Welcome, fellow boating enthusiast, to our comprehensive article comparing two popular picks of the angling community – Bass Tracker and Lowe Boats.
As someone who has lost count of sunrises seen from the deck of a boat, I assure you, this comparison comes from a place of passion, knowledge, and a sprinkle of dry humor that makes life on a boat, well, a boat-load of fun!
Riding the waves of this article, we’ll embark on a journey through the ins and outs of these two boat brands. We’ll unpack their history, their models, dive into performance, price, and comfort, even reel in details about their fishing amenities.
I’ve wracked my boat-lover’s brain, poured over specs, and thrown in tales from my personal archive (cue my youngest, Clara, age 5, who once used the boat oar as a make-believe horse, to the amusement of all) to give you a well-rounded, fun, yet insightful read.
So, let’s hoist the sails and plunge right in, shall we?
My fellow angler, whether you’re a seasoned seafarer or a newbie with an eye for boats, understanding the nuts and bolts of your prospective purchase is crucial. No, not just because it’ll impress the socks off of your fishing buddies, but because it’s akin to choosing a good fishing rod – you need the perfect fit for the perfect catch.
In our first leg of the journey, we’ll be exploring the world of Bass Tracker Boats. If I had a nickel for every time I admired the sleek design of a Bass Tracker, well, I’d have a bucket full of nickels. But I digress!
Next stop, the history of Bass Tracker, or as I like to call it, the “Bass-ics”!
Understanding Bass Tracker Boats
No doubt, Bass Tracker is the titanic of fishing boats, and I don’t mean the sinking part. Quite the opposite!
Established in 1978 by Johnny Morris, Bass Tracker boats have, over the years, gained a solid reputation in the boating industry. They’ve become synonymous with affordability, quality, and fishing readiness, much like the reputation I’ve gained for misplacing my fishing gear (Just last week, I found my tackle box in the fridge. Talk about a ‘cool’ place to store your hooks, right?).
Let’s cast our nets into some of the popular Bass Tracker models:
Bass Tracker Classic XL: This model, my friends, is a compact and economical choice for the angler on a budget. It’s my daughter Mia’s favorite, probably because she doesn’t have to spend her allowance on it!
Pro Team 190 TX: Now, this is a perfect balance of size, power, and features. It offers an amped-up fishing experience. Akin to that adrenaline rush you get when you feel the first tug on your line!
Pro Guide V-175 Combo: If versatility was a boat, it’d be the V-175 Combo. This model can serve both your fishing and family day out needs. It’s where Jonathan had his first taste of steering, a moment as monumental as catching his first fish.
To keep this fun train (or should I say boat) going, let’s get down to some hard numbers. And don’t worry, we won’t drown you in stats, just the essential ones! After all, nobody wants a boat that’s all show and no go!
Model
Length
Weight
Max Person Capacity
Classic XL
16′ 8″
878 lbs
4
Pro Team 190 TX
18′ 7″
1,020 lbs
4
Pro Guide V-175 Combo
16′ 6″
1,640 lbs
6
Beyond the specs, there’s something intangible about Bass Tracker boats. I’d call it reliability. You know that comforting feeling when your old fishing hat fits just right? That’s what a Bass Tracker feels like.
Delving into Lowe Boats
Okay, let’s drift towards our second contender: Lowe Boats. Founded in 1971 by Carl and Dianna Lowe, these boats have cultivated a reputation for their durability, innovation, and attention to detail.
You see, Lowe Boats are like that friend who always has a fully-stocked cooler when you go fishing – prepared, reliable, and great company.
The standout models from Lowe are enough to make any angler’s heart skip a beat:
Lowe Stinger 188: This beauty of a boat is known for its spacious deck and super-stable platform. It’s also my favorite place to lose a game of Go Fish to Clara.
Lowe FM 1675 WT: Built for serious anglers and watersports enthusiasts, this model offers superior handling and all-day comfort. In my books, it’s like having your cake and eating it too!
Lowe Skorpion 16: Compact, durable, and economical. It’s a bit like that fishing lure you have which never fails to attract a catch.
