V hull versus Jon boat

[Bowfin]

I've got a 14 ft jon with a 9.9 . Will i gain any performance switching to a Vhull from the Jon? The jon is pretty beat but watertight. i built a small casting deck on the front that added about 40 lbs. It works fine when it is just me, but I have trouble getting on plane when my wife and son or my Dad goes fishing with me. Seems the more weight up front, the slower the boat with all the resistance of the boat bottom on the water.<br /><br />Bowfin

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: V hull versus Jon boat

Hi Bowfin. If you plan on keeping the 9.9hp motor and putting it on a similar sized V-hull boat, you will not get the same performance you get with the jon boat. The V-hull configuration will need a significantly larger engine to get on plane at all. Unless you want to get a new engine too, I would stay with your current setup.

 

[ED21]

Re: V hull versus Jon boat

Have you tried trimming the motor up a bit to help it plane?

 

[hise]

Re: V hull versus Jon boat

I'm with Ed... trim the motor out one notch... might do the trick.

 

[Bowfin]

Re: V hull versus Jon boat

I thought the V Hull would have been more efficient through the water. I guess it just helps punch through the bigger waves. <br />When you say trim it up, do you mean adjust the bottom of the motor away from the transom a notch or raise the motor on the transom a bit. The cavitation plate is level with the bottom of the boat. Would a hydrofoil help any with a motor and boat this small and light? Smartabs would be ovekill on this thing, as i don't want to put a lot of money in it as it's just an old beater fun boat to get out and fish in. <br /> I'm thinking as I'm writing this that I've added a casting deck up front, trolling motor up front, not to mention the storage under the new deck, battery to the back, and built some seating. I've probably added another 150 lbs of weight,mostly upfront, so maybe another prop is in order as well. I can get it to plane by myself, but adding someone to the center seat kills it.<br /> Hmmm, trim it out a notch, add a torquier prop, maybe a $30 hydrofoil. Would an aluminum prop make any difference over the plastic prop for a 9.9? I'm wondering if the plastic flexes when under a heavy load.<br /><br /><br />Bowfin

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: V hull versus Jon boat

When you say trim it up, do you mean adjust the bottom of the motor away from the transom a notch?

Yes. <br /><br />Your idea of changing to an aluminum prop is also a good idea although it won't make a big difference. I would try these things first before you install a hydrofoil.

 

[Solittle]

Re: V hull versus Jon boat

My bet goes to the trim out a notch. I have a 13'er with a 1975 9.9 & it planes with the wife & I quite nicely & neither of us are peanuts.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: V hull versus Jon boat

Consider a 15 hp and you will get the extra umph you are looking for. Same weight and size, but a lot more guts.

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: V hull versus Jon boat

Hmmm....If you use one of the v-hulls that have the back 1/3 or 1/2 of the boat bottom flat,(SeaNymph 12r or 14r) it'll do a little better because there is less wetted surface than a jon boat. Generally, small jons, the entire bottom is wetted when planing. Keep in mind this is a "modified v" not a true v. Most modified v-hulls are flat in the back on the bottom. If you are trying to plane a heavy load the jon will do a better job because the planing surface is larger and will allow the boat to lift a heavier load to plane though it might be a bit slower because of the larger wetted surface.

 

[John_S]

Re: V hull versus Jon boat

I have a 14' semi-v, that is how FlyBoyMark describes, mostly flat. I've run the boat with both 10hp and 18hp engines. Both were able to plane with two people and gear. The few times I've had three in the boat, I don't remember any issues planning, but its been awhile w/10hp. The 18 has no problem at all w/3 in boat.<br /><br />I have eyed those 14-15' wide jons. The extra floor space looks very nice. I would expect that there would be some top speed loss, but like the low draft since I do allot of river fishing where a float trip requires going through some very shallow water.

 

[LazyJ]

Re: V hull versus Jon boat

Old jon boats can develop concave hollows on bottom between the ribs that will seriously affect their performance.

 

[jsfinn]

Re: V hull versus Jon boat

I put some smart tabs on my jon - it's a modified v though. I had the same troulbe as you - couldn't get up on plane until I added the tabs. Now, I just have to think about plaining and there it goes.. I think it was about $80.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: V hull versus Jon boat

Blowfin;<br /><br />The ST80-20 Smart Tabs sell for about 89.00 and I guarantee you that it will be the best thing you can do to improve the performance. That is actually in writing.<br /><br />Keep in mind that most often the 15 HP is the same motor as the 9.9 HP except for some minor carb settings or linkage. Therefore the low end torque to get on plane is no different.<br /><br />The extra weight always works against you at some point, because it is "permanent wweight". The tabs are always active and working in your favor.<br /><br />The firt boat Smart Tabs were designed for was a 10 ft inflatable (soft bottom) with a 9.9HP. To this day it planes off at 8 MPH and will run 20 MPH with my wife and I (375 LB. total).