Motor Size For Jon Boat

I just bought a used 12ft Jon Boat and was wondering what size gas motor I should get for it. I was thinking 5hp but I'm not sure.

 

So, I am assuming the USCG plate is no more? All boats must carry a US Coast Guard capacity plate which lists the max HP. If it is gone, the best you can do is go by looking at what is available right now. Jon boats are measured like doors... width plus length. There are 1232 (12 feet by 32 inches) and 1236 jons by Lowe, the biggest seller of jon boats nationwide. Yours looks pretty narrow and it makes a big difference. On Lowe Boats website a 1232 is a max total weight capacity of 389 lbs and 3.5hp. The 1236 is max weight capacity of 527 lbs and 10hp. So is yours 32" wide or 36? You do not want to exceed the manufacturers ratings, they are there for a reason. I had a 14 foot jon with a 15 hp on it and it was borderline scary. It was the max listed on the USCG plate.

Just fair warning, around here a boat without a USCG capacity plate can be a problem. It's hard to register and if you get stopped by fish and game they very well may want to see it, as all boats must carry the certification by law.

 

I have never enforced anything regarding a capacity plate on a boat like that. I can tell you as far as the Coast Guard is concerned, there is no violation, and plus, if you're using that boat in waters in which the Coast Guard has the ability to cite you for any reason, they are not going to look at such a plate.

 

Always wanted to pick one of these up and drop a sea-doo jet motor in there, seems a little more functional that an outboard, but a whole lot more work!

 

I'm talking about inland marine patrol and I only know about NH. NH has some whacky boating laws too.

 

9.9, can't go wrong. Thing will haul too!

 

Are you sure a 9.9 wouldn't tear the boat apart?

 

Not at all. There should be a haul rating somewhere on your boat too.