stability question

[bfitz]

Hi. I need your expertise. I just got a 12' Alumacraft jon boat. 32" beam accross the bottom. I have a 7.5 Evinrude for it.
this thing is unstable! I fell out of it twice already. And is it twitchy when turning while underway.

Now, I want to get something 12' long, is the 12' Alumacraft V hull more stable? or, any opinion on the 12' jon with 36" bottom.
I need to be able to hold 2 adults safely, and I use it as a safety boat for our APBA hydroplanes [up to 13' by the way] while we test props and setups, so it will see some towing duty.

Thanks for the help. Any input appreciated.

 

[River - Runner]

Re: stability question

this thing is unstable! I fell out of it twice already. And is it twitchy when turning while underway.

Oh my! Be careful out there! and I think the jon boat is close to it's maximum hp. Check the hp. rating. A 12' jon and 12' semi-v are meant to be portable boats and for small waters. These boats are not to be called unstable. When used as they were built for they'll excel in their use over larger boats. Like a canoe, you can't say it's unstable when used as it was made for.

Sounds like you do want a small boat for the job. The 12' semi-v will handle rougher water better. The 12' jon 36" bottom is 3 person, 15 hp. max. and these small boats always perform best when not used at their maximum limits.

From what you say and how you'll use it, my choice, if you can, is a 14' semi-v. It'll be more versatile for what you want to do.

 

[bfitz]

Re: stability question

I'd really like a bigger boat, but just don't have the room on the trailer.
This thing is rated for 8 hp. I'm thinking a 36" bottom or a V hull would be better, just curious how much better.
Thanks....

 

[River - Runner]

Re: stability question

Of the three the 12' semi-v is the largest and most stabile boat, currently with a 60" beam. My old 14' semi-v has a 55" beam and is very stable. The semi-v handles and performs entirely different than a jon. Boats are compromises. The 36" bottom 55" beam jon boat is much more stable than the 32" bottom 48" beam jon. But the 32" jon is inherently more rigid being narrow and will give a smother ride than the 36" jon and then these boats are also made as 14 footers with same dimensions. All very nice boats with length improving stability and ride. The boat should be the driving decision of your choice, not the trailer. Users will even transport a jon in a pickup truck for simplicity. Don't rush the shopping, it takes time to know what's best for you.

 

[bfitz]

Re: stability question

while I agree with your reasoning, in this case the trailer will dictate the size of the boat...It has to fit between the engine box and the back of my truck. That dimension is 12'. I'm going to a dealer this week.
Thanks for the feedback..