New to boats, tips & tricks for Lowe fm165 series

rouge1 · #1 June 11th, 2009, 04:07 AM

I am new to boating, my wife and I bought a 2009 fm 165 with a 4 Stroke 60hp mercury. Looking for any tips tricks suggestions that will make this an experience that us and our kids will continue to enjoy. One other thing does anyone know exactly where the fuel tank sits?

Thanks

gjblanchard · #2 June 15th, 2009, 12:38 AM

I've got the 2007 model with at 50 HP 2 stroke, and I've been delighted with this boat. I will advise you that the prop makes a world of difference in terms of turning and breakout. With a change from a 10.25X14P prop to a 10.5x13P prop (as small a change as you can make) the handling of the boat was much better.

The fuel tank on this boat sits along the centerline of the boat, under the sunken seat well.

Good luck and enjoy this great boat!

Cheers, Gary

rouge1 · #3 June 16th, 2009, 01:43 AM

Thanks,

I just put on a 10 5/8 12 P I had the 10.5 by 13 P from the dealer. Have not had a chance to take it out yet, going to try to get out Wed. Thanks also for the info on the tank kinda where I thought.

overload · #4 June 16th, 2009, 02:44 PM

Congrats on your purchase, I have an 07 FS 165 with a 90HP. Very similar to your boat. I am happy with mine but here are a few things to look for. As mentioned the gas tank is under the center of the floor, watch out for the tank vent as it vents into the bilge (they may have fixed this in the '09s). If you get gasoline smells inside the bilge or your storage lockers, call your dealer and demand them to fix this. Watch the paint on the hull, it tends to start peeling which was supposedly fixed in '06 but mine started peelingon the keel last fall. Finding the right prop is also a pain, I'm still on the search even after consulting my dealer, this forum and Lowe themselves. I get blow out on turns, especially when loaded. Good Luck!

rouge1 · #5 June 16th, 2009, 07:25 PM

I had some one tell because of the mammoth gas tanks in these boats to only fill it about 2/3 (15-17 Gallons) that should stop the venting. I am hoping this new prop helps 12"p. If not the quest will continue.

Irv964 · #6 July 7th, 2009, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rouge1

I had some one tell because of the mammoth gas tanks in these boats to only fill it about 2/3 (15-17 Gallons) that should stop the venting. I am hoping this new prop helps 12"p. If not the quest will continue.

Hey Rouge1, congrats on your new Lowe boat, can't really add anything that hasn't already been said, but do keep an eye on your paint.
I haven't had any troubles with my 06 but I do know a few who have.

Anyways as far as props go, be sure to check out Turning Point props, I put a Hustler and mine last year and couldn't be happier!
I wrote this review, and based on it, quite a few have tried one and were as pleased as me with the results. I figured for the money, it was worth a shot and it payed off big time in my case. Good luck.......Irv964
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread....ight=my+review

rouge1 · #7 July 8th, 2009, 01:57 AM

Thanks for the feedback, I have been out Four time since I put on the new prop, what a difference a 1" drop in pitch makes. Gets right on plane and tops out at 32mph with about 600lbs people and gear 3/4 tank of fuel. I am running the tank down, I figure that for most applications a 1/2 tank of fuel will suffice. I have about 20 hrs on her now and have only burned about a 1/2 tank of fuel. I think this weekend I will change the oil and have a look at the spark plugs and fuel filter. Also I am thinking of waxing her as well, hopefully that will protect the vinyl decals or I going wind up pulling off most of them. Does anyone have Bimini cover for their boat, thoughts pros cons???

Thanks

DeepV · #8 July 8th, 2009, 06:28 PM

I don't think I would go to the lake without my bimini top.

It is great to sit or ride around in the shade and it stows out of the way.

You will never regret getting one, just do a good job on locating and installing it and you will be fine.

If you want more details about how I installed mine, let me know.

willrush · #9 July 16th, 2009, 11:24 PM

2004 Lowe FS165
I heard the tank float is under the middle seat. I am going to look this weekend.

1) Does anybody know how to remove the pedestal seat base on the bow? The dual console is in the way when I slide back and I can not turn the flat bow into a ski boat.
2) Can anybody confirm the gas gauge issue? Is this a manufacturer design flaw?
3) Does the speedometer work < 7 mph?

I appreciate the advice.

overload · #10 September 15th, 2009, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willrush

2004 Lowe FS165
I heard the tank float is under the middle seat. I am going to look this weekend.

1) Does anybody know how to remove the pedestal seat base on the bow? The dual console is in the way when I slide back and I can not turn the flat bow into a ski boat.
2) Can anybody confirm the gas gauge issue? Is this a manufacturer design flaw?
3) Does the speedometer work < 7 mph?

I appreciate the advice.

1) Yes, it is trickey. You have to lower it to the bottom possition by pivoting the back end down (front end up) and sliding it back, then slide it forward once it clears the rails and it will drop down to the deck. Once it is down, tilt one of the sides up while keeping the other side on the deck and it "should" lift out.
2) Mine works fine.
3) Sometimes. The speedometer works by using water pressure from a pilot hole either integral to the motor (as my 90 hp merc is) or from a plastic fin mounted on the transom. Since the speedo relies on water pressure alone to push a spring in the gauge, they are notoriously inaccurate, especially at low speed or if they get clogged. If the pilot hole is clean, the water temp and turbidity are optimal, the moon and planets are aligned, and you throw some coins to the sea gods, it will work <7 mph...sometimes.

Good luck.