Now, let’s dive into some stats for Lowe Boats, shall we? I promise it won’t be as complex as untangling a fishing line!
Model
Length
Weight
Max Person Capacity
Stinger 188
18′ 8″
1,230 lbs
4
FM 1675 WT
16′ 10″
1,465 lbs
6
Skorpion 16
16′
670 lbs
3
As with Bass Tracker, Lowe Boats also provides that reassuring feeling of reliability. Plus, they’ve got style, much like my beloved, old-fashioned fishing vest that my family jokingly calls the ‘fish magnet’.
Bass Tracker vs Lowe: Performance Comparison
Now, my friends, what’s a boat without top-notch performance, right? It’s like a fishing trip without a good ol’ fish tale! So, let’s pit these two brands against each other and see who takes the cake or, in this case, the fish.
Starting with the Bass Tracker boats, their performance is as solid as my resolve to wake up early for a fishing trip. Bass Tracker’s most distinct advantage lies in its light hull weight.
The lighter weight equates to better fuel efficiency and easier handling. It’s similar to the surprising agility of my 8-year-old, Jonathan, when he runs off with the last donut!
As for Lowe Boats, they’re the epitome of stability. Their wide decks and carefully designed hulls are much like my wife’s unerring knack for finding my misplaced fishing gear – dependable, every single time.
Additionally, their larger models offer better weight distribution, ensuring that your boat stays as stable as a well-balanced fishing rod.
Now, talking money might not be as fun as discussing the one that got away, but hey, we need to reel in all the details, don’t we?
Bass Tracker boats, my friends, are a bang for your buck. They’re like that worn-in baseball cap you’ve had for years – comfortable, reliable, and doesn’t make your wallet cry.
They offer a decent range of affordable models, so you don’t have to break the bank.
On the other hand, Lowe Boats might make you dig a little deeper into your pockets. But, much like a well-stocked tackle box, they are worth the investment.
The superior build quality and innovative features are like the promise of a well-baited hook – you’re likely to catch something good!
Design and Comfort: Bass Tracker vs Lowe
When it comes to design and comfort, both Bass Tracker and Lowe Boats have something to write home about.
Bass Tracker boats are akin to your favorite pair of fishing boots – functional and straightforward. They’re typically designed with a clutter-free deck, easy-to-reach control panels, and comfortable seating.
Just last week, I spent a whole day fishing on my Bass Tracker, and I swear, my back felt as good as it does after my wife convinces me to do yoga!
As for Lowe Boats, they’re like the Swiss Army knife of boats – versatile and full of pleasant surprises. Their smart designs include large lockable storage compartments (where I’m sure I’d still manage to lose my keys), aerated livewells, and a wider deck.
Plus, their padded seats are a dream for any angler’s behind, almost like sitting on a cloud, if a cloud were water-resistant, that is!
Functionality and Utility: Bass Tracker vs Lowe
A boat’s functionality is much like my fishing technique – it should be efficient and effective. After all, we’re not just out here for the sunburn, are we?
Bass Tracker boats, my friends, are the epitome of functionality. With their all-inclusive ready-to-fish boat packages, they’ve got everything an angler could ask for – except maybe a fish-finding dog!
Here’s what you’ll find onboard most Bass Trackers:
A Minn Kota trolling motor, as dependable as a well-trained retriever
A Lowrance fishfinder, clearer than my 5-year-old Clara’s knack for asking the toughest questions at bedtime
Multiple fishing seats, because sharing is caring
A variety of storage options for your fishing gear, although I’d probably still lose my favorite lure
Now, let’s paddle over to Lowe Boats. These crafty creations are like the all-you-can-eat buffet of the boating world – so many options, you won’t know where to start!
From bow to stern, they’re decked out with handy features:
A MotorGuide trolling motor, smoother than my sales pitch to my wife when I bought my third fishing rod
A Humminbird fishfinder, it sees fish I’m convinced are part of an underwater hide-and-seek championship
An array of seating options, just in case you want to invite the entire neighborhood
Impressive storage solutions, even if I swear the fish steal my baits straight from them
In terms of durability, both Bass Tracker and Lowe Boats hold their water pretty well, much like my old fishing hat in a downpour.
