Boat Hull Types: A Comparison Guide to Mod V, Deep V, and Flat Bottom Jon Boat Designs

A Mod V hull is a hybrid design. It typically features a sharper V at the bow (front) to cut through the water, which transitions to a flatter bottom toward the transom (back). This design offers the "best of both worlds" for many anglers with the cutting ability of a V-hull and the shallow-water capabilities and stability of a flat bottom.

• Bass and panfish fishing.
• Lakes and rivers with light to moderate chop.
• Anglers who want a blend of speed and stability.
• Those fishing in shallow cover (docks, stumps, vegetation).

As the name implies, a Deep V boat has a much steeper deadrise (V-shape) that runs the entire length of the boat, or at least significantly further back than a Mod V. The hull sits deeper in the water, and the sides (gunnels) are usually higher. This design is built to slice through large waves rather than riding over the top of them, providing a much softer ride in rough conditions.

While Deep V boats are known for cutting waves, some anglers worry they might rock too much when trolling or drifting. TRACKER solves this with the same reverse chine technology.

Those turned-down edges do more than deflect spray; they also improve responsiveness and stability. They "bite" into the water, providing edge-to-edge stability. When you are trolling crankbaits along a ridgeline or netting a trophy walleye over the side, that extra bite keeps the boat level and predictable. The hull also features lifting strakes, which help lift the boat onto the water's surface quickly for better acceleration and fuel economy.

• Walleye, Pike, and Muskie fishing.
• Big lakes and open water where conditions can change quickly.
• Families who want higher sides (freeboard) for added safety with small children.
• Anglers who extend their season into early spring or late fall when staying dry is critical.

Sometimes, the best spots on the water are those that are hardest to reach. Shallow backwaters, narrow rivers, and stump-filled swamps are the domain of the flat bottom Jon boat. These are the workhorses of the water—simple, rugged, and incredibly versatile.

For the budget-conscious angler or the outdoorsman who values utility above all else, the Jon boat is often the entry point into boat ownership. TRACKER Jon boats are built with the same commitment to quality as our high-performance models. They are often lighter, making them easier to tow with smaller vehicles or even load into the bed of a pickup truck.

While they may not offer the wave-slicing capability of a Deep V or the top-end speed of a Mod V bass boat, their flat hull design makes them the most efficient load-carriers. They provide maximum interior space and buoyancy for their size, which is why they are favored not just for fishing, but for hunting and utility work as well.

• Duck hunting and bowfishing.
• Small lakes, ponds, marshes and calm rivers.
• Getting into extremely shallow water.
• First-time boat owners looking for high value.