Are you in the market for a fishing boat, considering an upgrade, or just want to expand your nautical knowledge? This article will tell you everything you need to know about the most popular types of fishing boats—jon boats, bass boats, and center console boats. Fishing boat styles vary based on the type of fish they were designed to angle, water they were made to navigate, and level of luxury. The price range for fishing boats is extremely broad, but we’ll give you an idea of the price range for each type of fishing boat.
Jon Boats
Aside from an unpowered fishing boat like a kayak, the jon boat is the simplest and most affordable fishing boat. A jon boat is a small, aluminum boat with a flat bottom and square bow. Jon boats range from 8 feet to 20 feet and can accommodate 2-6 people depending on size.
Jon boats are light, weighing as little as 200 pounds, so they are not equipped for rough waters or high speeds. Jon boats can be powered by a small outboard motor or a trolling motor that are steered manually from the back of the boat. They are built for function rather than comfort. They are compact and most models have hard bench seating.
What are Jon boats used for?
Jon boats are used for fishing, hunting, and leisurely cruising in rivers, lakes, or calm ocean waters. They are good for duck hunting, bowfishing, and any kind of freshwater or brackish fishing (as long as you don’t hook anything big enough to tip the boat). Jon boats are a popular choice for people that just want to get out on the water and don’t care about the bells and whistles.
Advantages of a Jon Boat
There are two major advantages to jon boats: affordability and ease of transport. Jon boats are small and light, so they can be pulled by just about any vehicle or even put in the bed of a pickup truck. They are great for beginner fisherman and young fisherman who want an affordable fishing boat to start out with. Additionally, jon boats are capable of functioning in shallow water which could be an important factor depending on your intended use.
Jon Boat Price
You can find a used jon boat for less than $1,000 while new jon boats can range from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on size and features. If you purchase a jon boat, it’s entirely possible that you will spend more money on an engine and gear than you will on the boat itself.
Bass Boats
A bass boat is what most people picture when they think of a freshwater fishing boat. They are sleek and low to the water. Their aerodynamic design enables them to reach high speeds. Bass boats vary drastically in appearance from full camouflage to bright glittery colors. They are typically between 16 and 25 feet and can fit 2-4 passengers.
Bass boats have two motors–a regular outboard motor and a trolling motor. The outboard motor is used to cover distances and is controlled with a steering wheel. Bass boats glide quickly across the water, reaching speeds as high as 75 mph. The trolling motor is used to move slowly through the water or work against the current to keep the boat in one place. Trolling motors are useful for fishing because they are quiet and do not create a wake, so they don’t scare off fish. As the name indicates, bass boats are mostly used for bass fishing. A bass boat with a trolling motor can get you close to the shore and in tight spots where bass tend to gather.
Bass Boat Price
Prices vary based on size and features, but new bass boats usually cost between $20,000 and $60,000, and higher end bass boats can cost up to $100,000.
What’s the Difference Between a Bass Boat and a Jon Boat?
Bass boats are similar to jon boats in a number of ways—they are used for freshwater fishing (and sometimes hunting) and can only accommodate a few people at a time. However, bass boats are more comfortable, faster, and have several additional features that make them superior to jon boats.
Cushioned swivel chairs enable you to cast in all directions and make for a more comfortable fishing experience, especially when you’re out on the water for hours. Their speed makes them ideal for tournament fishing and for anyone who wants to get from one fishing spot to another quickly. They have storage compartments, live wells, and many bass boats come with extra features such as a fish finder or GPS.
Center Console Boats
Center console boats are versatile fishing boats with a steering console located in the center and seating in the front and back. The size range of center console boats is about 18-40 feet, and they can accommodate 4-8 fisherman depending on size.
Captains have great visibility from their central position, which is important because these boats can go fast. Center consoles have 2-4 powerful outboard motors, and some models go over 100 mph. The console is typically covered which provides some shade.
Advantages of Center Console Boats
Center console boats are versatile. They can be used for freshwater and saltwater fishing. They are heavier and have a deeper hull than bass boats and jon boats, which enables them to handle waves and rough water. They are comfortable, so they are a practical choice if you want a fishing boat that can be used for leisure as well.
The center console design is ideal for fishing in a group or utilizing multiple rods at the same time. With room to walk around on all sides, fisherman can move around with ease (which is especially helpful if you hook a fighter) and several lines can be in the water without tangling.
Center console boats have live wells, outriggers, and plenty of storage space. They are used to angle everything from small freshwater fish to big saltwater game like sharks and marlin. They are ideal for serious fisherman and fisherman who want a boat that gives them the freedom to fish in basically any setting.
Center Console Boat Price
Extremely high-end, large center console boats can cost upwards of a million dollars. These luxury fishing machines come equipped with top-of-the-line motors, extra features, and amenities such as sleeping cabins and bathrooms. For those of us that aren’t millionaires, you can find a used center console boat for as little as $15,000 and popular new models in the mid-size range are around $100,000.
Find the Perfect Boat at Bunch Marine
When it comes to finding the boat of your dreams, nobody does it better than Bunch Marine. For over 60 years, we have been helping people like you find a boat that meets their needs for a great price. We have a massive inventory of used and new fishing boats, pontoon boats, wake and ski boats, and bowriders for you to choose from. We carry top brands including Lowe, Caymas, Monterey, Phoenix, Southbay, and Vexus. Our knowledgeable staff provides great customer service from the browsing stage until your new boat hits the water.
Contact us today and spend this summer enjoying your new boat! You can call us at (865)376-7227 or email sales@bunchmarine.com to speak directly with a member of our team.