Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: RG on August 03, 2012, 07:44:45 PM

Title: Jon boat weight capacity
Post by: RG on August 03, 2012, 07:44:45 PM
I'm looking to buy a jon boat and I'm trying to sift through some of the specs.  I'm a bit confused with the weight ratings in terms of max persons capacity vs. total capacity and so on.  Some of the numbers don't add up, 2 people up to 180 each?  That would be more than the Max. weight capacity.  Anybody familiar with these boats or these rating systems?  I've added the product link.  Cheers!

http://www.loweboats.com/jon-boats/l1032-jon/

Max. Person Capacity
2
 
Max. Person Weight Capacity
180 lb

Max. Weight Capacity
275 lb
Title: Re: Jon boat weight capacity
Post by: rootbeer on August 04, 2012, 11:22:28 AM
The way that I read this is

Person Weight Capacity:  2 people with a combined weight of 180lbs ( ie 1 adult and one small child, or really just one adult)
Maximum Weight Capacity:  Including people, gear, motor, beverages etc. of 275lbs.

These small 10' jon boats seem to be only really meant for one person, and maybe their dog.

The next size up boat in that line jumps up to a Maximum Person Weight of 295lb which is more of an actual 2 person boat. (granted these would be 2 smaller people)

Title: Re: Jon boat weight capacity
Post by: patagonia on August 04, 2012, 03:54:42 PM
Not sure if you are dead set on the 1032 but I would go minimum 1036 if you are going to be solo all the time or into the 1236 if you will have another person in the boat on occasion... I know a lot of guys who have regretted the 1032... the extra 4 inches on the 1036 give a lot more stability IMO, Alumacraft makes a nice well priced 1036 or get a Lowe 1236
Title: Re: Jon boat weight capacity
Post by: BNF861 on August 04, 2012, 05:47:32 PM
A 1032 (even the 1232) is a pretty lightweight small boat not designed for much load. Sure guys load them up but it's not optimal. A friend has a 1232 that he uses with his wife and two small kids in but it's probably overloaded and quite narrow. A few inches of width on the bottom doesn't sound like much but would would be amazed how much stabler those inches equate to.
Title: Re: Jon boat weight capacity
Post by: RG on August 04, 2012, 06:19:09 PM
Thanks for the help!
Title: Re: Jon boat weight capacity
Post by: Driller on August 05, 2012, 12:07:36 AM
I had a 1032 Jon boat.  Great for me and my dog... Or my old lady, but if a buddy came with me he better be good in a boat otherwise his balance could really screw things up.  I bought a 14-36 crestliner Jon boat.  This boat was faster, but when it came down to it...not stable enough.  I remember seeing Brian Chan and his buddy both lean over the side of the boat to land a rainbow.  Their boat hardly moved.  The 14-36 was pretty tippy.
I now have an 18.5 foot g3 that is incredibly stable.  I live it, and feel safe!
Go big as you can.   Even 14-48 would be good.

Ciao
Title: Re: Jon boat weight capacity
Post by: bbronswyk2000 on August 05, 2012, 06:24:17 PM
You will regret buying a 32 of any size. Go big or go home!! The slightest chop will make you regret your decision. Dont just buy something because its cheaper. Go used if you cant afford a new boat thats bigger.