Many anglers looking for a cost effective, easy to maintain boat option consider a jon boat to be the perfect solution. But what if you are going to be using it in saltwater? Can you use a jon boat in saltwater? If so, what are the limitation when using it in the ocean?
Introduction
Jon boats offer many advantages over fiberglass boats. Not only are they far cheaper to purchase , they also cost lest to maintain, are more economical in terms of fuel consumption and can be towed with a much smaller vehicle.
Aside from the cost, jon boats are also easily configured for a variety of uses and low drafts allow access to areas other boater can only view from afar. Plus, due to their lighter weight, jon boats often offer a greater capacity rating than other boats of the same size.
Despite appearing to offer almost everything a boater could ask for, especially the angler or waterfowl hunter, there are far less jon boats seen on the ocean than when fishing fresh water. Why is this? Are they not suitable for ocean or saltwater use? While this was once though to be the case it is not entirely true.
Jon boats can be taken out into the ocean but must be done so with caution. Boats shorter than 16 feet in length present a significant hazard on the open water due to stability and power rating. Only with the appropriate boat size, equipment, experience, and weather conditions will jon boating on the ocean be a safe and enjoyable experience.
Misconceptions
Many boaters have a long-held belief that jon boats, which are primarily constructed from aluminum, are not suitable for ocean use. Much of this belief is based on the fear that aluminum will fall victim to saltwater corrosion long before fiberglass. While it is true that aluminum, or almost any metal for that fact, will corrode this can be avoided with proper set up and regular maintenance. More on this later.
Others believe that the overall design of the jon boat, the wide hull and flat bottom, prevents safe deployment in the ocean. Again, this is a partial truth. Although there are limitations to when and how a jon boat can be used on the open ocean the same can be said about any boat. Even the Titanic fell victim to its limitation. We will address this more later as well, but with an understanding of what you jon boat is capable of you can enjoy many day at sea – if you pick the days correctly.
Operation in Saltwater
Before we can address operating a jon boat on the ocean we must first prepare for launching it in saltwater. After all, every ocean is first made up of saltwater. As stated earlier, corrosion is a major concern and once of the reasons that so many believe (mistakenly) that jon boats and saltwater do not mix.
- Select the Correct Boat – it is important that you select a boat that is designed for, or at least rated for, use in saltwater. This will focus primarily on the aluminum used in constructing the hull as not all aluminums can withstand the more aggressive effects of saltwater.
Second, you want to consider how the hull was put together. Most jon boats are constructed from several large pieces of aluminum that are then welded or rivetted together. The former is better suited for saltwater use as rivets tend to provide additional corrosion points, develop leaks and fail far sooner than welds.
Third, you must ensure that all fixtures are also suitable for saltwater. Any wooden hatches, boxes or decks must be constructed of marine grade plywood or treated lumber, or they will deteriorate quickly. - Protect from corrosion – all metals are subject to corrosion when subjected to use in saltwater, but if this were an automatic fault then ships would still be built from wood. Obviously, this is not the case so there must be a way to combat corrosion and that is the use of anodes.
Anodes are metal bars, constructed of a more readily corroded metal or alloy, that are mounted to the hull. These anodes provide a point at which the saltwater can do its thing and thus sacrificed to save the hull. As long as the anodes are maintained they will prevent, or at least greatly reduce, the negative effects saltwater will have on the hull. The key is selecting the correct anodes.
Many anodes are constructed from zinc, in fact “zincs” is a common nickname for anodes in general. However, zinc is not a recommended alloy for use with aluminum hull boats as it is generally less corrosive than aluminum. Non-zinc alloys, even those using aluminum, are better protection. It is recommended that you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when selecting the anodes for your specific boat. - Mounting Accessories – a major source of corrosion on any boat is wherever accessories are mounted. Not only does every through hull fitting expose bare metal to the elements but many times the accessory causes electrochemical corrosion – a result of different metals being in contact. Because aluminum is one of the more susceptible metals when exposed to saltwater you should never mount any metal to the hull other than aluminum or high-quality stainless steel. All fasteners should be constructed of plastic or stainless steel, never brass, zinc, copper or iron based.
