Hi Chris,
A jonboat is great for small rivers and small lakes. They are not so good
on a larger lake that could develop chop of any size or sizable wakes from
larger boats. Their primary design plus is that with the flat bottom, they
sit shallower with a given displacement/load. If you had any choice,
though, I would try for a 16' boat with a 10 or 15 hp motor. In general,
more bottom area is less draft. The longer the boat, the easier they will
plane off, especially with some load. A 14 footer with some loading doesn't
like to plane off all that quickly.
The best width depends on how you will use it. More width makes them less
tippy, but narrow is better if you wanted to use oars while drift fishing a
river, etc.
Bill

"Chris" wrote in message
...
I have an opportunity to buy a 14' Lowe Jon boat with a 15 hp motor
and have a few questions, since I don't know much about boats.

Does anybody have any experience with these jon boats?

How stable are they in lakes and rivers?

Are they a decent boat?

Anything else you want to add.

Thanks in advance,
Chris