13 Best Lowe Boats For Fishing And Hunting 2023

Lowe Boats

Widely known for their all-welded aluminum fishing boats, since its beginnings Lowe has provided families and adventurous anglers with some of the most well-crafted, reasonably priced, and super-tough vessels in the industry.

As the company celebrates its 50th anniversary, we highlight on this guide some of the best Lowe boats money can buy in 2021.

From the coolest bass fishing boat to the most basic utility watercraft to the most fun pontoon boat, we have reviewed them all. Read our short guide to the Lowe Boat company at the end.

And with that being said, here’s our list of some pretty cool boats from :

The Top 6 Lowe Boats in 2023

All the Lowe Boats We've tested

Great Deck Space


Take your bass fishing game to the next level with the famous Lowe Stinger 198—hands down one of the best bass fishing boats on the market today. It’s a smart boat clearly designed by fisherman, for fisherman.

The Stinger 198 boasts one of the most deck space in the industry—94” Beam and 82.5 square feet of fish-fighting space. The front deck is so well thought out with an 8inch drop or raised gunwale. It means your tackle box and cooler isn’t going to drop into the drink so easily. It can also be used for a better stance when standing with a whopper snagged on the line.

In addition, two premium wide bucket seats as well as two fold-down fishing seats with pedestals, a 30-gallon aerated livewell with divider, timer, and recirculating system with pump out, and a locking center rod locker that accommodates up to 10 rods.

This Mod-V fishing boat delivers a great performance and it has an outboard horsepower range of 115-150 hp.

Specs & Features

  • Length: 19’8”
  • Beam: 94”
  • Weight: 1240lbs
  • Max. hp capacity: 150 hp
  • Max. person capacity: 4

Our Overall Review

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

4.7

Things we like:

  • check-mark
    Spacious deck
  • check-mark
    Study construction
  • check-mark
    Easy handling
Click to see more
Click to see more
lowe-stinger-198-featured

Where to buy:

Lowe Stinger 198

Compact & Versatile


Another equally good bass fishing boat but more compact and basic is the Skorpion Stick Steer. Stick-steering at the bow of a boat gets you right into the shallows in front-row-seat style.

This compact fishing boat puts a lot of functionality into a wide and deep all-welded aluminum construction framed by a deck that gives you plenty of space for rods, drinks and sitting if you got a smallish behind.

With a modified V hull there’s good stability. Combine this with its stick steering system reward you with maneuverability along with a shallow draft and you’ll have a craft that’ll cruise the Ozarks as well as the Everglades.

Two fold-down fishing seats, four rod lockers, and an 11-gallon livewell round out the features on this affordable boat.

Specs & Features

  • Length: 16’
  • Beam: 78”
  • Weight: 900lbs
  • Max. hp capacity: 50 HP
  • Max. person capacity: 4

Our Overall Review

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

4.6

Things we like:

  • check-mark
    Smooth ride
  • check-mark
    The deep construction makes you feel safer when angling
Click to see more

Things we don't like:

  • check-mark
    Couldn’t find anything to complain about
Click to see more
Click to see more
lowe-skorpion-stick-steer-featured

Where to buy:

Lowe Skorpion Stick Steer

The Hunter's Boat


Next on our list is the Roughneck 1860CC, an 18-feet center console boat, ideal for fishing and hunting. The versatile Roughneck has been around for more than 25 years. It’s a beast. If boats were warriors, this one would be Spartan from 300.

Featuring an all-welded aluminum construction with the camouflage of your choice, this heavy-duty Jon boat can fish and hunt on land and sea. Well, it can go from water to land quickly on account of its durable frame–like vikings of old it’ll go up on land easily when chasing a downed duck or buck.

Made for many options like bow-mounted motors and pedestal fishing seat. Easy to trailer, hunt and cruise, this Jon Boat is also affordable.

It comes with a 19-gallon aerated livewell, a port rod holder that can accommodate up to three rods on the side and out of the way, and plenty of storage throughout the boat.

It has a 25-90 outboard horsepower range and when equipped with a 60 hp Mercury, it can reach a top speed of 32 mph.

Specs & Features

  • Length: 18”
  • Beam: 85”
  • Weight: 970lbs
  • Max. hp capacity: 90 hp
  • Max. person capacity: 7

Our Overall Review

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

4.5

Things we like:

  • check-mark
    Tough construction
  • check-mark
    Easy handling, very maneuverable
  • check-mark
    Affordable
  • check-mark
    Designed for hunters needing to beach the craft quickly to retrieve a prey
Click to see more

Things we don't like:

  • check-mark
    It can get a little tight on the sides of the console when you have fishing rods in the holders
Click to see more
Click to see more
lowe-roughneck-1860cc-jon-featured

Where to buy:

Lowe Roughneck 1860CC Jon

Bass Champion


Delivering the most horsepower in its class—a 90 hp max rating—together with the longest length and widest beam for this kind of boat, the Fishing Machine 1625 WT is a great all-around fishing and cruising vessel—its features make it ideal for entry-level boaters.

