Marlon Jon Boats Info

[fishinglibin]

Howdy Members. Does anyone in the Membership own a Marlon Jon? They were at the Sportman show, ( didnt make it in to see), May consider sizing down from a 16 ft crestliner to a 14 ft Marlon. They have a very wide floor and beam. Still lve lots of deck space and hopefully plane faster. Would appreciate any opinions out there. Thx P

 

[fishinglibin]

I may consider 14 crestliner as well if one is for sale. Just tossing ideas as the 16 is nice but between getting old a crotchitty may want some easier stuff to handle.

[BrianR]

I owned a crestliner1448 md frt,leaky rivets didn't have me keeping it long.Welded is the way to go.imo.They weigh more,cost more & generally have a greater alum.thickness.Your question on Marlon boats might be better answered by .Posting the Q on FLYBC.CA Forum.Guys started asking about them 2-3 yrs ago.

[fishinglibin]

My current 16 ft and former 14 are welded aluminum. For rivers only way to go in my opinion. Thanks

[bowbonehead]

Looks a lot like a company that was around a while back building boats over by Blackfoot called Tsunami Boats ... could be the same .... remember they had really high gunnels better suited to lakes.... whatever you do make sure you go with welded vs riveted.... unless of course you are only rowing it without a motor.... so it won't take a pounding

[fishinglibin]

I remember Tsunami. I think they were even wider. Would go motorized.

[professori]

Howdy Members. Does anyone in the Membership own a Marlon Jon? They were at the Sportman show, ( didnt make it in to see), May consider sizing down from a 16 ft crestliner to a 14 ft Marlon. They have a very wide floor and beam. Still lve lots of deck space and hopefully plane faster. Would appreciate any opinions out there. Thx P

 

fishingliving, A buddy of mine has the 10' Marlon. IMO a complete waste of money! They are built from very light gauge aluminum and can't stand up to anything even approaching abuse. Want to beach it on a gravelly beach, don't even think about it. I understand the 14' is heavier gauge, but their product falls far short of others on the market. Yes they are wide, so is a Spratley (not as wide, but as wide as you need). Spratleys are totally welded boats, and sell for about $400 less than the Marlon. Look at the 12" Sprately-by far a better boat.

 

Or check out the Yamaha G3 1448 Jon.

[fishinglibin]

Thanks Professori. Always happy with crestliner, but will look G3 way.

[Dangus]

Spratleys are great. It took A big dog and 3 guys in it leaning to one side in order to sink a corner. You can stand anywhere including the seats and the covered bow and cast with complete confidence.

One downside is the welds on the handle at the bow are cracking from trailering it there.

[fishinglibin]

I don't think Spratley makes a 14 ft.

[Dangus]

Yeah just 8, 10, 12. Could give them a call, maybe they would do something custom

[fishinglibin]

Yeah just 8, 10, 12. Could give them a call, maybe they would do something custom

 

Twin turbo 14 ft w hot tub and wet bar.

[Dangus]

Ok give me a few days to relay the message

[Vops]

We have a few Marlon's at our rowing club. Granted they get a lot of use, but it is pretty tame. Protected water, no beaching. Only brought up onto a dock that has a low hard plastic edge designed for boats to ride up on. EVERY MARLON boat has had MULTIPLE CRACKS!  They are junk. They look nice and have a good layout, but I would NEVER buy one! 

[Gerald]

I did a little research on Jon boats a few years back to compare:

Brand	Total Length	Width at Floor	Width at Beam	Depth at Sides	Hull Gauge	Max Persons	Max Capicity	Max H/P	Total Weight
Spratley 10'	10' 6"	45"	55"	17"	.080"	2	465 lbs	9.9	152 lbs
Journey 9"6"	9" 6"	45"	55"	17"	.080"	3	580 lbs	10	136 lbs
Marlon SP10	9.84'	51"	55"	16.92"	.047"	3	549 lbs	5	105 lbs

[BrianR]

I have owned a 10-0 Spratlley since 2007.Would probably take it with me to my grave .One thing you might look at is for sale boats .In places like FlyBC forum ,FB Marketplace.Boats that i seem to see always show up fs  are Marlon.Just my observation.