It is currently Sun Jun 29, 2025 8:41 am




Reply to topic  [ 43 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2  Next
 thinking about a bigger boat 
Author Message
MMT Pro Member
User avatar

Joined: Fri Feb 22, 2013 3:41 pm
Posts: 227
Location: Mankato, MN
Post thinking about a bigger boat
I posted this the other day in the review forum but probably should have posted it here. I have a 1448 Lowe mod-v Jon with a SWOMP 23 on it. With a fishing load and 2 guys (210 and 240 lbs) I get on plane good and quick and did between 17-19mph. With the hunt load and two guys it won't get up. I didn't bust out the gps and check speeds while hunting, so no idea what were running when loaded down. I've played with moving around the weight with minimal results. I kind of feel like I'd be happier with a 1648. I like the mod-v because it cuts waves and parts the cattails. You boys think I would get on plane easier with that extra 2 ft of length when I have 2 guys and a hunt load in the boat? Here's a link to the one I'm looking at.. http://www.loweboats.com/2013/jon-boats/l1648m-jon/

_________________
Backwater Swomp 23 / Lowe L1448M


Fri Dec 13, 2013 1:20 am
Profile
MMT Pro Member

Joined: Thu Feb 16, 2012 4:02 pm
Posts: 202
Post Re: thinking about a bigger boat
Honky, get that boat but get it in the flat version. It will float shallower and run faster. You should expect to run about 17-18 with a hunt load in a 1648 flat bottom riveted boat. Good luck.


Fri Dec 13, 2013 3:52 am
Profile
MMT 1000 Club

Joined: Tue Oct 18, 2011 3:18 pm
Posts: 1060
Location: Ohio-The land of few ducks
Post Re: thinking about a bigger boat
Wish I was in a 1648. My 1542 does pretty good with 3 guys and dog. A little unstable tho.

_________________
23 swomp/ 1542 tracker


Fri Dec 13, 2013 5:37 am
Profile
MMT 1000 Club

Joined: Mon Sep 19, 2011 6:32 pm
Posts: 1490
Location: south Florida
Post Re: thinking about a bigger boat
Started with a 1436 and an 18 HP GD LT; went to a 1544 w/25 LT; presently in a 1648 w/27 LT- see the progression? I usually only hunt with one other hunter, rarely three or four, but I should have gotten the 1848 to begin with! That will be my next hull. :mrgreen:

_________________
Sailing in the sawgrass /1648 grizzly and Swomp 26.5 EFI


Fri Dec 13, 2013 12:54 pm
Profile
MMT Pro Member
User avatar

Joined: Fri Feb 22, 2013 3:41 pm
Posts: 227
Location: Mankato, MN
Post Re: thinking about a bigger boat

_________________
Backwater Swomp 23 / Lowe L1448M


Fri Dec 13, 2013 4:59 pm
Profile
MMT Pro Member
User avatar

Joined: Fri Feb 22, 2013 3:41 pm
Posts: 227
Location: Mankato, MN
Post Re: thinking about a bigger boat

_________________
Backwater Swomp 23 / Lowe L1448M


Fri Dec 13, 2013 5:00 pm
Profile
MMT Pro Member
User avatar

Joined: Fri Feb 22, 2013 3:41 pm
Posts: 227
Location: Mankato, MN
Post Re: thinking about a bigger boat

_________________
Backwater Swomp 23 / Lowe L1448M


Fri Dec 13, 2013 5:08 pm
Profile
MMT Pro Member

Joined: Thu Feb 16, 2012 4:02 pm
Posts: 202
Post Re: thinking about a bigger boat


Sat Dec 14, 2013 4:02 am
Profile
MMT 1000 Club

Joined: Tue Oct 18, 2011 3:18 pm
Posts: 1060
Location: Ohio-The land of few ducks
Post Re: thinking about a bigger boat

_________________
23 swomp/ 1542 tracker


Sat Dec 14, 2013 1:14 pm
Profile
MMT Pro Member
User avatar

Joined: Fri Feb 22, 2013 3:41 pm
Posts: 227
Location: Mankato, MN
Post Re: thinking about a bigger boat
No real logs or stumps to speak of where I'm at. Occasionally find them on the river but quick slide overs is all it ever is. I'm really puzzled why so many guys say to go with the flat front over the mod-v. How much of a difference is there in it? None of the dudes I know have a flat front so I haven't been able to compare them at all first hand...