It comes with a convenient walk-thru windshield layout, two fold-down fishing seats along with six pedestal seat bases, an in-floor center rod locker that holds up to six rods, and a 23-gallon bow livewell.

This fishing machine has all basic electronics and accessories that make this boat something for the fisher and the cruiser. As a family boat you can comfortably spend the day with a cooler, doing some fishing, some tubing, some enjoying.

The size makes this one easy to haul up with a trailer and keep in your driveway too. All in all a smart boat that’s a credit to the Lowe lineup.

Specs & Features

  • Length: 16’5”
  • Beam: 82”
  • Weight: 1250lbs
  • Max. hp capacity: 90 hp
  • Max. person capacity: 6

Our Overall Review

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

4.6

Things we like:

  • check-mark
    Plenty of casting space
  • check-mark
    Excellent performance
  • check-mark
    Bunk seats make this one great for cruising and entertaining
Click to see more

Things we don't like:

  • check-mark
    There isn’t a lot of storage space
Click to see more
Click to see more
lowe-fm-1625-wt-featured

Where to buy:

Lowe FM 1625 WT

Everything on Calm Water


Cruise in comfort and style aboard the all-new SS230 RFL, a tritoon for families or just celebrating.

For 2021, Lowe decided to take one of their most popular premium pontoon boat deck configurations, the Rear Facing Lounge and bring it to the Super Sport lineup. The result is a luxury party barge with unmatched performance and enjoyment.

Standard features include a 9’ Bimini top, a bow chaise lounge with a dinette table, a Bluetooth enabled Jensen JMS3 stereo, and last but certainly not least, rear-facing lounges which give the name to this pontoon boat—they’re wide, comfortable, and offer the best seat of the house to either soak up the sun or enjoy the watersports over the transom.

Equipped with a Mercury 250 Verado Pro, the Lowe SS230 RFL zips through the water with a top speed of 48.8 mph.

Specs & Features

  • Length: 23’7”
  • Beam: 8’6”
  • Weight: 2490lbs
  • Max. hp capacity: 250 hp
  • Max. person capacity: 11/13

Our Overall Review

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

4.6

Things we like:

  • check-mark
    Comfortable
  • check-mark
    Loads of storage space
  • check-mark
    Two biminis cover stern and foredeck
  • check-mark
    Plenty of capacity
  • check-mark
    Can power through the water with a tube too
Click to see more

Things we don't like:

  • check-mark
    Nothing!
Click to see more
Click to see more
lowe-ss230-rfl-pontoon-featured

Where to buy:

Lowe SS230 RFL Pontoon

For Whole Family


A family-friendly cottage boat, numerous features on the FS 1900 make it the ideal vessel for weekend fishing trips as well as tubing and cruising.

Boasting dual consoles with full walk-thru windshield, this Fish & Ski Deep-V aluminum boat comes equipped with all the right amenities for a fun day on the water, including a 24-gallon recirculating livewell, a center rod locker, a Bluetooth compatible Jensen stereo, a 3-step swim platform, and lots of room to fish comfortably.

There is also plenty of seating available on the boat, and if watersports are an interest, an optional ski pylon can be added.

As far as maintenance goes too, the FS1900 has a pretty solid reputation for vessels that won’t often give you headaches as long as the simple procedures of care are taken when trailering, hauling up and storing with a cover on. There is a general resistance to sun by Lowe boat equipment, but covering the pontoon will noticeably extend the lifetime and maintain the quality of the vessel.

Specs & Features

  • Length: 18’10”
  • Beam: 95”
  • Weight: 1850lbs
  • Max. hp capacity: 150 hp
  • Max. person capacity: 7

Our Overall Review

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

4.6

Things we like:

  • check-mark
    Well thought-out design—spacious, comfortable, and with the right features
  • check-mark
    Easy handling and smooth ride
  • check-mark
    Great for water skiing, wakeboarding and tubing
  • check-mark
    Great for beginner boaters
  • check-mark
    Small enough for cheaper boat slips at marinas
Click to see more

Things we don't like:

  • check-mark
    Couldn’t find anything
Click to see more
Click to see more
lowe-fs-1900-fish-and-ski-featured

Where to buy:

Lowe FS 1900 Fish & Ski


The Roughneck 2070SC is a great all-around fishing and hunting Jon Boat featuring a spacious side console layout, a 23-gallon bow aerated livewell, port rod holders that can accommodate up to three rods, and a variable-deadrise V-hull that “delivers a smooth and dry ride.”

