Jon Boat Stability Questions

Another thing to consider is the use of a GPS lock motor, which is used by some fisherman to hold position. Fast and simple compared to using two anchors to minimize swing. But I don't have any experience with these myself, and don't know what their limitations are.

 

I was thinking of a Power-Pole Micro

 

These are really stable. You can stand with your feet against the side of the bottom and it won't capsize. The price is not bad either.
https://www.westmarine.com/west-marine-watertender-9.4-dinghy-11985504.html

 

Stake-Out poles are probably better then GPS lock in shallow water, if within their depth limit. They and anchors cannot be used on public Rivers where the land underneath the water is owned by private landowners in the USA. Stake poles protrude upward when not in use and might have to be removed from their holders when there's tree branches overhanging River waters.

 

Interesting .

 

I would consider a Frog Boat as shown. They have detachable sponsons, light weight and CHEAP, Will accommodate a 1.9 kw motor--- 2 1/2 hp motor. Stable, no trailer. Check them out on
You Tube

https://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/956000/28409334/1614644413893/The-Frog-Boat-Brochure-2021.pdf

OR
Some interesting possibilities and discussion here
Best Fly Fishing Boats: Catch More Fish With A Boat 2025 https://troutandsteelhead.net/fly-fishing-boats/

I especially like the stand up pontoon, (I know that you did not want an inflatable) as the seats are high and comfortable and the stability unmatched.

 

It doesn't look that cheap; particularly if you add the sponsons and other attachments.

 

1400 Canadian dollars and the OP is in Canada so no tariffs

He is considering a Vancouver Island Lifetimer boat so the freight should be cheaper with the Frog as it has lower volume for shipping and is lighter

 

Are you referring to the inflated collar being water tight or the joint between the rigid hull and the inflated collar?

 

Costco in Canada used to carry the Frog boat, a few years back, but I don't know the current status. I had forgotten about this FB design which would have a great advantage if a lot of time will be spent standing up. My expectations, it would be slow even at full power because of the four appendage drags adding to the hull drag. Probably not as good as other designs that have a stand-up lean bar for support as referenced in the second link. Single hull wide raft designs might be better for River applications, because of the moving water and Rapids where they can slide through more easily without hanging up. Rapids often have just below the surface hidden boulders- where the appendage parts or a second pontoon hull can get caught in between. North Fork Outdoors generally gets poor customer service ratings on the various fly fishing forums, but that may have improved somewhat in the more recent postings.

 

LOL

 

I have some experience with small, aluminum jon boats. The one I remember was a 10 ft one which was used as an engineless tender at the marina I worked at.

It leaked and was quite treacherous when stepped aboard.

I had to use it so frequently that I was motivated to try to improve it. On my break, I chewed a bunch of gum and stuffed it under the loose rivets. After a few of these sessions, it no longer leaked. Next, I found a cinder block and placed it amidship.

With these two changes, the boat became so stable that I could step off the dock onto the middle seat with no fear of an unscheduled swim.

My present boat is a 10 by 3 ft sailing scow of my own design. I often stand up on its bottom to paddle it out into the lake to set sail. It was never intended to be propelled in this manner, but in calm water it works quite well.