I've decided I'm going to get/build my first boat

Here is what I'm thinking:
Boat: Basic Jon Boat (aluminum, riveted, probably used)
Length: 12' or 14'
Width: 32" or 36"
Motor: 13hp Predator from Harbor Freight or 16hp Duromax from Maxtools
Drivline: surface drive, longtail or shorttail
Use: Fishing and Duck Hunting (mostly deep water, but occasionally gravel riverbed)
Passengers: 2 adults, chocolate lab & gear. Occasionally 3 adults
Budget: $2,000 (stop laughing)

I'd like to get opinions on which drive type to use based on how the boat will be used. I am planning on building the driveline myself, but have also looked at some of the longtail kits (sps, mud-skipper, etc...). Given the fact that I'm not trying to plow through a bunch of mud, just the occasional low spot in the river which has a gravel bed, how would you build this boat on a budget?

I would love to have a real duck boat (go-devil, mud-buddy, xpress, etc...) with a big v-twin on the back, but at this point, I'd like to cut my teeth on a cheap boat and upgrade in a few years.

Thanks for any advise.
-Erik

Go 14x36 if that's your only choices

36" just seems to be the most common in my neck of the woods. I'd love to go wider, but I don't think I can source anything locally over 36" wide for cheap.

Just my opinion, save ur money and get what you really want down the road. 2,000 isnt gonna go as far as you think.

I would get the mud skipper kit from backwater if I were you, save up for a couple more months and get ya a used jon and roll out. Gonna be a little over budget though

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

Might try to get one of the larger sneak boats that pop up in the classifieds every once in a while they usually sell for around 2k

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

Go to a 14 ft minimum. I started with a 12 and quickly went to a 14. I have about 6-7k in mine with a surface drive and a bunch of other goodies. It was a new boat and motor though.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Seems doable. I would look for a 16', should be able to find a used one for cheap. I'm sure there are plenty of older GDLT that can be had for a grand or less. Might take a little looking but I bet you can find what you need.

I think I've decided to go with at least a 14' jon boat. Based on my use described in the original post, what type of lower unit should I build, Surface Drive, Longtail, Shorttail?

Thanks,
-E

14-36 with a 16hp longtail for your buget. not going to be a speed boat but beats walking.