Taking a ride in a tiny 12 ft. jon boat - Is a jon boat worth it?

[@papilloncycles3463]

I just bought a used 12' jon boat today, gonna take it out tomorrow, sure looks like fun Man!

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Nice!

[@uisalapeue7520]

Hi to have any other boat for sale

[@donaldpiper9763]

They are fine for small rivers ,creeks or small body lakes . They’re made for fishing .Enjoy your time on the water .

[@jreezee08]

I just bought a 1232 with a 15 Johnson. With me and my girlfriend on it, it runs about 25mph and is a lot of fun.

[@jeremytaunton8813]

I have a 14 ft Jon boat paired with a 5hp and a 55 ft/lb trolling motor... And a small bilge pump. Pure fun at 9mph! I hope you enjoy your Jon boat!

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

That sounds like great setup!

[@barrytodd6052]

Only 9 my 5 horse goes 20mph

[@maxsherman7677]

Only 9, my 6 horse pushes me and a buddy 16mph

[@str8upn0l1fe6]

​@maxsherman7677 got to consider if it's a smaller prop and the weight of the boat and what he has eith him

[@dawsonwalker384]

I have about the same thing but I’m about to buy a 25 horse

[@michaelboykin9881]

I river and lake fished out of a 10 footer for many years. Caught enough fish over the years to fill the boat ten times over . Have a 16' welded aluminum now, but still kept my trusty 10.

[@TheYardLimit]

I recently inherited my late grandad's 16' jon boat that I helped him find on the internet in 2007. Boat has only been in the water a twice since then as the 30hp Suzuki motor has always been problematic. I finally got her in the water last fall. My mechanic still hadn't fixed the driveshaft on the motor, ao I pulled that heaver sucker off, left it with him, and took it out on the water with a deep cycle batter and trolling motor on the transom. I loved how easy it was to manage and launch alone without that heavy motor on the back. That trolling motor pushed it at a good little clip too. I think I just wanna have a solid little

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Thanks for sharing! If you get a little outboard some of them have an internal fuel tank which is one less thing to worry about!

[@mgallager1449]

I am planning to obtained an 14'-16' with 20/25 HP in the next few years.

[@sharonbraselton3135]

Suusukii suck n mercy hinda Yama best 30 h whaler 13 or 30 hp jtric

[@floridamaninthewild]

I used to have a big bass boat but it cost too much to run and maintain. Since downsizing to a small jon boat I fish more often and don't have the stress of loading and unloading it in the water. I miss the stability of the larger boat but the ease of handling makes up for it.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

There is something very satisfying about downsizing!

[@ralphcantrell3214]

I use my 1232 aluminum jon boat for fishing, frogging, float tripping etc in the local creeks, swamps and sloughs - in other words, anywhere there is no boat ramp for bigger rigs on trailers that might generate large waves. It's basically like a sporting canoe for two, but a bit more stable and with a trolling motor.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Great point! Flat bottom boats are easy to launch from the shore!

[@gunfisher4661]

I almost bought a 16 ` jon boat but ended up with 12 Lowe with a 6hp ended up that was the perfect boat for me because I like to go backwater on the small rivers where there`s tree`s laying every where so the 12 turned out to be a most excellent boat for that kind of fishing.

[@gunfisher4661]

Yes it is that`s what I use and the amount of enjoyment I get from going into those backwater places has no price and the wild life you can see while on a small boat can`t be surpassed. not to mention getting to some of those big fish.

[@sharonbraselton3135]

12 fit scamp betr cabjnvfriser

[@leonelguerobarraza]

@gunfisher4661 I just got the exact same thing today. Stoked to fixed trailer light, and get boat on the water. What battery charger do you recommend? I got it with a car battery in it already that works. Just no charger

[@myflforme]

I have a 12 ft Grumman jon Boat and I use an 8 hp merc. It gets up to 18 mph. Never had a lick of trouble

[@noryaa4194]

Put a piece of plywood across the top of the stern transom as a splash guard. Bolt a L-iron to this transom top deck for a motor mount. 16-18" is a nice transom splash guard. Do the same thing for a bow curtain. A bow cutain can also be a casting deck. 55" is good if it serves as a stand on casting deck. Use a bow tiller electric trolling motor on the bow to maneuver when casting lures.

