Sup fellas?  I'm floating all over craigs list every day, looking for a jon boat to purchase.  It will be my first one. 

I'm wondering what your guys' experience has been on the water with different sized jon boats. What width is a good width to make sure I have a nice stable boat?

I won't be using mine on any big lakes or dangerous waters/weather but I would like to be able to stand up in it and fish without worry of tipping the boat over. 

What width/length boat should I be looking for so I, and potentially my fishing partner can stand up at the same time and fish comfortably while the boat is nice and stable?  I have about $500.00 to spend. 

I always thought a flat bottom boat would be better for fishing small lakes and ponds, but do you guys recommend something else?

Thanks!

Buy the widest you can find/afford.  I've got a 1236 and I can stand in it without a problem.  No decking, just have a wooden floor to stand on.  I certainly wish it was a bit wider though.  A 1242 or 1248 would be much nicer.  500 bucks should get you a decent Jon.

I have a Lowes 1448 which is pretty stable for two people , personally I wouldn't go any smaller than that. JMHO

go with a 14ft  1448 wide jon boat! nice & stable! i got a grizzly 1448 all weld and love it!

I wouldn't go with a 12 footer...that extra 2ft makes alot of difference 

good luck!

14 or 15' length

42 or 44" bottom

Modified V bottom offers a smoother ride that a flat 7 believe me you will appreciate it.

First boat I bought was a 1442 jonboat. I put in a wood floor to stand/fish on and the boat did great. Had 4 guys in it with no stability issue. This was in my late teens so us 4 guys didnt take the space we do now

Used it on rivers and small lakes 350acres and less.

I agree with recommendations for a 48" bottom width. My flat bottom jon is 14' long with a 46" bottom. It wasn't as wide as I would have liked (48"), but it fell onto my lap fully rigged at a great price. Boat is stable and comfortably fishes 2 standing.

I found this boat on craigslist.  What do you guys think?  It has the transsom width but nothing else.  Should I ask him what the real width is or is transsom width a good indicator of the actual width of the boat?

http://boulder.craigslist.org/boa/2132434207.html

I've only fished out of my old 1548 and my new 1652, so I'm certainly no expert.  But the pics lead me to believe it would be an adventure to have 2 guys standing at the same time in that rig.

All the other comments on here are spot-on.  Mod V with at least 14 ft of length.  It may take a while to find one in your price range, but it'll be worth it.

I found this boat on craigslist. What do you guys think? It has the transsom width but nothing else. Should I ask him what the real width is or is transsom width a good indicator of the actual width of the boat?

http://boulder.craigslist.org/boa/2132434207.html

The ad says 1432, which means it's 32 inches accross the bottom at its widest point.

I've fished from a 1436 for the past 5 years and it's fine with one person standing, but if I had it to do over again I'd certainly buy a wider boat.

My suggestion, hold out for at least a 1442. Good luck.

I found this boat on craigslist. What do you guys think? It has the transsom width but nothing else. Should I ask him what the real width is or is transsom width a good indicator of the actual width of the boat?

http://boulder.craigslist.org/boa/2132434207.html

BA,

From the pics, boat looks very skinny. Model #1432 pretty much gives it away; it has a 32" bottom width. When I was in search of my jon boat, my first question was about the bottom width measurement at the transom. That pretty much decided the length of the conversation. Be patient and keep looking.

14 or 15' length

42 or 44" bottom

Modified V bottom offers a smoother ride that a flat 7 believe me you will appreciate it.

Catt does the 42-44 inch bottom go only for a modified V?  Or if I have to go flat bottom should I go even bigger?

Yep.  I'm an idiot and just learned what the numbers meant.  Holding out for something bigger and potentially a modified V if I can afford one. 

I have a 1548 modified V that is plenty stable with two people standing to fish.  I don't think I would go much smaller.

14 or 15' length

42 or 44" bottom

Modified V bottom offers a smoother ride that a flat 7 believe me you will appreciate it.

Catt does the 42-44 inch bottom go only for a modified V? Or if I have to go flat bottom should I go even bigger?

Bare minimum dimensions for either a flat or modified v