Ben Bragg wrote:
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.
A 12 volt 55 pound thrust trolling motor will be f... (
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Thank so much Mr. Bragg. I really do appreciate the info.
You are welcome.
It has been mentioned that a bigger boat would be better for what you describe
That is true.
But sounds to me like you are wanting to keep it simple. A 14 footer is fairly easy to transport, launch , maneuver, maintain etc.
once you get the boat and all the stuff that goes with it , you will quickly discover the limitations and capabilities.
Keeping it simple has its benefits
Like I said, I started with a 12 footer. Now Iโm up to a full blown bass boat and wish I had a bigger one
Daghow
Loc: Titusville, Florida
Hello yanks fan. I would like to add that while youโre looking at the capacity of the boat remember that the trolling motor battery(s) will add a lot of weight that you must take into consideration. Also remember that you will need to purchase a battery charger to be able to recharge your battery(s) once they are depleted. As I said these batteries are heavy. I would also recommend that you buy a deep cycle marine battery to go along with your new (at least new to you) boat. The marine grade battery, while not a necessity, will and do, under most circumstances last much longer than a conventional battery. The down side is that they cost more and are much heavier than other batteries. I would also suggest that you look at getting a wide Jon boat as this will help to add stability to you and your crew. I used to guide Tony Kubek and I loved his stories from the old days.๐. I hope this helps.๐
Daghow wrote:
Hello yanks fan. I would like to add that while youโre looking at the capacity of the boat remember that the trolling motor battery(s) will add a lot of weight that you must take into consideration. Also remember that you will need to purchase a battery charger to be able to recharge your battery(s) once they are depleted. As I said these batteries are heavy. I would also recommend that you buy a deep cycle marine battery to go along with your new (at least new to you) boat. The marine grade battery, while not a necessity, will and do, under most circumstances last much longer than a conventional battery. The down side is that they cost more and are much heavier than other batteries. I would also suggest that you look at getting a wide Jon boat as this will help to add stability to you and your crew. I used to guide Tony Kubek and I loved his stories from the old days.๐. I hope this helps.๐
Hello yanks fan. I would like to add that while y... (
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Daghow Thank you for the info. I appreciate the help.
You and Ben Bragg both suggested a wide boat. Not to sound like a total idiot but how do I tell if a boat is wide or not.
Yanks fan wrote:
Daghow Thank you for the info. I appreciate the help.
You and Ben Bragg both suggested a wide boat. Not to sound like a total idiot but how do I tell if a boat is wide or not.
Yanks fan, when you look at the specifications for the boat, the length is obviously the length, the "beam " is the width at the widest point. The bigger that number is, the wider the boat is.
As long as you're making this investment, get yourself a good battery charger as well.
Yanks fan wrote:
Mr. Fred. Thank you
You're more than welcome Yanks fan, the first boat that I owned outright was a 12ft Fisher Jon Boat.It was loads of fun and a great learning experience.
Tyee
Loc: Normal, Illinois
Seats with a back and swivel base are a must for this old guy and his friends. I mount them on a piece of plywood as wide as the built-ins on the boat and mount them w C-clamps. You can adjust the location of each seat for comfort and balance.
You will find a 14ft boat is to small for 3 large people. 16 to 17 ft. will be much safer and roomier. i was a conservation office for 10 years and I can tell you stories about to many people in small boats. Not good stories either. Just my opinion.
Three larger people ? You might look at a 16 ft. John and fishing ponds and small lakes a Minnkota 55 lb thrust will be more than enough to scoot you around the pond. Check with your local Minnkota repair man , call sport shop to find out who it is, and ask if he has any used 55 lb. units. Suggest hand control for less hassle as most folks have problems fishing while standing on one foot and running the troller with the other . Should be able to pick up a reconditioned unit for 1/3rd to 1/2 cost of a new troller !
Hi all Mr bud from south Jersey love the forum.
Hi all Mr bud from south Jersey love the forum.
Fredfish wrote:
You're more than welcome Yanks fan, the first boat that I owned outright was a 12ft Fisher Jon Boat.It was loads of fun and a great learning experience.
Oh wow cool thanks for the seat idea
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