[@chrisshreve1736]

Keep that dingy!! For the very reason you used it. It gave you a wonderful day out, while the other boat was on the blink. Peaceful and tranquil.

[@elsuperpollo2273]

I been looking for a used 10 or 12 ft jon boat I plan on using as a dedicated rower with radios, gps, mirrors, compass, and lights. Cause I can't afford a fancy ocean rowing boat here in inland Alabama.

[@brianallen6341]

Really enjoy your content sir! I too am a lover of small boats and your 12 maybe 32 is basically a canoe with a nice motor. Would definitely look into stepping into the larger at least 14 48 semi v world with them!

[@DaydreamAboutNiceThings]

Great video ! I’m actually considering buying a 14 ft wide body with a 25 hp Johnson. Your videos give me a lot of practical info.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Thanks - I think that could be a powerful and decent setup!

[@sharonbraselton4302]

nope get ¹4 fit caroliñ skiff ¹4 furré mercy ²5 hp thsé hikß sß fubér glad John hiàt 3jncheß

[@Muscleupsanddangles]

The best boat is the one you can afford. The more money you have at your disposal, tge pickier you can get. You can do a lot and have a lot of fun in a 12 foot jon.

[@peculiarthings]

I love your Jon boat. Bigger then mine and I just love the simplicity of these boats. Hopefully you still have this boat. Thanks for sharing ✌

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

I do not still have this one - but I do still have my 12 foot V hull which is better suited to my river.

[@straightwhitemale5753]

​@@WayneTheBoatGuyHow is it better suited?

[@kurtshinn9498]

I had a old Crawdad , it was a plastic John boat. As you call it a plastic tray. I took that boat out every where’s. I hooked up a broom stick to the engine handle and stand up in the middle. I have a 3.5 Nissan outboard. I don’t know how fast it goes but it feels like 40 plus miles an hour. Lol. I’ve even took it out in a Big river that get boats as big as 40 plus feet. I see them once in awhile. Look up the crawdad. It’s a pretty neat boat. Thank you for the videos , they get me excited for warmer weather

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Nice! Yeah a little motor feels pretty quick on a little boat

[@sharonbraselton3135]

Searay 400 sudcarre best

[@Daniel-gi3jo]

I like your videos and common sense. Your right, Jon boats were designed for the older fellow at a slower pace. Thanks.

[@lildaddymc.1502]

I know you posted this a year ago I just wanted to let you know that I have a 12 foot flat bottom I run a mercury four stroke 5hp on it all the time up and down the Ouachita river and it runs great definitely once I was able to set the trim on the motor you are right they are small boats but all in all they are great boats thanks for the video I wish my 5 hp fires up as good as your 2.5

[@drakejdf]

I just moved to Arkansas and looking on getting a 12 foot flat bottom just for lakes and creek fishing.would a trolling motor be sufficient for it?any information would be awesome.I was even considering a pond prowler.

[@sharonbraselton4302]

ít dóse

[@thejoshfargo]

Nice to see a safe boater out there. Meanwhile I have a 25hp 2 stroke on my 12 foot jon boat and it’s a handful

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Woof! That's a hot rod!

[@James-ef1ix]

That'd fang along

[@scottmu1]

yeah i would think so hahah thats alot of power for that boat

[@Shaboiiii]

Love my 1256 with a 2.4 hp, wouldn’t change a thing. Great video thanks for sharing.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

1256 - that's wider than this one.

[@frankennis311]

I just got a 10 foot Jon Boat witch way is the best to put in the drain plug. Inside or out side? I've heard both ways

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

I think the logic with outside is that the pressure keeps it in place. If a plug can be tightened up really well, then I like to put it inside on a small boat.

