Lowe Fish & Ski - Anyone Have One? Opinions?

[TheChad]

Hey All,<br /><br />My Wife and I are looking into purchasing a Lowe Fish & Ski 17 Footer. FS175.<br /><br />We really like the fold down jump seats for extra seating when we need, but doesn't take any deck space.<br /><br />I was just hoping to get some likes/dislikes, thoughts and/or opinions from anyone who has any experience with this boat, or lowe boats in general.<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />-TheChad

 

[DJ]

Re: Lowe Fish & Ski - Anyone Have One? Opinions?

I had a 1989 1730V that I loved. The 1730V was the same hull with a winshield and a huge bowrider section. One reason I bought it was it was the widest boat in its class. I had a 90 Johnson on it.

 

[slofish]

Re: Lowe Fish & Ski - Anyone Have One? Opinions?

Re: Lowe Fish & Ski - Anyone Have One? Opinions?

Hey All,<br /><br />My Wife and I are looking into purchasing a Lowe Fish & Ski 17 Footer. FS175.<br /><br />We really like the fold down jump seats for extra seating when we need, but doesn't take any deck space.<br /><br />I was just hoping to get some likes/dislikes, thoughts and/or opinions from anyone who has any experience with this boat, or lowe boats in general.<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />-TheChad

 

[slofish]

Re: Lowe Fish & Ski - Anyone Have One? Opinions?

Re: Lowe Fish & Ski - Anyone Have One? Opinions?

I am also in the market for a FS185, the last few months I have been attempting to gather information on aluminum fish and ski boats, I have found very few of the manufactures are offering a "ski pole" as an option. The only manufactures I have been able to locate are Lowe, Smokercraft, Starcraft and Fisher. I think I have narrowed my search down to this Lowe FS185. Good luck in your search, I will watch your post to see what types of replies you receive. SLOfish

 

[irv64]

Re: Lowe Fish & Ski - Anyone Have One? Opinions?

Re: Lowe Fish & Ski - Anyone Have One? Opinions?

I purchased a 2006 16.5 F&S this past summer with an 07 90Hp Mercury 4 stroke. It has been a great boat so far and myself and my family love the boat! We got it pretty much loaded as this one was the only one left. It came with the swim ladder/platform, ski-tripod, bow cushions and combing pads, bow hand rails, the complete bimini top with side curtains, am/fm/cd/sirius satelite radio, etc. I was considering a 17.5 but when we measured the beam it was almost 10"s wider compared to our old 16.5 boat so I opted for the 16.5 instead, it has plenty of room for the 3 of us plus passengers so we are happy with our decision. The boat is well made IMO, very strong and solid and cuts the waves beautifully compared to my older Smokercraft Magnum that I traded in. I can get 47mph on the speedo which is plenty quick enough for me! We are totally happy with the boat so far, it was relatively inexpensive compared to some other boats we looked at and I believe we got more boat for less money. So far so good, I would recommend Lowe boats to anyone........Irv64

 

[FLATHEAD]

Re: Lowe Fish & Ski - Anyone Have One? Opinions?

Re: Lowe Fish & Ski - Anyone Have One? Opinions?

I have a 2006 FM 165 Lowe. Same as the fish and ski just a different front platform. I have had that boat in some rough water I had no business being in, and it handled it very well. Great hull design that jumps up on plane quick. I also picked that boat because of the wide beam. For the money it is about the best deal on an aluminum out there.

 

[irv64]

Re: Lowe Fish & Ski - Anyone Have One? Opinions?

Re: Lowe Fish & Ski - Anyone Have One? Opinions?

Where is a good place to find a trailering cover for my 16.5 FS? I recently bought a boat lift and I am looking for a complete cover rather than the ones that came with it? Are any of the aftermarket covers worth looking at? Thanks............Irv64

 

[diver]

Re: Lowe Fish & Ski - Anyone Have One? Opinions?

We bought our 175 FS in July 2006 and like the way it rides. We went with 115 4stroke Merc and found it under powered at times.

We were diappointed in a number of items and by the after sales service from Lowe Boats and would like to warn buyers of the gaps in the warranty.

Our boat hull started pealing paint after 3 weeks of gentle use. Lowe boats offered to take boat back in the fall and repaint it totally. We took the boat in in October and 8 months later got it back repainted but full of paint overspray on the inside finish. One month later the paint on the hull started pealing off again. Now Lowe wants to take it back and repeat the process.... so, buyers beware!!

The wiring on the boat is also very sloppy and substandard and we had numerous gage failures and also the trim on the instrument panel cracked.
The bimini top is also very flimsy and ineffective in foul weather.

Although the boat gives a great ride and handles rougher water well, The factory and dealer support leaves a lot to be desired