The Jon boat is an excellent solution for you when needing a vessel for calm waters. They come in wide size ranges and at different prices, so anyone can pick out the perfect model, depending on their wishes and the boat’s purpose.
One of the crucial features you need to think of is Jon boat weight capacity. As you can guess, it primarily depends on the vessel model and size. For instance, a boat carrying capacity is closely intertwined with its length, meaning the longer models can handle a heavier load. Let’s take a look.
Table of Contents
Jon Boat Types
Flat bottomed Jon boat
Thanks to its flat bottomed hull, this stable traditional boat is ideal for sailing through calm shallow waters, only a few inches deep. It is not designed to cut through the waves but to ride them. You can use it near river banks or while exploring the marshes.
Semi-V Jon boat (modified-V hull)
This modified and versatile model is excellent for rough waters and more challenging conditions since its angular bottom provides better stability. However, it is not an ideal option in calm waters, and its deeper draft makes it inadequate in shallow areas.
Jon Boat Weight Capacity
A practical, flat-bottomed Jon boat made of wood, aluminum, or fiberglass, can float when lighter than the water it displaces. In this case, a longer Jon boat displaces more water, meaning it can handle a heavier load. You can find this vessel in three standard lengths:
- Boats 8 to 12 feet (2.5 – 3.65 m) long for small area explorations
- Boats 14 to 16 feet (4 – 5 m) long for utility work or water sports
- Boats over 18 feet (5.5 m) long for utility or commercial use
Average weight capacity for various Jon boat sizes |
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| Jon boat size | Weight capacity |
| 10 feet (3 m) | 325 pounds (147.5 kg) |
| 12 feet (3.65 m) | 425 pounds (193 kg) |
| 14 feet (4 m) | 610 pounds (277 kg) |
| 16 feet (5 m) | 990 pounds (449 kg) |
| 18 feet (5.5 m) | 1,425 pounds (646.5 kg) |
| 20 feet (6 m) | 1,800 pounds (816.5 kg) |
Most Jon boat models weigh approximately 200 pounds (91 kg) without an engine and can hold 650 pounds (295 kg) of gear and passengers on average. However, these numbers will vary, depending on the vessel type, brand, size, and length.
10 feet (3 m) long Jon boat
Without the engine, a Jon boat long 10 feet (3 m) will weigh about 100 pounds (45.5 kg). With a 5 HP, it can reach a top speed of 5 mph (8 km/h). You can expect it to carry 300 to 350 pounds (136 – 159 kg), including equipment and people.
10 feet (3 m) long Jon boat weight capacity |
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| Boat | Dry boat weight | Carrying capacity |
| Tracker Topper 1036 | 112 pounds (50.8 kg) | 380 pounds (172.5 kg) |
| Smoker Craft 1032 | 100 pounds (45.5 kg) | 290 pounds (131.5 kg) |
| G3 Boats 1036 | 100 pounds (45.5 kg) | 325 pounds (147.5 kg) |
| Alumacraft 10 | 95 pounds (43 kg) | 325 pounds (147.5 kg) |
| Lowe L1032 | 80 pounds (36 kg) | 275 pounds (125 kg) |
| Waco 1432 | 78 pounds (35.5 kg) | 235 pounds (106.5 kg) |
12 feet (3.65 m) long Jon boat
An average 12 feet (3.65 m) long Jon boat weighs 120 pounds (54.5 kg), excluding an engine. It can hold about 400 to 450 pounds (181.5 – 204 kg) of extra load. Thanks to a maximum of 5 to 7 HP, this vessel has a top speed of 10 to 15 mph (16 – 24 km/h).
12 feet (3.65 m) long Jon boat weight capacity |
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| Boat | Dry boat weight | Carrying capacity |
| Tracker Topper 1236 | 126 pounds (57 kg) | 480 pounds (218 kg) |
| G3 Boats 1236 | 144 pounds (65.5 kg) | 470 pounds (213 kg) |
| Alumacraft 12 | 105 pounds (47.5 kg) | 455 pounds (206.5 kg) |
| Pelican Intruder | 127 pounds (57.5 kg) | 420 pounds (190.5 kg) |
| Smoker Craft 1232 | 120 pounds (54.5 kg) | 390 pounds (177 kg) |
| Lost Creek | 90 pounds (41 kg) | 389 pounds (176.5 kg) |
| Lowe L1232 | 90 pounds (41 kg) | 389 pounds (176.5 kg) |
| Waco Jon 1432 | 88 pounds (40 kg) | 385 pounds (174.5 kg) |
14 feet (4.3 m) long Jon boat
An average 160 pounds (72.5 kg) heavy and 14 feet (4.3 m) long Jon boat without an engine can hold 610 pounds (277 kg) of gear and passenger. The maximum of 15 to 20 HP lets this vessel clock at a top speed of at least 20 mph (32 km/h). It is an ideal option for three people.
