12 Best Jon Boats in 2025

This jon boat from Sea Ark gives the other performance boats a run for their money. It’s wider and yet so maneuverable, fast and spacious too.

With 90 horses pushing the RXT 180, it flies over the water. It’s immediately clear that this boat is meant to run. It also has an impressive turning radius for getting in and out of tight spots.

With 1328 pounds of combined weight, it can still fly, but because of its extra width, there’s a stability that matches. So bow fishing from the front deck, which can rock any boat, aint gonna cause too many problems for standup hunters.

There are two fold down, swivel fishing seats with pedestal mounts and an extra wide bench seat aft the console.

The package includes bilge pump, wiring for trolling motor, 12 volt and USB plug, transducer bracket and LED lights.

Because there are so many features, this one doesn’t need to be customized.

This Jon Boat is a multi-use craft disguised as a fishing boat. The L1648 M is designed as a solid fishing stage (like all the best Lowe fishing boats) but with a modified V-hull, high HP capacity and available modifications this boat can serve many purposes.

The updated hull design makes this Jon able to cope with some rougher water than most flat-hulled boats in its class. In proper water conditions and with the right motor the L1648 M could quickly go from fisher to sports boat.

Beyond versatility, there is very little limit to the upgrades that can be modded to this craft. Go bare bones or upgrade endlessly.

For its intended purpose, Lowe has built a stout vessel. The L1648 M is long-lasting and tough with its riveted aluminum and reinforced construction. Of noticeable mention are the formed transom corners, designed to ensure a more secure motor mount.

The Veer V13 is the first model in a new line of boats from Lund. This boat is a small, only mildly expensive, and an easy way to get on the water. Good for one or two people to spend a day on the water, fishing, or exploring, it’s a microskiff that functions like a small jon boat.

There are several things about the Veer that make it unique, from the sturdy hull material to the shape itself. Starting at $12,000, you’re paying for features, design and quality.

It’s very customizable, starting with two engine options, including Mercury’s new Avator electric outboard.

The V13 will appeal to solo anglers in calm, shallow water areas. Its appeal as an entry-level boat for the general cruiser or explorer is less compelling, as there are plenty of more capable boats on the water.

If you’re looking for something more rugged and less flashy than the Starcraft fishing boats, their utility boats are where you’ll want to look. These rugged aluminum hulls are built to take you anywhere. They’re light easy to transport, yet handle a chop and can take a beating. In short, they’re some of the best jon boats you’ll find anywhere.

The king of them is the Starcraft Alaskan, a utility boat with a tall bow and high freeboard that immediately looks suitable for the Alaskan wilderness. The center bench is split, allowing more space to move around and more floor space for casting lines and nets. Attach your choice of 25 or 30-horsepower outboard, and this little boat will find all the best honey holes, no matter where you point the bow.

Starcraft has been riveting and welding Alaskians for a long time. If you’re in the market for one, you’ll have plenty of choices on both the new and used markets. These boats are an exceptional value new and hold that value well over the years.

The Crestliner 1860 series of Jon boats are manufactured to engage enthusiasts on multiple fronts, with each iteration building on the previous in both specs and features. Versatile is an excellent one-word description for these vessels.

The basic Crestliner 1860 Retriever is a bare-bones Jon boat labeled a fish and duck-hunting vessel. The Retriever Deluxe adds some features but from there, the Retriever Center Console (CC) and Side Console (SC) up the ante with improved accessories to include driver control stations.

In addition to each boat’s included perks, there are even more accessories available from which customers can choose. Whatever set-up an angler or hunter is looking for it seems the Crestliner 1860 has some decent options.

Made of rugged UV-stabilized Fortiflex high-density polyethylene, the Sun Dolphin Pro 120 is sturdy, lightweight, and comes stocked with plenty of features for that perfect weekend fishing trip.

Its tri-hull design delivers superior stability and control while the carpeted casting decks offer better grip and less slip, not to mention sparing your butt a scolding on hot days.

It features two padded swivel seats so your friend can tag along, dual storage compartments to keep things organized and at hand, as well as a built-in cooler.

Besides coming with an auxiliary battery compartment, the Pro 120 is also pre-wired for a bow-mounted electric trolling motor. And because this jon boat was made for fishing, it offers conveniently located fishing rod holders, an aerated livewell to keep your catch fresh, and navigation lights so you can extend your fishing trip until late hours.

Created by Tracker as a bowfishing boat the Grizzly 2072 CC Sportsman is capable of being so much more. Would the average fisher find this Jon boat appealing? Certainly, as would sight-seers, gig-fishers, other hunters and boat aficionados.

Suitable for both fresh and saltwater, the Stalker MV 120 is a very compact, stable, and convenient Jon Boat—perfect for that father and son fishing trip. This little utility boat won’t excite, as it’s a leisure craft designed for cruising slowly and a bit of DIY, but it serves its purpose solidly.

This boat is pre-wired for a transom mounted electric trolling motor–maxing out at 5hp–though it could likely take a little more.

It features two non-removable swivel seats, ample storage under the deck, and a slightly modified V-bow design for added stability when navigating through choppy waters.

One of the best jon boats for fishing on shallow waters, the Lowe L1852MT Aura boasts a rugged aluminum construction, a wide-open layout, and ample space for up to six people. With a total max capacity of 1443, it can be used in so many ways.

With the amount of weight this one can handle, there’s plenty of customizations that are possible. The bow fishing platform is big enough for two or for a swivel seat, for example.

Some of the optional features include a pedestal seat base, a gravity-fed livewell, and a trolling motor mount. Additionally, this Lowe boat’s side console helm might appeal to boaters looking for more versatile activities like cruising or water skiing.

Roomy, durable, and highly functional fishing jon boat featuring a rotomolded side console, hence the SC on its name, a 9-gallon aerated livewell, as well as seating for up to three people.

The Grizzly 1754 SC is also pre-wired to accept a trolling motor and as a Tracker jon boat, it comes with welded-in, foam-filled interior side walls along with a thick aluminum floor ensuring structural strength and a quieter ride.

In addition, port side rod holders, a sport steering wheel, and LED navigation lights to help you on your nocturnal adventures. And a bilge pump is also included in the package.

With a 60 hp motor, expect between 30-38 mph. To crack the 40 mph marker, max out to 75 hp. But a 60 will still plane and motor impressively with 3-4 people plus gear.

Our next jon boat from Lowe features a flat square-shaped bow along with a 15” transom, therefore offering fishermen plenty of room to get out there comfortably and get the job done.

Plus, two bench seats, two oar lock mounts for your paddling oars, and thoughtful details like transom corner caps and formed-in keels. The latter paired with the entirely flat hull bottom provide great floatation in very skinny waters.

Sometimes, a basic jon boat is all you need and want. The SL comes in two sizes, 12 and 14 feet. Integrated benches leave plenty of room for your gear. Beyond that, these aluminum fishing boats have no frills and no options. Just slap the portable outboard of your choice on the back and start casting your lines!

If you need a little more space, the SF series has higher sides and comes in 14 or 16-foot versions. The Alaskan is a similar boat with even more freeboard and a split center bench layout, making moving around easier. It’s available in 13 or 15-foot models.

The SL 12 harkens back to the original Starcraft boats that Arthur Schrock began building over 100 years ago. It’s practically bulletproof and has no system to go wrong. Sometimes, a jon boat is just what the doctor ordered.