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Looking for the best jon boats in 2025? You’ll want to check out these top picks:
Sea Ark RXT 180
Lowe 1648M
Veer V13 by Lund
Tracker Grizzly 2072
Crestliner Retriever
When you choose a jon boat, the floor matters more than you might think. The right aluminum jon boat floor can boost comfort, last longer, and make every trip easier. Some floors feel soft underfoot, while others handle rough use. Each boat design offers something special for fishing, hunting, or relaxing.
Tip: Matching your needs to the right jon boat floor helps you get the most from your adventures.
Choose the right jon boat floor material based on your needs; aluminum lasts longest but can be slippery, while foam and vinyl add comfort.
Add upgrades like foam mats or marine carpet to make your jon boat floor safer and more comfortable for long trips.
Keep your jon boat floor clean and check it often for damage to extend its life and maintain safety.
Pick a jon boat model with a floor design that fits your activity, whether fishing, hunting, or relaxing on calm or rough water.
Look for a flat, wide floor to improve stability and comfort, and customize your boat after using it to find what works best for you.
When you look at jon boat floors, you will notice a few main materials. Each material has good points and some downsides. Here’s a simple table to help you compare:
Material | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
Aluminum | Tough, does not rust, light, easy to put in, strong | Slippery when wet, loud, not comfy for long standing |
Marine Plywood | Strong, lasts long, fights rot and water | Heavy, costs more, needs care often |
Wood (e.g., Oak) | Looks natural, strong, bends for fitting | Costs a lot at first, needs new finish sometimes |
Rubber | Lasts long, not slippery, comfy to stand on | Can fade and crack in sun |
Foam | Light, comfy, not slippery, easy to put in | Not as tough, can rip or get holes |
Vinyl | Lasts long, easy to clean, not slippery, comfy | Can crack and fade in sun over time |
Aluminum jon boats usually have aluminum or marine plywood floors. Some people add foam or vinyl for more comfort.
You want your jon boat floor to last a long time. Different materials handle water, sun, and wear in their own ways. Look at this chart to see how common floor types compare:
Aluminum floors do not rust or rot. They stay strong for years. Marine plywood works well if you seal it, but it needs more care. Vinyl and foam fight water and rot, but they can fade or rip after a while. If you want a floor that handles rough use, aluminum jon boats with metal floors are a good pick.
Comfort is important if you fish or hunt for hours. Here are some ways to make your jon boat floor feel better:
Put marine carpet or hydroturf down for a soft, cool spot.
Use foam under the floor for more cushion and less noise.
Pick thicker plywood for less bounce and more support.
Cover aluminum floors with non-slip mats or spray liners for easy cleaning and comfort.
You can mix these ideas to fit what you like. Many aluminum jon boats let you upgrade the floor for more comfort.
It is easy to keep your jon boat floor nice if you follow some tips:
Wash rubber or foam strips after each trip to keep them clean and dry.
Use closed-cell foam under aluminum or tread plate for a flat, easy-to-clean surface.
Do not use heavy or materials that soak up water like MDF.
Hold your flooring down with rivets or screws so it stays in place.
Check for cracks, fading, or loose spots often.
Changing your aluminum jon boat floor can make it more comfy and help you sell it later. Companies now offer non-skid foam covers, custom colors, and even logos. These upgrades make your boat safer, more comfy, and look better.
You want a jon boat that fits your needs and makes every trip better. The best jon boats for 2025 stand out for their smart design, strong build, and comfort. Here are some top picks you should know:
Sea Ark RXT 180: This model gives you a tough, all-welded hull. It handles rough use and works well for fishing or hunting. You get a wide, stable platform and lots of space.
Lowe 1648M: This jon boat is a favorite for its simple, open layout. It feels light and easy to tow. You can use it for fishing, duck hunting, or just cruising.
Veer V13 by Lund: This boat uses a modern composite hull. It weighs less than most, so you can launch it almost anywhere. It is great for solo trips or small groups.
Tracker Grizzly 2072: This is one of the best jon boats for fishing. It has a huge deck, high sides, and a rugged, all-aluminum build. You get lots of storage and room for gear.
Crestliner Retriever: This model offers deep-V options and all-welded aluminum construction. You can pick from many layouts and upgrades.
War Eagle 436FLD: This boat is known for its tough build and stable deck. It is a good choice if you want a boat that lasts.
G3 and Sun Dolphin American 12: These models give you budget-friendly options. They work well for small lakes and easy fishing trips.
Note: Many experts and magazines also recommend models like the Tracker Pro Team series, Vexus AVX, and Xpress X21 Pro for their strong hulls and smart features.
