Canoe or jon boat?

[kmon35]

I just sold my motor boat, and am looking to replace it with something smaller. I need it to fit on top of a pop up camper or vehicle.

I have been looking at canoes, jon boats and aluminum boats. I have 2 girls, 8 and 1, and my wife and me. I am not tiny, so it needs to have a good weight rating.

I would use it primarily on high mountain lakes, which are generally smaller than here on the front range. I have read the canoe post on here and looked at the ones suggested.

Throw some opinions at me. What do you have, and do you like it....Thanks.

[Mike Boyle]

If you're interested I know where you can get a 16' (I think that's how long it is) Coleman canoe really cheap! It hasn't seen water in a long time, but its been stored under a carport and out of the sun so its still in good shape.

[CSP]

I am not tiny, so it needs to have a good weight rating.

That's something that really is of no concern with a canoe. My run-of-the-mill aluminum, fifteen footer has a 750lb capacity.

[Yota]

With the kids present, you may want to consider stability too. I suspect the jon boat would be a bit more stable and would also give you the option of adding a motor (not sure how that works unless you trailer it tho).

The downside is that it's much harder for 2 people to row a jon boat the way you do in a canoe because the thing is wider. You'd probably end up row-boating your family around. :eek: :D

[kmon35]

yota, you just hit my biggest dilema. I love paddling a canoe, but am worried about stability. I can put an electric motor on a jon boat, but now there is more to carry, and will the battery last on a 4 day trip.

Keep them comming, I want to hear some experiences in both if possible.

[mtn WJ]

http://www.pelicansport.com/index.php?language=en&category=canoes&nauticalboat=canoessportrecreational

I bought one of these a couple years ago. Mine is called a Pelican GameFisher and they now call them Bayou 160 or Bayou Sports. Pelican makes the Coleman Canoes and the Coleman version is called a Coleman Scanoe.

I have 3 kids and I am a pretty big guy myself. We fit four in it all the time. I put it on top of my WJ to drive it to the lakes in the mountains. I also have a 35lbs motor and use a 900 plus amp Blue Top. I can go at least 4-5 hours almost continuous. Still have not killed the battery. I charge the battery off of my Jeep by swapping it with the Red Top. Someday i will complete the dual battery idea I have and make a quick disconnect for the Blue Top. I need the two batteries for my Ready Welder and the Canoe. I will also use it for a back up in my Pop Up.

These things are heavy as far as canoes go. About 150lbs. Two people can move it with out much of a problem and my oldest son at 15 can help me put it on the roof of a lifted Grand Cherokee. Not a traditional Canoe according to some crowds but perfect for my use.

It is big but can still be paddeld around in lakes where motors even electric are not allowed. Typically it is just two of us paddeling with four in the Canoe.

As far as the Colorado Mountains go I suggest this over a John Boat.

I actually bought mine off of this board. I see them often on Craigslist. They cost 700-900 new depending on where you go. Used you see them range from about 300 on up in good shape. Mine is a 2003 or 2004 and I got a really good deal on it.

Good Luck Keith