Jon boats are becoming more and more popular, and this isn’t surprising. Their size and flat bottom make them very versatile besides being affordable.
And the biggest advantage about owning a jon boat is that you don’t need a trailer to transport it. However, you definitely need a dolly to launch your boat.
Whether you want to buy a dolly or make one on your own, you’ll find this article helpful. Let’s get started!
Why Use a Jon Boat Dolly?
One of the main reasons to buy a jon boat is ease of loading. You can easily load a jon boat on your car’s roof rack or the bed of your truck.
However, beginners don’t know that to get their boat and all of their gear to the water, they need a dolly. Even if you have a buddy to give you a hand, it’s still a daunting task to drag a boat full of gear for a good distance.
Besides that, dragging isn’t good for your boat and you for sure don’t want to damage it. Having a boat dolly will save you all the trouble.
On top of that, with a boat dolly, you can access new spots that you might not have been able to access with a trailer.
How to Choose the Best Jon Boat Dolly
It’s not hard to find a dolly that is suitable for your jon boat. You just need to know what are the things to look for in a jon boat dolly. And this is where I’m here to help.
The first thing I always look for when buying a boat dolly or cart is weight and length capacity. If you don’t check those two things, you might end up with a dolly that won’t even fit your jon boat.
It’s better to look for one that can handle high weight capacities and be adjusted for higher lengths. This way you know for sure it’ll handle your boat and you can also use it for other types of boats.
The second thing to look for in a dolly is a durable but lightweight build. Most dollies are either made of steel or aluminum frames. Both provide a durable build, however, aluminum is much lighter.
Plus steel frames might not be the best option to be used next to saltwater. The size of the wheels is also important. I find that bigger wheels make it easier on my back to roll the boat.
It might not be a problem if you’re used to having someone to help with this task. However, if you like to go fishing solo, then look for options with bigger wheels.
Last but not least, choose a dolly that is foldable for better storage. Also, check its size after folding. Some options can still be big and take a lot of space even when it’s folded.
My Favorite Jon Boat Dolly
I always like to know people’s recommendations when it comes to their boating equipment. So, I think it’s a great idea to recommend my favorite two jon boat dollies.
These are affordable and functional options that I’ve tried before and they’ve worked for me. Here are my recommendations:
1. Bonnlo Jon Boat Dolly Tote
What I like the most about this dolly is that it features airless tires. So, you can use it on different terrains without worrying about getting a flat tire.
Another thing that I look for in a boat dolly is the option to fold it, and this dolly nails this feature! Keep in mind that its weight capacity isn’t the most accommodating.
2. VEVOR Adjustable Trailer Dolly
This is a trailer dolly, which I think makes it easier to roll your jon boat. It flaunts pneumatic tires, adjustable height range, 800 lbs weight capacity, and a sturdy build.
I think this is a great option for heavier boats. However, it comes with no assembly instructions.
DIY Jon Boat Dolly
It’s so easy to make yourself a jon boat dolly, especially if you’re a handy person. DIYing your own jon boat dolly won’t take a lot of time or money, in fact.
The best thing about making your own boat dolly, besides cutting on the costs, is customizing the dolly to your needs.
If you have a hacksaw, drill, and a wrench, you’ll be able to make a DIY PVC jon boat dolly in no time.
Don’t worry; even though it’s PVC, it’s quite sturdy and will handle the weight of your boat while being lightweight.
Materials
Here’s the list of the materials you’ll need to make a two-wheel dolly system:
- Two Harbor Freight 10″ pneumatic tires ⅝ inner diameter
- ⅝ steel thread rod 36″, 3 ft long
- Two 1½” PVC Caps
- Six 1½” PVC tees
- Three sections of 1½” PVC
- Four ⅝ washer
- Two ⅝ locking nuts
- ⅝ drill bit
Instructions
- Cut the three sections needed from the PVC.
- Add the PVC tees to the sections to connect the axle together.
- With the ⅝ drill bit, drill a hole in each of the caps.
- Now, that you have your axle ready, slide the threaded rod through the holes in the caps.
- Install the wheels and place a washer on each side of the wheels.
- Tighten the nuts securely on the threaded rod to hold the wheels in place.
- Lastly, add the top PVC segments that will hold your jon boat and now you’re DIY jon boat dolly is ready.
Notes
Keep in mind to change the width of the PVC and the measurement I used here depending on your boat’s size. Also, take into consideration the width of the threaded rod and the size of the wheels.
Of course, the PVC frame isn’t the best for heavier boats. So, if you need a sturdier frame, consider making it from steel or wood.
It’s the same idea as the PVC frame, however, I think it’ll need more tools. So, if you got the equipment and the skill for it, go ahead and make it.
The Wrap Up
I believe that every jon boat owner needs a dolly. With the aid of the above-listed tips on how to choose a dolly for your boat, you should be able to pinpoint the perfect dolly with ease.
And if you want to make one by yourself, the DIY dolly project that I discussed above is easy to make. Feel free to share with us any recommendations or DIY tips.
Hopefully, you found all the information you needed in this article, and good luck!