Why is Tracker GRIZZLY 1448 JON Worthy of Being Recommended?

Tracker GRIZZLY 1448 JON Review

Reference price: from $3,495

Type: Jon boat

Weight: 562 lbs

Carrying capacity: 3 people

What we like about it: The simple hull design provides plenty of room for subsequent customization of other features.

What we didn’t like about it: The space inside the ship is small and can only accommodate up to 3 people.

Rating (4.65/5)

As a jon boat measuring only 14 feet, the Tracker GRIZZLY 1448 JON is simple in structure, providing a standardized skeleton for a more multi-functional boat. This smaller size will be more convenient and effortless when launching and disembarking the boat, but it also limits its space carrying capacity to a maximum of three people. In addition, this small to medium jon boat uses tiller steering, where the helmsman manually controls the boat’s direction directly.

Here I will make a more detailed introduction of Tracker GRIZZLY 1448 JON from driving feeling, fishing feeling, specification details, etc.

Driving Experience

As a lover of adventure and nature, I recently purchased a Tracker GRIZZLY 1448 JON for a fishing trip. I invited my friend Jeff, who shares my passion, to join me for the weekend and he happily agreed.

The weekend soon arrived and as promised we headed to the small lake next to our house where many fish pass through each spring after the ice breaks up, perfect for hunting and fishing, etc. Jeff and I worked together to carefully transfer the boat from the trailer to the water, with several handles around the boat designed with the need to lend a hand.

After the boat entered the water I was the first to get on board, perhaps the space of this boat is not too big, but its smoothness is still very commendable. Even when I sat alone at the stern, I didn’t feel the boat with any tendency to rock or even capsize. After we both got on board, I started the engine and adjusted the direction through the control lever. This engine turns the lever to adjust the degree of tightness, and the ease of turning changes.

Since there are basically no sharp turns in this lake, I tightened the lever before launching, so it would be easier to keep the direction not easy to sway. As I watched the water splash behind the boat and felt the spring breeze, my mood grew happier and I was more excited about our trip.

Nearing the previously determined location, I extinguished the noisy engine at the stern of the boat. Then I went to the trolling motor at the bow and used its electric drive to slowly move the boat around the fish.

Fishing feeling

At the fishing spot, Jeff and I both quickly pulled out our own rods. We tossed our lines with bait into the water and stood on the deck quietly waiting for the fish to take the bait. The front deck of the boat was large enough to accommodate us both. At the same time, my optional fishing chairs at the bow and stern of the boat also supported fishing from different directions.

Soon, there was a fish bite, and the float on the surface suddenly wavered, so I reacted quickly by pulling up the rod and placing the fish in the live well. The live well is also an optional category, and I thought it was a very practical feature so I did not hesitate to buy it. I also added some padding to the edge of the deck for the comfort of the ride.

Specification

Tracker GRIZZLY 1448 JON is still very advantageous as an affordable jon boat.

First of all as a boat skeleton system, the boat eliminates a lot of extra parts and provides large space for exclusive ordering. The boat is steered with a tiller at the helm, a design that sheds the console which is very common in some small boats and is very effective in saving space.

Secondly, the layout of various details is also well thought out. The rainwater channel for drainage inside the cabin can keep the interior of the vessel dry and free from moisture. Welded foam fills the inner side walls of the boat, even if passengers accidentally collide in the cabin, they do not feel pain. In addition, the lockable bow deck storage space is spacious, leaving plenty of room for all kinds of equipment and snacks.

Finally, in the choice of engine, this boat supports a maximum power of 25 HP, not very big, but reasonable for this type of boat. After all, this jon boat is not winning by speed. 25 HP is just enough to support you to go where you want to go.

Other versions

The Tracker GRIZZLY 1648 JON and Tracker GRIZZLY 1448 JON belong to the same Tracker brand Jon boat, basically similar in space layout, except that the 1648 Jon is larger in terms of space. The former also has an increased maximum capacity of 4 people. If you prefer more space, then the 1648 Jon may be more your speed. Of course, this larger size of boat will be more expensive, and the size and price of accessories such as trailers will also be higher.

In addition to the size difference, the two boats will also differ in maximum horsepower. 1648 Jon engine has a maximum limit of 40 HP, which is worth some degree of improvement compared to 1448 Jon’s mere 25 HP. This is probably due to the larger size and weight of the former boat, which requires a higher horsepower engine to move it effectively.

What we like about it

• The overall design of the boat is simple and offers a lot of room for your subsequent customization.
• The bow deck is relatively large, providing not only ample fishing space, but also lockable bow deck storage, leaving plenty of room for a variety of equipment.
• The rugged, welded aluminum hull is capable of lasting for many seasons with proper maintenance.
• The cabin is designed with various details in mind, such as the non-slip upholstery and multiple drainage channels to keep the cabin dry.