[@johnspruit7296]

I've been ( rightfully ) accused of having an addiction of owning more boats than I can possibly use. Each boat can have unique abilities. As mutch as you like your 12' V bottom, you should sell it or give it away... Keep the John boat for Car Topping and exploring creaks way back in the bush.. Get a 14 ' deep and wide with a 10 >15 hp for when you want a safe stable platform for 1 to3 people and still keep things vary simple and keep your bigger boat for family trips and long range exploring. or just get the 14' and keep all of tham and enjoy every day you get to use any of them.. Sudbury Ontario Canada.

[@kyleadams4861]

Yesss!!!

[@sharonbraselton4302]

buy mini tug biat 21 moh 15 hp ouytbard

[@vladimirradovic5627]

Bring some beer next time. Greetings from Serbia!

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Hello!! I save the beers for after because I fall down enough without it!

[@richrreeves]

Just curious, what boat model is that? It's very small even as far as jon boats go.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

I don't think it said anywhere on the boat - but it was quite small!

[@sailawaybob]

I have a plastic 15 ft canoe my small boat , if it gets dirty i hose it down. Toss it in bed of truck, i do use a electric trolling motor but its great for small lakes and ponds. I have a 14 ft skiff that will handle bigger lakes but like all larger boats you spend modre time hauling and launching .

[@sailawaybob]

Just a heads up for bailing a small boat, buy a battery powered kerosene pump they are amazing how fast they pump out water

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Simple is good!

[@guloguloguy]

I LOVE SMALL WOODEN BOATS!!!... I'M CONSIDERING BUYING THE SMALLEST SUZUKI OUTBOARD MOTOR, AND CONVERTING IT TO RUN ON PROPANE GAS..... (BY ADDING A "PROPANE CARBURETOR")...

[@rodneystuder]

I have a 12' x 32" Jon boat with a 9.9 mercury and a 40lb thrust trolling motor. I built a casting deck for the front with a swivel seat. The rear has two comfy swivel seats and I usually have 6 gallons of fuel plus fishing rods, food, cooler, clothes, etc. My 13 year old, 8 Year old and myself ride in it just fine. I am 235lbs as well so I'm no lightweight. We have even taken it into the main area of a large lake (Lake Lanier). I do suggest smaller lakes and ponds though as the boat gets very tippy in those big lake bodies with large boats flying around. So, all of this to say with the correct location and weight distribution you can easily get by with a small jon boat and have a blast doing it. When I am alone in the boat I can go into areas that $100k bass boats only dreamed of. Just saying

[@sharonbraselton4302]

$100000 cabin cruser deapest draft

[@misterbulger]

Grabbing one for $50 tonight! Think itll take the chop a little better than my canoe? It takes the wakeboard waves surprisingly well if its not too loaded down bit i cant stand up at all in it

[@Infovince3434]

Boats and outboards from the 80's and 90's are best. 2 strokes of course.

[@NotAMartian-1]

I picked myself up a old 10ft Jon boat. It’s a huuuge upgrade compared to the 10ft kayak I’ve been using. Any boat that floats is worth it.

[@misterbulger]

I'm upgrading from my 14ft canoe/55lb trolling motor Sick of not being able to stand up much and a gas motor will be awesome.

[@misterbulger]

Tbh I think my canoe cuts through the chop better than my new jon boat... Got a little bit wet crossing the lake lol. Too many wake bord boats out there who just cut directly in from of fisherman with zero regard to the fact that I have 200ft of line out

[@NotAMartian-1]

@@misterbulger the old kayak i had definitely cut through the water better but my jon boat is overall better. Can stand up, I have more room, more more stable, can bring someone with me if I want and with a motor it’s faster.

[@shesmydaily]

​@whiteouthamstra how is standing in the 10ft? How wide is it? I'm looking at a couple 10ft but not sure

[@logan2japan466]

I have a 10 footer, I can stand up just fine in calm to slightly choppy waters, but once waves from big boats come into play it is best to stay sitting.

