Johnboat
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A johnboat[1] or jon boat[2][3] is a flat-bottomed boat[4] constructed of aluminum, fiberglass, wood, or polyethelene with one, two, or three seats, usually bench type. They are suitable for fishing, hunting and cruising. The nearly flat hull of a johnboat tends to ride over the waves rather than cut through them as a V-hull might; this shallow draft – only a few inches[4] – enables the johnboat to operate in very shallow water,[5] but limits its use to calm waters. Johnboats typically have a transom onto which an outboard motor can be mounted. They are simple, easy to maintain, and inexpensive, though with many options to upgrade. Typical options may include live wells/bait wells, side or center consoles, factory-installed decks and floors, electrical wiring, accessory pads/mountings, and casting and poling platforms.
Johnboats are available commercially between 8 and 24 feet (2.4 and 7.3 m)[4] long and 32 to 60 inches (81 to 152 cm) wide, though custom sizes may be found. The design includes an open hull, without a bilge, leaving the ribs exposed. Many users choose to cover the ribs, producing a flat, level surface.
The Wasserwacht branch of the German Red Cross has chosen johnboats for their civil protection units for use during floods.
History
[edit]In the late 19th century, flat-bottom boats became popular in the Ozarks, being ideal for traversing the shallow waters in the Missouri Valley.[6][7][8]
These vessels were found useful for float fishing, duck hunting and carrying timber. Visiting tourists and travelers enjoyed the idea of flat-bottomed boats, as they could fish standing up and did not have to fear tipping over.
References
[edit]- ^ Merriam Webster Dictionary
- ^ 313 CMR, § 11.09 - General Rules and Regulations for the Protection of Watersheds and Watershed System. Massachusetts Regulations. Adopted by Mass Register Issue 1333, eff. 2/24/2017. Amended by Mass Register Issue 1485, eff. 12/23/2022. Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute. Retrieved 20 April 2026.
- ^ Rowley, Phil (2021). The Orvis Guide to Stillwater Trout Fishing. Guilford, CT: Lyons Press. p. 48. ISBN 978-1-4930-4005-6.
- ^ a b c "Aluminum Fishing Boat". Discover Boating. National Marine Manufacturers Association. n.d. Retrieved 7 March 2020.
- ^ "Shallow Water Boats: 7 Tips for Boating in Shallow Water". Discover Boating. National Marine Manufacturers Association. May 2017. Retrieved 7 March 2020.
- ^ McNeil, W. K. (1995). Ozark Country. Univ. Press of Mississippi. ISBN 978-1-60473-817-9.
- ^ Getchell, David (1994). The Outboard Boater's Handbook: Advanced Seamanship and Practical Skills. McGraw Hill Professional. ISBN 978-0-07-023053-8.
- ^ Everts-Boehm, Dana (1991). "The Ozark Johnboat: Its History, Form, and Functions".
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