Lowe Stinger 195 vs Lowe Stinger 175 vs Ranger 178C

[skunked again]

The biggest you can afford!
What kind of service will you get? Any Lowe dealers local to you? Even if so, when it comes time, you'll be at the end of the list - as compared to someone who bought from them.
Any thoughts on a slightly used one? Then with the extra money, upgrade electronics?
What about Vexus? They look pretty slick.

[Wilk816]

I have a 17 foot boat and wish it was bigger. I'd go with the 195 also. You will be happy with the extra room and stability.

[callmecamo]

I don't know what kind of build you are OP, but I have a Lowe 180W and it's a great boat. I love the setup and features. That being said, I would take a glass boat on a bigger lake like Grand or Eufaula just for the stability alone as I'm a fairly big guy. Standing on the gunwale will make the boat lean significantly in my Lowe and if I get a buddy in there...well...wear your PFD. They ride great in rougher water and you won't get blown around as much in the wind either. You know what I'm talking about in OK! I can't personally afford a glass boat at the moment but most likely will in the next 5-10 years and I will never buy a new one. There's too many lightly used glass boats out there for way less than new. Just my opinions.

[Muttly]

sure is funny mine never creaked or popped nor was i ever blown around. fished many bass tourneys in mine

[TurboDan]

Have had a Stinger 195 for 4 years now. Have been happy with it. Love the 39 sq/ft front deck. Plenty of storage.

[skeetbum]

I've had aluminum and now have glass, advantages to both. If you spend a lot of time on big water, I like glass. Storage, rod locker, stability, handling in rough weather, and stability at rest are the big factors. That said, I've never been this age before and I'm looking at a couple of metal boats for other reasons. I don't fish big water often, don't carry near as much stuff as I used to, and wouldn't mind downsizing the tow vehicle. I've seriously looked at several brands comparing 17 and 19 and the 17 falls short for what I consider a GOOD, versatile boat. Storage in all the 17's I looked at was marginal at best when compared to the 19. That might not sound like much til you put away all the safety and essential stuff and find out you don't have much tackle room. I don't like my tackle in a bag on the deck but use plano boxes in a hatch compartment and switch them out for what I'm doing that day. A newer boat also is much better on fuel and I would go with as big a motor as it will stand. The 115 will do very well and the Pro XS is lighter than a four stroke and did very well on a friends past boat for power and fuel economy. Were I in your shoes I would have the 19 in the yard and be looking for the best price for an I-Pilot Terrova for the nose and never look back. Every Mfg of boats has someone that got a bad one, I wouldn't hesitate buying the Lowe.

All that said, what does your gut say? You can get away from a lot of things but that nagging inside cuz you didn't follow your gut never goes away. Good luck with your choice.

[chulai1968]

MY 16 foot Lowe stryker has not leaked in 7 years, wish it was a tad bigger, 18 or 19 feet. Fit in the garage with my truck.