Cheap boat (jon boats are good) 2025

bassin0123 reply :

im 15 and looking for acheap boat with a motor I was wondering if anyone could help me out have looked on craigslist but nothing I wanted I have saved up money for awhile now just love to fish probaly going to take out my freinds so a big enough boat for 2 a jon boat is fine. if you have any ideas just would like a boat for myself

Bluebasser86 reply :

How cheap is cheap?

bassin0123 reply :

around 800 or less

ThePolkFolk reply :

How do you plan to transport the boat to the water and also how big is the water you plan to fish?

fishnkamp reply :

Where do you live. Will you be able to tow the boat or will you need a boat that will go in the back of a pickup or even car topping. These help to see what you can work with. Are you fishing water that will need a small gas engine or just electric only waters?

You might find a canoe like this a good bet used. This deal included the seating, a battery and a trolling motor. It would be just as stable as any 12 foot of 14 foot narrow jon boat. It is selling for $375.

Another option is something like this This boat on a trailer is for sale for $675. Add a trolling motor and battery and you have a pond hopper for sure.

Let me know what area you are in I will do some snooping around for you.

bassin0123 reply :

i live in arkansas i fish ouchita and hamilton wich are farelly big lakes and i can use a gas engine a trailer would do fine i have a 2011 gmc seirra so i can pull a trailer

i would like a motor to get back and forth

i want something big enough for 2 people

Hawkeye21 reply :

If you have a small budget I would recommend a fishing kayak. If you think it's too slow you can add a trolling motor to it to help motor around a little faster.

I just think any boat with trailer for that kind of money is going to be of very low quality and will require plenty of work. If money is an issue then you may not want to go that route due to all the money you'd have to put into it. Kayaks and canoes have very little maintenance.

ThePolkFolk reply :

Seems like you have a good start on this. If you are keen on fishing 2 people, I would start looking at jon boats. Pay attention to the condition of the hull, ask to see the motor run, don't be afraid to walk away from a deal if you feel uncomfortable. Keep in mind you will want to budget for other items such as lifejackets, safety equipment, fish finder, and maybe a trolling motor (you might be able to find a boat with all these included).

Also make sure to follow all your state laws. Make sure to get your boaters license as required for persons born after Jan 1, 1986 (at least where you and I live).

Have fun and most of all stay safe!

"To operate a personal watercraft, a person must be 16 or older, be 12 to 15 years old and be under the direct supervision of a person at least 18 years old, or be under 12 and be under the direct supervision of a person at least 21 years old."

On 3/1/2017 at 11:36 PM, Hawkeye21 said:

If you have a small budget I would recommend a fishing kayak. If you think it's too slow you can add a trolling motor to it to help motor around a little faster.

I just think any boat with trailer for that kind of money is going to be of very low quality and will require plenty of work. If money is an issue then you may not want to go that route due to all the money you'd have to put into it. Kayaks and canoes have very little maintenance.

I agree with Hawkeye in that $800, while doable, is going to be a low budget for a boat/trailer.

bassin0123 reply :

i have looked at jon boats and i think thats the way to go ijust dont know. this weekend im going to get my botors ed and my dad sayed that i could go this summer my freind is 18 and he will be with most of the time. i was looking at a old fiber glass skeeter that my uncle has with a 115 Johnson seahorse that he would sale to me for 1800 i was wondering if rhat was a good deal

my dads a cop and he said that i would be good with a motor under 10 horse so i think i will hold off on the skeeter untill im 16.

Hawkeye21 reply :

Jon boats are great for the price but it's the motor that you have to be worried about. What shape is that motor going to be in for that price? One of the reasons I went with a kayak over a cheap boat was the maintenance. You may be able to buy the boat and trailer for $800 but then you still have to register it and keep up maintenance.

I'd hate to see anyone spend money on something like that only to have it break down and not afford to repair it.

bassin0123 reply :

i dont really like kayaks but i will think about it.

i have looked a a couple of boats but things just felt off about them i dont know if its the spending money or what

ThePolkFolk reply :

The motor is definitely the biggest thing to look at, especially with that budget. You DO want a reliable propulsion system, You DO NOT want to know how long it takes to row a 14' semi V across the lake back to the dock against a headwind. Let's just say I made it home pretty late that day.

For the fiberglass, I would definitely want someone who knows a bit about boats to look at it before I'd even consider that. Even for a family friend, an $1,800 pricetag for a fiberglass boat is not usually a good sign.

On 3/1/2017 at 11:44 PM, bassin0123 said:

my dads a cop and he said that i would be good with a motor under 10 horse so i think i will hold off on the skeeter untill im 16.

