Hello, I'm GooseBoots (Bruce). Newly retired, I'm going to get into freshwater fishing here in SE Pa.

  However, due to stupid deed restrictions, space available, and my steep driveway I can only get a 12' jon boat. Anything larger  and I'll have difficulty getting it on top of my TrailBlazer. I do realize the limitations of a flat bottom jon boat. Considering my dilemma it's this boat or no boat at all.

  I picked up a Minn Kota Endura 36 TM this weekend.

  Although, I've done alot of reading and searching on the internet any and all comments and advice is welcomed.

Thanks,

Bruce

just be careful until you know how stable it will be while you are fishing.  Wear your PFD and enjoy.  That 36 will push you around fine, not high speed but will get you where you want to go.

First of all - WELCOME to the BEST bass fishing forum on the Net, IMO! Are you sure you want a jon boat?? I'm expecting delivery of my 10' Nu Canoe early next week. It's a Kayak/Canoe hybrid and only weighs 65 pounds and is supposed to be very stable. They also make a 12' version (85 lbs) but that was a little too big for me since I will primarily be fishing alone in the 10 footer and I wanted something that wouldn't stick too far out of the back of my Ford Explorer Sport. Please read all the posts I have made the last week or so on the Malibu Mini-X kayak that I bought and used last Sunday and why I've opted for the Nu Canoe. I'll be writing a review of the boat as soon as I get it and fish in it.

Again:  WELCOME to BR!!

WELCOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  I haven't looked beyond a jon boat because I'm limited to what's available in the local area. Also, I will almost always have at least one other person fishing with me due to my health.

  A friend called me to discuss that I may be better off with a V-Hull 12' aluminum boat over the 12' Jon Boat. Apparently, Bass Pro Shop has a Tracker Topper 12' Jon and a Trapper Guide 12' V-hull.

  Which would be more stable, and can I use my Minn-Kota 36 lbs for both?

Thanks,

Bruce  

I haven't looked beyond a jon boat because I'm limited to what's available in the local area. Also, I will almost always have at least one other person fishing with me due to my health.

A friend called me to discuss that I may be better off with a V-Hull 12' aluminum boat over the 12' Jon Boat. Apparently, Bass Pro Shop has a Tracker Topper 12' Jon and a Trapper Guide 12' V-hull.

Which would be more stable, and can I use my Minn-Kota 36 lbs for both?

Thanks,

Bruce

welcome

I have had a 12 flat jon and it was just fine on being stable-I'm 250# so it was pushed on its limits. I'm not familiar on the v-hulls except that they are more design to cut through the water and a flat jon is design for stability, I would think if it was a v-hull I would go with a bigger one than a 12'

The flat jon 12' is just fine for what you want to do, as for the v-hulls someone else will have to jump in for that, like I said not much experiance with them.

LBH would be a good one on this, LBH where ya at??

Well, so far I'm getting the Tracker 1436LW from Basspro. It has a little thicker Aluminum, and a live well (non-aerated). 14' is the maximum I can go on the top of my TrailBlazer. I definately will have to fashion some sort of outriggers since the beam of the boat extends beyond my roof rack. I looked at Thule and Yakima rigs, but they want and arm and a for them. I have the tools so I'll build my own. Wifey has no interest in boating and fishing and has yet to retire. Since I retired early at 49 y/o, it'll be tough to get over her on the boat deal.

Bruce

   wish you much success!