What do yall think about this new Lowe Deep V?

[skeetbum]

I too have concerns about the wind. The higher sides and nose increase the sail area a bunch. I owned a Lund 16' with 3 bench seats, like the Canadian outfitters use. It was over 25 years old when I bought it, and sold it 3 yrs later (not one of my smarter moves) and it never leaked a drop. Period. The quality of the hulls and riveting systems are top notch and much stronger than any single row rivet system. It was used in fresh and salt water with no issues. The Lund is similar to Ranger in that you can drill it full of holes and go fishing. They exceed the requirements for floatation, and have better storage. Lowe makes a good boat and have changed their layouts and construction over the past few years, all for the good. The small amount of difference in the price notwithstanding, you would find me in a Lund. Right after you drug me kicking and screaming out of my fiberglass bass boat that I dearly love.

[jhill10]

we got a 18 foot lund deep v. 55lb 24v troller. all aluminum n high sides. it holds in the wind good. we wer driftin for walleyes last year in minnesota right next to my uncle in a fiberglass 18ft triton. and he was driftin at twice the speed we was. we drift all the time and rarely use a sock. thats 1 sharp boat. and should b able to hold in as much wind as you want to be out there in. as long as your troller can handle it. ima looke more into them lowes for an upgrade. they look sweet

[Dutch552]

I've had Lund and Sea Nymph deep v's in the past. My next boat will probably be another aluminum deep v. Lowe had some growing pains when they transitioned to the all welded hull and you still hear horror stories of weld cracking in 3' waves-this has been a few years ago now and the build quality seems top notch when compared to the big 3 of Lund, Alumacraft and Crestliner. They use all aluminum construction on their decks where you do not have to worry about replacing marine plywood at a later date. The FM165 is an awesome little boat for the price point and fishes bigger than it is. I've only been in a FM175 on the showroom floor but the thing feels huge. I wouldn't have a problem with adding double seats up front and there is tons of dry storage. They have come a long way since my little Sea Nymph of 1990 and are neck and neck with the Crestliner FishHawk on my next boat. The whole being a bear to control in the wind thing is really subjective, a single console blows considerably less than a comparable full windshield and you can comfortably fish in waters that will force a pad hull, mod-v, flat bottom off the lake. This is where being outfitted with an appropriate sized trolling motor and having a drift sock on board for when you need it comes into play.

[Scott Hemstreet]

I don't think the deep V Lowes do use aluminum decks. That's one thing I don't like about the aluminum V-hulls, all but one or two use plywood. Why can't they all use aluminum or at least a non-wood composit like bass boats and most of the semi V's? I think Xpress is the only aluminum deck of the major V-hulls (as opposed to some West Coast heavier guage aluminum rigs).

[jayhawkcrappie]

I don't think the deep V Lowes do use aluminum decks. That's one thing I don't like about the aluminum V-hulls, all but one or two use plywood. Why can't they all use aluminum or at least a non-wood composit like bass boats and most of the semi V's? I think Xpress is the only aluminum deck of the major V-hulls (as opposed to some West Coast heavier guage aluminum rigs).

Scott is correct, of all the Deep V's I looked at, to include Lowe and Lund, all still use marine grade plywood floors. Lifetime warranty on them though from both Lowe and Lund. I actually asked my sales guy about this issue when I was buying. His reply was that it has remained so to keep/add weight to the deep V style boats for ride and function qualities. I'm not sure if that's accurate or not. Maybe someone who works for one of these companies will stumble across this thread and reply.

[EARL KITCHENS]

Have you looked at a new or used Ranger Angler 1760 or 1860? I have a 1760 and it is great in the wind. The hull weighs about 500 pounds more than aluminum boats. The fuel tank is built into the floor center mass for stability. Just thought you may like another option! Good luck.

[hideraw]

Im not in the market for a new boat right now.........but that doesn't stop me from lookin. Whenever I think about what kind of boat my next boat will be I never can decide between a mod V with a nice big front casting deck for spider rigging or a deep v with plenty of room in the cockpit for pullin cranks and for family outings. I think this new Lowe might be the best compromise. Looks to have more room on the bow deck for side by side fishing than any deep v I've ever seen. Another thing I like about it, on most single console deep Vs there is still a space where the second console would be, on the Lowe, there is no spce left open where the second console would be, the deck extends all the way back to where it is flush with the center rod compartment. Also, this boat has a bow livewell and there looks to be enough room forward of the bow livewell and storage to add seatbases. Boat has an option for aft jump seats that flip down and convert to a casting deck just like on some of the Lunds, all this and its probably 10 grand or so cheaper than a comprable Lund.

I change my mind on what would be the perfect boat for me about every other week but currently this one is at the top of the list.

Lowe Boats - Fishing Machine - FM175 Pro SC - Aluminum Fishing Boats | Muskie (Musky) Fishing and Walleye Fishing | Deep-V

I have a 2000 Mod-V Stinger 185 17'11" 90 hp Lowe. It is all the boat I need. I live in Gahanna OH.