Bass Tracker boats are built with one-piece hulls, which means they’re as solid as the bond between a man and his fishing rod. They’re resistant to wear and tear, ensuring that your investment won’t go belly up.
Lowe Boats, on the other hand, are made with marine-grade aluminum, making them as sturdy as my resolve to wake up at the crack of dawn for a day of fishing. This high-quality construction ensures that Lowe Boats can weather many a storm and still stay afloat.
Customer Service: Bass Tracker vs Lowe
Finally, we’ve got customer service. Now, having good customer service is like having your favorite lure – it can really make or break your day.
Bass Tracker is known for its responsive and helpful customer service team, who are always ready to assist, much like my kids when they see I’ve caught a fish too big for me to reel in alone.
Lowe Boats also prides itself on its excellent customer support. Their team is as efficient and reliable as my fishing routine – coffee, cast, reel, repeat.
You betcha! We’re still knee-deep in this, aren’t we? Alright, let’s keep the boat afloat.
Resale Value: Bass Tracker vs Lowe
Now, talking resale value might not get your heart pumping like a big catch, but it’s worth mulling over.
Bass Tracker boats are like the ever-faithful flannel shirt in your closet; they maintain a pretty steady resale value. These boats are as sought-after in the second-hand market as my wife’s triple chocolate chip cookies at the school bake sale.
As for Lowe Boats, they retain their value like a treasured family recipe. Their superior build quality and innovative design keep the demand high in the used market, much like my secret BBQ marinade during grilling season.
Brand
Resale Value
Bass Tracker
Good
Lowe Boats
Excellent
Conclusion: Bass Tracker vs Lowe
Phew! We’ve covered a lot of water here, haven’t we?
Choosing between Bass Tracker and Lowe Boats is like deciding between my wife’s apple pie and her chocolate cake – it’s a deliciously tough call!
In the end, both Bass Tracker and Lowe Boats are reliable and durable options for any boat enthusiast. If you’re on a budget and looking for functionality, a Bass Tracker will be your best bet. If you’re after luxury and are willing to pay a little more for top-notch features and excellent resale value, then a Lowe Boat is an excellent choice.
Below is an easy to read table that I put together that should help you decide which option is the best for you and your specific needs.
Factor
Bass Tracker
Lowe Boats
Performance
Excellent speed and fuel efficiency. Good stability.
Good speed and fuel efficiency. Excellent stability.
Price
More affordable. Offers great value for the money.
A bit pricier, but offers higher quality and innovative features.
Design & Comfort
Functional and straightforward. Focus on clutter-free decks and comfortable seating.
Versatile with plenty of pleasant surprises. Features large storage compartments and wider decks.
Functionality & Utility
Equipped with ready-to-fish packages including a trolling motor, fishfinder, multiple fishing seats, and a variety of storage options.
Offers a variety of handy features from bow to stern including a trolling motor, fishfinder, diverse seating options, and impressive storage solutions.
Durability
Constructed with solid one-piece hulls. Resistant to wear and tear.
Made with marine-grade aluminum. Designed to weather many a storm.
Customer Service
Known for its responsive and helpful customer service team.
Also boasts excellent customer support.
Resale Value
Maintains a pretty steady resale value.
Retains high value due to superior build quality and innovative design.
Remember, folks, the best boat is the one that floats your boat, quite literally! So, whether you choose Bass Tracker or Lowe, may your boat be steady, your fishing trips bountiful, and your sunsets breathtaking.
As for me, I’m off to convince my little ones that a fishing hat is a much more stylish choice than their superhero capes. Wish me luck!
When it comes to boating, folks, it's not all sunny skies and calm seas. I mean, who hasn't tried to set sail only to realize their boat's as cooperative as a cat in a bathtub?
That's where a...
Picture this: you're slicing through a crystal-clear lake, a gentle breeze teasing your hair, the symphony of nature filling your ears. Your trusty vessel beneath, as loyal as an old hound....
