice cause i can go out on the really windy days and not worry about tipping or high waves. beam: 52" width: 48"  < i think, it was dark outside so