Yanks fan Loc: South Jersey

Hello everyone I’m a 5o ish woman from southern Jersey. I have a question for you all, if you don’t mind helping me out.

I’m looking into get a jon boat. I never own any boat of any kind. My questions are. Most of the lakes around me don’t allow gas engines.
Do I need one, most that I’m finding come with a big mercury motor along with a trolling motor.
I’m looking to find a 14’ boat as there are 3 of us and we are not small. What size trolling motor do I need? Do trolling motors have a reverse to back off the docks? And last I was told I should have two batteries is this correct?

Please don’t yell, make fun of me or laugh at me. As I said I’ve never had a boat of any kind. I’ve fished from the bank or from a friends canoe my entire life.
I’m sure there is so much more I need to learn about owning a boat, so any information would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Ben Bragg Loc: Dayton Ohio

A 12 volt 55 pound thrust trolling motor will be fine. This takes one battery . A bigger 24 volt set up will give you better run time. As will 2 batteries set up for 12 volt.
Look fir reserve capacity ratings on batteries. Bigger rating equals longer run time.
Minn kota makes a good unit. It DOES have reverse and several forward speeds.

3 large people in a 14 footer should be doable, but not ideal, maybe a little close. Depending on how large of course. Take a look at the capacity tag on the hull. It will list max weight capacity with persons and gear.

If possible , look for the widest , deepest Jon boat you can find . You will be much more comfortable and stable with a wider , deeper boat.

I started my boat fishing in a 12 ft Jon and a 26 pound thrust Trolling motor , had a bunch Of fun and caught a bunch of fish.

What you are looking at will definitely get you on the water. Good luck.

Wv mike Loc: Parkersburg area. Wv

A single 12 volt battery will do fine with a 12 volt trolling motor check out the Lowe 14 foot flat bottom the make some wider ones with deep sides You just need to have a paddle in the boat in case the battery dies. Most trolling motor only lakes are not that big and you can paddle back to the dock if needed

OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin

These guys know their stuff. Stick to their advice and good luck!

Ben Bragg Loc: Dayton Ohio

After reading WVMike, thought I should also make mention . Make sure you check your states boating safety equipment regs. Being your first boat you are probably not familiar with these requirements.
Having everything on board will save you a fine if rangers check and could potentially save your life.

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

Now why would we laugh at a Yanks Fan? Oriole Fan myself, but on the water we all are brothers and sisters. And here on the stage we help everyone we can.

However now and then we will go off topic and some bantering will appear but like fishing just go with the flow and all will be good.

As for your question i can't add to the good advice you have already received from above. Just an opinion and that would be to have that extra battery just in case the 1st one runs down. True the paddles will get you back with some effort, but that long haul across the lake, well only you know if you can handle that.

Rayz Loc: North West N.J. and South Hero Vt.

From a fellow N. Jersey Yank fan. Tracker makes a 15 footer that carries about 750 lbs. 55 lb.thrust should be enough. Don't forget oars!

FixorFish Loc: SW Oregon

I concur with BenB on the 55lb thrust Minnkota. I have one that I use on 3 different boats 12'-14' long, & have no trouble getting where I need to be, albeit slower than when I use the gas motor.
My advice on batteries (12v) would be to get the "Duracell AGM Ultra" Deep Cycle (VERY IMPORTANT TO GET DEEP-CYCLE ONLY !!) that is made specifically for scooters like the "Jazzy". These batteries are ~5 1/2"w x 6" h x8"l and only 23lbs....fit perfectly in an Igloo "Playmate" cooler for a great battery box that's easy to carry. They are 30amp hours each, so two are the equivalent of a 70-80lb size 24 or 27, rated 70amp hrs and FAR easier to move and use. I have trolled 8+ hrs on two without running out. BE SURE TO GET A CHARGER THAT SPECIFICALLY WILL CHARGE AN AGM ("GLASSMAT") BATTERY !!!!
The batteries can be had for about $90/each @ Batteries Plus, so 2 are not much more than a single "brute" deep cycle..... that you will curse every time you want to move it or take it out of the boat !
Having the 2 much-smaller & lighter batteries will also help in weight dispersal in keeping the boat "trimmed"(balanced).
Some other considerations you can plan for are:
Trailer and towing...is your vehicle sufficient ?
Registration...any motorized boat will need to be registered in most states... check with the Marine Board of your state.
Safety equipment... even if it's an electric, my state requires a fire extinguisher on board,... also a whistle or horn, lifejackets for all, lights if you are out past dark, an emergency paddle is a "friend"(if you forego oars) and I always carry a first-aid kit on my boats(with pliers or cutters that can nip a hook... you never know !)
Additional items may be an anchor (or 2), a net, a bait box/bucket, a livewell, tie-off ropes fore and aft, rod holders, strappage for securing to the trailer, a cover for storage (one of my pet peeves with a lot of boat owners is degradation to a perfectly good boat, due to leaves and debris sitting in the boat, getting wet, ruining seats, etc. for the lack of the simple act of throwing and securing a cheap tarp, if not a proper, made to fit cover.... sorry, see far too much "unnecessary boat abuse" of that manner, even the sunlight takes years off a boat... okay.. I'll stop now ..lol!)
As you can see, a fair amount of details to consider, but oooh so worth it. Good luck !
Be sure to check out Craigslist, many good deals at this time of year that won't be there, come spring....on both boat/trailer as well as the motor. PM me if you have any questions further...I have a total of 7 boats for fishing...(and kayaks and a river raft, to boot !)..a true "addiction indulgence" in my blessed retirement life.
Hope this helps without scaring you away ! Good luck !

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Yank Fan: you mentioned you and your companions have no experience with boating or fishing. I recommend a boating safety course. You need to have to experience in what to do and expect. For instance you mentioned having the electric motor getting the boat off the trailer. Yes, maybe.. It depends on how heavily loaded the boat is and how deep it is in the water.

Hopefully, the launch site will be next to a ramp so that your companions can board after you have successfully launched the boat. But everyone must wear their personal safety vest, and be doubly cautious upon entering the boat! Just Sayin....RJS

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

Hey RJ, did you get a different post then what i read?

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

I'll second that Safety Course RJ, in fact in Connecticut you can't register a boat without passing a Boating Safety course. Even Personal Watercraft (Jetskis) have a separate Safety Course.
Also if you're going to take friends onboard, a marine insurance policy will protect everyone in the event of an accident or injury.
It's a wonderful way to spend time on the water, but caries a lot of responsibility. Make sure you investigate all of these things before pulling the trigger. Good Luck and safe boating!

dbed Loc: POMME DE TERRE LAKE MISSOURI

Welcome to the forum Yanks fan

E.pa.al Loc: Martin's Creek

Welcome Yanks fan to fs

bknecht Loc: Northeast pa

If you’re simply fishing lakes with trolling motor only regulations follow the advice of the previous posts. Instead of purchasing a new rig I would highly suggest Facebook market place and find a used one for half, if not more the price of new, especially if this is your first boat.

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

Hey Yanks Fan! Welcome to the Forum. Man, talk about advice, and all of it good. The only thing I can reiterate is the fact that you are going to be much safer in a 16' flat than a 14' flat.