Utility & Value

Lowe 1648M - Review 2023

About this guide

We gave our Review Team one job:
Find the best and most popular products and review them. Our review team always considers durability, price, quality, and value in their reviews.

Our review team:

Bradley Axmith

Editor at DIVEIN.com

Spent summers sailing and fishing as a boy. He built a viking ship and cruises every year.

Robert Hanse

Freelance Writer

From his nature and survival background to his experience boating, fishing and in water sports, R. D. has accrued years of outdoor knowledge.

Disclosure: We are reader supported, and earn affiliate commissions If you find a good deal on DIVEIN, you click to the retailer, and you buy the product, we get a commission of the sale. That's is how we pay ourselves. It does not make the product pricier for you. when you buy through us.

This Jon Boat is a multi-use craft disguised as a fishing boat. The L1648 M is designed as a solid fishing stage (like all the best Lowe fishing boats) but with a modified V-hull, high HP capacity and available modifications this boat can serve many purposes.

The updated hull design makes this Jon able to cope with some rougher water than most flat-hulled boats in its class. In proper water conditions and with the right motor the L1648 M could quickly go from fisher to sports boat.

Beyond versatility, there is very little limit to the upgrades that can be modded to this craft. Go bare bones or upgrade endlessly.

For its intended purpose, Lowe has built a stout vessel. The L1648 M is long-lasting and tough with its riveted aluminum and reinforced construction. Of noticeable mention are the formed transom corners, designed to ensure a more secure motor mount.

Our Overall Review

We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:

4.8

Things we like:

Mod-V hull adds stability in rough waters
Wide beam equals balance and more storage
Reinforced transom handles more HP
Useful modifications available
Trailer is included with purchase
Customizable: go bare bones or upgrade every season

Things we don't like:

Transporting by trailer is only real option

Where to buy:

Lowe 1648M

Lowe Boats

Specs & Features

Hull: Mod-V composed of riveted .072 gauge aluminum
Length: 15 feet, 8 inches
Beam: 5 feet, 10 inches
Transom Height: 15 inches
Max. Weight: 1014 lb., 460 kg
Max. Power Capacity: 35 hp, 26 kw
Max. Passenger: 4
Seating: 3 bench, 1 each at bow and stern, center with built-in live well
Additional: 2 stern handles
Colors: Dead Green Grass, Mossy Oak Breakup, Mossy Oak Shadow grass

See the complete list of the best Jon Boats here!

The Fishing Boat That Fits the Bill

The L1648 M might look average but its impressive build and accessories that enhance its use, make this boat better than that. A rear side console with steering and control cables are definitely worth considering if you’ll be using an outboard.

Along with that, you may want the transom height raised to 20”. Add a trolling motor mount and this Jon boat starts to look and feel more like a bass boat. It’s even possible to get the L1648 M with no center bench.

The modified V-hull of this boat stabilizes it in rougher waters to help reach a faster and smoother plane. Additionally, this boat has a wide beam that helps to maintain its solid balance and stability. It seems almost impossible to go wrong with this boat and would probably leave most wondering, why upgrade?

Performance

Outside of the fact that rough water might mean a difficult ride, the L1648 M can handle enough HP to zoom across the water. With a capacity of 35 HP, there are few tasks this boat can’t reasonably perform. No matter the situation, the L1648 M is prepared for the power requirements.

As has become a common addition in many Jon boats, a built-in live well is provided under the center bench. A live well solves the problem of fish and live bait containment (maybe even cold drinks?), but it’s the almost 6’ beam of this boat that makes it a storage and equipment transport dream.

To complete the package, Lowe prices its boats to include transport in the form of a new trailer. The standard trailer package for Jon boats is a bunk that comes in two finishes, painted or galvanized. The moment you buy your new L1648 M, you are ready to roll out of the showroom.

For the beginning to intermediate fisher or boater, there is little question that the Lowe L1648 M bundle is hard to beat and though few, its accessories drive that fact home. A strong foundation, additions that augment appropriately and the ability to easily alter its function, the Lowe L1648 M is a desirable investment.