Each jon boat model uses a different floor style. The floor affects how you move, fish, or hunt on the water. Here is a quick look at what you get:
Model | Floor Material | Floor Design | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|
Sea Ark RXT 180 | All-welded aluminum | Flat, open, ribbed | Wide beam, stable, easy to clean |
Lowe 1648M | Aluminum or plywood | Flat, open, exposed ribs | Light, easy to customize |
Veer V13 by Lund | Composite | Flat, smooth, no ribs | Ultra-light, easy to launch |
Tracker Grizzly 2072 | Aluminum | Flat, reinforced, ribbed | Large deck, high sides, lots of space |
Crestliner Retriever | Aluminum or vinyl | Flat, carpeted or vinyl | Deep-V option, custom layouts |
War Eagle 436FLD | Aluminum | Flat, low front deck | Stable standing, easy seat placement |
G3/Sun Dolphin American 12 | Aluminum or plastic | Flat, basic, open | Budget, easy to handle |
Some boats use exposed ribs on the floor. These can make it hard to walk or stand for long. You can add foam or mats to cover the ribs and make the floor flat. Other models use smooth, carpeted, or vinyl floors for more comfort.
Every jon boat has strengths and trade-offs. You want to know what works best for you. Here is a table to help you compare:
Model | Pros | Cons | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
Sea Ark RXT 180 | Super tough, stable, lots of space | Heavy, not easy to car-top | Fishing, hunting, big water |
Lowe 1648M | Light, simple, easy to tow | Exposed ribs, less comfy floor | Fishing, hunting, budget |
Veer V13 by Lund | Ultra-light, smooth floor, easy to launch | Not as tough as metal, less storage | Solo trips, small lakes |
Tracker Grizzly 2072 | Huge deck, high sides, rugged build | Pricey when fully loaded, heavy | Best jon boats for fishing |
Crestliner Retriever | Custom layouts, deep-V option, comfy floor | Not ideal for shallow-only use | Fishing, hunting, all water |
War Eagle 436FLD | Stable deck, tough build, easy seat setup | Exposed ribs, tricky to walk over | Fishing, hunting, stable use |
G3/Sun Dolphin American 12 | Budget, easy to move, simple design | Basic floor, not for rough water | Small lakes, easy fishing |
You might notice some common issues. Many jon boats have exposed ribs on the floor. These can cause tripping or sore feet. Some users fix this by adding foam or mats. Plywood floors can get soggy or rot if you do not seal them well. Aluminum floors last longer but can feel cold or slippery. Removable floors help you clean out debris, but you need to check for water or dirt under them.
Flat-bottom jon boats give you great stability in calm water. They work best for shallow lakes and rivers. Deep-V hulls ride smoother in rough water but feel less stable when you stop. Modified-V hulls try to balance both. You get a stable ride and better comfort in choppy water.
If you want the best jon boats for fishing, look for models with big decks, lots of storage, and comfy floors. The Tracker Grizzly 2072 and Crestliner Retriever stand out here. For hunting or all-around use, Sea Ark and War Eagle offer tough, stable platforms. If you want a budget pick, try the G3 or Sun Dolphin American 12.
You want to see how top aluminum jon boats stack up. Here’s a table showing length, width, weight capacity, and horsepower rating for popular models. This helps you pick the right size for your trips.
Model | Length (ft) | Width (in) | Weight Capacity (lbs) | Horsepower Rating (hp) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Crestliner 1870 Retriever FCC | 18 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Triton 1862 CC | 18.3 | 90 | N/A | N/A |
Tracker Grizzly 1448 | 14 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Alumacraft MV2072 AW CC | 20 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Starcraft 1436 | 14 | 57 | 720 | 20 |
Lowe Roughneck 2070 | 20 | 96 | N/A | 40-75 |
SeaArk Big Daddy | 24 | 94 | N/A | 250 |
Wooldridge Black Brant II 14 | 14 | 61 | N/A | N/A |
Tracker Grizzly 1648 | 16 | 72 | N/A | 40 |
Smoker Craft 1648 | 16 | 72 | 900 | 35 |
Pelican Intruder 12 | 12 | 48 | N/A | 6 |
Aluminum jon boats come with different floor designs. You want a floor that matches your style. Here’s a quick list of what you might find:
All-welded aluminum floors give you strength and stability. You feel safe even in rough water.
Plywood floors work well for mud boats. They support heavy gear and clean up fast.
Rubber mats make cleaning easy. You can remove them when you want.
Gym mats add comfort for standing. They help on long fishing trips.
Carpeting feels soft underfoot. It suits bass fishing jon boats best.
Foam under the floor keeps water out and adds support.
You see many boats use flat-bottom designs. These floors help you stay steady in shallow water. Welded floors last longer and resist flex. You get a solid platform for fishing, hunting, or exploring.
You want a jon boat that fits your needs. Here’s who benefits most from each floor type:
Mud boat users like sturdy plywood floors. These floors handle heavy motors and gear.
Fishing fans enjoy carpeted or foam-covered floors. You stand for hours in comfort.
