Looking for some opinions

[RiverSound]

We are looking at a Lowe at the moment and it seems they are the manufacturer we want go with. I'm thinking I like the FM165, but at the same time I'm thinking I'd rather go with the four stroke over the two. But the price difference for the four has me also looking at settling for a two stroke and looking at either the FM175 or the FS165. As for myself I know that I will be fishing, fishing and fishing out of this, but I also have a wife and three kids, so I am also speculating that at times I will have two to four people in the boat with the occasional fifth person (ie family day out on the water). Just wondering what some opinions are with my given backround. Also I am fortunate enough to live in a coastal region where not only the fresh water fishing id excellant but also have some salt fishing as well in Long Island Sound. Would any of you have any reservations on taking these into the salt on occasion? Thanks

 

[BoatNoobie]

Re: Looking for some opinions

I would not want 5 people in my FM165.

2 is perfect for fishing. 3 can be a crowd.

 

[Tiggyboot]

Re: Looking for some opinions

I would not want 5 people in my FM165.

2 is perfect for fishing. 3 can be a crowd.

3 adults in my fm165 with a 60hp 4 stroke is ok, no problems. But the extra weight is noticed in launch.

keep in mind, this boat is not designed for all out speed or launch performance, it's designed to be ultra stable in rough waters and give you the best fishing performance. I'm quite happy with that. If was using it for skiing or tubing, I'd not be happy. This is not the hull for that. If you want to do that, get the 75hp minimum

 

[RiverSound]

Re: Looking for some opinions

Thanks for the info so far! I threw the number five out there, but like I said it'll be a family day on the water and be shuttling around the river to the local sandbars and islands. For the most part, 90-95% of the time I will either be solo, me with one adult, or me with one or two kids. I do have kids and I'm sure when they see another boat go tubing by they be pushing to get on, but again that'll be family days were we are taking it easy. I definately have to side with Tiggy's quote "ultra stable in rough waters and give you the best fishing performance" but that's why I'm already looking at their line of boats! Believe it or not I'm happy with the smaller boat, it's the wife pushing for more. The way I see it the more boat the more water you need, more water equals less skinny water fishing and I like the skinny.

 

[DeepV]

Re: Looking for some opinions

I have the FS175 with the 115 Optimax.

Like you, a lot of times it is just me or me and a buddy. When the wife and 3 kids are along there is still plenty of room.

Buy as big as you can. Even 2 guys fishing can take up a lot of room.

 

[hoytvectrix]

Re: Looking for some opinions

I would go with the 2 stroke engine. They are lighter, easier to maintain, and have more get-up-and-go as compared to similar sized 4 strokes.