jon boat
I have one, a crestliner 1236 its 11'8" i think, with a 500lb total capacity including motor. Last year i bought a new motor, a 9.9 suzuki four stroke electric start, and i also carry a small battery to start it with. The motor is heavy, i think almost 100lbs and then 30lbs of gas at least. I routinely take my gf and brother and sometimes sister in it on a small sheltered lake that remains calm almost always. I used to run a 2 stroke 9.9 johnson that was alot lighter and fit the boat better, but i wanted a newer motor, so i upgraded. I think i would go back to a 2 stroke next time though...alot easier to lift!
The lake is so small im usually no more than 2 minutes from any shore if the weather got nasty. I also had it on the Slave river off of slave lake with three of us and a cooler and two tackle boxes and equipment with no issues and i felt safe in it.
The problem is that bad weather comes quick and hits hard and if you arent on or within a couple minutes of a shoreline you are in BIG trouble. These boats sit low in the water and it doesnt take much for the waves to start coming in..
That said, pick your battles, stick to small lakes, close to the shoreline and be prepared to spend some time on a shoreline in the rain and wind, time your outings wisely, and allow plenty of time to get back while the weather looks good. Any small craft can be dangererous if you make it.
I love mine and wouldnt trade it for anything!
Stable as ever, lightweight, and bulletproof.
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