I've finally got a couple a $$ saved up and the search for a 14' Jon Boat that I can fix up over the winter has begun. I've read over and over that wider is better for stability reasons which makes sense... I want to go fishing not swimming :-). So I've go it in my head that at a minimum I want to look for a 1436 boat. Daily I review Craig's List and see plenty of 1434's which I've been passing on. My question to the group is, will 2" in width make that big of a difference in stability? My plans are to build an electric only (well maybe a small gas on the lakes that will allow it) with raised platforms front and back. I figure 95% of the time it will just be me in the boat.

I'm paranoid that I'll shell out my boat money for a 34" only to wish I'd held out for that extra width. Is my waiting all for nothing or should I continue to wait for that 36" or wider to come along? Your advise would be much appreciated.

Poolie

1448   JMHO

Wider is better. The higher the weight carried and higher the center of gravity, the wider the boat should be.

Thanks guys... that's the reassurance that I needed to go ahead and wait for the perfect boat to come along. With the time change coming up in a couple weeks I won't be seeing daylight after work till spring time anyway. I think I am going to hold out for a 42" or 48" wide. Then I won't need to upgrade for years to come.

Poolie