Lowe X214

What You Need To Know

This is a true fishing pontoon and based on the overall layout, we feel it was obviously designed by engineers who actually fish. Not only does it have a lot of great fishing amenities, it has a few different features we weren't expecting to find. 

The Highlights

For those who have ever fallen in love with a layout at a boat show, only to wish for a different configuration a few months after taking delivery, this Lowe was built for you. We're used to seeing different options for fishing seats, but this model takes it to another level with multiple pedestal mounts. The furniture is interchangeable so you can move the bench seat to make room for fishing seats or just change the angle of the bench so it fits to your liking (two pedestal seats and two bench seat come standard). Lowe engineers are currently working on a dozen or so different seating styles so you can really dial in what you want in a layout. The beauty of the Mod Series is you can option a Cruise, Fish, or even a Cruise & Fish layout with the pedestal inserts.

As-tested, which includes both standard and optional features, this 21-footer is loaded with anglers in mind. Starting in the bow, the trolling motor fits nicely under the half gate and with the built-in plug, this setup is very clean and user-friendly. On the portside there are four places to store your rods, but our favorite fishing amenity is located in the stern. The fish cleaning station, complete with an LED light, etched-in ruler and a 12-volt outlet, includes an aerated livewell along with two bait buckets. There is also a couple of rod holders in this area, adding to the other two onboard. Below this unit is a drawer for your fishing line and tackle and this setup is one of the best we've ever seen as far as staying organized. There is also a lockable compartment for your battery that we really like. Really the only fishing amenity missing is a fish finder/GPS that on a boat like this really should come standard but is available as an option. But other than that we love all the features specific to fishing on this boat.

The racing stripe on the helm is a nice added touch. The way the Mercury 150 four-stroke performs it does more than just look like a go-fast bass boat, but we'll get to that in a minute.

Inspection Notes

The 25-inch diameter pontoons are multi-chambered and include full-length keels. Plus the cross-members are on 16-inch centers and extend the full width of the boat. From the weld quality to the overall fit and finish work, this Lowe earned high marks for its craftsmanship.

Performance Evaluation

Mercury released its new 150hp four-stroke a little over a year ago and we feel it found the perfect home on the back of this Lowe pontoon. We were pleasantly surprised by how quick and strong the acceleration was and at full throttle we nearly hit the 40 mile per hour mark. We had plenty of power to spare and in the very tight turns she handles well.

Obviously designed to be a great fishing boat, we love the performance side of this `toon as well.

Final Thoughts

The modular seating is new and very unique to the market for 2013 and we expect Lowe to continue to build on this great concept. We like seeing little added touches like the tackle and line storage as well as two bait buckets to go along with the aerated livewell that really help make this the ideal fishing pontoon. Packaged with a Mercury 150hp outboard, there is a lot to like on this Lowe X214.

Number of Occupants             13                   

Price As Tested With Power     $30.5K

Maximum Speed                      39.2 mph                     

Wild Ponies                              150hp 

No. of Gates                            3

0-20 MPH                               5.7 seconds     

Ladder Measurement               4' 0" deep

Why we love this boat.Having the "choose your own" seating option with the interchangeable furniture is a unique feature that we've never seen before and really like.

Just being picky.We were thrilled when we found fishing amenities that you wouldn't normally expect to find, but were a little surprised that a fish finder/GPS wasn't included with the standard features. 

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Pressure treated plywood deck, All Stainless steel hardware, Stern entry w/ heavy duty 4-step boarding ladder, Heavy-Duty 9' bimini top w/boot & quick disconnects, Interior courtesy light on console, LED Docking lights, Tilt Steering, Fusion Marine AM/FM Stereo w/ MP3 Plug in and four 6" Speakers, Fusion Marine iPod Dock

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Hydraulic Steering, Bench Seats, Pedestal Seats, Captain's Char, Fish Station, Trolling Motor, 50 gallon fuel tank, Underwater Lighting, XL Performance Package

VITAL STATS

LOA                  21' 

Beam                 8' 6"

Hull Design         Pontoon

Dry Weight         1995 lbs.

Fuel Capacity     50 gallons

TEST DRIVE

Engine                                                              Mercury 150

Cylinder Type                                                   Inline 4

Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower  183ci/150hp

Lower Unit Gear Ratio                         1.92:1

Propeller                                                          14 1/2 X 17 Enertia

RPM     vs.      SPEED     vs.    DB-A

900                  2.7                     81.5

1000                3.9                     82

1500                5.4                     85

2000                8.4                     87

2500                12                      90

3000                17.5                   95

3500                21.4                   99.5

4000                26.6                   100.5

4500                32.3                   100.5

5000                35.4                   104

5500                37.6                   104.5

6000                39.2                   106