[@leerichy6489]

So if I get this right....you're saying it's not suitable for offshore trolling for marlin haha. You are cool.....the music, the editing.....what do you do for a living cos I think Hollywood is waiting for you. Your films are great, they make me smile.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Really tiny Marlin maybe - on a calm day!

[@willarddevoe5893]

Trim ship, matey. A handle extension would put you in the middle seat. I like my little chinese 4 cycle. Light and perfect for 3 MPH.

[@collinlanphear8417]

I have a 10 ft.put a couple 4 inch PVC out riggers attached to boat.done properly makes a difference

[@hotchihuahua1546]

It’s bought and paid for . No need to register it and you can put a trolling motor to use it on small ponds . That is what I would do . 😁

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

In Maryland we need to register anything that has any propulsion.

[@NorthOntarian]

I'm getting one of these with a 2.5hp Yamaha 4 stroke in a few weeks.. glad i found your videos it should hold me over until it arrives lol.. also I'm surprised you need to register that where you are.. In Ontario a personal watercraft with less than 10hp doesn't need to be...

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Yeah we have to register anything that is powered - even a kayak with a trolling motor!

[@billfelix9061]

How would a 8HP Mercury engine be on the 12' foot Job Boat? Whatcha think? I got a like new 2010 Mercury 8hp long 20" shaft, so I know I need a 5" Transom riser, but other then that how would it be on a 12 foot Jon?

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

I think it would be alright! If there's a lot of weight, it might not be able to really get up on plane, but it's small, light and faster than my 2.5!

[@denakel16]

We have a 20 ft sea pro bow rider with Yamaha 115 4 stoke. Couldn't be happier with it. We're out if stoney creek. We had been borrowing a 12 ft jon boat w 5hp for crabbing. We had fun w it but gave it back. Its very tippy. We did have fun taking it down to janes island tho. If u travel places like that & don't want to take big boat, it's worth keeping for places like that. Assateague etc. Very easy to crab out of

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Yeah since I also have a 12 foot V hull, I'm thinking that I might not need to keep both

[@sharonbraselton4302]

proliñe 20 walk àrouñd cabin crusrr 115 hp plebty

[@Johnwractliffe]

Haha. Lots of fun watching your videos.

[@Stand4Good]

Great day!

[@wildnfree223]

I have a crestliner 12' jon wider than yours with a 15hp 2 stroke merc and i absolutely love it !! 38kph with me and full fuel cell. I can stand and cast no problem.... only had one lady overboard (drunk ) hahahaha

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Nice! This one was very narrow!

[@lonnieclemens8028]

This is an excellent video Wayne. Very well put together. The presentation, the projection of your voice, and the audio levels are great. I would like to ask you. How wide is that small boat at the bottom?

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

I think this boat was only 48" wide - it was a bit narrow.

[@jamey48]

I was looking to see if I recognized anything. I grew up in St. Mary's on St. George's creek. I had a 12 jon boat growing up. loved it.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Nice area to grow up! I’m North of Annapolis

[@onlineartdemonstrationsbyb9157]

Is this a Ouachita model? I inherited a 12 footer that looks a lot like yours. Your cavitation problem may be that your outboard's anti-ventilation plate doesn't align correctly with the bottom of the transom. I just learned about the difference between 'long-shaft' and 'short shaft' motors. Who knew? I have a 9.9 Yamaha 4-stroke and was considering trying it on my Jon boat. However, after seeing your vid, and in consideration that my motor is as heavy as hell, I've decided not to. I tried to find a v-hull aluminum utility boat at a local dealer and found my motor is a short-shaft. "Sorry, no boats for short-shaft engines in stock." Great. Still looking.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Not sure who made this old Jon Boat - I don't have it anymore. New aluminum boat inventory is still quite spotty. Some areas seem to have good supply - and others are far from it. It seems like many of the old 12 and 14 foot boats have a 15-16" transom which is better for a short shaft.

