Jon boat question

Get a 12- a 10’ is tiny (we have one) with anything more than a trolling motor. it feels kinda sketchy.

I think 2’ would make a world of difference.

Because we also have a 16’ Xpress with a 35 hp surface drive and it feels like a real boat.

1236 probably but if you can find a 1242 or 1248 it'll be more stable and won't lose much performance. 12-15 MPH might be a bit sketchy in a 12 foot Jon boat on a "daily" basis. If you are talking about hauling it in a truck bed 1236 is easier to handle.

I have a 13 foot low side Gheenoe and had a 6 hp Evinrude 2 stroke on it for years and it was plenty fast. I don't think it was much more than about 10 mph but it was plenty for what I used it for. I also used a 9.9 on it some but it was sketchy. This is the low side model, the high side model is fine with a 9.9 - I think its rated for a 6 HP but thats a mere suggestion LOL. I have used this boat for years (since 1982) and have car topped it, trailered it and hauled it in the bed of a truck. Its more stable than a 12 foot jon boat and will run shallower. They can usually be found on Marketplace for around $500.

12' with 8 horse will do 18-22.

12' with 25 horse will do 34-36. That was my setup for the last 3 years. I didn't even need to wet a line driving that boat to have the most fun on the water. Only the last 6" of the boat were breaking water at full throttle.


I'm not sure a 6 hp will plane out a 10' or a 12' jon boat. You'll still get where you wanna go but won't have nearly as much fun doing it. 12-15mph is a weird spot speed wise, you'll be right in between planing off and trolling.