Jon boats are excellent vessels for venturing through freshwater, especially calm bodies of water like rivers, streams, small lakes, etc. However, at some point, many of us end up wondering “can Jon boats go in saltwater?”
Although they’re not specifically created for the conditions found in saltwater, you can still take a Jon boat on a trip in saltwater if you’re careful enough, follow safety precautions, and optimize your Jon boat for these kinds of waters!
If you want to find out more about using Jon boats in saltwater and the conditions necessary to do it safely, the following guide will have you covered.
Are Jon Boats Safe to Use in Saltwater?
The problem with Jon boats is that they’re designed with flat bottoms that create a very shallow draft.
This structure means that Jon boats ride over the water rather than inside it, especially when compared to other vessels with a v-shaped hull and curved bottom.
The flat design of the boat makes it quite unstable when faced with choppy water with high interval waves like the ones found in oceans, large salt lakes, and seas.
However, if you’re careful and know your way around saltwater, you can still navigate with Jon boat through saltwater.
However, for your safety, you should always pick better suited boats for saltwater boating over Jon boats whenever possible.
Are Jon Boats Stable Enough for Saltwater Boating?
As previously mentioned, Jon boats aren’t suitable for choppy waters, which is more common in saltwater than freshwater bodies, especially as you sail far off from the shore.
Saltwater requires a vessel that is optimized for handling turbulence and rough changes in conditions and climate.
A boat with a V-shaped bow will cut through the waves and make it easier to navigate. On the other hand, during high turbulence and waves, you may not be able to control a Jon boat properly.
Will Saltwater Damage a Jon Boat?
In addition to stability, another major concern that many anglers and Jon boat owners have is the nature of saltwater itself.
Since most Jon boats are made of aluminum, saltwater can speed up its corrosion process, which may damage the boat in the long run.
Although this is true, if you take good care of your Jon boat and maintain it properly before and after use in saltwater, you shouldn’t worry much about it.
What Type of Jon Boats is Best for Saltwater Boating?
Since there are some variations of Jon boats out there, some of them can be more suitable for saltwater boating than others.
For example, it’s quite inconvenient to take a completely flat Jon boat to saltwater because the height and frequency of the waves will make it very difficult to control the boat and quite uncomfortable as well.
Mod V Jon Boat
The best kind of Jon boat to be used in saltwater boating is the modified v-shaped Jon boat, also known as “mod v Jon Boat”.
Similar to regular saltwater boats, this one has a relatively flat bottom and a rectangular shape. However, both the bottom and the bow of the vessel are slightly curved in a v-shaped construction in order to handle the turbulence of the water easily.
Modification To Help Your Jon Boat Handle the Rough Saltwater
In addition to choosing the right type of Jon Boat, you can also opt for various modifications that can help your boat stay stable when faced with a choppy water situation, such as:
- Applying Protective Paint: Since Jon boats are made from reactive aluminum, it’s always critical that you apply a protective layer of antifouling paint to insulate the materials electrically and from corrosion due to saltwater.
- Attaching Zinc Anodes: when attached to the aluminum boat, these zinc anodes work as a sacrificial sheet to keep the aluminum intact.
- Widening the Boat: If you’re handy with DIY projects, you can consider widening your boat by following any of the guides found online or by seeking the help of a professional.
- Adding Boat Stabilizers: These improve the stability of the boat and prevent it from capsizing easily due to tough waves.
Safety Tips to Keep in Mind While Using a Jon Boat in Saltwater
Now that you know more about using Jon boats in saltwater, let’s have a quick look at some of the essential safety tips to consider while using one:
1. Safety Gear is a Must
Always make sure that you bring your safety equipment along, such as Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) like life jackets, whistles and flares for visual and auditory signaling, anchors, oars, etc.
2. Avoid Straying Far from the Shore
Remember to always stay at a safe distance from the shore and avoid straying far off into the water because the further you go inside, the choppier the water gets, and the more difficult it is for you to return to safety.
3. Check the Weather Forecast Before You Go
Before embarking on a long trip into salt lakes or oceans, it’s always critical that you check the marine forecast for these areas and make sure that there are no storms or rough changes in the climate that are going to hit you.
4. Scan the Area Where You’re Going to Boat for Safe Spots
Even in saltwater and larger bodies of water, there are some spots that are geographically more secure and can be a safe sheltering spot when the weather goes bad.
Although staying close to the shore is typically the best option for you, doing this can help you navigate more safely in the water.
5. Always Maintain and Check the Boat Before and After Trips
Lastly, avoid hopping on your boat without checking it for any signs of damage, and always check and wash the boat after taking it out of saltwater to protect it from corrosion.
Final Thoughts
With that said, our guide about Jon boats and whether they can go into saltwater comes to an end.
As you can see, Jon boats aren’t primarily created to venture through saltwater because they’re usually quite choppy with a lot of wave action and heavy wind. Corrosion should also be a concern because metals eventually rust from these waters without proper care.
However, with some modifications and choosing the right type of Jon boat, you can still use one in saltwater if you’re careful enough!