Hey guys, in a dilemma, need some help. i'm debating between a 14' flat bottom jon boat vs. a 14' v hull. i want to use this particular boat for retrieving cripples, hunting some small rivers and a shallow lake/bay.. The v- hull cuts through the waves better than a flat bottom boat and when the boat is stationary, the boat is more stable in waves. flat bottom boats will slap the waves harder when you are relocating on a wavy lake, causing more water to enter the boat.. A 'v' bow entry on a flatbottom hull eliminates one of the greatest advantage to having a flatbottom. for a flatbottom to work well in seas, you must induce exaggerated transom lift, you must press the bow on the surface to the point where it fully recovers on the second cycle on otherwise flat water..
That jon boat won't require near as much work to keep decent. unless it's an aluminum v-hull, you may have to deal with rot (if it has wood encapsulated transom, floor etc) and gel-coat issues. you may get better fuel economy with the jon boat also due to weight and bottom shape.. If you troll more that sit and anchor to fish then go with a v-hull. jon boats are better suited for getting to your spot and then anchoring. this is why guys stand and cast so they can see into the water when fishing shallows so having a stable flat boat is ideal.. Boat building q & a: (jon boat, v-hull, tinny, dingy) michael lopez. buying your first aluminum fishing boat? must-know tips! tbnation - duration: 12:42. michael lopez 14,421 views..