[@mjrailey4958]

Great tip to check out about Jon boats is how high are the sides! Some have lower/higher sides. Having some weight in the front might be a good idea. Love your videos!

[@fhorst41]

I was thinking the same about the weight. That helped me a lot when I would take my 16' conoe on the river with a side mounted motor on a clamp on motor board. Before I added a few cinder blocks to the front (or a passenger or two), it would bounce too much over even small waves.

[@markst95]

Enjoying your videos! Little tip on starting the outboards, there is a little bit of slack line on the recoil starters, when starting pull out the cord until it engages first then pull hard to start the motor. Saves some wear and tear.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

That's a good tip - and I recently have actually been trying to do that when I start my outboards!

[@brianmurray667]

Enjoyable! Felt as if I was in the boat with ya.😎

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Thanks!

[@josedelatorre91]

Would it handle well with 2 other ppl?

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Not this one. I think it was rated for maybe 450 lbs total.

[@daltonbradshaw1391]

My 14 footer with a brand new 15 horse Yamaha was well worth it I beat the hell out of that boat and go places others are too scared or can’t get too

[@kaavest]

The 2,5 is made by tohatsu, i got one when teenager and i drive it over a fjord quite often, but no i have a 9,8 on a 10 feet plastic pe pioner, that boat is new and no problem driving in some rough seas in the fjord.Between i got a 15 feet with 30 hp but downsized since i go through a shallow channel up here in Norway i live. This 10 feet Polyethyleneboat have no problem in big vaves, even the w aves from the "Danish boat"a big ship is no problem and also commercial big wessels. a Norwegian Pioner 10 classic Dark line

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

That sounds like a very decent little boat!

[@sharonbraselton4302]

whaler 15 30 hp

[@jimrichards8744]

Took my new (to me) 12 ft jon boat out last weekend with my also new to me 1980 7.5 hp. Almost too much motor lol. Tough getting it to plane out and while the bow is up any sharp turn could be catastrophic. Prop hub fwd gear started slipping and left me stranded. A back up trolling motor would have been a life saver!

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Yikes - when we're not used to those little boats, even small motors seem to have too much power.

[@bradhuskers]

Wayne. For that particular boat, you don't need a trailer. You could easily load it into the bed of your Tundra with a hitch extender. I transport my 14 ft jon boat in the bed of my f-150 with a hitch extender. A trailer should only be used for larger boats.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

I have just put this boat in the bed of the truck before, but since I do have a trailer, I like to use it. It makes it a little easier for me.

[@bradhuskers]

@@WayneTheBoatGuy Oh. I see.

[@christopherwood2290]

"A trailer should only be used for larger boats." In your opinion lol! Car topping is more of a hassle than a trailer.

[@bradhuskers]

@Christopher Wood If you are weak and girly perhaps. But any aluminum boat less than 14 ft, can easily be transported in a large bed truck with an extender.

[@scottmu1]

@@bradhuskers i have one for my 12ft best 85 bucks i ever spent its so easy to use

[@GregJoiner]

Good little vid thanks!

[@allrandom6620]

I have one like that my grandpas gave me it’s about 9ft it’s really small but gets the job done

[@joseisraelbriones8950]

what do you think about buying an expensive trolling motor like a minn kota for a boat like this? and also, fishing shorts? haha

[@bigcat99100]

Why does his engine have a battery, I want a small voay for fishing and this the first one I've seen with out a battery

[@scottmu1]

i have a 1974 jonboat ii use for fishing i love it .stable plenty of legroom its 12ft i wouldnt trade it for anything ..maybe you just need to start fishing w it hahahah . its everything you said and more , just not a big water boat but so much fun to fish with

[@sharonbraselton4302]

wring

[@JamesJones-cx5pk]

That's great unless you want friends and family. Get a 16 V Hull that is less bouncy. That little motor is legit 👍

[@sharonbraselton4302]

buy 16 foit baykíñer

[@anicekid]

I know its a 2 year old vid but do you think i could get on plane with one of these with a 2hp outboard

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Being a flat bottomed and very light 12 foot boat I might have gotten it on plane because this motor I used is capable of over 6 mph.

