Just picked up a 10' Jonboat today from a co-worker. Seems to be fairly old but in decent shape. Spent a little time pressure washing it and just cleaning it up in general. I plan on painting this boat.............I know about the metal-etching primer, but is there a particular brand of paint I should look for? Also, with something this small is it wise to use brackets/seats? I realize decking  it is out of the question, but would like something other than the benches to sit on.

Lastly, is it a good idea to mount a smaller (ie 5 hp) motor? I'll mainly be using it on a 9 or less Lake, and the trolling motor may not be enough. I think.

Thanks.

Towmotor

heres my 10' JB with seats....more to com later....jus ordered the clamps.  At first I thought the seats were close but they seem ok. I had a 5hp Yamaha on a BassHound 9.5, what a difference it made over the trolln motor....go for gas if you can.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v699/Titleist1964/jonboat.jpg

Gas motor: it's always advantageous to use a gas motor when allowed as it gives you more running time with your electric motor for fishing. It saves time between fishing locations also. It will get you back to safety quicker if a storm is approaching.

The only negative I can think of is the price of gasoline.

I have a 16 foot jon boat and tried running it solely off electric. Get the gas powered, well worth it. If you have the patience wait for a boat show and you can actually find some good deals (got mine from Albers Outboards in DE, well worth the gas money to go get it) or check out Craigslist if you trust a used one. I got an 8hp Mercury and probably would not going any lower. If the boat is pretty light a 5 might be ok, but 8 seems to work well for me, I'm not trying to break any water speed records.