Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations boats for small ponds

For the jonboat pictured above in Cappy's post, I was wondering if anyone has put (or seen) pedastel swivel chairs on one of those.

That would make it nice, but I wonder if it would be too top heavy or more prone to tipping.

Sunil,

I put 2 swivel chairs in a 14' jon boat several years ago and it worked great. The only problem is if you try to attach the seat to the top only, the metal may not be strong enough. The best way we determined to do this was to buy some long threaded bolts and then put a piece of plywood slightly larger than the factory bench under the bench so that the threaded bolts go through the 4 holes in the base of the swivel chair, completely through the bench, and out through the piece of plywood on the underside of the factory bench near the bottom of the boat. In our case, we had to notch the underside of the bench just a bit to allow room to work. The result was an extremely strong mount that lasted as long as we kept the boat. We did not notice any "top heaviness" to this design and really enjoyed the comfort of these seats.

Sunil and bigfrog :

I think we need to define what we mean in a pedastal seat . There are several types and especially heights. I have used the ones that are 1-2 in. above the bench seat and attach by a removable bracket over the bench. The are sold by Bass Pro and others including many boat stores. They do not seem to effect the stability of the boat. If you are talking about the high rise type found in many bass boats I would think they would make a small jon boat unsteady.

As we all know jon boats come in all sizes shapes and weights . The placement {location} of the front bench seat { the one first after the front of the boat} is very important in stability for sitting, standing or paddling. The shorter the boat the more important the location. I think most people who use small jons to fish in ponds fish from this seat than in the back. I like a 10 - 12 foot med. weight jon with a wide width and a short pedastal seat with the front bench near the middle of the boat. I want the boat to be level and stable in the water when I stand in front of this bench. ewest

bigfrog & ewest, yes, I'm talking about more of a pedastel type seat so you're kind of sitting higher up.

10' aluminum john boat (1969 model)
17' abs canoe (2004 model)
it really doesn't matter, though, just have fun

I use a catamaran rig made of a pair of heavy plastic pontoons with a 12' carpeted wooden deck placed above them and 3 swivel chairs which can easily be removed. It was not very expensive, is extremely stable, unsinkable, a snap to care for, and very easy on my terrible back. It also places the fishermen high enough to really see what is going on. The motor is operated by foot pedal and it is easy to move around while never missing a cast. I have had the boat 10 years, and I am sure it will outlive me. The only disadvantages are that it is much too heavy to slide in and out of the water easily, is a bear to paddle if the battery dies, and it is very hard to steer when you want to go backwards. The first disadvantage is actually an advantage. I keep it in a boathouse and I know that someone would have to have a trailer with a winch to steal it. The boat was assembled by Southeastern Pond Management. They called it a “pondtoon” but when I looked up that name on the net, the boats shown by the manufacturer are much more elaborate and not at all practical for pond fishing.
Lou (13.5 acres)

I guess I had not given pontoon boats much consideration until now. They can be tethered to the dock or other device without worry of them accumulating rain water. Our Jon Boats have to be removed from the pond after every use for fear of taking on rain and the eventual task of water removal.
It may been mentioned earlier but, upside down Jon boats on the bank can present unpleasant suprises when flipped over for a fishing excursion. (bull snakes, skunks and the wifes favorite......mice).

Ed :

Regarding the pedestal seats,

That's a good point ewest makes above regarding the height. The ones that I installed, and the ones that are most commonly available locally are sort of a molded, thermoplastic seat with a 1" to 1 1/2" swivel bracket on the base with 4 screw holes in the bracket. (You sometimes see these same type of seats installed in tree stands.) These are usually available in any discount store that sells sporting goods. Nearby, you will often find fixed pedestals of various heights (6", 12", 18", etc.). The system I was describing above involved mounting the seat only with the swivel base. No pedestal. I too would be concerned about mounting this type of seat on a raised pedestal in a jon boat. Although I have not tried that. However, the seat only with the attached swivel base, mounted to the top of the factory jon boat bench as I described in the earlier post is comfortable, works great, and is rock solid.

Do a Googlesearch for Gheenoe. Great construction, extremely stable and light enough to pull up on the bank.

I've used canoes,pedal boats,jon boats,but my favorite is 1977 Fisher Marine,15ft.,flat bottom,alum.boat.It has a bow foot controlled,trolling mtr,15hp. gas mtr.(kids love fast rides},and it's moored yr round in my u shaped dock. Swivel seats for two make it great to fish out of.

Anyone try a kayak?

I tried an inflatable raft. A big wind came up while it was beached on the shore and blew it a few hundred yards into a barbed wire fence. I sugest buying a used small craft. S omthing with a flat bottom. I bought a coleman scanoe used for 200 bucks it has a flat bottom and a flat stern for a small motor. It is practically indestructable.
wayner

I have a 14' fiberglass jon boat on my 2 acre pond. I took my 2 older girls out for what they call a "fishing trip" this weekend. I just got the boat so this was our first trip out in it and it worked great. I definately need a trolling motor and a couple of anchors. I did alot of paddling to try and keep us in place. My middle daughter - 5 - caught the first fish in the boat, a 2 1/2 lb catfish. What a great day!! I got the boat, which has a small live well in the middle seat, and trailer for $15 at auction.