There are many designs in the world of small craft, but only a few of them have become legends because of their simplicity and efficiency. boatThe squirrel, which has its roots in the American fishing and hunting tradition, is a flat-bottomed rectangular cross-sectional vessel that has proven its reliability in the harsh conditions of shallow waters for centuries.
Many aquatic motorists are wondering why this box-like shape of the body has become so popular among professionals. load capacity Unlike keel boats, the jonbot does not require deep water to go into plane, making it an ideal tool for overgrown rivers, swamps and shallow bays.
Today we will discuss all aspects of owning such a vessel in detail, you will learn about the nuances of operation, the advantages of aluminum alloys over steel and get valuable tips on modernization. The key feature of the jonbot is the ability to install the engine of almost any power without the risk of losing stability, which is not available to most classic boats.
Design features and geometry of the body
The geometry of the jonbot hull is purely pragmatic, with straight sides and flat bottoms making the best use of the interior space. Area utilization factor These boats tend to be one, which means that there are no dead zones that are rounded, and this is especially important for anglers who need to place a lot of gear in a limited area.
The case is usually made of sheet metal by welding, and the classic version lacks complex contours, which makes it easier to manufacture and repair. squirminess The boat doesn't cut the wave, it slaps on it with the whole plane of the bottom, which can be uncomfortable in high winds.
The zygomatic splashers are an important design element, and because they are often vertical or minimally obstructed, water can easily spill over the side when moving, and by putting profiles along the sides, the spray can be removed. cockpit It can quickly fill up with water even in a calm course.
⚠️ Attention: The vertical sides of the jonbot create high sailing. In strong side winds, the boat can quickly deflect from the course, so control of the trim and balancing of the cargo become critical.
To improve seaworthiness, some manufacturers are introducing V-bottom elements in the nose, which allows you to slightly soften the shocks against the wave, while maintaining the main advantages of flat-bottom. johnbot.
When building a jonbot, use aluminum alloys of the AMG series (AMG2, AMG5) - they do not rust and are easy to cook, unlike steel, which requires complex anticorrosion treatment.
Materials of manufacture: Aluminum vs. Steel
The choice of material to build or buy a boat like John Both always comes down to a struggle between two giants: aluminum and steel. performanceThese are the ones that directly affect the lifespan and behavior of the vessel on the water, and understanding the difference will help you make the right choice.
Steel boats are high-strength and low-cost, heavier, which in some cases is a plus for sustainability, but seriously affects transportability. Corrosion Even with high-quality painting, a scratch from a stone or branch can become a rust hotbed that requires constant attention of the owner.
Aluminum alloys, by contrast, are virtually non-corrosive in fresh water and are much easier to sleeve, allowing the boat to be sleeve with less powerful engines. However, aluminum is softer than steel and more prone to cracking when hitting hard objects at high speed. The cost of an aluminum sheet can be several times higher than steel.
Compare the main parameters of these materials in the table:
| Parameter | Aluminum (AMG) | Steel (St3) |
|---|---|---|
| Body weight | Light (high buoyancy) | Heavy (requires a powerful motor) |
| Corrosion | Oxide film (not rusting) | Requires constant protection |
| Strength | High, but afraid of spotting. | Very tall, holding the punch. |
| Weldability | Requires argon or special electrodes | Cooked with a regular inverter |
| Cost | High. | Low. |
If you're planning to operate a boat in rocky regs with rolled steel, it might be more practical. aluminum out of competition.
Performance in water
The jonbot's behavior on the water is very different from that of keel boats, and its element is calm water, shallow water and overgrown areas, and because of its flat bottom, the full-load boat can only draught 10-15 cm. This allows you to come close to the shore, which deep-water vessels cannot afford. keel.
But the johnbot doesn't do well in the wave, because it doesn't have the stability of the keel model, and when it's perpendicular to the wave, it starts to roll a lot from side to side, and experienced drivers know that you have to either go in the wave or against it, but not lag. Resilience The jonbot is static, but dynamic stability leaves much to be desired.
Another feature is noise. The metal bottom acts as a resonator. Waves, falling gear, or footsteps on the bottom are very well heard. For hunters, this can be a critical deterrent to game. The solution is to use floating mats or plywood flooring that is laid to the bottom.
⚠️ Attention: Due to the flat bottom and low draught, the Jonbots are extremely sensitive to shifting the center of gravity, and the sudden movement of passengers from one side to the other can lead to dangerous rolling and even tipping.
Despite its shortcomings, the handling of the jonbot in shallow water is undeniable: it easily passes through the grass without winding it onto the protruding parts, because there are no protruding parts, and the motor is also higher, which reduces the risk of damage to the screw on the bottom sediments.
The secret to a quiet move
To reduce noise from footsteps and tackle clang, many Jonbot owners paste the interior of the sides and bottoms with car vibration insulation or use rubber-based carpeting.
