I have been looking into to buying a modified v jon boat and I started looking at 1448 but then thinking 15 ft might fit me better.  

Ideally, I'd like it to be at least 48 inches in bottom width but for some reason 1548 is not that common in size, I find 1546 more common for a 15 ft jon boat, I am not sure why.  Although there are companies that make 1548 but it really reduces my selections. 

 

1546 is 2 inches narrower than a 1548, that is just 1 inch narrower on each side,  is it really that much less stable, can you really feel the difference? 

 

Thanks for your advice in advance.

If the hulls are identical, 2 inches can make a noticeable difference in how much the boat tips as you move around.

A lot of it depends on how much weight you plan on putting in the boat. The more weight, the less stable.

 

I had a 14ft. Jon boat with a 46 inch bottom, that was relatively stable, but there was some rock, if I moved around.

If 2 people were in the boat you had to be aware, when the other was moving around.

 

My next boat was a 16ft mod v with a 48 inch bottom. It was farly solid. 2 people moving around was a lot less noticeable.

 

My current boat has is 17ft 10in long with a 90 inch beam and roughly a 75 inch bottom width.

 Compared to my previous boats It's like walking around on an aircraft carrier.

 

Most of the time it will be just me fishing.  I weight around 150 lb and will be using the boat for crappie/bass fishing only.  The gears will be a 25 hp motor, 2 or 3 batteries and a trolling motor and maybe a cooler.

I can get an Alumacraft Waterfowler 1546 for around $2600 but the cheapest 1548 I can find within 3 hours drive is close to $900 more.  If 1548 makes a noticeable difference in stability for my application then I might bite the bullet, but I thought I would ask around first.

 

A lot of the stability is based on where you are in the boat. I had elevated casting decks on all of my boats. If it is just yourself with the equipment you listed, there may not be a lot of difference. Especially if you are sitting inside the boat as opposed to standing on an elevated deck

There's a notable difference but I aint sure if it's $900 difference!

 

I fished out of a 15' 46" Xpress with casting decks for yrs, most of the time it was 2 people. Over time you learn how to move around, it's not like ya gonna tip over or anything.

Thank you so much for the advises.  I think I am more comfortable with a 1546 now.  Initially I was thinking maybe I'd just downsize it to 14 ft and get a 1448 and be done with it, but extra feet in length is surely nice.

5 hours ago, Tinbox said:

Thank you so much for the advises.  I think I am more comfortable with a 1546 now.  Initially I was thinking maybe I'd just downsize it to 14 ft and get a 1448 and be done with it, but extra feet in length is surely nice.

 

Given a choice I would definitely go with an extra foot in length, it has more room, & will smooth the ride out.

 

Look at a ruler, 2" wider aint much

 

How many trips to the lake can you make for $900?

The extra width makes a big difference. You might consider a 1648 also. I understand $900 is a lot of money, but every time you get in the boat, you’ll regret getting the narrower width. 

"T he extra width makes a big difference. You might consider a 1648 also. I understand $900 is a lot of money, but every time you get in the boat, you’ll regret getting the narrower width"

 

I regretted getting a Tracker 1032 and am delighted I replaced it with the Lowe 1040.

 

Anyway, the Grizzly is available in 1548.

 

 

8 hours ago, gnappi said:

 

I regretted getting a Tracker 1032 and am delighted I replaced it with the Lowe 1040

 

8" is a big difference...2" not so much!