SHORT VERSION

I must decide between OLDER semi V boat (1970s)

14ft, semi v, flat bottom,  44 inch wide at base, 56 inch wide at top.

Or

NEW jon boat 200ish

16ft, flat bottom, 35inch wide at base, 52 inch wide at top. 

 

Ill be fishing mostly in a fairly calm lake (Elephant Butte, N.M) and want the most stable boat for myself and my two boys (11 and 13 years)

I  think that the old boat is more stable but cant afford to title and test them both.

 

LONG VERSION

 

Been hunting for a used jon boat. Couldn't find one in my area whih I liked (I live in the desert). Finally saw a 14 foot semi V with a flat bottom.  Its an older boat (1970s) but doesn't leak and appears solid ($800 with trailer,  9hp outboard and old troller). A few days later I see what appears as my dream boat.($1500) 16ft flat jon boat 15hp outboard,  55 minn kota . So I buy it also thinking to sell the older boat. 

 

But the older boat is wider and probably more stable in the water for my two kids and myself. 

 

Have to quickly sell one before my woman realizes that I have purchased 2 boats

 

 

Or this

The semi v is not going to be as stable as the jon.

Of the 2 I'd prefer the job myself. 

I was doubting due to the fact the semi V has a flat bottom as well and is 9 inches wider at the base.

 

Anyone wanna buy a boat?

Take each boat out on the water you plan to fish and test them for yourself.

Jon boats in the wind that NM has will be a wet ride, the V bottom is safer IMO.

Tom

Totally agree with WRB. My 1448 flat will rough you up and get you wet in the wind. The V will slice through the waves.

I would not fish that lake in a jon boat. I’ve fished it for the last 9 years. It gets rough quickly with very little wind. The waves around rattlesnake island can be a major trick with current flowing one way and wind blowing another. From March to June you will usually have wind 4 out of 5 days. You will want at a min something along the lines of a 16’ aluminum with a decent outboard. I held off buying a boat due to the fact I couldn’t find a good fiberglass boat in the area. I’ve fished it in a kayak too only did it twice and decided that was never a good idea again.

 

If you bought the boat already good luck, make sure you check the wind before you head out, and watch the ridges as they drop the water. If you ever want some help as to where to go or throw let me know.

 

I'd swap the motors and run the V but either of these 2 boats will be cramped with you + the 2 boys