FM165 and RV170

[john in la]

I would like to get some owner opinions on some of the Lowe boats. From looking over the Lowe web site I have narrowed my choices down to the FM165 or some version of the RV170.

I feel there will be little to no replys on the RV170 since it is a new boat for 2010 and few owners out there yet; but you FM165 owners could answer a few questions for me.

How much water does the boat draft?
How does the carpet hold up?
How do you like the ride in choppy water? (1 to 2 ft seas)
Any problems with the welds or the bottom concaving?
How does the 50 hp match the boat?
Any warrenty issues that had to go past the dealer. How was your experiance dealing with Lowe.

Thanks for your help
John

 

[Tiggyboot]

Re: FM165 and RV170

I have an FM165. Great boat. My experience dealing with Lowe direct has been excellent. They take care of their customers very well. I have the 60hp 4 stroke. Works excellent. Make sure you get the correct prop on the motor, whatever you go with. As far as the ride. It's really solid. The .100" gauge hull is rock solid in rough water. Spray is almost non existant. The layout of the hull is great, lots of room. I'm not crazy about the rough plastic console, would have rather seen arcrylic. But that's pretty minor, the guage package is nice. The trailer is also very solid. I have the long tongue model, makes backing into the lake a snap.

good luck

 

[john in la]

Re: FM165 and RV170

Thanks Tiggyboot

Can you tell me how much draft this boat has with the motor raised.

 

[Tiggyboot]

Re: FM165 and RV170

Thanks Tiggyboot

Can you tell me how much draft this boat has with the motor raised.

not sure what exactly you mean?

 

[john in la]

Re: FM165 and RV170

not sure what exactly you mean?

How deep does the water have to be for the boat to still float?
If using the trolling motor and the main motor raised up how shallow of water can you take this boat?
What is the distance from the water line on the boat to the bottom of the boat? This is most easily seen on the transom.

I know most of you guys that have this boat use it for lake fishing and draft means little to you because the water is always 3ft or more. For me I am looking for a boat the will cross a lake or other open water but still have minimal draft so I can fish the marsh/swamp.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Tiggyboot]

Re: FM165 and RV170

ok, now I understand

well, hard to say, I've not gone into super shallow water as of yet, but I would say it will still float in two feet of water, with no one in the boat, the water comes to the bottom of the free board, right at the seem. To see the transom, I'd have to stand right at the back...my 225lbs would sort of skew the results lol.