Motorization and attachments
The choice of engine for the John Bot boat is the balance between power and weight. Because the transom of such boats is often an extension of the side, it must be reinforced. For aluminum models, the transom is usually made from a thicker sheet or amplified by a corner. Outboard motor The most common version of the power plant.
The power of the engine depends on the length of the body. For a three-meter jonbot, it takes 5-6 hp to bring a boat with one person to planing. Five-meter models require 15-20 hp.
In addition to the engine, johnbots are often equipped with additional equipment:
- 🎣 Echo sonars and GPS: are attached to removable brackets, since it is not always convenient to drill the sides.
- ⚓ Anchor system: mandatory for fishing in windy weather, often used anchor cat.
- 🔦 Side lightsFor safe movement in the dark, they are installed on removable masts.
- 🪑 Siedenia: most often used rotary fishing chairs on the racks.
When you install an electric trolling motor, the Jonbot becomes the perfect silent platform for hunting, and the electric motors are easily attached to a transom or nasal swing block. Traction batteries It is better to place on the floor in the center for better balance.
☑️ Testing season readiness
Johnbot himself: drawings and construction
Building a junket yourself is a popular activity among home craftsmen, and the simplicity of the design allows you to do without complex theoretical preparation. patterning For beginners, the optimal length is 3-3.5 meters, which allows you to use standard sheets of metal to minimize waste.
The assembly process begins with the formation of the bottom and the sides. The sheets are bent at the right angle (usually 90 degrees) and welded. Special attention should be paid to the nose. The classic jonbot has a blunt nose, but to improve its performance, it is often pointed, cutting the corners of the front sheet and folding the sides. This requires more accurate fitting of the joints.
The inner structure is reinforced by the spangoats and the stringers. Spangouts are the transom ribs that keep the sides from collapsing. Stringers go along the side, giving longitudinal rigidity. Amateur construction often uses a 25x25 or 30x30 mm angle.
Important construction stages:
- 🛠️ Open it.: accurate marking of sheets according to the drawing, taking into account welding permits.
- 🔥 Welding: performing continuous sealed seams, checking for the absence of burnouts.
- 🔨 Strengthening: welding of a timber and a tanner board.
- 🎨 Finish: cleaning seams and painting (for steel) or polishing (for aluminum).
⚠️ Warning: When welding thin aluminum (less than 3 mm), there is a high risk of burnout. Use pulsed welding mode and be sure to use a filler rod corresponding to the brand of the base metal.
The finished body is necessarily tested afloat without the motor and passengers to make sure that there are no leaks. first-launch.
The easiest way to make the johnbot sealed is to use argon welding for aluminum, as it gives the least noticeable and most durable seams that do not require additional sealing.
Comparison with analogues and final conclusions
Jonbot occupies a unique niche, and comparing it to PVC inflatable boats, we gain in durability and puncture protection, but we lose in weight and compact storage. Compared to (plastic) boats, the jonbot is cheaper to repair and produce, but noisier and harder to move.
The big trump card of the Jonbot is its utilitarianness: it's a workhorse that's not afraid of dirt, sand and rocks. It doesn't require a special trailer with padding, you can just put it upside down on the roof of a car or in the back of a pickup truck. Repairability Such a vessel in the field is also at a height: the pierced side can be brewed or even temporarily sealed with cold welding.
If you're looking for a boat for family trips in high-wave water, the Jonbot is not your choice, but if your goal is fishing in reed-covered backwaters, hunting in shallow waters, or just a reliable means of crossing the river at minimal cost, then johnbot It's unparalleled.
In conclusion, the simplicity of this boat is deceptive, and it has evolved over the decades to create new solutions, but the essence remains the same: maximum benefit with minimal complexity, making the johnbot an immortal classic of the boating world.
Transportability
Many owners make the jonbots collapsible by connecting sections with bolts through rubber pads, which allows the boat to be transported even in the trunk of the station wagon, although this reduces tightness and rigidity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the maximum length of the johnbot that can be made yourself?
Theoretically, the length is not limited, but for self-construction without special equipment and slips, the optimal length is considered to be 5-6 meters. Longer boats are more difficult to transport and they require very precise assembly geometry so that the hull does not lead when welding.
Do I need to paint an aluminum jonbot?
No, you don't. Aluminum alloys (AMG) themselves form an oxide film that protects the metal. Aluminum paint doesn't hold well and it peels off quickly. They paint these boats only for aesthetic purposes or for camouflage, using special soils for non-ferrous metals.
Can I ride a Jonbot in the sea?
You can only go completely calm and very close to the shore. The absence of a keel makes the johnbot extremely unstable on the sea wave, and low sides are dangerous when overrun. For the sea, it is better to choose keel boats or specialized boats.
What is the best metal to use for the bottom?
For aluminum, the optimal thickness is 3-4 mm. Less than 2 mm is not recommended because of the risk of deformation during impacts. For steel, you can take 2-3 mm, as it is stronger, but remember the weight of the structure.