[@anicekid]

@@WayneTheBoatGuy ok

[@anicekid]

@@WayneTheBoatGuy thanks

[@mvpstj115]

I've been watching your videos and you've convinced me im buying a jon boat.I fish in maryland mostly the smaller reservoirs electric only.Would a 12ft do the job or should I go 14?

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

It almost always better to have a bigger boat if it's in your budget.

[@mvpstj115]

@Wayne The Boat Guy Yeah i was thinking the same the only downside is its $1600 for 2 more feet.Thank you

[@sharonbraselton4302]

buy 14 foót carolíñà skiff

[@hermanhufnagel4242]

❤️ jonh boats.

[@alanknight4418]

Cut the bottom out of a bleach jug. Makes a good bailing device with a handle.

[@billroberts8253]

I am a 83 year old man address sold his bass boat and now I have a 12 foot John boat I need to know how to distribute the weight in the boat for I don’t think please give me some assistance thank you

[@daytonsmc9167]

We have a 16ft 1978 monark aluminum boat with a 35 hp Johnson its old but gets the job done

[@sharonbraselton4302]

buy whaker 17 35 hp 25 galoñ tank

[@Cavanpikefishing]

Hey how's it going I'm thinking of getting a 14ft one here in Ireland thanks for the vids would it be OK with a 10hp do you think?

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Many of them are only rated for a 10 hp. But yes, you'll be fine with that unless you're trying to get somewhere really quickly!

[@sharonbraselton4302]

buy miní tug boat 15 hp

[@forreelzfishing]

It’s never to small as long as it gets you in the water 🎣

[@danielcroft3923]

Like anything else it's a tool ya gotta use what's right for the job

[@gsh341]

If you have a small lake those little boats are fantastic. You don't even need a gas motor. All you need on a small lake is a 55lb trolling motor and a good battery and you can fish all day. I have a 14' boat and with me and all my stuff, plus my wife and daughter, that 55lb trolling motor got us going 3.5 mph. Plus it's quiet and inexpensive.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

That sounds like a pleasant experience!

[@gsh341]

@@WayneTheBoatGuy I never told my wife I was getting the trolling motor, so she was a little upset when she saw it. It only took one evening on the lake to convince her it was a great idea and she forgave me.

[@A-town98]

What trolling motor and battery do u use?

[@gsh341]

@@A-town98 I had a 55lb Minn Kota Endura C2 and I used a standard 100AH deep cycle battery.

[@KenShew325]

I used to have a 12 foot Jon boat and I had a 14 foot. The 14 foot boat was far more stable. The 12 foot was only suitable for small ponds.

[@austinpurvis8568]

I put my 12 foot on the biggest lake in my state weekly without problem

[@RidersInBlack]

Hey Wayne! I've watched a few of your videos and I enjoy your content. Down-to-earth. simple real world advice. Looking at Jon boats, but I think a V hull might be better suited for the lake that I go on. It's quite large and you get a few cowboys zipping through with their bigger boats, creating some strong wakes now and then. I think something like this wouldn't be suitable. Keep up the great work 👍

[@suavelifestyle9094]

What about for the shallow saltwater flats

[@sharonbraselton4302]

buyy jwt boat

[@suavelifestyle9094]

@@sharonbraselton4302 ??

[@davidkay4174]

yEA ITS A GREAT IDEA TO COMPLY

[@andys4971]

I just got a 1232 with a Yamaha 4hp 4stroke on the back and I’m having weight distribution issues, I’m porposing with only 4hp lol!

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Sometimes it seems like it's actually harder to dial in a small boat. Perhaps a slight adjustment could get things right. There's usually a pin on the motor bracket that sets the angle of the motor against the back of the boat. Try a couple different positions to see if you can get it to a happy place.

[@hwyrider2238]

I have a jon boat almost identical to yours. How do I find the manufacturer?

