So , I am selling my old kingfisher and LTB a 16-18' flat bottom jonboat. I have a small lake (private) on my place an do not need a motor, just a trolling motor, which i have, I cant seem to find anyone willing (dealer wise) who wants to sell me just the boat,
am i missing something LOL..
any advice is appreciated..

Buy the boat/motor combo and sell the motor?

motor boats require one. most used ones will have one. finding one with a junk motor is possible. finding one without one is unlikely.

Before the virus small new and used jon boats were all over the place here in Oregon and Washington you could by them with no motor easily. Most of the dealers sold out all their inventory in early 2020 on jon boats, waverunner/jet ski. They have had inventory problems since. Demand far exceeds supplies. I suspect they are trying to make the most money on each boat they get by selling with a motor since backorders are so common now.

Just going to add... if you can get a hold of marine plywood and good with your hands 12 - 14 ft jon boats are not that hard to make, just takes a little time. You might even find a youtube or 2 on the subject.

quote:

Originally posted by Jelly:
Before the virus small new and used jon boats were all over the place here in Oregon and Washington you could by them with no motor easily. Most of the dealers sold out all their inventory in early 2020 on jon boats, waverunner/jet ski. They have had inventory problems since. Demand far exceeds supplies. I suspect they are trying to make the most money on each boat they get by selling with a motor since backorders are so common now.

I'm in southwest Illinois and that seems like the situation here also. I checked the ads just now and very little is available. Did you try putting a want ad out for one? It may be that people aren't thinking about selling right now but would if they had a buyer. You don't specify whether you are looking for new or used and what your price range is.

I would also check the government surplus auction sites. Have seen many 14-20' john boats offered; many from military installations. Rarely are the offered with trailers or motors.

I have been looking at these:
www.minidrifter.com.
I like how light they are.
But they are john boat like, not a true john boat.

Craigslist, Facebook marketplace?

Craigslist is your friend, as is a larger dealer or sporting goods store. Around here, Bass Pro, and even the hated Dick's sell canoes, kayaks and jonboats.

quote:

Originally posted by Jelly:
Just going to add... if you can get a hold of marine plywood and good with your hands 12 - 14 ft jon boats are not that hard to make, just takes a little time. You might even find a youtube or 2 on the subject.

I've saved this link for about 25 years. Thought I would share http://www.butlerprojects.com/...ontanapram/index.htm

quote:

Originally posted by Jelly:
Just going to add... if you can get a hold of marine plywood and good with your hands 12 - 14 ft jon boats are not that hard to make, just takes a little time. You might even find a youtube or 2 on the subject.

And a case of Flex Seal Paste an all you need is some screen doors and a spackling tool!

Best bet is facebook marketplace and craigslist.

LOL, thanks fellas, I did run a CL add and a FB add, I did not think about Covid affecting this. I like the grizzly 17' but they are 4k new and I am trying to spemd just a grand.

SUPER liknks by the way, I will cheeck those out,

SHawn

Due to covid everyone, their brother, sister and cousins all bought new boats to go fishing this year - while many factories making those boats were shut down (see everyone out fishing). Dealer stock is sold and factory ordered boats are 6+ months out (if they'll even let you order - according to my buddy some brands aren't even taking new orders for this year).

Used boats are going for a HUGE premium up here. Small jon boat style craft can't be found for any price (duck hunting was as busy as fishing). Fish populations are getting hammered.

True dat ^^^ . There are a few popping up now and then on the online sale sites, but you have to be quick on the draw!

Strangely the dealer next to where I work has stacks of Jon boats for sale.

Probably because that's the only way dealers can get engines, and they don't have engines sitting at year end......Right now a buddy has a 2 month wait for a new pair of Yamaha 225's......

You just have to keep checking around on dealers on the internet.