Fiberglass Jon Boats

[yjanray]

What are the differences and/or advantages of as fiberglass jon boat over a aluminum boat? I was looking at a 14 ft. fiberglass flat bottom jon boat. i originally thought that I wanted a metal one, but the fiberglass one seems to be pretty sturdy? Thanks for any opinions or thoughts

 

[lncoop]

Re: Fiberglass Jon Boats

The only advantage I can think of is perhaps a little more stability. Disadvantages on the other hand............

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Fiberglass Jon Boats

the aluminum ones are loud--waves hitting it and when you drop something in the boat. Typically dark green, which gets hot in the summer. But probably stronger if you have to run through ice, beach on rocks/shells, or drag to launch.
On larger boats alum hulls are lighter but I don't know if it makes that much difference on a smaller boat.
Either can be made well, or made cheap, affecting strength and durability. If you ar elooking for used, some of the fiberglass boats from the 70's get brittle (gamefishers)

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: Fiberglass Jon Boats

For a John Boat, I'd stick with aluminum. Two key parameters for most people looking at john boats are lightweight and durability. Aluminum wins on both these accounts.

Or, just to throw another one out there - my 12' duck boat weighs 120ish lbs, and has been dragged through/over/under everything you could think of and is still in great shape. Material... 1/4 marine plywood. Of course, it's also home built, and I was able to put in extra stiffeners and bracing where I thought it would be stressed, so I got that goin' for me.