One of the biggest decisions I faced when shopping for a Jon boat was whether to go with a flat bottom or a semi-V hull.
Flat Bottom: My First Choice
The flat bottom is perfect for calm water. It’s stable, easy to load, and lets me slide right up onto the bank. Standing to cast feels solid, and it’s great for shallow creeks and calm lakes.
Semi-V: Better for Chop
I’ve also fished from semi-V hulls, and they definitely handle wind and waves better. They cut through chop instead of slapping the water. The downside? They sit deeper and don’t feel quite as stable when standing still.
My Pick
Because I fish mostly smaller, calm waters, I went with the flat bottom. But if I lived near big reservoirs or coastal waters, I’d pick a semi-V for the smoother ride.
👉 Your fishing spots should decide this choice. Calm and shallow? Flat bottom. Big water and waves? Semi-V.