Why do they call it a jon boat?

Why do they call it a jon boat?

In Scandinavia, “Jon” is one of the most common names. Fishermen used small, flat-bottomed boats to ferry themselves and their gear to larger fishing boats. As they were stable, useful and cheap to construct, the fisherman took them to their hearts. In doing so, they bestowed the familiar nickname “Jon” upon them.

What is a jon boat good for?

Jon boats are essentially flat-bottomed, utility boats. They are used for a variety of different tasks, from hunting to fishing to collecting lumber. Because of the flat shape of the hull, Jon boats tend to sit on top of the water as opposed to cruising through it.

What defines a jon boat?

Definition of johnboat : a narrow flat-bottomed square-ended boat usually propelled by a pole or paddle and used on inland waterways.

What is the difference between a skiff and a jon boat?

A Jon Boat is a flat-bottomed boat with a flat square cut bow. A Skiff has a broader definition. It can be a flat-bottomed boat but its bow is often pointed or curved. Both names are often used to describe small fishing boats that can operate in shallow water.

Is jon boat flat bottom?

A jon boat (or johnboat) is a flat-bottomed boat constructed of aluminum, fiberglass, wood, or polyethelene with one, two, or three seats, usually bench type. They are suitable for fishing, hunting and cruising.

How much weight will a jon boat hold?

At 16 foot in length a Jon boat can usually hold about 1,000 lbs. An 18 foot Jon boat will hold, on average, about 1,500 lbs. At 20+ feet in length a jon boat is able to hold up to 1,900 lbs of people and equipment.

Are jon boats motorized?

Typically made of aluminum and powered by a small outboard motor, jon boats are lightweight and rugged, and can be found in service around the world for fishing and hunting, search-and-rescue, and as workboats. Many owners consider a jon boat the ideal foundation for customization.

Can jon boats sink?

When used in unsuitable conditions a Jon boat can become very unstable and even sink. So, most owners will take preventative measures to ensure their boat remains buoyant even if it takes on water.

Is Jon boat flat bottom?

Can you stand in a jon boat?

The jon boat flat bottom offers you stability when you stand. You could wrestle your catch as hard as possible and your boat will not tip over, provided the weight in your boat is well distributed. That said, use sound judgment when standing in one of these boats.

What is the difference between a jon boat and a flat bottom boat?

The most important structural difference between a bass boat and a jon boat is the shape of the hull. The flat bottom hull design means a Jon boat offers a very stable and smooth ride, even at high speeds, on calm water. The flat-bottomed hull of a Job boat means it can access extremely shallow waters.

Are jon boats stable?

Even at speed Jon boats are incredibly stable and very comfortable to ride in. That is because the flat bottom, low freeboard hull design allows the boat to get on plane easily and quickly. The only time a Jon boat will porpoise and have stability issues at speed is if it has not been set-up correctly.

What kind of boat is a jon boat?

Jon boats have a flat or nearly flat bottom. They have squared-off bows rather than coming to a point at the front. Most jon boats are made of aluminum, though there are also a handful of fiberglass and roto-molded polyethylene models on the market. Jon boats are very simple and utilitarian, often with little more than bench seats built-in.

What can you do with a flat bottom jon boat?

Flat bottom Jon boats are also the perfect choice for allowing a fairly small outboard motor to accelerate the boat to the point where it is planing.

How do you clean a Jon fishing boat?

And as far as clean-up goes, just blast off a jon boat with the hose, maybe take a few swipes with a scrub brush, and the boat will look as good as new. The small, light nature of a jon boat also makes it a natural choice for those who fish in shallow water.

Where did the Red Cross use the jon boat?

The Wasserwacht branch of the German Red Cross has chosen jon boats for their civil protection units for use during floods. In the late 19th century flat-bottom boats became popular in The Ozarks, being ideal for traversing the shallow waters in the Missouri Valley.