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Sometimes it's impossible - but some people have luck by looking up the serial number on the hull (if it has one)

[@oakleymccollum3691]

Hey dude that’s awesome I like how you brought a life vest and didn’t where it at all in the video

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

We are not required to wear one, just to have one for every person on the boat.

[@darreldhs3426]

Just how did you get the fuel from the tank in the front of the boat to the motor without any visible hose?

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

The fuel tank in the front of the boat was a spare. This engine has a built in tank!

[@dubes5594]

At 1:00 , notice how lightweight this boat is. I had the exact same boat and stuck my 5 1/2hp Nissan on it with nothing else in the boat. I hit the throttle full speed and as soon as it got on plane, all I remember was seeing the front of the boat pointing at the sky before I was in the water under the upside down boat, still grabbing on to the throttle with the motor still running. It happened so fast I couldn't even react. I was close to shore so it was no big deal but my neighbors saw the whole thing and we still laugh about it. I have since replaced it with the much heavier/stronger version 12 ft.

[@dubes5594]

I was thinking about it and cant remember if I was facing into the wind or not. Also, mine wasn't this exact same boat, just one like it.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Yikes!

[@99fxgtjc]

Gave you your 200th like !!

[@gonzalomanriquezjr864]

I ended up decking mine out, installing a rear seat a little closer to the middle, put a bilge pump in it and put a 6.5hp mud motor on the back and a 46lb thrust trolling motor on the front. Thing does pretty good out on mattawoman creek but I haven’t tried it in the river yet.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Very cool. With those mud motors, do you have to hold the tilt angle just right, or can you lock it in place so that the prop is in the water at the desired level?

[@gonzalomanriquezjr864]

@@WayneTheBoatGuy they are tricky for sure. You normally have to hold it where you want it. after playing around with it I found the sweet spot and tied some paracord from the seat to the handle to hold it in place and just use that.

[@sharonbraselton4302]

6.5 hp jet outbard

[@gonzalomanriquezjr864]

@@sharonbraselton4302 no 6.5hp long tail mud motor

[@staceystrickland5302]

Do you ever row it? If so, how does it row?

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

I stink at rowing! I tried it once with my other 12 ft boat. That video is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGSshJljrZtjoac

[@KJHart]

I’ve had a 8ft jon boat given to me with a mercury t21 trolling motor, just need get a gas motor

[@sharonbraselton4302]

ejtrç oútbard buíkt in batrry

[@stanleybest8833]

Paint it. Perfect size.

[@fhorst41]

You might as well keep it for a ship to shore craft for the scooner you'll eventually work yourself up to.

[@andrewwilliams9419]

I think ya got your moneys worth outta them shorts..LOL

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Oh they gotta be good for another year or so!

[@andrewwilliams9419]

@@WayneTheBoatGuy Heck yes

[@gnick88]

Life vest❤

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

I had one with me... but yeah.

[@gunfisher4661]

Don`t forget a spare set of shear pins for you gas and electric motor and a first aid kit.

[@garypeterson3628]

Great video, good stuff. When you have a minute, Google the difference between "Cavitation" and "Ventilation". By your description, your propeller is "Ventilating"....... No worries, 95% of boaters get this wrong. Might be a good topic for a video.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

It's funny how there's really a lot more to getting the motor and prop in the water correctly than we initially think.

[@thetinker3924]

The YardLimit: You should try the Mercury 6hp outboard

[@michaelschenkel5129]

You need a safety rope or a chain on your motor so you don't lose your motor if it jumps off the back of the boat.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

That’s a good idea - thanks!

[@michaelschenkel5129]

Ask me how I know

[@tnhomestead]

Mine tried to jump off the back of my boat, need to do this myself

[@wampuscat1831]

A decent seat , cooler small engine is all you need.

[@troyabsher3741]

A 2015 how do you get the model of style whatever it is on Facebook

[@johnwedgeworth4908]

Hey Wayne. Will your Jon boat get on plane with the 2.5 hp Mercury outboard? If not any idea what is the minimum size outboard needed to achieve plane with a 12 Jon boat?

