1642 vs 1456 Jon Boat. Which is better?

[fijimark]

I'm looking at buying a john boat. One is a 1648 and the other is a 1456 for the same price $3000. The 1648 comes with a 25hp and the 1456 comes with a 15hp. Do I go with a longer boat or more width for stability when standing to fish? Mainly just me but sometimes my 6yo comes out with me.

 

[JasonDom]

For me, neither. I have a 1652, but I also fish a lot with a co-angler or sometimes a dad and son. If you fish alone, 1456. If you fish and your wife or buddy just wants to hang out and not fish, 1646. If you plan to have two 6 foot people swinging bait casters trolling up a bank, go wider. I love the stable platform.

 

[Texasmark]

The 16 appears to be a John whereas the 14 appears to be a semiV. Johns make wave splashing noises when anchored and fishing....something that a semiV doesn't do....BTDT. But with a flat hull, the 16 is easy to drive up on a bank and remain level whereas the 14 will be inclined to tip...depends on how far the hull is out of the water.
16 is narrower and top heavy compared to the 14. Both add to more tilting when things in the boat move around.....like you!
The 15 HP on the 14 is reasonable power and unless you are in a big hurry, or have a lot of water to cross (in a 14' aluminum boat?????) it will get a good load on plane and maybe 20 MPH. I grew up with dad's 10 hp on aluminum rental boats and with 2 and a good load it would get the semi-vs on plane. With both being the same price, one wonders why.....probably because that's what the owner's want.....not what the market will stand.
My hat goes in the ring for the 14.