Does anyone have comments or experience with Lowe riveted hulls? I am looking at a '98 Lowe model L1605 16 footer, deep vee aluminum fishing boat. Original owner, less than 200 hours on a 40 horse JonRude with oil injection. In excellent condition! Thanks in advance.
Ivanna BoatnowI have a 10 year old Lowe 17' deep vee bass configuration – riveted – I’m the third owner. Originally had a Rude 40, now has a Rude 90. I use it mostly in fresh water – sometimes I put into the tidal Potomac. It's my 3rd fishing boat and it's the best yet. On vacation last year I left it in the water for 10 days and it stayed dry – nary a leak at all. The ride is smooth and mostly dry – sometimes in Potomac chop it can get a bit damp but not too bad. All together it's a solid boat. I suspect the ’98 you’re looking at has many improvements. My recommendation – go for it!tcube
Thanks, TCUBE. I have seen these boats around, but have never talked to anyone about their pro's or con's. I appreciate your feedback. I have talked to some who say stay away from riveted boats, only to find out they're talking about the cheaper small aluminum hulls (i.e. Sears Gamefisher, etc.) This setup has been well taken care of, constantly garaged unless on the water, and the owner says he's never known the bilge pump to turn on (although it does work!)
Ivanna,I owned a 1989 Lowe 1730-V (Fish and Ski) with a 90 Johnson. I owned it for seven years. I wish I still had it.The boat performed very well. It had an all aluminum floor (no rot possible) and had some very nice features not found in boats of that price range. The resale was fantastic. I kept it very nice.
I have a welded Lowe (MT1760), and love it.I had a Sea Nymph (1993 year, model FM146) (riveted) and it developed some leaks after 7 years of use.When I called them about it, they said it should not happen, and to make a long story short, Lowe basically replaced it for what I paid for it. (OMC bought out Sea Nymph and combined it with Lowe)I can't say enough good things about Lowe boats and their service.
I put my new 2001 Angler 165S with 40HP Johnson in the water this weekend.Sweet!It's like fishing from a barge! Nearly no rocking while walking around the front deck, or sitting on the gunwale rod boxes.The 40HP moves the boat good (20mph w 2 adults and 2 kids), but a 60 or 70 would defenitely be more entertaining. Maybe I'll upgrade to a 4 stroke in a few years.Storage hatches are tight and nav lights are good quality. General fit and finish seem to be very good quality.Pretty impressed with Lowe so far. I just need to remember to raise the motor before ascending the boat ramp ;~(.
Just my 2 cents--My last boat was a 1990 Sea Nymph fish and ski with 70 hp johnson. Great boat for the $ but the hull cracked twice right down the center (bow) Had it welded both times--then sold it. Lake Erie is tough on boats. My latest 1989 Lund Tyee does leak alittle but will not crack, built much heavier.
I bought a 1982 Lowe 16 foot Bass Catcher pro, she is a rivited modified V. I have had this boat for one year, and I love it. It was in poor shape when I got it as it had a number of owners who did little or no maintainance. After a year of slowly puting right many small issues I could not be happier. This is my 6th or 7th boat and probably my last. I run a 1985 Mariner 50 4 cylinder inline and it goes like a bat out of h*ll. I do have a small leak but will get it tracked down and fixed next season. For my money they are the most stable forgiving bass boat I have ever fished out of. Best of luck with your new boat what ever you buy.
I have a Lowe 165S and so far the boat hasn't had an issue. The motor I have had and issue with this year. I have the Mercury 60hp 2 stroke. If anybody has this motor I highly recommend that they replace the internal fuel line as the ones that come with the motor just plan suck! I wouldn't install these type of (rubber only) lines in my lawn mower.
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