I've been lurking for a little while gathering information here and there and my time is coming up soon, that is ordering me a boat. I will be ordering it next month and would like to pick some brains for more info.
I have my mind set on a 1248 jon boat. I have been back and forth between a 12' or 14' and chose the 12 footer in the end due to garage space and that I will mostly be fishing solo. I purchased a trailer last month and have been fixing it up as far as new jack, winch, winch mount, bunks and hub assembly. It will only hold up to a 12 foot boat so that is another factor in me going with the 12 footer.
I want the 48" bottom for stability purposes. The problem is I'm torn between the Weld-Craft and Weldbilt version. I'm leaning more towards the Weld-Craft because I can get it in a 24" side, 21" transom and .1 thickness for $500 more. I can also have a bilge pump put it in at the factory. The Weldbilt boat is $500 cheaper and only 20" side, 16" transom and .08 thickness. I have faith that I could put a bilge pump put in it. Both are a welded. I will be crappie fishing and some bass fishing anywhere from small to large lakes between spring and fall. I have no real plans of fishing out in the main part of the lakes just mostly along the shore lines and creeks. I live in Oklahoma and winds can be a challenge in the spring time.
Which would you chose? Do I really need the taller transom? Thank you.
I have my mind set on a 1248 jon boat. I have been back and forth between a 12' or 14' and chose the 12 footer in the end due to garage space and that I will mostly be fishing solo. I purchased a trailer last month and have been fixing it up as far as new jack, winch, winch mount, bunks and hub assembly. It will only hold up to a 12 foot boat so that is another factor in me going with the 12 footer.
I want the 48" bottom for stability purposes. The problem is I'm torn between the Weld-Craft and Weldbilt version. I'm leaning more towards the Weld-Craft because I can get it in a 24" side, 21" transom and .1 thickness for $500 more. I can also have a bilge pump put it in at the factory. The Weldbilt boat is $500 cheaper and only 20" side, 16" transom and .08 thickness. I have faith that I could put a bilge pump put in it. Both are a welded. I will be crappie fishing and some bass fishing anywhere from small to large lakes between spring and fall. I have no real plans of fishing out in the main part of the lakes just mostly along the shore lines and creeks. I live in Oklahoma and winds can be a challenge in the spring time.
Which would you chose? Do I really need the taller transom? Thank you.