Author Topic: 5hp enough on a 12' Jon boat?  (Read 8272 times)

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Chuck Williams

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5hp enough on a 12' Jon boat?
« on: February 11, 2007, 07:22:36 PM »
Hey guys, new member here. I've been reading the forum for a week or so and thought I would ask all you boating experts out there; is 5hp enough on a 12' Jon for the Caney? Is this boat even a good choice?

I've been bitten by the boat bug, and I'm looking to try to keep it cheap for the first go around. I think ulitmately I may end up with a River Hawk or Gheenoe, but after seeing photos of Mikes Supreme, who knows.

I've seen the Briggs and Stratton air cooled 5hp engines, and they are very reasonable. Other than that, I dont know anything else about them.

Any input is much appreciated.

CW
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hidden_hatch

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Re: 5hp enough on a 12' Jon boat?
« Reply #1 on: February 11, 2007, 11:53:47 PM »
I don’t know that much about boating on the Caney I am just now looking at boats to get it myself.  Had my eye on that RiverHawk that Ron has but since I am still in college $ is tight.  However today at Lancaster I saw three guys in a 14’ flat jon with a 7.5 hp, they weren’t going that fast but it looked like a good setup. I don’t know how much the 2.5 difference in hp will make.   
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MikeA

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Re: 5hp enough on a 12' Jon boat?
« Reply #2 on: February 12, 2007, 07:45:50 AM »
Hey Chuck welcome aboard!

I’m no expert but I’ll share my opinion. I wouldn’t buy a 12’ Jon with intentions of fishing in generation. I could be wrong about the one your talking about but all the jon boats I’ve been in under 14’ were very tippy. Caney is no place for a tippy boat when the waters on. The 13’ Gheenoe or Riverhawk are much more stable boats in that size range. I don’t know about a 5 Briggs motor but if it were a regular 5hp I think it would do alright in generation but would be very slow going up.

Keep us posted on your decision.
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Chuck Williams

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Re: 5hp enough on a 12' Jon boat?
« Reply #3 on: February 12, 2007, 06:00:23 PM »
Hey guys thanks for the input. I wasnt in love with the 12' Jon anyway. Like I said I would rather have a Gheenoe or River Hawk, but just trying to keep it on the cheap. I guess you get what you pay for.

Have any of you ever used a boat intended for the saltwater flats? I found this company in the 'Shallow Water Angler' magazine, gear issue. Looks like a good deal with trailer and 15hp 4 stroke included.

http://www.lagoonboats.com/pro_tiller14.htm

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MikeA

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Re: 5hp enough on a 12' Jon boat?
« Reply #4 on: February 12, 2007, 06:57:23 PM »
WOW :o  That's an awesome looking boat Chuck and only $6495 with motor and trailer. I'd love to take a test ride in one. that’s one classy looking boat!
Wherever the standard of freedom and Independence has been or shall be unfurled, there will her heart, her benedictions and her prayers be.

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Chuck Williams

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Re: 5hp enough on a 12' Jon boat?
« Reply #5 on: February 12, 2007, 07:45:13 PM »
Yeah, I thought it was a great looking boat as well, just dont know how it would perform in the tailwaters around here.

Hey Mike, How much water does your Supreme draft? I love the idea of a jet. But Im sure it was quite pricey!!!!
If you don't mind me asking, how much does a boat like yours run? Dont mean to be nosey, just curious.



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MikeA

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Re: 5hp enough on a 12' Jon boat?
« Reply #6 on: February 12, 2007, 08:29:54 PM »
No problem, it runs in 3 to 4" drafts in about the same.
About $10,000 with a 40/30 jet.
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Re: 5hp enough on a 12' Jon boat?
« Reply #7 on: February 14, 2007, 08:17:36 AM »
Chuck
Have you checked the classifieds of the Tennessean or Wheels & Deals? Now is a great time to find a 14' boat at great prices & dLeo has a nice 9.9 HP Mercury for sale at a great price, both of which would make a nicer rig w/o breaking the bank.

Grumpy

Steve H

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Re: 5hp enough on a 12' Jon boat?
« Reply #8 on: February 14, 2007, 09:12:59 AM »


Have any of you ever used a boat intended for the saltwater flats? I found this company in the 'Shallow Water Angler' magazine, gear issue. Looks like a good deal with trailer and 15hp 4 stroke included.

http://www.lagoonboats.com/pro_tiller14.htm



Good looking boat!!  :o
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Re: 5hp enough on a 12' Jon boat?
« Reply #9 on: February 14, 2007, 09:45:37 AM »
Where was all this help on river boats,jets,tunnels and how shallow all these boats draft when I was looking to buy.I sure have seen some sharp boats in the past 6 months.There are alot of good choises out there.
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Chuck Williams

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Re: 5hp enough on a 12' Jon boat?
« Reply #10 on: February 14, 2007, 08:15:37 PM »
Grumpy, I have been keeping a eye on Craigs list, and have seen several over past few months, I just havent seen any lately. I'm going to pick up a copy of the Tennessean this week end and have a look. Just havent made it that far.

You know, the more I think about it the more I think I would like to have a Gheenoe or River Hawk! Hey RonS, you ready to get rid of that old, worn out, River Hawk for cheap Yet!  ;D


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grumpy

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Re: 5hp enough on a 12' Jon boat?
« Reply #11 on: February 15, 2007, 10:16:28 AM »
Chuck
Check your e-mail.

Grumpy

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Re: 5hp enough on a 12' Jon boat?
« Reply #12 on: February 15, 2007, 02:55:01 PM »
Where was all this help on river boats,jets,tunnels and how shallow all these boats draft when I was looking to buy.I sure have seen some sharp boats in the past 6 months.There are alot of good choises out there.

We basically offer advice to those that are willing to listen :o

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RonS

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Re: 5hp enough on a 12' Jon boat?
« Reply #13 on: February 15, 2007, 03:44:07 PM »
You know, the more I think about it the more I think I would like to have a Gheenoe or River Hawk! Hey RonS, you ready to get rid of that old, worn out, River Hawk for cheap Yet!  ;D




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Chuck Williams

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Re: 5hp enough on a 12' Jon boat?
« Reply #14 on: February 25, 2007, 05:37:33 PM »
Well, she aint much but shes mine. I found a 14' Carolina Skiff Lil' Jon with a 5hp Force engine on Craigs List. I went out and had a look and struck a deal I couldnt refuse!!!

 Anyway, she isnt much to wright home about, but the price was right and she'll make a good river boat. ;D
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