Today I want to compare two similar but very different watercraft: The inflatable raft vs the jon boat. Both of these boats fit easily into the back of a pickup truck and both of these boats fit two anglers.
The Slipstream 96 is a two-person raft that I'm very familiar with. I’ve also reviewed and compared it to other similar rafts on the Road Trip Angler YouTube channel.
I also have a lot of experience with jon boats because I grew up fishing small farm ponds in a 10-foot jon boat that’s been in my family for 20+ years. This is going to be a fun comparison!
Jon Boat vs Slipstream raft – How They’re Similar
When looking at a jon boat vs the Slipstream fishing raft, both of these boats can accommodate two people and are both quick to load into a truck and get on the river. The jon boat or the Slipstream raft can get you fishing without much preparation. But in my opinion, that’s pretty much where the similarities end.
Jon Boats – Designed for Calm Waters
Jon boats come in various shapes and sizes, but most are aluminum and have flat bottoms. They also perform best when used on smaller bodies of water like lakes, ponds, and slack rivers with no rapids.
Flat bottoms allow jon boats to get into really shallow water, but there’s a downside. Their flat bottoms and their metal construction make them far louder than inflatables. When you are fishing, they're definitely not as stealthy / quiet as a lot of other boats out there.
Jon Boats – Inexpensive and Easy to Customize
Even new jon boats are usually pretty inexpensive on Marketplace and Barn Finds. They're also readily available on manufacturer and retailer websites and at brick-and-mortar stores across the country.
Another great thing about jon boats is that they’re easy to fix up. You can actually buy one as a DIY project and deck it out to fit your own needs.
Keep in mind that the price of a jon boat will depend on age, size, quality of construction, and what the boat was designed to do.
Ready for a Gas or Electric Motor
I also like that jon boats can be motorized with electric or gasoline engines. I’m pretty sure my old 10-footer can handle up to a 9.9 horsepower motor. Some bigger boats in the 20-foot range can even take outboards up to 100 horsepower.
The jon boat that I've had for two decades is a low-end boat from Walmart, but it’s been great. When I was a kid I’d grab a paddle, a few rods, and a tackle box and fish all the farm ponds around my neighborhood.
Who Should Consider a Jon Boat?
A jon boat is for anyone looking for an affordable jack-of-all-trades and have a pick-up or a small trailer to transport it. Jon boats also work well if you fish a lot of farm ponds and small lakes, or you just want an easy way to get out on the water with your spouse or kids.
Inflatable Fishing Rafts – Built for Moving Water
On the flip side of the coin, we have inflatable rafts that are specifically built for river fishing. NRS fishing rafts are actually built with fly anglers in mind. This means they’re relatively snag-proof and obstruction-free so there’s not a lot to catch your fly line on. However, I want to point out they're great for traditional anglers too.
NRS Slipstream 96 – Ready Right Out of the Box
There are some great options on the Deluxe Model Slipstream 96 that allow you to carry extra gear and fly rods and manage everything easily while you're on the water. Slipstream 96s also have a solid frame, comfortable seats, oar locks, and an internally routed anchor system. In fact, they're pretty much ready to go right out of the box, whereas most jon boats are blank slates.
Jon boats are versatile platforms on smaller bodies of water, but the Slipstream 96 and most other rafts are designed for fishing in moving water. Honestly, I’d never even compare a metal jon boat to the NRS in a moving water or whitewater situation.
Stable and Secure Fishing in Moving Water
In moving water you need a maneuverable boat that sits high up in the water to get through rapids confidently and securely.
This is exactly why I love the Slipstream 96 when I’m fishing for smallmouth on the New River in Virginia. Smallmouth are one of my favorite gamefish, and NRS’s Slipstream 96 allows me and a companion to get out on the water quickly.
You can even get three or four-person setups in these rafts. In addition, they’re tops when it comes to transportation and storage because they can be deflated and packed down easily.
Who Should Consider an NRS Slipstream 96?
I suggest taking a serious look at NRS's Slipstream 96 if you’re fishing moving water rivers and occasionally venture into some whitewater. These boats are also great options if you don't have a pick-up truck or trailer or a ton of storage space.
Which is Better – Jon Boat vs Slipstream 96 raft
This is a tough question because everybody’s situation is different.
However, jon boats are more suited to lakes and ponds, while inflatable fishing rafts like the Slipstream 96 are designed for moving water.
You could use an inflatable raft in flat water, but they’re definitely better in moving water situations. On the other hand, jon boats are usually better if you’re bouncing between farm ponds and want to add a gasoline or electric motor.
I hope this comparison post will help you decide which type of boat will make the most sense for you.
As always, thanks for stopping by. If you have a bit more time, please have a look at my full review of the Slipstream: Fishing Raft Review: NRS Slipstream 96.
Raft: NRS Slipstream 96
Life vest: NRS Chinook PFD
Shirt: NRS Varial Hoodie
Rods: Judge Crankbait Series, Eternity Series, Revelation Series
Sunglasses: Wiley X
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