John or Semi-V

[1stgenbird]

I want to get opinions on the differences between John (jon) boats and semi-V aluminum boats.
As I grew up on a lake, I knew many people that had john boats which were the flat bottom, square bow style and the v or semi-v that had the tapered bow and rounded bottom.

Lately, I have seen many references to the semi-v boats calling them john boats. Even from the manufactures. To me, that is not the correct term.

What do you think?

 

[lncoop]

Re: John or Semi-V

Check out this article when you have time. It's a great read and will address your question much more effectively than I can. I should warn you though, you won't find a definitive answer because the john boat, as you'll read here, comes from dubious lineage. To tell you the truth, I think those of who are never without one in the back yard kinda like it that way.
http://198.209.8.180/lochist/periodicals/wrv/V37/N3/w98d.htm

 

[robert graham]

Re: John or Semi-V

The flatter the bottom, the rougher the ride. My jon has a V and 6 degree deadrise at the transom which helps some in rough, choppy water, but it's still not a smooth, deep-V ride by any means. If you're just going to be on a small flat lake with no waves or chop then the flat bottom boat will be fine. Heading into the wind with a medium chop my boat rides pretty darn rough, but the flatter bottom does make it stable for fishing off the corners. You'll just have to decide what you want, need, can afford. Good Luck1

 

[dave11]

Re: John or Semi-V

The flatter the bottom, the rougher the ride. My jon has a V and 6 degree deadrise at the transom which helps some in rough, choppy water, but it's still not a smooth, deep-V ride by any means. If you're just going to be on a small flat lake with no waves or chop then the flat bottom boat will be fine. Heading into the wind with a medium chop my boat rides pretty darn rough, but the flatter bottom does make it stable for fishing off the corners. You'll just have to decide what you want, need, can afford. Good Luck1

Yep. I like the semi-V. Either will be roough in bad weather.