But like all boats in the Roughneck range, we should probably lead with the fact that this jon boat is a beast. It’s a predator forged to hunt and bring balance to its kingdom.

Specs & Features

  • Length: 20’
  • Beam: 96”
  • Weight: 1125lbs
  • Max. hp capacity: 150 hp
  • Max. person capacity: 7

Our Overall Review

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

4

Things we like:

  • check-mark
    Spacious
  • check-mark
    Comfortable
Click to see more

Things we don't like:

  • check-mark
    Nothing
Click to see more
Click to see more
lowe-roughneck-2070sc-jon-featured

Where to buy:

Lowe Roughneck 2070SC Jon


One of the best catfishing boats on the market, Lowe’s 20 Catfish packs great performance, rugged construction, and all the right features for an epic weekend fishing trip.

This 20-feet all-welded, all-aluminum big-water prowler comes equipped with a massive 60-gallon bow livewell with dividers as well as a 16-gallon aft deck livewell with a bait bucket, which should be enough to keep those big catfish fresh until you head home.

Its spacious layout lets you move around with ease while the comfortable rear fishing bar ensures a fun fishing experience.

The 20 Catfish has a 90-150 horsepower outboard range.

Specs & Features

  • Length: 20’
  • Beam: 95”
  • Weight: 1390lbs
  • Max. hp capacity: 150hp
  • Max. person capacity: 8

Our Overall Review

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

4

Things we like:

  • check-mark
    Spacious
  • check-mark
    Solid construction
  • check-mark
    Well thought-out design
  • check-mark
    Convenient aft wash down system
Click to see more

Things we don't like:

  • check-mark
    Nothing!
Click to see more
Click to see more
lowe-20-catfish-featured

Where to buy:

Lowe 20 Catfish


From fishing to cruising to pulling tubes, the Lowe Sport Fish 212 Walk Thru is a versatile 21-foot pontoon boat packing plenty of features and loads of room for the whole family to enjoy a day out on the water.

Unlike most pontoon boats where you usually find a lounge seating arrangement in the bow, on the SF212 WT, Lowe has moved the lounge area to the aft section of the boat and has dedicated the bow for the avid anglers.

The bow comes with two folding pedestal fishing seats, a 13-gallon livewell, and convenient rod holders for comfortable angling. The optional trolling motor and fishfinder are also easily integrated.

Standard features worth mentioning are the 9’ Bimini top for all-day comfort, a storable dinette table with cup holders, a Bluetooth compatible Jensen stereo, and the wide and comfortable dual aft walk-thru chaise lounges.

The SF212 Walk Thru has a 9.9-150 horsepower outboard range and when equipped with the Mercury 115HP, it delivers a top speed of 30 mph. Enough to pull skiers or tubes. This has also great fuel efficiency for longer cruising.

Specs & Features

  • Length: 21’4”
  • Beam: 8’6”
  • Weight: 1929lbs
  • Max. hp capacity: 115 hp
  • Max. person capacity: 13

Our Overall Review

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

4

Things we like:

  • check-mark
    Good wrap around aft lounge
  • check-mark
    The deluxe vinyl is both pleasant on the feet and easy to hose down
  • check-mark
    Stereo and speakers nice and powerful
  • check-mark
    Captain’s chair like a throne
  • check-mark
    Great design—family-friendly and angler-friendly
Click to see more

Things we don't like:

  • check-mark
    Ski tow bar is not included
Click to see more
Click to see more
lowe-sf212-wt-pontoon-featured

Where to buy:

Lowe SF212 WT Pontoon

Related Reviews

A Short History of Lowe Boats

Even though the 50th anniversary of the company is being celebrated, the history of Lowe Boats goes further back than 1971.

It all started in 1960 with J.B. Appleby—considered by many as the father of aluminum boating. That year, Appleby founded Appleby Boats, the first aluminum boat manufacturing company in Lebanon, Missouri.

During its first year, the company sold 1,300 boats. And just four years later, Appleby Boats was already producing over 30,000 boats a year. Not too bad. In just a few years Appleby boats was the largest maker of aluminum boats in the United States and one of the biggest in the world.

That same year, Appleby Boats was sold to Standard Industries, a company from New York. But the Appleby legacy was still present.

