Can You Row a Jon Boat? from dgsdb's blog

Can You Row a Jon Boat?

As most boat owners will know, there are times when rowing becomes a necessity. Should an outboard motor break down or the use of a motor is prohibited, in extremely shallow waterways for example, then rowing becomes the preferred method of maneuvering a boat around. Most Jon boats are not manufactured with oar locks. So, when it comes to a Jon boat can it be rowed?

You can row a Jon boat. Some Jon boats may need to be modified by adding oarlocks before rowing can be achieved. Certain conditions will affect your ability to row a Jon boat effectively. Rowing styles, such as ‘canoe style’ with a single paddle or double-paddle, and oar rowing have different levels of practicality.

Is it possible to row a Jon boat?

A Jon boat is a flat-bottom boat sometimes made from hardwood, plywood or fiberglass but more commonly made from aluminum.

It is designed perfectly for shallow, calm waters, as the practically flat hull enables the boat to ride on the surface of the water exceptionally smoothly when it is powered by a motor. Its shallow draft also means it can easily traverse extremely shallow waterways where many other boats could not access.

Although rowing a Jon boat may be beneficial to those who want to enjoy a quiet family day on the river or lake it is most beneficial for fishermen and especially for duck hunters. As long as you use the correct oars and oarlocks.

A Jon boat is the preferred vessel for fishermen and duck hunters because it can easily access shallow waters thus making it perfect for use in shallow rivers and lakes. A Jon boat can also easily gain access to shallow river banks. Obviously in such circumstances using a motor is impractical as the noise could alert the prey to the presence of hunters.

However, this is not the only time when using an engine is inadvisable.

Because a Jon boat is designed to access shallow waterways this means you may find yourself in a situation where using an outboard motor is not just impractical but is actually impossible due to the extremely shallow water and very close proximity of the river bed and rocky obstacles that may lie there.

Therefore a Jon boat allows fishermen and hunters to access very shallow water and to access areas with stealth.

So obviously the best solution in these circumstances would be to use some form of manual propulsion, such as rowing. But is a Jon boat capable of being rowed?

The simple answer is “yes”. Though it may not be as easy a task to undertake as it would be with other boat types.

When a Jon boat is powered by a gas motor the boat performs very well under calm conditions but under oar-power the same boat may not be as straight forward to maneuver as you might imagine.

Aluminum vs. Fiberglass Boats

Modern boats are most often constructed of fiberglass, but aluminum is the best material to choose for a workboat. Aluminum is more durable than fiberglass, which is prone to breaking or cracking from impact. Aluminum is more resistant to punctures also. Though sharp objects hit with enough force can puncture an aluminum hull, it is less likely to cause major damage. Plus, aluminum boats do not deteriorate and weaken from sun exposure like fiberglass boats, which can help extend the operational life of the boat. Aluminum boats offers all these advantages while still maintaining a comparable weight to fiberglass boats and therefore provide similar speed, fuel burn and seakeeping.

Aluminum Boats: Debunking the Myths

Myth: An aluminum boat will corrode from electrolysis overtime.

Fact: A certain amount of galvanic corrosion is unavoidable, but a properly galvanically protected aluminum boat will not suffer more than surface corrosion during its lifetime. Silver Ships conducts galvanic testing during all builder’s sea-trials. We only deliver a boat once it has been determined to be in the galvanic protected range.

Additionally, marine grade aluminum is more resistant to galvanic corrosion than other aluminum alloys. Silver Ships uses only 5086 alloy Marine Grade Aluminum plate for our vessels, as it is the highest quality marine grade alloy. For further protection, we often include galvanic monitors that continually check if a boat is still in the protected range once in operation. Silver Ships has installed several of these for past customers.

Myth: Aluminum boats are loud.

Fact: A properly built aluminum hull with a true keel and welded frames is no louder than a fiberglass boat. This common misconception comes from low-end aluminum skiffs built from thin aluminum sheets that are riveted together, or a welded aluminum boat lacking enough welding to secure the hull and side shell to the hull structure.

Myth: Aluminum has a higher carbon footprint than fiberglass.

Fact: A well-built aluminum boat will last a lifetime if properly maintained. Aluminum boats require less overall maintenance than their fiberglass (or wood) counterparts. This makes aluminum more sustainable than fiberglass over the lifetime of the vessel. Plus, aluminum boats can be easily and cost effectively recycled at the end of their useful life to become other aluminum products.

Myth: Fiberglass boats look better and have a unique hull shape that benefits the ride.

Fact: Fiberglass boats can be molded into any shape. However, using modern 3D CAD software and robotic routers, modern aluminum boats can be built into more unique hull shapes than in the past. Additionally, aluminum boats can be designed and affordably built as a custom “one off” vessel unique to the customer’s needs. Every fiberglass boat requires an expensive mold that makes it unaffordable to build just one boat.

Aluminum Boats: Everything You Need To Know

Tin Boats: As Light As A Feather

Aluminum boats (aka tin boats) offer a wide range of uses from fishing to entertainment, sports, and recreation, to day trips for both experienced and novice boaters. They have excellent riding characteristics, and because aluminum boats are often light, they are often speedy even with a lower-powered engine. Tin boats typically range between eight and twenty-four feet.

What Activities Are Aluminum Boats Used For?

