jon boats vs. marsh boats.

M

michael barnes

Active member
im not trying to beat a dead horse, but in the thread about the 1436 jon, most agreed it was not a very sea worthy boat. i was wondering how it compares to marsh boats like the four rivers and the momarsh fatboy dp. both jon boats and momarsh/four rivers style marsh boats show up around here, used for great prices, and was wondering what would be safer for TRANSPORTING, not hunting, 2 hunters and a couple dozen dekes, with a 5.5 hp longtail or 3.5 outboard. is a four rivers style of boat a safer choice in sheltered to semi open marsh, or does the 1436 jon have an edge in stability and safety? one again, im not trying to beat this to death, i just dont want to buy something, not be happy with it, and then try to resell it, then look for another boat before net season. thanks, mike.
the reason im looking for another boat is the starcraft i bought has some serious stern issues... really really thin, eaten up transom, along with alot of loose rivets, and some small holes. sure i could fix it, but then im looking at atleast a 25 hp to push it at any speed, and that, along with the repairs is going to cost. going by some marsh boats i have seen for sale, i could get one with a decent small outboard or longtail for well under 1,000, or a 1436 jon with a 8-15 outboard for about the same. i have been offered 150$ for the starcraft (i get to keep the trailer), and since i only paid 250 for it and the trailer, i still break even.
 
Based on all the comments you have received here and over on the refuge the 36 inch wide flat bottom is not stable on anything but flat water- traveling or sitting still. 36 inch wide, low side, flat bottom, open boats are not safe is what it comes down to.

The biggest 4 rivers will handle two guys for hunting but you better be the best of friends and love rubbing elbows and knees. The other boats are one man hunting boats, unless you are both less than 5 feet tall and 100 pounds.

You are over thinking everything, which means your choice of degree will suit you, but you won't make any money because you will spend too much time considering the options rather than shooting points and billing customers.

If you have access to those boats sitting around for sale, then the next time you see one ask to take it to some water and spend 20 minutes in it. That 20 minutes will have more value for making up your mind than any reply to a post on the intertubes.
 
Michael, your being diligent and covering all you bases and thats great. In my opinion for the type of hunting your doing and in those waters on a budget, that starcraft is the ideal boat. A 25 is probably overkill on that boat and think a 15 would be fine. Now I understand it has some problems, so you may want to get out of it. But I would look for something similar, you may want to expand your search a bit into MD and DE. there is a good delaware easternshore paper that usually has lots of boats listed. There is also a tradio on the eastern shore of Virginia that can have some good buys and the pennysaver is always a good choice. All have listings online. Don't be in a rush and the right boat and deal will come to you.

good luck
 
Mike, the marsh boats (wether MOmarsh or 4 rivers are really designed for 1 person to hunt out of. They are not designed for transporing 2 hunters and a large load with a large motor. Can you do it? Sure, in ideal conditions and if nothing goes wrong. If you arent planning on using them for what they are designed for (hiding 1 man in minimal cover in comfort) then you should purchase a bigger boat and err on the side of safety.

IMO, any 13 or 14 foot boat is small and potentially unsafe at times.
 
Beam, freeboard & weight distribution, not necessarily in that order, affect stability (safety).

36" is not much beam. No more than most canoes. And in a canoe you can at least easily get the weight down by kneeling.

The seats in a jon boat encourage you to sit on them (of course) therefore putting your weight high.

Kayak type boats where weight is kept low because you basically sit on the bottom & are immedialely very stable.

In winter (duck hunting season) even a protected marsh can have 6 inch wind driven waves. In more open water chop can get up to 12-18" fast. Think about sitting in a boat with maybe 14 inches of freeboard while your looking 6 - 18" of "sea".

Re: OB motors for protected small/water.

I can't imagine ever needing more than a 3 HP.
 
thanks again for the patience with me. i guess i really am over thinking everything, but i appreciate you all bearing with me. thanks for not letting me buy something that would not be ideal or unsafe, thats what i was looking for. thanks again for all the help, mike.
 
This is an old picture of Scott Farris 14 footer with his take on a deck to provide two things. One is a blind effect when the doors are up and the boat is tucked in. Two and in my eyes even more important is that is gives you more "Freeboard" as the boat is heeled into a wave if the deck is installed waterproof. Coastguard stability testing leans the boat over with the expected load in the boat. IE water in barrels on the side of the boat and then measures the movement of the waterline. By having the cockpit rails you cant easily get too far out with the weight, and if you do the water has to get over the rail.
If safety is the concern then freeboard is the answer, which is not conducive to hiding in flooded corn, but is good in a wind ripped river or bay.

View attachment Scott F old deck.jpeg
View attachment Scott F new deck3.jpeg
View attachment Scott F old deck.jpeg
View attachment Scott F new deck3.jpeg
 
hey mike i wrote on the 14x36 jon and voted ney if you are thinking about the momarsh talk to LI-Jack he is a good friend and hunter and also owns a momarsh and has transported himself and i in it its a great boat i have the final attack its good also but only 4 one person.but i think u should write LI-Jack he has posted on this site and i am shure he would be happy to lend some advice he is very knowledgeable.good luck be safe LI-Mike
 
Michael,
While I can agree with many of the points raised against the 1436, I have to defend it. A 1436 will work just fine in shallow protected waters. 2 hunters, a dog, and a couple dozen decoys is no problem in mine. I wouldn't want it for coastal waters or big wind, but in its niche it can be a good platform.

W
 
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