Following in her father’s footsteps, Diana and her husband, Carl Lowe, took over the newly-bought Appleby Boats. They continued operating the company under the name Appleby Boats until 1971 when they left to create Lowe Line in Lebanon, Missouri.

Specializing in building semi-V’s and Jon boats, Lowe Line was founded.

Their unique sales strategy of focusing on dealers instead of mass merchandisers,provided them with constant and valued feedback from customers, which in turn helped them improve their boats and designs.

In 1975, Lowe Line developed their bass boat model lines, including the 15’ Stinger and 16’ SS Hustler.

In 1979, they introduced their feature-packed, family-friendly, and easy to use pontoon boats.

In 1981, Lowe Line becomes Lowe Boats. And the rest is history! From this point, new models are developed, each specialized for a specific purpose.

Check these models out:

https://youtu.be/ElTHu2AFtKg 

Even after five decades of boat building, the legacy left behind by J.B. Appleby and his family carries on strong. Lowe Boats is still a leader when it comes to aluminum fishing boats and continues to put forward innovative, durable, and accessible boats, so that new generations of boaters and sport enthusiasts continue to make great memories on the water.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What are the best Lowe boats?

The answer to this question will depend on a few factors such as your intended purpose, budget, and feature requests.

It’s never easy to pick one specific best Lowe boat and that is why we’ve created this complete guide on the Best Lowe Boats Money Can Buy in 2021.

However, at this very moment, these are our own favorites:

(read full reviews of each on DIVEIN.com – click the links above)

Are Lowe boats good quality?

Lowe Boats is known for their affordable, all-welded aluminum fishing and pontoon boats for families and anglers. Having said that, they do make good-quality boats.

Check out a full review of the best Lowe Boats on the market today.

Looking for more good quality fishing boats, then check out our thorough guide on the best Boston Whaler boats in 2021.

Where are Lowe boats manufactured?

Like Boston Whaler boats, Lowe boats are made in the U.S. Lowe Boats is located deep in the Ozarks in Lebanon, Missouri. Under the Lowe Boats name it has existed there since 1971, but it was started as Appleby Boats in 1960. From the Ozarks this aluminum boat company manufactured more than 30 thousand Jon boats and other fishing crafts by 1964 becoming the market leader.

Read our review of the best Lowe Boats here.

What is the best boat for rivers?

The best boat for rivers is flat-bottomed boats such as a Jon boat or a pontoon boat.

Due to their short drafts—distance between the waterline and the deepest point of the boat—these vessels sit high in the water, which means they can easily navigate through shallow bodies of water such as rivers.

What is the best aluminum boat?

It’s hard to pick the best aluminum boat on the market, as there are many models available. Some will go for a pontoon boat that caters to family getaways or parties on relatively flat waters, others will go for an angler’s dream. For that reason, we’ve created this complete guide on the best Jon Boats for Fishing and Hunting.

How long will an aluminum boat last?

Aluminum boats are known for being tough and durable. With proper care and maintenance, an aluminum boat can last from 30 to 40 years. Among the best treatment for your boat, is finding the right boat paint. Read this guide to the best marine paint you should use for your aluminum boat.

Related Reviews

On this page

Comments

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

5 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Eric Mount
Eric Mount

my wife and I are down sizing in the boating world, looking for something comfortable and basic, with enough floor space for our 2 pups. We are very interested in the stick steer thinking this might just fit the bill. so 3 questions, first is HP, is 25 enough or should we up to the 40? second for versatility, would you recommend a hydraulic jack plate for skinny water fishing.. third, what can one expect to pay for this rig ready to fish.

Bradley Axmith
Member
Bradley Axmith

Hey Dwight. Not sure what boat you mean. If it’s a Scout center console boat, you’re looking at at least 30 grand. That’s with most of the basic trimmings, including motor. If you mean a Lowe Boat model, the 12 footer jon boats will run about 3 gees for the boat alone. Add a 1500 for motor and trailer. That’s roughly, but check out some marinas or boat trader for some used models for sale. There’s more than a few up for sale now that corona time is easing back.

Dwight Finch
Dwight Finch

Price of the Scout 12?

Bradley Axmith
Member
Bradley Axmith

Hi Walter. A 25hp will be able to drive all that weight, but it won’t win any awards for speed. You’d probably get between 15-18 mph. Maybe 20 without too much gear. Not bad for a pleasant day out. You probably won’t need anything more on the lake you mentioned, but you might miss the extra power on bigger lakes.

Walter Pearman
Walter Pearman

How fast is the scorpion ss with a fourstroke 25. I am a big guy 6ft 300 and my fishing partner is 225 plus all the stuff you need to camp on the river. The reason for 25 is there is a lake near me with a hp limit.