- Bottom Care – keeping the bottom clean is a major concern for boat owners and many resort to bottom paints specifically designed to prevent fouling. Jon boat owners often install special rock proof bottom paints to prevent scrapes and other damage caused by running in shallow water. Neither are a good choice when running your jon boat is saltwater.
Many anti-fouling bottom paints utilize metal-based formulas, and as we stated earlier, these metal-based paints can react poorly with the aluminum hull. If a bottom paint is to be applied to an aluminum hull you must follow a multi-step process: (1) apply etching primer, (2) apply compatible primer and (3) finish with quality topcoat.
Rock proof bottom paints are not necessarily a problem due to incompatibility, many utilize liquid plastics, but still present problems. The biggest concern is that small gaps or chips caused by poor application or damage will allow corrosion which will then be undetected due to paint.
It is best to leave your aluminum hull unpainted and clean frequently. - Frequent Inspections – corrosion can never be stopped completely, it can only be slowed and controlled. Regardless of how well you boat is constructed; how careful you are about avoiding metal to metal mounting and no matter what anodes you use corrosion is still an everyday concern. Every scratch, dent or exposed spot of metal is a potential starting point. The best defense is an aggressive inspection process.
Inspect the boat every time you remove it from the water. Look for any signs of developing corrosion – keys spots are through hull fittings, metal accessory mounts (even those using proper materials) and points of past damage. Each should be noted and checked frequently. You should also look for any additional damage and add these to your inspection routine, damage can not be avoided but it can be managed.
Any visible corrosion should be cleaned and the area treated to prevent further damage. There are many corrosion prohibitors available that are specially designed to be brushed onto exposed areas to prevent further damage but be sure to read the label and follow instructions carefully.
Do not forget your anodes. These devices have a limited life, which varies depending on size and exposure to electric current, salinity etc. so must eventually be replaced. During each inspection check the condition of the anodes, brush off visible build up (white, flaky surface) and replace when needed.
Remember to inspect inside all voids, bilges and compartments as well. If you install an aftermarket deck be sure to include access point that allow for this. Corrosion can start inside as well and if undetected can cause disabling damage in a short time. - In-Water Storage – a great number of jon boats used on saltwater are trailered to and from each day, stored on the trailer between uses but some users choose to keep the boat in the water at a marina or tied up behind their home (if lucky enough to live on the water).
While the choice is yours, and either is possible, in the long run removing your aluminum boat from the water after each use will extend its life span. The longer you boat is exposed to saltwater the great the possibility something will go wrong and the less likely you are to notice problems between inspections. - Fresh Water Bath – one of the greatest tools available when it comes to fighting corrosion is fresh water. Rinsing your boat each time it is used will help remove not only salt but also any other contaminates you may have encountered. If you keep you boat at the dock for extended periods a freshwater bath is still a good idea, rinsing the interior will protect it as well.
- Don’t Forget the Trailer – it does you little good to spend countless hours, and money, protecting your boat if the trailer falls about under it. Steel trailers will rust in saltwater, and many of the components such as rims, breaks etc. will fail as well. Be sure to replace your stock trailer with a stainless or galvanized model and care for it as you do your boat. Rinse with freshwater and inspect frequently to avoid a trip ending break down.
Operation on the Ocean
So, now that we have discussed how to select a jon boat for use in saltwater and how to protect that boat so that you and your family can enjoy it for years to come it is time to address your original question. Can a jon boat be used on the ocean?
Yes. As we have already discussed, it is possible to use a jon boat in saltwater so it is also possible to use your jon boat on the ocean. The question comes down to capability.
Jon boats are flat bottom with very little keel or bow rise, even modified hulls have only a few feet of hull that is not flat. Even operation on large freshwater lakes can present potential danger so it goes without saying that great care must be taken when venturing onto the open ocean.
Modern jon boats are built stronger, sturdier and larger than ever before. This means that your ability to venture out of the protected backwaters safely is better than even a few years ago. But that does not mean it is unlimited. Let’s look at some of the limitations you need to consider.
- Size – jon boats are available in lengths as short as 8-10ft and longer than 20ft. However, although the smaller models are well suited for protected coves, marshes and backwaters they are not safe for open water – especially offshore.