Hunters prefer easy-to-clean rubber mats. You keep your boat tidy after a long day.
Recreational users pick flat aluminum floors. You get stability and simple upkeep.
Tip: Match your main activity to the floor design. You get more comfort and better performance from your aluminum jon boats.
Choosing the right jon boat floor depends on how you plan to use your boat. You might want to fish, hunt, or just relax on the water. Each activity works best with a certain floor and hull type. Check out this table to see what fits your needs:
Factor | Jon Boat / Flat Bottom | Mod-V Hull | Deep-V Hull |
|---|---|---|---|
Water Type | Calm, shallow water | Shallow, backwaters | Deep lakes, windy areas |
Activity Suitability | Hunting, flooded timber | Tight fishing spots | Walleye, bass, trout |
Maneuverability | Moderate | Easy with trolling motor | Good in rough water |
Stability | Stable on calm water | Moderate stability | Stable in rough water |
Seating / Interior | Basic seating | 2-3 people, casting space | 5+ people, more seating |
Fishing Style | Simple layout, stand or sit | Casting, tight spots | Pedestal seating, comfort |
Comfort in Rough Water | Less comfortable | Moderate | Most comfortable |
You can see how a flat-bottom jon boat works best for hunting and simple fishing. Mod-V hulls help you move around tight spots. Deep-V hulls give you comfort and space for bigger groups.
When you shop for a jon boat, you want a floor that keeps you safe and comfortable. Here are some tips to help you pick the right one:
Look for a flat floor. It helps you avoid tripping over ribs or bumps.
Thin plywood coated with poly resin and carpet adds comfort and lasts longer.
Pick a wider beam, at least 48 inches, for better stability when you stand or fish.
A 14-16 foot jon boat gives you more space and keeps you steady, especially if you bring friends.
Narrow boats are easier to move but feel less stable when you stand.
Tip: Comfortable seating keeps you happy on long trips. You can add a small gas motor for speed or a trolling motor for quiet fishing.
Avoid decking the whole boat. A flat floor is lighter and easier to clean.
Customize your setup after you use your boat a few times. You will know what works best for you.
If you want a deck, keep it at the front third. This helps you stand and pitch without losing storage.
Use a big sponge as a bilge pump. Safety gear matters more than fancy extras.
Install sonar early if you plan to fish offshore.
You can make your jon boat floor better with a few simple upgrades. Foam flooring made from EVA foam is popular. It gives you a non-slip surface and cushions your feet. Brands like Hjdeck and HZCHIONE offer mats that grip well, even when wet. These mats also keep your feet cool and dry.
Foam mats cut to fit your boat shape. You can clean them easily.
Deep grooves let water run off fast, so you stay safe.
Marine carpeting adds traction and comfort. You can glue it or staple it to plywood.
Carpeting feels soft and helps you stand longer without getting tired.
Many fishing boat owners use foam or carpet for extra comfort. These upgrades make your trips safer and more fun.
You have lots of choices when it comes to the best jon boats. Some models stand out for their floors:
Marine 450 FISH DLX Jon has raised floors for comfort and storage.
Crestliner 1860 Retriever RCC gives you a big, open deck.
Tracker Grizzly 2072 CC Sportsman uses Sure Tread nonskid for safety.
Veer V13 adds MarineMat foam for a soft, non-slip feel.
If you want the best jon boats for fishing, try a Tracker Grizzly or Crestliner. For hunting, War Eagle offers stability. Budget buyers like the 1448 jon boat for its open floor and easy handling. Think about what you need most—comfort, space, or price. You can find more details and tools on the official sites for Crestliner, Lowe, and Lund.
Brand | Model Name | Resources Available |
|---|---|---|
Crestliner | 1860 Retriever RCC | Catalogs, dealer locator, FAQs |
Lowe | L1648M Jon | Specs, build tool, dealer locator |
Lund | Jon Boat Series | Build tools, model overviews, catalogs |
Aluminum floors last the longest. They resist rust and rot. Plywood feels softer underfoot. Vinyl and foam add comfort. Your choice depends on how you use your jon boat. The Jon Boat Floor Guide helps you pick the right one.
You can add non-slip mats, marine carpet, or EVA foam. These options give you better grip and comfort. Many boaters use spray-on liners for extra safety. The Jon Boat Floor Guide recommends these upgrades for safer trips.
Yes, you can! Many upgrades are simple. You can cut foam mats or carpet to fit. Use glue or screws to hold them down. The Jon Boat Floor Guide shows easy steps for DIY upgrades.
Sweep out dirt after each trip. Wash the floor using mild soap and water. Check for cracks or loose spots often. The Jon Boat Floor Guide suggests regular cleaning to keep your floor looking new.
No, not all jon boats have flat floors. Some have exposed ribs or raised decks. Flat floors feel more comfortable and safer for standing. The Jon Boat Floor Guide explains which models offer flat or ribbed floors.
