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[Humpy]

I currently have a 12ft v-hull aluminum car topper boat with a 9.9hp mercury prop outboard and I find with 3 people, it is too small and unstable. I am thinking about upgrading to a 14ft or possibly 16ft boat with a 20hp motor. The boat will be used mainly in lakes but possibly the harrison/fraser river to get to a fishing spot, I don't plan on fishing from the boat in the river. The boat will be trailered. There will be 3 people in the boat. I did some research and I came to the conclusion that a jon boat with a modified hull would be the best option. I am leaning towards getting a yamaha jet motor but am unsure as to which size I would need. I assume the jet outboard is best suited for my purposes? What are my best options for the boat and motor?

[mikeyman]

I used a 14 ft greggor with a 25 hp mariner it performed well in chilliwack area of Fraser...just don't hit a sand bar with propped motor.

[Tenz85]

From what I've gathered on this topic, wider is better and the motor should be matched to the boat. I wouldn't want anything more than needed to save on the cost of gas but that's just me.

[Damien]

1) determine budget

[Humpy]

Budget is around $10,000.
I am considering a lowe or g3 series boat.
Does anybody have any recommendations on something that would fit in my budget?

[glx]

I currently use a 1448MT Lowe Jon Mod-V, powered by a 25hp 4 stroke Mercury Jet outboard.  Good boat for two people but with 3, gets bogged down a bit.  Use it on the Fraser, Harrison etc as well as trailer it into some lakes.  Bought the motor used for around $4500 and the boat new for around $2200 I think.  Its a good affordable unit, thats does not cost a fortune to operate. 

[Humpy]

Thanks for the reply.
For three people, would a 16ft boat with a 35hp jet be the way to go?

[Gone_Fishin_]

http://abbotsford.craigslist.ca/boa/5054102008.html

my nieghbor across the street is selling this one. Gorgeous boat and really nice shape. Motor has low hours and was well taken care of. Believe his father was original owner.

[Damien]

I would skip the jet, unless you really plan on working in skinny water.  More expensive, drop in power delivered vs. Rated HP.  Thirstier too. No chance to change props by use or condition...

For 10k, personally I would look for something more like the Legend posted than an open tinny or jon.  A side or full windshield double console.  40HP being the minimum in a 16ft boat.

Have fun in your search.

[Damien]

http://abbotsford.craigslist.ca/boa/5092953653.html

http://abbotsford.craigslist.ca/boa/5089462844.html

No affiliation, just an examples.

[Humpy]

Thanks for the reply. 
I will look for a prop outboard. Any suggestions on which brand? I am leaning towards yamaha.
I think with 3 people, a 16ft with a 35hp motor would be better then a 14ft with a 25hp motor.
Most of the time this boat will be used in lakes.
I did some research about the jon boats with the modified hull and I really like the stability it has over a deep v-hull.
I would like to know if anybody has tried both and would like to share their opinions?

[Damien]

Any mainstream brand is fine.  Each have their fans and detractors.  Pluses and minuses with all.  I wouldnt sweat that part of your search.  Just have a ppi done at a trusted shop.

A modv is fine, I prefer a true v if I had to choose.

[Humpy]

Thanks everyone for your help.

[canso]

A friend has a 15' v bottom with a 35hp prop. and it bogs big time with more then 2 people. Also struggles when at higher elevation lakes.
My 16.5' modified bottom sled has the same problem with a 40jet.

[Damien]

http://moseslake.craigslist.org/boa/5096922765.html

Nice rig here.