Personally, I would not take anything smaller than 16ft. offshore but I do know many others who do so regularly in 14ft jons. Keep in mind that larger boats are not only longer but also wider, which presents a more stable platform. Even a gentle rolling sea can upset a boat that is too narrow. - Motor – while many jon boats can be powered by nothing more than an electric trolling motor, this is not a suitable option when it comes to operating in the ocean. First, it offers a very limited range which will unnecessarily limit your ability to reach that perfect fishing spot. Second, the trolling motor does not provide enough thrust to navigate even moderate current before its power supply is depleted. It certainly will not allow operation at the speeds most boaters desire. Third, a larger stronger motor is needed to safely navigate worsening weather or sea conditions.
Due to their lighter overall weight most jon boats can be successfully powered with motors far smaller than those used on similarly sized boats of other designed. Even a 16ft can be pushed at close to 30 knots by nothing more than a 25 HP, but do not skimp unnecessarily. There may come a time when you are attempting to outrun an approaching storm and you will be glad you made a bigger investment early on.
Remember to protect your motor from corrosion as well. To do this you will need to ensure that it includes its own set of anodes as the boat’s may not be enough to protect both items. It is also recommended that you select a prop designed for saltwater use. - Sea Conditions – by their very design jon boats are unsuited for adverse sea conditions such as waves or surf. Even when operating in fresh water this is a major concern. Of course, the larger and wider you jon boat the more apt it is to safely handle anything other than flat calm waters. It is vital that you know, understand and adhere to you own boat’s limitations. Exceeding them can be deadly.
- Weather – other than sea conditions the greatest danger you will face, or any boater for that matter, is changing weather. A perfect day at launch time can quickly turn to tragedy when a storm blown in from the wrong direction. Again, knowing your boat’s limitations is of the utmost importance although few jon boats are capable of safely navigating in strong winds. It is equally important to know the weather forecast and avoid going out when it is predicted to be more than you can handle.
Equipment Recommendations
It is unlikely that your jon boat was configured with ocean use in mind. Fortunately, one of the greatest advantages to having a jon boat is that fact that they are basically a blank slate and can be easily personalized. With this in mind lets look at some of the features experienced jon boat owners have found to be especially useful when transitioning from fresh to saltwater use.
Anchor
Not every jon boat owner has an anchor, especially if they primarily use in on a lake or river. If you are going to head out on the ocean it is strongly recommended. Although it is unlikely you will be able to carry enough rope for deep water anchoring, it will come in handy when you are close to shore or one a shoal and the fish are hitting in that one perfect spot. It is also important when the engine dies and you need to stop yourself from drifting onto the rocks. The mushroom anchors commonly carried may not be suitable either, you will need to consider a design such as the Danforth that provides a little more bite.
For recommendations on anchors that work great for jon boats, check out our posts on jon boat anchors as well as jon boat anchor winches. We put hours of research (and our own experience) into these articles to try and provide the most helpful recommendations possible.
Center Console
Selecting a model with a center console, or adding one if you are mechanically inclined, will make maneuvering your jon boat easier and safer, especially if in a heavy traffic area. Moving your weight to the center of the boat will increase stability and being able to stand will increase visibility.
Seats
One of the greatest downfalls of owning a jon boat is the uncomfortable ride, especially if there is a little chop. Operating in the ocean will increase the chances of “a little chop” and the possibility of a very bad back at the end of the day. Upgrading, or adding as the case may be, your seats will make hitting the water more inviting. Consider molded, padded models with a high back. Remember, your boat is likely to take more abuse on the ocean so make sure the seats are properly secured – clamp on models will not last as long as they would on freshwater.
Bimini Top
The offshore sun is both brutal and unforgiving, so it is important that you have a means of protecting yourself and your passengers. A folding bimini top if perfect for the jon boat. It installs easily, can pop up in seconds and stows away almost as quickly when you do not need it or wish to run at higher speeds. Remember to select one with stainless or plastic mounting brackets to prevent damaging corrosion.
Navigation Lights
Navigation lights are a must when operating on the ocean. Even if you never plan on staying out after dark poor weather alone can reduce visibility or prevent returning to the dock on time – in both cases navigation lights will be needed. Take the time, and make the investment, to have properly fitted permanent lights installed rather than the battery power portable ones you see on the local lake. While the latter may be good enough to meet legal requirements, they may not last long enough to help you offshore. See our post on jon boat lighting requirements for more information (yes, even these little boats are regulated too).
