I had a friend suggest to me that a john boat might be a good investment, since i am bank bound at the moment. I know pretty well what the cost of an angler kayak would be, but what would a john boat cost me?

I am a budget fisherman, so i'd probably bargain hunt for an outboard and a trolling motor. But is there a specific model that has, say, a platform at the front to stand on? Or should i just set my expectations to wait longer and get a bass boat?

My only experiences with john boats is just one bench two oars and a rod holder up front. Granted that was about ten years ago, just wondering what's out their, and what y'all like best. Thanks!

Depending on budget, you can get a small (15-16ft) older 80's-90's model bass or fish-ski boat for the price of a newer Jon. I did alot of searching, and finally found my current (first) boat. A good running 1989 Skeeter SD-80 FS for about 2300. It isn't the new Nitro I was hoping for, but it works, gets me on the water, and is more fishable than my kayak was.

Look at this You Tube address, see what CrankBait1007 on here is using.
There are MANY videos there, among them are videos of his short, simple yet unique pontoon boat. 12' long and VERY stable.
Anyway, take a look and judge for yourself! http://www.youtube.com/user/smwisbond
r/
Fred

I still enjoy fishing out of a 16' flat bottom with just a trolling motor from time to time. You can put one in just about anywhere and there isn't many places they wont go. They are a lot more nimble than my 21 footer and the fish don't care what boat your in. When you do find one you like just make sure it doesn't have any leaks, once a leak forms in aluminum its only going to get worse and welding on old contaminated aluminum can be tricky.

I bought a used jon for 1000 with a 1970s Johnson 9.5 HP motor. It is in ok shape but i put on a bow mount trolling motor and i can keep it on the trailer in my 2 car garage and still have space for another smaller car. It has worked out for me in my stage of life.

Great time to get a deal. Be sure to check craigslist for your surrounding citys also call pawn shops. 14'-16' boat with trolling motor,trailer and small outboard around $1000. I found a '92 Stratos garage kept for $3000 so it just takes time and depends on what your looking for.Big range and most people ask way more than what a boat is worth.NADA online has a section you can check for value. If you buy a bass boat i'd buy a compression meter($20) so you can check motor or take it buy a shop.
Good Luck

Or get really budget like i did lol

thanks guys! Appreciate all the suggestions. I did finally get out of classes just long enough to check out the tracker boat site. Looks like they got some relatively cheap models that are "riveted". Dont know if that should be a turn-off, but they seem like their good priced brand spanking new.

Ok, now I know you have upgraded from that. Show Me/us pictures or video of the really unique boat your using now please!

Ha that was my start.....the huck fin boat....crazy but I learned a lot on that thing....first boat I learned about off shore cranking!

Cool rig man!

I found a 14 ft Jon w/ trailer and trolling motor for $800 in very good shape. I love it

http://www.porta-bote.com/?gclid=COWzjabatbkCFUdo7Aodw0IA1Q

I have had one of these that I got a killer deal on used... it originally belonged to a guy that used it to take is two daughters trout fishin in CO... He used it for several years before selling it to me, and it has lasted me about 8 years so far...

these are awesome cause you can strap em to the top of a car, or throw em in the back of the truck... no trailer needed!

you can use s SMALL gas outboard, or nearly any trolling motor I would imagine -- definitely recommend getting one instead of a jon boat