11 Best Jon Boats in 2023

This jon boat from Sea Ark gives the other performance boats a run for their money. It’s wider and yet so maneuverable, fast and spacious too.

With 90 horses pushing the RX180, it flies over the water. It’s immediately clear that this boat is meant to run. It also has an impressive turning radius for getting in and out of tight spots.

With 1328 pounds of combined weight it can still fly, but because of its extra width there’s a stability that matches. So bowfishing from the front deck, which can rock any boat, aint gonna cause too many problems for standup hunters.

There are two fold down, swivel fishing seats with pedestal mounts and an extra wide bench seat aft of the console.

The package includes bilge pump, wiring for trolling motor, 12 volt and USB plug, transducer bracket and LED lights.

Because there are so many features, this one doesn’t need to be customized.

This Jon Boat is a multi-use craft disguised as a fishing boat. The L1648 M is designed as a solid fishing stage (like all the best Lowe fishing boats) but with a modified V-hull, high HP capacity and available modifications this boat can serve many purposes.

The updated hull design makes this Jon able to cope with some rougher water than most flat-hulled boats in its class. In proper water conditions and with the right motor the L1648 M could quickly go from fisher to sports boat.

Beyond versatility, there is very little limit to the upgrades that can be modded to this craft. Go bare bones or upgrade endlessly.

For its intended purpose, Lowe has built a stout vessel. The L1648 M is long-lasting and tough with its riveted aluminum and reinforced construction. Of noticeable mention are the formed transom corners, designed to ensure a more secure motor mount.

The Crestliner 1860 series of Jon boats are manufactured to engage enthusiasts on multiple fronts, with each iteration building on the previous in both specs and features. Versatile is an excellent one-word description for these vessels.

The basic Crestliner 1860 Retriever is a bare-bones Jon boat labeled a fish and duck-hunting vessel. The Retriever Deluxe adds some features but from there, the Retriever Center Console (CC) and Side Console (SC) up the ante with improved accessories to include driver control stations.

In addition to each boat’s included perks, there are even more accessories available from which customers can choose. Whatever set-up an angler or hunter is looking for it seems the Crestliner 1860 has some decent options.

Made of rugged UV-stabilized Fortiflex high-density polyethylene, the Sun Dolphin Pro 120 is sturdy, lightweight, and comes stocked with plenty of features for that perfect weekend fishing trip.

Its tri-hull design delivers superior stability and control while the carpeted casting decks offer better grip and less slip, not to mention sparing your butt a scolding on hot days.

It features two padded swivel seats so your friend can tag along, dual storage compartments to keep things organized and at hand, as well as a built-in cooler.

Besides coming with an auxiliary battery compartment, the Pro 120 is also pre-wired for a bow-mounted electric trolling motor. And because this jon boat was made for fishing, it offers conveniently located fishing rod holders, an aerated livewell to keep your catch fresh, and navigation lights so you can extend your fishing trip until late hours.

Boaters looking for an aluminum craft that can multitask on the water should check out the SeaArk 2072 VJ. This is an adaptation of SeaArk boats existing mod-V Jon boat, which they’ve remodeled to a 15º V-hull for better control in rougher waters.

This boat has a much sturdier skin (literally) compared with others in its class. The SeaArk 2072 VJ has thicker hull aluminum, a more robust keel and an over-sized cap rail with an accessory track. Start adding accessories (there are MANY to choose from) and this boat really begins to stand out.

It’s ready for fishing, hunting and every utility application, but SeaArk Boats  also presents a solid swimming and water sports platform in the 2072 VJ. Choose a larger outboard from their wide selection, then add their stainless steel swimming ladder and you are ready to play!

Created by Tracker as a bowfishing boat the Grizzly 2072 CC Sportsman is capable of being so much more. Would the average fisher find this Jon boat appealing? Certainly, as would sight-seers, gig-fishers, other hunters and boat aficionados.

Suitable for both fresh and saltwater, the Stalker MV 120 is a very compact, stable, and convenient Jon Boat—perfect for that father and son fishing trip. This little utility boat won’t excite, as it’s a leisure craft designed for cruising slowly and a bit of DIY, but it serves its purpose solidly.

This boat is pre-wired for a transom mounted electric trolling motor–maxing out at 5hp–though it could likely take a little more.

It features two non-removable swivel seats, ample storage under the deck, and a slightly modified V-bow design for added stability when navigating through choppy waters.

An American 12 Jon Fishing Boat is a simple chassis that you can build the angling vessel you’ve always wanted. This affordable boat is for the fisherman with some DIY chops or willing to add features over a few years’ time.

Boasting a heavy-duty deck and hull construction, two large bench-style seats, built-in motor mounts, battery storage, and four rod holder locations, the American 12 is a simple but suitable Jon boat for those into fishing and duck hunting.

Mount a trolling motor in the bow or stern, add swivel chairs and livewells along with a cooler. There is plywood just underneath the surface (polyethylene) of the benches, which make it easy to fasten removable chairs or other mods.

One of the best jon boats for fishing on shallow waters, the Lowe L1852MT Aura boasts a rugged aluminum construction, a wide-open layout, and ample space for up to six people. With a total max capacity of 1443, it can be used in so many ways.

With the amount of weight this one can handle, there’s plenty of customizations that are possible. The bow fishing platform is big enough for two or for a swivel seat, for example.

Some of the optional features include a pedestal seat base, a gravity-fed livewell, and a trolling motor mount. Additionally, this Lowe boat‘s side console helm might appeal to boaters looking for more versatile activities like cruising or water skiing.

Roomy, durable, and highly functional fishing jon boat featuring a rotomolded side console, hence the SC on its name, a 9-gallon aerated livewell, as well as seating for up to three people.

The Grizzly 1754 SC is also pre-wired to accept a trolling motor and as a Tracker jon boat, it comes with welded-in, foam-filled interior side walls along with a thick aluminum floor ensuring structural strength and a quieter ride.

In addition, port side rod holders, a sport steering wheel, and LED navigation lights to help you on your nocturnal adventures. And a bilge pump is also included in the package.

With a 60 hp motor, expect between 30-38 mph. To crack the 40 mph marker, max out to 75 hp. But a 60 will still plane and motor impressively with 3-4 people plus gear.

Our next jon boat from Lowe features a flat square-shaped bow along with a 15” transom, therefore offering fishermen plenty of room to get out there comfortably and get the job done.

Plus, two bench seats, two oar lock mounts for your paddling oars, and thoughtful details like transom corner caps and formed-in keels. The latter paired with the entirely flat hull bottom provide great floatation in very skinny waters.

If you’re serious about duck hunting on shallow waters, you’ll appreciate what the F-4 Pro Hull 1754 brings to the table. It’s a little different than other jon boats here, as it can go even shallower than any other when armed with it’s mud motor.

Designed to give duck hunters exactly what they want—a light, tough, and quick vessel—the original duck boat step deck transom boat comes standard with a low or high front deck, optimal 17-degree transoms for superior mud motor trim control, and a reinforced floor that allows you to navigate through skinny waters effortlessly.

Also, a fold-down stand-up bar with three height adjustments as well as twin LED navigation lights to guide you on your night expeditions.

The high transom and long sponson pods makes it plane above the water quickly. With a mud motor that draws no more than the flat hull, the F-4 can drive through any swamp or marsh without damaging the prop.