Got my first boat

[redneckchromer]

A boat like that has advantages over some larger ones, you can pull it down a bank when its a charge to use the launch or into small body's of water with no launch. 4.5 will push it good! What's the weight of it? We have a 12' "car topper" aluminum that's only around 75 or so pounds. Me and my brother pulled it into lots of small spec lakes. Plus I know people who use 12 footers downrigging in g bay for salmon so you can take it on some larger water if you wanted to.

not sure of the weight but id say around 75 pounds as well. i cant wait to haul it into the same trout lakes ill be fishing this winter! although i think its maiden voyage will be a rather large erie trib for some BIG cats cant wait for spring

 

[NADO]

perfect drift boat for hitting those steelies in untouched water.

 

[grubman]

A 12' in G bay? Those people are nuts. I've had small boats and even built a couple. 12 don't belong on large lakes, storms start too quickly and waves will easily swamp it.

FREEBOARD: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freeboard_(nautical)

For small craft the minimum freeboard is 12". Any less and your chances of swamping are increased. If in doubt measure it when all items are in the boat. Measure from the waterline to the top of the gunnels, it should be 12" to be safe. If it's less then you have to leave some things behind, lighten your load.

Red always estimate the weight you're putting into the boat before heading out. For safety sakes never exceed the capacity rating of the boat. If the capacity is 450lbs then that includes everything you are carrying in it, motor plus gas, tackle, cooler, you (and you are a big guy) and your buddy. Jon boats are great displacement boats but can't handle rough waters very well, larger ones are ok but they are not great. The flat floor is meant for smooth waters; backwood lakes, calm rivers, canals.....etc.

As for overpowering it, it's not too much but you'll put more stress on the boat that it was not designed for. In rougher water you'll want to run much slower and hit the waves at the right angle. Jon's tend to twist and flex more then v-hulls.

I don't mean to sound so down, just want you to be safe bud.

 

[miles]

I told them they were crazy.

Taking any smaller water craft into open water in gbay or out of port or southampton can incredibly dangerous I think.

I think many different factors determine what size craft you can use on what water. In the past I have taken a 16' freighter canoe down the coast of lake Superior but its not something I would necessarily suggest.

Great points about over loading.

 

[redneckchromer]

A 12' in G bay? Those people are nuts. I've had small boats and even built a couple. 12 don't belong on large lakes, storms start too quickly and waves will easily swamp it.

FREEBOARD: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freeboard_(nautical)

For small craft the minimum freeboard is 12". Any less and your chances of swamping are increased. If in doubt measure it when all items are in the boat. Measure from the waterline to the top of the gunnels, it should be 12" to be safe. If it's less then you have to leave some things behind, lighten your load.

Red always estimate the weight you're putting into the boat before heading out. For safety sakes never exceed the capacity rating of the boat. If the capacity is 450lbs then that includes everything you are carrying in it, motor plus gas, tackle, cooler, you (and you are a big guy) and your buddy. Jon boats are great displacement boats but can't handle rough waters very well, larger ones are ok but they are not great. The flat floor is meant for smooth waters; backwood lakes, calm rivers, canals.....etc.

As for overpowering it, it's not too much but you'll put more stress on the boat that it was not designed for. In rougher water you'll want to run much slower and hit the waves at the right angle. Jon's tend to twist and flex more then v-hulls.

I don't mean to sound so down, just want you to be safe bud.

thanks a bunch grub!! so me another guy and gear and were already at 450 pretty much lol my 4.5 will weigh way too much, maybe a 2.5? im a super noob at boating any advice would be greatly appreciated and exchanged for fishing trips from the boat this summer! :smile:

 

[buck]

thanks a bunch grub!! so me another guy and gear and were already at 450 pretty much lol my 4.5 will weigh way too much, maybe a 2.5? im a super noob at boating any advice would be greatly appreciated and exchanged for fishing trips from the boat this summer! :smile:

.

 

[grubman]

thanks a bunch grub!! so me another guy and gear and were already at 450 pretty much lol my 4.5 will weigh way too much, maybe a 2.5? im a super noob at boating any advice would be greatly appreciated and exchanged for fishing trips from the boat this summer! :smile:

If the boat is rated for 3 and you go with a 4.5 it should be ok. Atleast you're not putting a 9.9 on it......lol.

I know this is kinda crazy and you may be embarrased to do it but, you could get a small inflatable pool boat from Walmart for $25 and it comes with oars. Put all your gear in the inflatable and pull it along. This way you can carry lots more gear with you and still be safe. That's the easiest way I can think of. I assume that you'll be in low current and low wave ponds and creeks, you'll be fine put-putting around weedbeds for bass, pike and walleyes.

This should be a rule, maybe it is but, "The smaller the craft, the greater the effect of weather on it". So be sure to check the weather reports, wind and wave, before you head out. Even on a small lake high winds can whip up some good waves. If you see white caps (the wind pushes the water to make waves where the tips of the waves become white) get to shore right away. You'll feel and see the waves gettiing bigger and bigger and they mostly head in the same direction as the wind. Even if you have to pull up on someone's dock, do it. If they bitch and complain tell them it is an emergency precaution. They should understand. I hope. I think under Maritime Law, in an emergency no one can deny assistance when asked.

If you have any questions let me know, I'll try to answer them.

 

[fishermandan420]

i would get some aftermarket oarlocks and oars for it. paddling will suck

 

[sunny14]

Removed

 

[redneckchromer]

I got a new one also!! I always like to have enough POWER to handle what ever "Situation" might Pop Up out of nowhere.

Simcoe can build up a Storm Really Quick! Might need to get to shore Fast!

Also in the event that I forgot my Fishing Licence I could probably make a Run For It. Hate paying Fines!

OH! ...I could take the EX for a QUICK SHOT up to the end of Couchaching and back in 1 Minute or less.

PS: "grubman" You're correct about the Law stating you cannot refuse Help. Except Under One Condition ....If it puts you in Any Danger. However you are required to contact "The Authorities".

It's one of the questions they ask on the "Boat Owners Competency Card" Exam.

Which brings up another question. Do YOU have your Card "redneckchromer"?

It applies to ALL Powered Pleasure Craft regardless of the Type or Amount of Power. In fact it even applies to a Kayak with a Trolling Motor.

I can assure you that Everything you do with, or to your Boat will be covered by a "Marine Law".

Depending on the "Offence", i.e. "Overloading", "Underpowered", and Dozens of others, some of the Fines are Big Bucks and some even lead to Jail Terms.

Carefull My Man!!

thanks for all the info! I think for the beginning im going to just use it as a drift boat in the spring on the grand and maybe some northern tribs

 

[sunny14]

Okay. Enjoy Yourself!!.