What we don’t like about it

• The boat’s capacity is small enough to accommodate only three people. In fact, the space in the cabin is a little cramped for three adults.
• The simpler hull design means that various additional features will cost more to implement.
• A tiller-steered engine may be harder to control the direction in a turn.

FAQ

• Can a trolling motor push a jon boat?

Of course, the trolling motor can drive the Jon boat. Although the electric trolling motor does not have an advantage in horsepower, it is generally sufficient for the smaller Jon boats. Moreover, the quiet feature of trolling motor will be more conducive to fishing, hunting and other activities.

• Can you spray paint a jon boat?

Jon boat supports different colors according to your preference when purchasing, but generally the color will be more inclined to be not too bright and closer to nature. This color configuration also takes into account the need for fishing activities, the boat can be more integrated into the natural environment.

• Do you need a trailer for a jon boat?

For the small size in about 10 feet, Jon boat is not required to trailer, because generally off-road roof can transport the small-size boat. But for the Tracker GRIZZLY 1448 JON we introduced, its 14-inch size still needs to be moved with the help of a trailer.

Tracker GRIZZLY 1448 JON

Standard

Length	14′
Beam	6′
Bottom Width	4′
Max. Recommended HP	25 HP
Max. Person Capacity	3 persons
Max. Person Weight	425 lbs.
Max. Person, Motor & Gear Weight	775 lbs.
Interior Depth	16”
Transom Height	17.5”
Deadrise	7 degrees
Hull Material	0.100 5052 marine alloy
Average Dry Weight	562 lbs.
Average Package Weight	1071 lbs.
Package Height	5′ 4”
Package Width	6′
Towing Length	18′ 9”
Storage Length	17′ 5”

Video

Comparison Table

Ships	Deck	Maximum horsepowerLimits	Maximum capacity limit
SeaArk 1660 MV	Full length 16′	60 HP	5 persons
War Eagle 542FLD	Overall length 15’3″	25 HP	4 persons
Lowe Roughneck 1660	Full length 16′	50 HP	4 persons

SeaArk 1660 MV VS Tracker GRIZZLY 1448 JON

Relative to the Tracker GRIZZLY 1448 JON simpler layout and configuration, the SeaArk 1660 MV can be considered an upgraded luxury version.

The SeaArk vessel will be larger in size, reaching 16 feet and growing to a maximum carrying capacity of five people. This larger vessel will also be more spacious enough to accommodate a center console setup. The 60-inch aluminum center console with front box not only gives the captain greater convenience in driving and easier observation of the surrounding waters, but also brings additional storage space for live well installation.

Both SeaArk and Tracker boats do not have much of an advantage in terms of price compared to other similar boats. For people with limited budget, it is not very friendly.

War Eagle 542FLD VS Tracker GRIZZLY 1448 JON

War Eagle 542FLD and Tracker GRIZZLY 1448 JON have great similarity in space layout, and only certain details and indicators will be slightly different.

The War Eagle 542FLD has a diamond pattern on the deck inside the cabin, and this uneven design can effectively prevent slippage and avoid some potential dangers caused by water accumulation. In addition, this boat has increased in length and depth compared to the other one. This higher deck provides ample storage space on the one hand, and enhances the safety of the ride on the other.

In short, both of these ships are good choices and you can buy them according to your needs.

Lowe Roughneck 1660 VS Tracker GRIZZLY 1448 JON

Lowe Boats is a brand with a long history of excellence in manufacturing and high quality materials to ensure the stability of its products. The Lowe Roughneck 1660, a Jon boat of the series, has indeed attracted many people’s attention with this advantage.

This boat will be more complete in function compared to the Tracker GRIZZLY 1448 JON, with rod storage on the inside of the boat side to easily and firmly hold the rod clips in place and effectively protect the rod. The Lowe Roughneck 1660 will also provide a wider range of options when it comes to some accessories.

Although on the standard design Lowe only has tiller steering, you can still choose the side console according to your needs. Of course, the presence of a console has its advantages and disadvantages, making it easier to steer and more confined in the cabin. For the comfort of the boat, Lowe also supports the installation of Bimini top. In some of the harsher environments in the wilderness, the Bimini top reduces the damage of the hot sun to a certain extent.

If you are not satisfied with each of the above boats, or would like more information about Jon boat, please feel free to contact us, we will be glad to hear from you.

Summary

If you are in need of a Jon boat with basic features these days, then this Tracker GRIZZLY 1448 JON might be the alternative for you. The hull itself is very simple and is a good choice for a fishing boat when you like to spend a quiet, relaxing day alone or with friends.

Of course, this brand of boat does not quite fit everyone in terms of price due to the premium effect. If you are on a limited budget, then the River Raider may be a better fit for you. Compared with the Tracker they are similar in basic layout, but the River Raider will have a better price.