Riveted Jon Boats...Is There Really a Difference?

[DanChamberlain]

I can buy a Lowe 1542 from Bass Pro for $999. Local boat dealers have Alumacraft 1448 for about 1700 and the 1442 for about 1500. Is the Lowe boat an inferior boat, or is that the best deal? I don't see the 1448 being that much of an improvement for another 700 bucks since I fish largely alone and only sometimes with someone else.

My boat only sees small lakes, strip mines and mostly protected waters. None of the big lakes are within easy reach. Price isn't really the object, but I hate to spend an additional 700 if I don't have to.

Thanks

Dan

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Riveted Jon Boats...Is There Really a Difference?

The 1448 will be considerably more stable than the 1542, but since you fish by yourself and protected waters I don't think it'll be $700 more stable.

Go with what you think the best deal for you is... you can always upgrade later.

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: Riveted Jon Boats...Is There Really a Difference?

Rivited boats have been around for a long time. I'd spend the $700 on lots of accessories!

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Riveted Jon Boats...Is There Really a Difference?

Lowe? I thought BassPro only sold Tracker and Tahoe boats? If you are talking about Tracker, my 1442 riveted Tracker jon boat has developed cracked welds at the transom corner braces. Compare the build quality between a Tracker and other jon boats and you will see the difference, rib design, transom strength, HP rating. Sportsmans Warehouse came into town shortly after I bought my Tracker and I saw the Alumicraft 1442, huge difference in build "quality" and they only wanted about $50 more for it,,, wished I had bought that boat. For $700, it might be worth the savings if you are just going to be puddle jumping, but I wouldn't buy the Tracker for a lot of use. I probably have at least 1000 hours on mine, 100 hours of running on the outboard. The transom cracks developed after a year of use, there was a lot of flex in the transom and I had to rebuild it stronger.

 

[DanChamberlain]

Re: Riveted Jon Boats...Is There Really a Difference?

My apologies. Yes, it's a tracker. I have a Lowe trailer and had Lowe on the brain. Could your transom problems have happened during towing? Just asking.

Dan

 

[roscoe]

Re: Riveted Jon Boats...Is There Really a Difference?

Lots of complaints about tracker weld integrity, on a variety of models.

 

[DonHof]

Re: Riveted Jon Boats...Is There Really a Difference?

Google Tracker welds!

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Riveted Jon Boats...Is There Really a Difference?

btw, I personally prefer riveted hulls because I can replace the rivets myself. I'm not a welder nor do I care to be one... but if I can beat on something with a hammer, I'm as happy as a hog in a mudhole!!!

 

[blifsey]

Re: Riveted Jon Boats...Is There Really a Difference?

The thickness of gage of the aluminum might be a factor in price also. Also, the makeup or alloy of the aluminum could make a difference in price. Check the detailed specs for each.

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: Riveted Jon Boats...Is There Really a Difference?

I say get on Craigs List and find an old Starcraft or Lonestar...You can pick up a solid veteran for little money.
I found this one for 100.00 a while back myself.
The boat is a 1959 Lonestar, the 6hp Evinrude was 200, found a trailer for 100.00
$400.00 bucks total!

 

[5150abf]

Re: Riveted Jon Boats...Is There Really a Difference?

You will really notice the extra 6'' in width, it should make that boat much more stable so I would go with the 48, as to welded or rivets, I run a 31 year old riveted boat that si still solid as the day it was built so It is as good or better than welded.

 

[DanChamberlain]

Re: Riveted Jon Boats...Is There Really a Difference?

The gauge of aluminum between the Alumacraft and Tracker are both .060

Dan

 

[lncoop]

Re: Riveted Jon Boats...Is There Really a Difference?

I think consensus is Tracker issues aren't with the metal, but with the welds. You've stated price isn't an issue, but for around $1500 (and very possibly less depending on where you are) you should be able pick up something in the 15x48 range that's ready to fish, trailer included. That's a GREAT size for a john boat. It will go anywhere a fourteen footer will and provide a lot more stabillity and space. As to your original question, I think most would agree that for the sake of comparison the Alumacraft is probably worth another seven bills versus the Tracker, but the smart money is something barely used since john boats last forever and sellers can't hide abuse.

 

[DanChamberlain]

Re: Riveted Jon Boats...Is There Really a Difference?

Thanks all.

Dan