Johnboat

A johnboat¹ or jon boat²³ is a flat-bottomed boat⁴ constructed of aluminum, fiberglass, wood, or polyethelene with one, two, or three seats, usually bench type. They are suitable for fishing, hunting and cruising. The nearly flat hull of a johnboat tends to ride over the waves rather than cut through them as a V-hull might; this shallow draft – only a few inches⁴ – enables the johnboat to operate in very shallow water,⁵ but limits its use to calm waters. Johnboats typically have a transom onto which an outboard motor can be mounted. They are simple, easy to maintain, and inexpensive, though with many options to upgrade. Typical options may include live wells/bait wells, side or center consoles, factory-installed decks and floors, electrical wiring, accessory pads/mountings, and casting and poling platforms.

Johnboats are available commercially between 8 and 24 feet (2.4 and 7.3 m)⁴ long and 32 to 60 inches (81 to 152 cm) wide, though custom sizes may be found. The design includes an open hull, without a bilge, leaving the ribs exposed. Many users choose to cover the ribs, producing a flat, level surface.

The Wasserwacht branch of the German Red Cross has chosen johnboats for their civil protection units for use during floods.

In the late 19th century, flat-bottom boats became popular in the Ozarks, being ideal for traversing the shallow waters in the Missouri Valley.⁶⁷⁸

These vessels were found useful for float fishing, duck hunting and carrying timber. Visiting tourists and travelers enjoyed the idea of flat-bottomed boats, as they could fish standing up and did not have to fear tipping over.