Finally ready to hit the water? That’s pretty awesome… until you face the choice between getting a canoe or a Jon boat, then it becomes downright confusing.
You’re not alone though, this is a very common question among boaters and the decision is often tricky to make because canoes and Jon boats offer multiple similar benefits and purposes.
But with some in-depth research, you can tell there are major differences between the two, as well as certain aspects where each boat shines brighter.
Today, we’re helping you sort the whole canoe vs Jon boat situation with a comprehensive comparison to determine the best option for your needs and budget. So let’s not waste any time and dive in!
Canoe vs Jon Boat – Features
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- Canoe
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- Jon Boat
To properly hold our grand comparison, we’ll be discussing both boats in light of the following 9 major aspects:
Design
The design of a Jon boat is quite simple. It’s a lightweight, flat-bottomed utility vessel with a shallow draft and low freeboard, which makes it suitable for use in very shallow waters.
You can manually power a Jon boat (by paddling or rowing), or you can fit it with an outboard trolling motor. Also, Jon boats are much wider when compared to canoes.
Unlike Jon boats that typically come in a generic design, canoes are available in a range of different designs to suit more types of environments than Jon boats. But this doesn’t you can use one canoe to go everywhere.
A canoe is a narrow watercraft that’s pointed at both ends. Although it’s traditionally steered and propelled via a single-blade paddle that you control while sitting in the direction of travel, modern canoes can be equipped with outboard engines.
Speed
The average speed of a 16-foot canoe can reach a maximum of 4mph with an average paddling. Although this speed can vary according to the water direction and wind speed, canoes remain slower than Job boats.
A small Jon boat with a simple trolling engine can go as slow as 5mph, whereas a bigger size boat equipped with a larger motor can reach a speed up to 30mph.
Durability
This is one aspect where we end up with a tie, but a good one since both canoes and Jon boats are known for having long lifespans.
An aluminum Jon boat can last for decades (if not a lifetime) thanks to the anti-corrosion and rust-proof properties of this metal.
Canoes can also be very long-lasting as they’re made of many materials including aluminum, fiberglass, and other composite substances. All of these materials are designed to effectively withstand corrosion.
Weight and Weight Capacity
When it comes to the weight of each unit, canoes are significantly lighter than Jon boats. A 16-foot canoe made of fiberglass will weigh around 60 pounds, however, a 16-foot aluminum Jon boat can easily weigh about 300 to 400 pounds.
As for weight capacity, canoes seem to have the upper hand once again. A standard 16-foot fiberglass canoe can support a weight capacity up to 1100 pounds, while a typical 16-foot aluminum Jon boat can accommodate a maximum weight of 1000 pounds.
Maintenance
Maintenance mainly depends on the material of your boat, but in general, Jon boats pull slightly ahead of canoes on this metric. That’s mainly because Jon boats are often made of aluminum that you can weld back together in case of damage.
On the other hand, fiberglass canoes are more complicated than fix. Not to mention, it’s dangerous to breathe in fiberglass dust.
Customizability
Another win for Jon boats is customizability – they’re just super flexible when presented with modifications. You can get just about anything done to your Jon boat from adding a deck for gator hunting to transforming it to a floating duck blind.
Canoes, on the other end of the spectrum, aren’t meant for customization. They’re simply built to be used, so it’s a “what you see is what you get” situation in 99.99% of the time.
Transport
Weight is the deciding factor in this aspect, which explains why canoes are so much easier to transport.
Just imagine towing a 60-pound boat or strapping it to the top of your vehicle, sounds fine right? Now picture the same thing but with a 400-pound boat, not that simple is it?
Not only do you need a car that can actually support this kind of weight, but most of the time you’ll end up towing your Jon boat using a truck or SUV.
Canoe vs Jon Boat – Which one Should You Choose?
If you’re still not sure which boat is more suited to your needs, asking yourself the following questions can really help you decide.
What Will You Do with the Boat?
Both canoes and Jon boats are large or wide enough to carry passengers and gear, making them suitable for most outdoor water activities.
But if you’re planning to cover long distances, a Jon boat will serve you better thanks to the high speed it can offer.
Similarly, if you’re planning to travel in choppy waters or venture into the ocean, you’re way better off with a canoe since Jon boats aren’t built to withstand sea conditions. Canoes, however, come in special designs that are highly seaworthy.
Also, canoes are a superior choice for leisure boating due to their simplicity and attractive looks.
Where Do You Plan to Use the Boat?
Canoes offer more versatility than Jon boats when it comes to the types of waters they can navigate. Jon boats are pretty much exclusive to calm, shallow water such as lakes. But if you plan to venture into open water, such as the ocean, then you need a canoe.
How Much is Your Budget?
Generally speaking, buying a canoe will probably cost you less than a Jon boat of the same size.
For example, a brand new 16-foot canoe will have a price tag around $800 to $1200, plus another $30 for a basic set of paddles. On the other hand, a brand new 16-foot Jon boat can cost you about $2200 for the hull only (no motor).
Wrap Up
There you have it, a comprehensive guide to help you pick your side in the canoe vs Jon boat face off. Remember to determine what you’ll be mostly using your boat for so you can make the most out of your purchase.