PDB Shootout Lowe

First Impression

It’s considered a value line, but based on the long list of standard features combined with a handful of key options, we were impressed by all this new 2019 Lowe has to offer. Plus the upholstery is inviting as well as the open layout.

Highlights

Your eyes automatically go to the L-shaped seating in the stern when you first come aboard this boat. What makes this configuration unique is the split swingback lounges that allow one person to be rear-facing while the other looks forward. Its best characteristic besides the dual purpose design is just how easy it is to convert, and with the stainless rail in the stern it’s also a safe design that can be used while the boat is underway.

At the acrylic helmstand is a simplistic console with four gauges in the center, lighted toggle switches on the right and a place to store your phone on the left. Just below the media holder is a Bluetooth compatible Jensen stereo with USB/MP3 ports and a 12-volt outlet so you can plug in your electronics and keep your tunes flowing through the two speakers. Also there are multiple options for the driver to store drinks. In fact, we found a total of 11 stainless steel cupholders throughout the boat. The only thing really missing at the helm is a glove box or some type of lockable storage for the captain to store loose items like keys and wallets.

We could all do better at using fenders when docking our boat, but with the quick release clips with three receivers on each side there’s no excuse not to use them on this Lowe. Just be careful not to let them catch on anything because they do stick out a little from the exterior rail.

Worth noting, the powder coated black rails, boarding ladder and Bimini frame are a nice added touch that when combined with the two-toned exterior panels helps provide a customized look that will draw a lot of positive attention when out on the water. 

Inspection

The TLX package is Lowe’s triple-log deluxe upgrade. Besides Wavetamer lifting strakes you gain a larger fuel tank (50 gallons over the standard 30) and instead of the cross members below being on 24-inch centers, the chassis is beefed up to be on 16-inch centers. Up top the rail height varies from 24 inches tall in the stern to an impressive 26 inches tall throughout the rest of the boat.

Performance

Mercury released a new line of V6 outboards last year including the 200hp FourStroke that was paired up on this model and whenever your zero-to-20 mph time is under 5 seconds, that’s worth noting. Besides being quick, this Lowe is very responsive, handles well and overall is fun to drive.

Parting Thought

The added touches like the stainless steel railing in the stern, Infinity teak supreme vinyl flooring and the split rear loungers are just a couple of examples of the value found on this well-built Lowe pontoon. It has plenty to offer everyone and as tested it comes in at value-driven price.

For More Information:
Lebanon, Mo.
417-532-9101
www.loweboats.com

SPECIFICATIONS
Number of Occupants: 12                   
Price As Tested With Power: $62.4K
Maximum Speed: 45.1 mph                   
Wild Ponies: 200 hp
No. of Gates: 3
0-20 MPH: 4.46 seconds 
Ladder Measurement: 4’5” deep

Why we love this boat…The split swingback lounges are not only stylish, they’re also extremely comfortable and easy to convert into multiple positions. 

Just being picky…Although available as an option, we’d like to see a ski/tow bar come standard on any pontoon with a 200hp or larger outboard or at least part of the TLX package.   

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Fiberglass reinforced acrylic console, full instrumentation, chrome accent steering wheel, heavy-duty 9' Bimini top w/boot & quick disconnects, 22 oz. marine carpet (Boca Raton), dual swing-back conversion lounge, chaise lounges, Jensen stereo w/ 2 speakers and USCG navigation lights.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Triple axle aluminum trailer, power steering/Mercury pre rig, Bimini top-black frame, full black cover, TLX Pkg. w/ Wavetamer/lifting strakes, Rough Water Pkg., and full supreme tan teak Infinity floor.

VITAL STATS
LOA: 23’ 7”             
Beam: 8’ 6”
Hull Design: Pontoon
Dry Weight: 2,760 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 50 gallons

TEST DRIVE
Engine: Mercury 200L FourStroke DTS
Cylinder Type: V6
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower: 209ci/200hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio: 1.85:1
Propeller: 14 3/4 X 16

RPM     vs.      SPEED     vs.    DB-A
900                  2.8                     81
1000                3.6                     85
1500                5.7                     84
2000                7.7                     82
2500                10.3                   86
3000                15.6                   92
3500                20.7                   96
4000                23.3                   94
4500                29.0                   97
5000                33.8                   101
5500                37.8                   111
6000                41.0                   112
6100                45.1                   113

PRICE
Price As Tested (Boat and Motor): $62,395
Base Price (Boat Only): $21,438

This article originally appeared in our 2019 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing more boat tests like this, click HERE to subscribe.