So here's my situation... I kinda want to get off the bank this year and fish in a boat but I don't have the money to buy anything nice, My options are either a small Jon boat off of craigslist or buying one of those mini pontoon plastic boats (like a pelican bass raider or bass pro pond prowler). I'm not sure if I can afford to put a nice gas motor on it so I was thinking off buying a nicer trolling motor and a couple batteries (I'm not going to need to go very far, just fishing small lakes and some ponds). Any opinions on what I should buy? I don't really want a kayak because I want to be able to go with friends. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

I have not owned an Jon boat but I think you are on the right track. Ten years ago I bought an old ugly fiberglass boat for a one time payment of $2,000. I still fish in it every weekend. I have probably put another $2000 in it over the years adding this or that as I could afford it like better sonar, a front deck and good trolling motor. Do some research on the internet and you'll see plenty of Jon boats transformed into many different kinds of fishing machines. 

 

Good luck and let us know how it goes. Getting on the water still gives me a thrill every time I launch.

Have you thought about a canoe or kayak? I know its not a jonboat but you can get one inexpensively and don't need trailer or motor. Just a thought.......I started fishing out of one last summer and love it.

The jon boat has gotten anglers off the shore for decades. Most are not very elaborate, but can be made to fish very well. Be aware not all jon boats are stable.  Try to find one that is at least 14 foot long. You said you could not spend that much, but you need to decide what your budget is. Here is one example of a complete package for $3000

https://desmoines.craigslist.org/boa/d/14-lowe-jon-boat/6492450797.html

 

Here is a bit more stripped down one. 

https://cedarrapids.craigslist.org/boa/d/16ft-flat-boat-with-25hp/6499350618.html

They are asking $1000.  It includes a 25 hp outboard as well.  

Spend some time looking at craigslist, boat trader or other local for sale locations in your area.  You do want a boat that is at least 14 to 16 foot long and have a bottom width of 48 inches if possible. These are the more stable ones.

 

I love my Pond Prowler. I had a 1436 Jon boat before that and the Pond Prowler is much more stable when standing and fishing. I couldn’t stand and fish in the Jon but a Jon boat is more roomy with 2 people fishing in it though. 

Here’s a vote for the Bass Raider / Pond Prowler. Got me off fishing from the bank. Very stable and trolling motor moves it around pretty easy.

I have had a Bass Raider for about five years. I have a 55# trolling motor on the back (which I installed a rudder on) and a 28# motor on the front. After 3 or 4 hours I get Leg cramps. I am going to a 1036 Bass Tracker Topper this year.

 

Ken

Rigid, hard, floorboard...for a start and easy on the wallet...

2 hours ago, fishnkamp said:

Here is a bit more stripped down one. 

They are asking $1000.  It includes a 25 hp outboard as well.  

Spend some time looking at craigslist, boat trader or other local for sale locations in your area.  You do want a boat that is at least 14 to 16 foot long and have a bottom width of 48 inches if possible. These are the more stable ones.

 

I'd be all over this

5 hours ago, 68camaro said:

Have you thought about a canoe or kayak? I know its not a jonboat but you can get one inexpensively and don't need trailer or motor. Just a thought.......I started fishing out of one last summer and love it.

Have given it a thought i just would like to move around and take buddies with me

5 hours ago, fishnkamp said:

The jon boat has gotten anglers off the shore for decades. Most are not very elaborate, but can be made to fish very well. Be aware not all jon boats are stable.  Try to find one that is at least 14 foot long. You said you could not spend that much, but you need to decide what your budget is. Here is one example of a complete package for $3000

https://desmoines.craigslist.org/boa/d/14-lowe-jon-boat/6492450797.html

 

Here is a bit more stripped down one. 

https://cedarrapids.craigslist.org/boa/d/16ft-flat-boat-with-25hp/6499350618.html

They are asking $1000.  It includes a 25 hp outboard as well.  

Spend some time looking at craigslist, boat trader or other local for sale locations in your area.  You do want a boat that is at least 14 to 16 foot long and have a bottom width of 48 inches if possible. These are the more stable ones.

 

Thanks for those suggestions, im in no big rush so ill put some money aside and wait until the time is right and a good deal pops up

Well those are good examples of what to look for.

Good luck on your search.  Remember you have 2 qualifying factors 1. You want to take a friend and 2. You don't need a big motor.  Once you put 2 in any smaller boat, it changes things dramatically.  Weight becomes an issue especially if you have 2 batteries for your TM.  I had a Bass Hunter PVC boat on a small trailer that I used for all of the electric motor only lakes around me and even in some stretches of the Shenandoah River.  It was great by myself, it was good with my daughter (child) but when I added another adult, you had to be careful.  Granted mine was only 8 feet but it was tricky enough for me to stand and fish alone and it was an effort with another adult.  Safest was if we both sat.  I know there are bigger and more stable PVC rigs out there now. And you can run 24 vs 12 volt TM's.  As for the bigger Jons, weight was always an issue for me but I have seen some pretty tricked out ones with 3 TM's, butt seats and casting decks, that 2 could stand and fish out of easily.  Another thing to remember is that either style, wind will not be your friend.  

2 hours ago, TOXIC said:

Good luck on your search.  Remember you have 2 qualifying factors 1. You want to take a friend and 2. You don't need a big motor.  Once you put 2 in any smaller boat, it changes things dramatically.  Weight becomes an issue especially if you have 2 batteries for your TM.  I had a Bass Hunter PVC boat on a small trailer that I used for all of the electric motor only lakes around me and even in some stretches of the Shenandoah River.  It was great by myself, it was good with my daughter (child) but when I added another adult, you had to be careful.  Granted mine was only 8 feet but it was tricky enough for me to stand and fish alone and it was an effort with another adult.  Safest was if we both sat.  I know there are bigger and more stable PVC rigs out there now. And you can run 24 vs 12 volt TM's.  As for the bigger Jons, weight was always an issue for me but I have seen some pretty tricked out ones with 3 TM's, butt seats and casting decks, that 2 could stand and fish out of easily.  Another thing to remember is that either style, wind will not be your friend.  

One of those craigslist post comes with a motor but it says it will not idle is this something i should stay away from

 

You need to decide whether or not you need the motor or if you are going to set up whatever you get as a TM only rig.  If you want a rig with a motor then you really need to concentrate on the motor because it will be a big part of your purchase price.  Personally I would want the motor in better condition than the boat.  I don't deal with small hp motors so I'll have to defer to someone else who can tell you what repairs are likely and what the cost is.  My 250hp Yamaha is a maintenance hog!!  But you gotta pay to play with the bigger motors.  

I fished out of a Jon boat for many years, sometimes with only a trolling motor.  For stability I would recommend a 14' with a 48" bottom.  Both of mine were 14' X 36".  Never fell out but I tap danced a couple of times .  With a 9.9 HP outboard I would get 15-18  MPH which was plenty fast enough for me.  I now have a Bass Tracker 190 but a jon boat would still work for 80% of my fishing needs.