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

I think it might be possible if I have it tripped up right, but with a light 12 ft boat 4 hp should be able to do the job - but all 12 ft boats are different. Mine is very light.

[@ManlyManStuff]

I have the exact same engine I upgraded it to a 3.3hp (very simple!) and made a cavitation plate out of an old sign it moves my 13 foot gheeno at about 13mph with 2 people in it. I tried it on a 12' Jon boat and it moves just as well. Requires a little tuning the setup but it will 100% get on plane.

[@sharonbraselton4302]

buy éltrvç baykierr

[@troyabsher3741]

What model is your 2015 what make

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

This 12 foot boat is from the 1970s I think.

[@jwilkey86]

Do you know the make and model I have the same boat I'm doing to deck over with bilge pump and mud motar I'm gonna call it swamp surfer

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

I do not. Many of these old Jon boats were sold through places like Sears and Montgomery Ward and there wasn't a great deal of branding.

[@scottmu1]

@@WayneTheBoatGuy yep mines a 74 no idea who made it

[@steveinla8963]

Hi Wayne, I just came across this video. I noticed you spoke of cavitation, but I think you may have been experiencing ventilation which is a little different. I wonder if a hydrofoil (whale-tail), would solve your problem? It may be a moot point for you as you may have sold the boat, but for others who see this, and have the same problem, my comment may be of help. Cheers! R, Steve

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Yeah I didn't have many more trips with that boat - mostly because it was a bit too low-sided for the waters around me.

[@steveinla8963]

@@WayneTheBoatGuy It's been 27 years since I bought my one and only boat. It's quite a bit bigger than a Jon boat. It's 1996 19' runabout. I bought it as a family boat. It needed to have plenty of freeboard, deep enough inside to keep kids inside, power enough to pull skiers, have a covered engine for safety and noise reduction (it's an I/O or outdrive for the new people who may understand the jargon). I love my boat, but it is a chore to pry it out of the garage and get it back in again. That limits its use. Every year I promise myself that I'm going to get it out more, but just don't get enough trips to the lake. I'll try again this year. Thanks for the encouragement! I keep a PulseTech Xtreme battery charger on it whenever it is in the garage. During the summer it can sit in the street more than the city likes, but there it is. It will get the solar panel when it is in the sun waiting to go again. R, Steve

[@terrysweitzer6772]

Caught that comment on the people and the music, it's getting worse every year. You are anchored up, maybe a few other boats are around. Maybe just enjoying the peaceful surroundings or having some good conversation with some friends..... when that boat shows up and starts blasting music at a level you can't hear yourself think. I understand that everyone has "their thing" but it would be great if folks started to respect others around them again. Like it used to be.

[@alextheboatguy399]

1000th like here

[@locker1325]

So the Bust out another thousand rings true.

[@AnimalScienceTV]

what are jon boats for? fishing?

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

They are well suited for shallow water and I guess they’re more stable when you stand, but I’m no expert!

[@reticle_warriors_america5575]

Basically anything mostly utility or fishing

[@marcushennings9513]

The saulboat community mainly used them to get from the shore out to their moored boats, especially if they dont want to pay any type of slip fees in marinas or had draft issues. they're constantly being stolen by some idiot.

[@darrylmcleman6456]

You could mount that engine 6 or 8 inches or so to either side on that rig if you were so inclined.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

That would probably help with the cavitation I imagine!

[@darreldhs3426]

You should be able to eliminate that "cavitation" by notching the transom about 4"-6", dropping the prop below the bottom of the boat into a better supply of water

[@XrayxRich]

I would NEVER take a 12" Jon boat on a river. On a pond okay, on a small lake maybe but on a river never. The size is just too unstable. We had a 14" Jon boat with an 8HP Evinrude for over 30 years. We used it to run Trotlines on the Mississippi and Missouri rivers.

[@NoLoveinHell]

I take mine out in the Florida inshore all day long