14 feet (4.3 m) long Jon boat weight capacity |
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| Boat | Dry boat weight | Carrying capacity |
| G3 Boat | 190 pounds (86 kg) | 685 pounds (311 kg) |
| Lowe L1436 | 185 pounds (84 kg) | 675 pounds (306 kg) |
| Smoker Craft 1436 | 182 pounds (82.5 kg) | 720 pounds (326.5 kg) |
| Tracker Topper 1436 | 162 pounds (73.5 kg) | 580 pounds (263 kg) |
| Lost Creek 14 Foot | 145 pounds (65.8 kg) | 552 pounds (250.5 kg) |
| Alumacraft 1448 | 105 pounds (47.5 kg) | 885 pounds (401.5 kg) |
| Waco Jon 1432 | 104 pounds (47 kg) | 430 pounds (195 kg) |
16 feet (5 m) long Jon boat
Weighing an average of 360 pounds (163 kg) excluding an engine and with 30 to 35 HP, a 16 feet (5 m) long Jon boat has an additional 990 pounds (450 kg) of carrying capacity. It can effortlessly accommodate four people and gear and sail at 35 mph (56.5 km/h).
16 feet (5 m) long Jon boat weight capacity |
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| Boat | Dry boat weight | Carrying capacity |
| Tracker Grizzly 1648 | 638 pounds (289.5 kg) | 1,055 pounds (478.5 kg) |
| G3 Boat | 375 pounds (170 kg) | 975 pounds (442 kg) |
| XPress Boats 1650 VJ | 341 pounds (154.5 kg) | 980 pounds (444.5 kg) |
| Alumacraft | 320 pounds (145 kg) | 1,010 pounds (458 kg) |
| Smoker Craft 1648 | 295 pounds (134 kg) | 900 pounds (408 kg) |
| Crestliner 1600 | 275 pounds (125 kg) | 1,000 pounds (453.5 kg) |
| Lowe L1648 | 275 pounds (125 kg) | 1,014 pounds (460 kg) |
18 feet (5.5 m) long Jon boat
An average 18 feet (5.5 m) long Jon boat with a maximum of 50 to 60 HP typically weighs 590 pounds (267.5 kg) without an engine. Its additional carrying capacity is 1,425 pounds (646.5 kg), including six adults and gear. The top speed it can reach is about 45 mph (72.5 km/h).
18 feet (5.5 m) long Jon boat weight capacity |
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| Boat | Dry boat weight | Carrying capacity |
| Smoker Craft 180 Freedom TL | 1,005 pounds (456 kg) | 1,840 pounds (834.5 kg) |
| Tracker Grizzly 1860 | 794 pounds (360 kg) | 1,550 pounds (703 kg) |
| Gator Tough 18 CCT | 870 pounds (394.5 kg) | 1,500 pounds (680 kg) |
| Crestliner 1800 | 475 pounds (215.5 kg) | 1,375 pounds (623.5 kg) |
| Lowe L1852MT AURA | 416 pounds (188.5 kg) | 1,375 pounds (623.5 kg) |
| G3 Boat | 375 pounds (170 kg) | 975 pounds (442 kg) |
20 feet (6 m) long Jon boat
An average 20 feet (6 m) long Jon boat typically weighs 830 pounds (376.5 kg), excluding an engine. With 70 to 120 HP and a top speed of 45 mph (72.5 km/h), it is an excellent option for carrying 1,800 pounds (816.5 kg) or 6 to 8 people and necessary gear.
20 feet (6 m) long Jon boat weight capacity |
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| Boat | Dry boat weight | Carrying capacity |
| Crestliner 2070 Retriever | 710 pounds (322 kg) | 1,900 pounds (862 kg) |
| Lowe Roughneck 2070 | 710 pounds (322 kg) | 1,900 pounds (862 kg) |
| Tracker grizzly 2072 CC | 1,930 pounds (875.5 kg) | 1,800 pounds (816.5 kg) |
| G3 Boats Gator Tough 20 CC | 1,065 pounds (483 kg) | 1,550 pounds (703 kg) |
The Maximum Jon Boat Capacity Calculation
A Jon boat is small, so calculating the maximum gross load is not too complicated. It is actually a total combined weight it can carry while sailing, including:
- Engine
- Passengers
- Equipment
- Fuel
- Load in water tanks
Passenger capacity
If you can’t find your Jon boat capacity plate, you can calculate its maximum passenger capacity by following the US Coast Guard recommended formula:
(boat length x boat width) / 15 = number of passengers
The formula only applies to Jon boats up to 20 feet (6 m) in length. For instance, your 15 feet (4.5 m) long and 4 feet (1.2 m) wide vessel is comfortable enough for four adult passengers.
Be aware that this formula is accurate only when you suppose that an average passenger’s weight is 150 pounds (68 kg). So, be careful!
Weight capacity
Calculating your boat weight capacity requires simple math but can help you determine an ideal number of passengers and potentially save lives. The formula you should use is:
boat passenger capacity x average passenger weight = boat weight capacity
As I have already mentioned, an average 15 feet (4.5 m) long Jon boat can carry four passengers with an average weight of 150 pounds (68 kg). In this case, the maximum weight capacity is 4 x 150 (68 kg) = 600 pounds (272 kg).
Keep in mind that this calculation is only an estimate. The best option is to ask a manufacturer for the exact data.
Warning!
You should reduce the maximum number of people on board if you plan to navigate the open sea or rough waters. Any excessive or uneven loading can be dangerous and cause the vessel to destabilize.
Summary
Jon boat weight capacity is crucial for safe sailing. The best option is to check this number with a manufacturer, but it is also possible to calculate the approximate value on your own through recommended formulas. In that case, you should be careful to make the best possible estimations.