As far as family day boats on calm or inshore waters are concerned – aluminum boats are a great choice and ideal if you’re a beginner just getting into boating. This is because they are very easy to run and operate with great maneuverability and handling. Consider choosing a smaller model if you intend to use the boat as a learning platform.

Recreation is vital for our self-fulfillment and happiness. Anybody who spends time on the water gets that little bit more disconnected from the ‘on-the-go-24/7’ culture that we have created. On a small to mid-sized aluminum boat passengers are close to the water, and often feel more connected to the natural habitat around them. Plus, many aluminum boats with adequate power can even be used for casual tubing, skiing and wakeboarding or water skiing. Every moment you’re on a tube or wakeboard is a moment less spent on your phone. Of course, if you’re serious about wakeboarding and water skiing you’ll want to look into a dedicated wake boat, but for families looking for all-around versatility and ease-of-use, aluminum boats can often prove more than enough.

Tin boats are a favorite among freshwater and saltwater anglers who find it easy to target shallow-water bass or crappie, salmon, trout, panfish, and catfish in lakes and rivers on these boats (due to their shallow draft and lightweight construction). There is ample storage aboard to customize your boat for a day of fishing, and expert anglers can buy a boat ready-made with rod racks, livewells, and castings decks.

As aluminum fishing boats are lightweight and easy-to-handle they are a popular choice for boat owners that frequently cruise and fish in shallow inland waters. However, they do come in a variety of hull shapes, sizes and designs. Flat bottom utility boats made of aluminum are ideal for hunting, hauling lumber up streams and rivers and other tasks. These types of aluminum boats actually sit on top of the water, due to their flat shape underneath, as opposed to cruising through it like other aluminum boat hull shapes. These boats are often used for bass fishing, catfishing and similar types of species and habitats by specialized anglers. They are easy to maneuver and help to get you through tighter spots. If you do bump the boat on a stump, log or rock, you can rest assured that any dents are easy to repair, unlike fiberglass.

Top Ten Reasons to Choose Alumacraft:

1. A Greater Selection of Boat Sizes

Choose from 20' 8" long, high-performance, deep-V boats to 10' flat-bottom jon boats. Alumacraft boats are available in a huge selection of sizes, shapes and styles for an endless variety of uses and budgets. You name it, we’ve got it.

2. The Alumacraft Ride

Pros call it "the Alumacraft Ride," and these guys have driven virtually every boat on the market. They tell us the Alumacraft Ride is drier, quieter, smoother and more responsive. Experience the exceptional ride of an Alumacraft—it doesn’t get any better.

3. Superior 2XB Aquadynamic Deep V Hull

The aqua-dynamic surface of our gull-wing-shaped design results in quicker planning, better handling and superior boat control in even the harshest of weather conditions. Full-length double plating means twice the strength and protection all the way to the transom (bow only on select models), dramatically reduce sound and vibration, and there’s minimal flexing that can adversely affect handling.

4. Industry-Leading Mod V and Flat Bottom Jon Hull

The all-welded and riveted jons can take a pounding. The heavy-gauge aluminum and stronger and wider ribs, make the entire boat tougher and more rigid. Ribs are positioned on narrow 12” centers. This results in more ribs making the hull stronger the entire length of the boat.

5. One-Piece Hull Construction

One-piece construction delivers superior strength over the competition’s two-piece hulls. The seamless hull allows for proper keel placement assuring the prop turns in pure non-aerated water.

6. Heavier Gauge Aluminum

All Alumacraft boats, whether it’s the all-welded jons or one of the riveted tournament models, are made with heavy-gauge, top-quality, 5052 marine-grade aluminum. That’s why you see Alumacraft boats that have been on the water for years and years. They last longer.

7. All-Aluminum Transom

All-aluminum transoms are lighter and 130% stronger than wood transoms. The stronger transom minimizes racking and vibration, providing a more durable mounting surface for today’s larger, more powerful outboards.

8. Larger Aircraft-Grade Rivets

Inherent strength is greater with larger rivets. Larger rivets mean stronger rivets. Stronger rivets mean fewer rivets are needed. Fewer rivets mean fewer holes need to be drilled, significantly reducing the chance of ever popping a rivet.

9. Highest Quality Paint Job

Automotive-quality Base Coat/Clear Coat paint is stronger and more resistant to fading from ultraviolet light. Even damage like dock rash or scratches can be easily repaired without having to repaint the whole side of the boat.

10. An Overall Better Fit and Finish

Look real close. You’ll see a tighter fit, smooth, even welds, larger rivets, and precision construction throughout. These are boats you’ll be proud to call your own. Better Built, Better Ride, Better Value.

Boats Life Span: How Long Do Boats Last? Precisely Answered Including All Boat TypesYou know that boats typically float on water and stay in moist environments most of the time. Won’t it damage the boat, reducing the boat’s life? How long do boats last? First, let’s see the average life span of boats.On average, boats last around 10 to 25 years. But, the life span can vary from 5 years to as high as 100 years (for big ships), depending mainly on the materials used in construction and how often the boat is subjected to regular maintenance. The Boat’s usage is also vital in deciding the life span.So, a boat can last from as little as 5 years to up to 100 years or more. However, the top figures are only applicable for big boats (ships), not for small boats. Sometimes the boat may not even last for few years if it is poorly maintained.