I am in the market for a jon boat to put in the back of my pickup. I am a big boy (300+) and my fishing buddy is about 225. Therefore, should I really worry about the max weight requirements on the jon boats since they are usually no bigger than 480 pounds?

I just went fishing with my brother in law in a little 12 foot boat but it was an old v-hull jon boat and we did just fine.

Any help would be most appreciated.

I would definitely go at least 12'.  I borrowed a ten footer last year and my son (120 lb) and I (260 lb) and a tm battery and motor nearly went down.  We couldn't even move without taking on water.

All boats should have a sticker or plate with max weight tolerence.

Remember that you will be adding equipment.

a welded jon would more easily handle the weight, but putting in the back of the P/u is a problem.

this is going to sound strange but canoes often have much higher load bearing capacities than jon boats.

check out the quality canoes, like old town.   Add a pair of Spring Creek stabilizers (cabella's) and you may be ok.

PS> It's what I use.

Will do.

Thanks guys for all your help!

rathewr than a cone why not look into a gheenoe? they are extremely stable and can get a motor on if desired.  Thats my suggestion i have fished in a few gheenoes and canoes and by far the gheenoes were extremely sturdy!  I weigh 215 and my budy is at least 170 and it was fine with a trolling motor and all our equip. it was a 16' fiberglass gheenoe. just a suggestion

Gheenoe is the ONLY way to go, extemely stable and more speed with electric power. I've been using one since 1980.