Bilge Pump
Having a bilge pump is often a convenience when it comes to a jon boat, nice for getting a bit of splashed in water out but not necessary. This changes when you hit the open ocean. A rogue wave or even the wake from a passing boat can easily send gallons of water into you low sitting jon boat, and this can cause major problem with handling. Plus, any saltwater that collects in your aluminum boat increases the chance of corrosion. Having a bilge pump, preferably one that his automatic, will allow you ton more safely remove that water quickly.
Rod Holders / Storage
When you go fishing offshore there is not opportunity to run back to the truck for your extra fishing rod, favorite lure or lucky t-shirt. In other words, if you want it while you are out you need to take it with you. Your also do not know where the fish will want to hang out or which part of the boat will fish best during a drift. This means having extra storage and plenty of rod holders available so you can carry everything you need, and place rod wherever you want.
For both DIY and pre-fabricated options on both of these, see our posts on Jon Boat Fishing Rod Storage: 6 Great Options and Jon Boat Fishing Rod Holders (Plus How and Where to Install).
Safety Kit
Accidents can happen, even on your local lake, but when you are out to sea even a minor breakdown can become a major problem. Having a safety kit not only insures you meet the legal requirements it provides a few extras just in case. You can put your own kit together, but there are several commercial models available that will meet all your needs and include flare, smoke signal, rescue flag, signal mirror and whistle.
For a complete list of items you need to stay safe (and compliant), see our post on Jon Boat Safety Equipment and Requirements. SO many people are not compliant and they don’t even know it. Be sure to give it a read.
Battery Box
It is important you keep your batteries dry and protected at all times; saltwater corrosion can seriously damage the electrical system faster than just about anything on your boat. If possible, it is recommended you install dual batteries and a selector switch so you always have a backup. It is also a good idea to relocate the batteries to the center console/storage area rather than in the rear near the transom as it will protect it from water better. Regardless of where your battery is located it is vital that it be stored inside a battery box which is also secured to the deck.
GPS / Mapping App
Although many a boater have been lost on inland lakes or rivers it is rarely a matter of life or death, almost any direction will lead to safety or at least land. Things are not the same when at sea. Loss sight of shore and a wrong turn can transform your 3 hour fishing trip into an Irish vacation. There was a time when navigating on the open ocean involved reading charts, plotting a course and many years of experience but all that can be done by electronics now. Having a GPS unit, or even a smartphone navigation app, will save you plenty of headaches and potentially your life. Even if you have electronic navigation systems it is still recommended you have a compass installed as a backup.
Communications
Like your safety kit a reliable line of communication could be a life saver during an emergency. VHF marine band radios were once the main means boat to boat and boat to shore communication, although many boaters no rely on a cellular phone. Either option is viable although it is recommended you confirm your phone as adequate signal at you favorite boating spots.
Personal Preparation
Knowing your boat and its limitation was mentioned several times, and it can not be said too many times, however there are a few additional steps you should consider to make yourself a better ocean boater.
- Take a Safety Course – even if the law does not require a boating safety course it is one of things you benefit from no matter your age or experience. Through these courses you will learn more about Aids to Navigation, Rules of the Road and even what to do in an emergency- all of which comes it to play regularly on the open ocean.
- Help From an Experienced Captain – there is only so much you can learn from a classroom or book, sometimes there is no substitute for one on one training from someone familiar with the areas.
- Always Leave a Float Plan – when ever you venture out on the water make sure that someone knows where you will be, when you will return on how to contact you. It is also a good idea to leave contact information for the local authorities such as harbor patrol of U.S. Coast Guard Station, especially if you will be boating in an area your family is unfamiliar with.
Conclusion
As you can see it is possible to take your jon boat out in saltwater, even on the open ocean. Yes, it does require some specific items in terms of equipment & set up and it does involve a little additional hazard, but nothing that can not be overcome. The most important thing to remember is that while jon boats can be used on the ocean there are limitations. Knowing what your boat’s limitations are and never exceeding them is the first step in insuring a safe trip.