Your dad is smart. 10 hp will get you places plenty quick enough.

bassin0123 reply :

well the boat is like a 1980 model and i have been in it before. ive been working for my uncle so maybe he will get me a better deal on it. not sure though. didnt know looking for a boat would be this hard!

i dont really want the skeeter i would rather have a jon boat or a v bottom

ThePolkFolk reply :

Sure aint the easiest thing in the world. Good luck on your search and stay safe on the water!

bassin0123 reply :

does anyone have a brand or length that would work for what i need

Gundog reply :

On 3/2/2017 at 12:04 AM, bassin0123 said:

does anyone have a brand or length that would work for what i need

Brands are not that important. Most jon boat brands are the same. And for $800 bucks for boat, motor and trailer your selection will be limited. Just make sure the hull is good, the transom is not cracked and there are no holes below the water line. As far as length, I've fished 2 people in a 12 ft. jon but its cramped. For more room 14-16 ft are better for 2 people. If I was you I would save up some more money. Get a better motor, bigger boat.

J Francho reply :

Around here, you can't touch a tin boat with a running motor, trailer, and title for under a $1000.

bassin0123 reply :

i dont know i would just like a boat to mysellf

WTnPuddleJumper reply :

Keep saving your money, find you a good sturdy 15 or 16 X 48 boat. Weldbilt makes a great one ( I have one) they are in alexander ark. If you are serious about fishing and are in it for the long haul, don't waste your money on a little rig that you will probably replace in the near future.

12poundbass reply :

My advice would be to look for a 12-14' boat. They're pretty easy to come by and pretty reasonable. Don't worry about an outboard you're 15 they break down and cost money when you don't expect it or have it. Go get a 12v trolling motor and a battery at Wal-Mart $200 max is what you'll spend for those 2. Then you have a maintenance free boat that's cheep and will last you forever. That's what I did when I was 19. That's all I ever needed and I've always caught fish and had fun. You're 15 you don't need a money pit, you'll have fun, catch fish, and learn learn learn! 14 years after I bought my boat I'm finally ready to up grade. Basically 14 years and the only money I've put into it is a couple batteries and a trolling motor the trolling more was my choice not because I had to. Keep it simple and you'll enjoy it more and the fish don't care! Good luck with your search.

bassin0123 reply :

thanks for your help guys i really dont need an outboard so i will just buy a troller motor and batteries what pound thrust troller motor do i need

A5BLASTER reply :

38 to 40 pound trust should do you fine.

J Francho reply :

I don't know what state you're in, but double check on this....in NY, you must register a boat with an electric motor.

bassin0123 reply :

i have to register it with a trolling motor

ThePolkFolk reply :

On 3/2/2017 at 1:36 AM, A5BLASTER said:

38 to 40 pound trust should do you fine.

I run ONLY a 55# on my 14' aluminum, no outboard (anymore at least). Plenty of power as long as you have the juice to back it up. As many people say though, get the most thrust you can reasonably afford.

bassin0123 reply :

i found a trolling motor thanks alot guys you helped me out thanks.

J Francho reply :

Get her on the water, and let's see some catch pics!

Fishingmickey reply :

Hello BassinO,

Here is some food for thought. Running your trolling motor on high (5) to "get" to spots faster will drain your battery much quicker then running mid speed range (2-3). Slow it down, chunk a crankbait or spinnerbait on the way to your favorite spot. You will at least double your battery/running time. A example would be running on high (5). Your battery is completely dead in forty five minutes to hour maybe hour and a half. Running on medium speed (2-3) you may get 4-5 hours or more of running time.

Check the weather forecast before you go out. If there is severe weather or a major cold front coming in. Don't get far away from the launch or shore or go at all.

When you start out with a fresh fully charged battery. Go upwind or up current first. That way if your battery dies or when it runs out of juice you don't have to try to paddle back upwind, up current or get stranded. Make sure you take paddles or a set of oars If your Jon boat has oar locks. They can help you supplement a weak trolling motor or just flat get you safely to shore or back to the launch if your motor dies.

File a fishing plan with someone/your parents so if you don't make it back in time they know where to go look for you. Cell phones are great, but they don't work well at the bottom of the lake. If you tip your boat over or swamp, at least they will have an idea of where to look when you don't show up on time.

Good luck,

bassin0123 reply :

thanks man

bassin0123 reply :

so we looked at some boats lastnight andi think we found one

fishnkamp reply :

I always used two batteries, that way when one died I had the full second one to make it back.

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