Hey...quick question (and may be a dumb one) but... Is there any appreciable difference between a flat-bottom jon with a square bow versus a pointed one.  I've seen both and I'm just curious if there is any noticeable difference since they are both flat-bottom hulls.

thanks! great forum!

A v-bow or a mod v front end is going to take the waves a lot better than a box or square front jon. You are going to take a beating in a flat bottom boat in rough water not matter what but the v bow seems to cushion it and break the waves better.  Also a v front end seems to track a lot better in the water as when running the bow mount TM.

V bow jons tend to be a little more money but I think it's money well spend.

Both boats will get the job done but in the end it's all about what you like and what you can afford.

Flat Bottom Jon: extremely rough riding

Modified V Bow: cuts through larger waves but still a rough ride

Modified V Bottom: smoother/drier ride best all around choice

Full V Bottom: smoothest ride but tends to be tipsy

When talking Jon boats bottom width with is key to stability while beam width keeps you dry.  

...and there ain't no dumb questions. I guarentee if someone else here was not wondering the same thing, someone soon will be.

I got a tracker 1436 and I really would never consider anything narrower than 36. For me my boat works well but I have some buds that do not fare so well in the stability a 36 offers.

Yeah, M Starr... mine is a 12/36 and I guess for people who insist on standing to cast or want to construct a deck/etc it would be pretty difficult.  But for two people sitting down and fishing, it really works just fine... Obviously you won't find me in the gulf anytime soon...but for the hydroelectric reservoirs and slow moving rivers, my 1236 does fine.

However, as silly as this sounds, I actually LIKE the fact that its just a wee bit tippy... gives it personality  ;D