I am going to be buying an old jon boat, or possibly an MFG boat in the near future, and wanted to buy a trolling motor (all i can afford now)

i'm looking to get a 40 lb motor to put on it, and my question is; would it be able to handle the potomac on a clear day? or am i idiotic thinking that?

signed,

Possible Gilligan.

I would think not.

DO NOT VENTURE OUT ON THE POTOMAC IN THAT CRAFT.

Stay in the creeks.

Stay close to shore.

The Potomac can turn ugly in a heart beat.  >

on the other hand, you would fine in the upper potomac above great falls.

I think you would be fine in the creeks. I see tons of jon boats in Pohick bay. Check weather reports and you will be fine. Good luck

I highly recommend not going on the Potomac in a Jon boat or small craft, especially the section of the river between woodbridge and aquia creek.  It can get pretty nasty out there, even if the weather is great.  I've been out there on great days, very little wind, no storm, nice day and there were 3-4 foot rollers, me and my partner were soaked when we got back to pohick....

Thanks fellas, I'll stick to the reservoirs. On the other, if you guys ever need a body on a boat- I'm down. I'd love to hit the potomac.

Weekend Bassers fish Aquia Creek and Occoquan in Jon boats with trolling motors.  My partner liked to fish Occoquan out of his jon boat until he bought a bass boat.  Make sure that you have all of your safety gear and don't go out if the wind is above 8 MPH.  Do not leave the creeks and get off the water if the wind kicks up.  

Thanks for all the input. I just had to spend my boat money on new beds for my girls. DAGGER!

I'll definitely give you an invite on my boat. Are you free at all during the week???

New angler, you will be completely safe in Aquia Creek in that boat with a trolling motor. Actually, you will benefit by being able to go into the upper reaches of the creek in the marsh area.  The lower end toward the Potomac is wide and can get hairy on a windy day.  Just stay up creek and safe.