In my shallow water jon boat searching I kept seeing gheenoe pop up. I really didnt know what a gheenoe was, or even how to say it, now I know it’s GEE-NEW. I saw people were comparing them to jon boats so I figured there must be more to them.
Turns out, a gheenoe is a cross between a flat back canoe and a micro skiff. The gheenoe is the brainchild of Harley Gheen, a mechanical engineer who worked at the Kennedy Space Center, but dreamed of a tip-resistant canoe he could attach an outboard to, so he designed and built one.
In this article we’ll discuss the pros and cons of a gheenoe vs jon boat. We’ll focus on stability, speed, cargo/passenger capacity, and price. We’ll also talk about the best uses for each type of boat.
Gheenoe vs jon boat stability
Jon boats and Gheenoes are both small, flat-bottomed boats that are often used for fishing in shallow waters. While there are variations in their designs, some general comparisons between the two can be made in terms of their stability.
Jon boats are usually made of aluminum or fiberglass and have a flat bottom with squared-off sides. They are typically wider and heavier than Gheenoes and have a lower center of gravity, which makes them more stable in calm waters. They can also handle larger outboard motors, which means they can go faster and are better suited for larger bodies of water.
On the other hand, Gheenoes are typically made of fiberglass and have a V-shaped hull with flared sides. They are generally narrower and lighter than jon boats, which makes them more maneuverable and easier to transport. Gheenoes also have a higher center of gravity, which can make them feel less stable than jon boats in rough waters. However, their V-shaped hulls make them better suited for handling choppy waters and small waves.
Ultimately, the stability of a jon boat or a Gheenoe will depend on a variety of factors, including the specific design, size, weight, and the conditions in which they are used. Both boats have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between the two will depend on the user’s specific needs and preferences.
Pitch and roll
Jon Boats and Gheenoes are both designed to be stable platforms for fishing, hunting, and other activities. They both have a relatively flat bottom, however a jon boat is going to be more stable from a roll than a gheenoe. A jon boat has a wider bottom and more surface area on the water and a lower center of gravity.
A longer gheenoe is going to be more stable for pitch than a shorter jon boat. We’ve covered pitch and roll stability in another post. In choppy water you would rather be in a wide flat jon boat with high sides than a skinny gheenoe with a lower side height.
Whats faster gheenoe vs jon boat
A similar length jon boat and gheenoe with the same outboard motor, and the gheenoe is going to be faster. The gheenoe has less friction between the narrow hull and water, a jon boat will have to overcome more surface friction because more of the hull is touching the water.
A jon boat can also support a much higher horsepower outboard motor than a gheenoe. The max HP for a gheenoe is 75 while some jon boats of similar size can support 90 HP outboards. A jon boat is going to be able to handle running faster in rougher conditions. The ride will not be smooth and dry, but it won’t be as unnerving as trying rough water run in a gheenoe.
Gheenoe specs and dimensions
Gheenoe pros
- Stealthy low profile for hunting
- lightweight
- easy to launch even without a ramp
- stable for its size
- economical in cost and fuel consumption
- easily paddled
- can maneuver in tight spaces
- runs in shallow water
- simple to maintain
- highly customizable – it’s a blank canvas for accessories!
Jon Boat Pros
- high outboard horsepower capacity
- more deck space
- more storage
- can also be heavily accessorized
- economical as a hunting, fishing or utility boat
- able to handle choppy water
Gheenoe vs jon boat cost comparison
Based on our research of the comparison tables and price lists from Lowe Jon Boats and Gheenoe.net, on a price per foot (hull length), the gheenoe boat price and jon boat price are almost identical. A basic 12-13 foot jon boat or gheenoe is about to run you about $1600-$1700 for the boat only.
Should I buy a jon boat or a gheenoe?
The first thing to consider is how you’re going to use the boat or craft. If you wanna run in choppy water while hauling a ton of gear or passengers and need more versatility and usability then by all means go with the jon boat. You can fish, hunt, or run your family up on a wide sand bar with ease. However, don’t be surprised when a smaller family with less gear or another sportsman buzzes by you on their gheenoe to get into the really tight and skinny water where bigger and less maneuverable boats can’t go.
A gheenoe is going to be your best craft for navigating small rivers, marshes, and other backwaters. You’ll be able to fish, hunt, and play where others simply can’t get to. You may have to give up some creature comforts and gear but that’s the trade-off.
Look, either one of these boats is great. A jon boat is more utilitarian and a jack of all trades while the gheenoe is more specialized. Let us know what choice you made in the comments and sign up for our email list to keep in touch.