_________________
Backwater Swomp 23 / Lowe L1448M


Mon Dec 16, 2013 10:35 pm
Profile
MMT 1000 Club

Joined: Tue Oct 18, 2011 3:18 pm
Posts: 1060
Location: Ohio-The land of few ducks
Post Re: thinking about a bigger boat
Buddy had a mv 1448. I put the swomp on it. There's a 5mph difference with a load compared to my flat bottom. There is less resistance with flat. Also drafts a lot less.

_________________
23 swomp/ 1542 tracker


Tue Dec 17, 2013 5:52 am
Profile
MMT Pro Member
User avatar

Joined: Fri Feb 22, 2013 3:41 pm
Posts: 227
Location: Mankato, MN
Post Re: thinking about a bigger boat
That's a pretty considerable difference in speed. I guess I wouldn't have imagined that there would be that big of a drag with the mod-v.

_________________
Backwater Swomp 23 / Lowe L1448M


Tue Dec 17, 2013 10:28 pm
Profile
MMT 1000 Club
User avatar

Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2011 10:30 pm
Posts: 1386
Location: West TN
Post Re: thinking about a bigger boat
The difference between flatbottom and mod V is mostly noticeable with a load.

_________________
40 Backwater SWOMP Lite / 1752 Alweld Mud

6.5 Backwater SWOMP Lite / 1440 PolarKraft


Tue Dec 17, 2013 10:36 pm
Profile
MMT Pro Member
User avatar

Joined: Fri Feb 22, 2013 3:41 pm
Posts: 227
Location: Mankato, MN
Post Re: thinking about a bigger boat
I'm thinking that a half to full 6 gal gas tank up front was hurting me as far as the loss of speed when loaded down too. That's the one thing I didn't change this fall because my gas line runs under the floor and i didnt wanna mess with it. Over all do you think that just the difference of going from 14 to 16 foot would give me better performance and speed whether I go with either the flat or mod-v...?

_________________
Backwater Swomp 23 / Lowe L1448M


Tue Dec 17, 2013 10:52 pm
Profile
MMT 1000 Club
User avatar

Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2011 10:30 pm
Posts: 1386
Location: West TN
Post Re: thinking about a bigger boat
Going to 16' will help most when you've got a load. Empty, there probably isn't much difference between a 1448 and a comparable 1648.

_________________
40 Backwater SWOMP Lite / 1752 Alweld Mud

6.5 Backwater SWOMP Lite / 1440 PolarKraft


Tue Dec 17, 2013 11:47 pm
Profile
MMT Pro Member
User avatar

Joined: Fri Feb 22, 2013 3:41 pm
Posts: 227
Location: Mankato, MN
Post Re: thinking about a bigger boat
Thanks for the input guys. I'll be finishing my mods on the 1448 over the winter/spring and post some before and after shots. Hoping to upgrade to a 1648 at some point next summer. My buddy just bought a 1648 mod-v with a 24 beavertail LT on it so I'm gonna see what that's like when the ice melts as I'm guessing it won't be too different from what my motor would do on a similar hull. Gonna get a new truck in the spring, hopefully the boat by mid summer. Maybe sooner if I find the right deal.

_________________
Backwater Swomp 23 / Lowe L1448M


Wed Dec 18, 2013 1:01 am
Profile
MMT 1000 Club

Joined: Mon Sep 19, 2011 6:32 pm
Posts: 1490
Location: south Florida
Post Re: thinking about a bigger boat
Honky, I've posted this before but bears repeating. At one time, before the shortails, when it was only conventional outboards and GD's fist longtails (of course there were airboats and hovercraft!), aluminum jon boats were almost all rivetted. My friends are running close to 20 year old Lowe 1648 rivetted hulls with 25 LT's. Those Lowe hulls were built well, nary a leak or hiccup. My friend's only mishap was after application of steelflex about six years ago, he did not clip the boat onto the trailer and pulled up and of course the hull slid off and he banged the bung hole (transom plug) flat and had to tap it out round, but the hull was fine. As long as you are not running over beaver dams, cypress knee infested bayous, oyster beds and the like, or otherwise abusing your boat, it should last a lifetime and rivets can be fairly easily repaired. My 2004 Grizzly 1648 all-welded hull sprung a weld and leaked way before they encountered any with rivets. I actually wish I could find an older used rivetted 1848 because they are not making any new ones in that configuration and most mfg.'s have gone the all-welded boat which results in a stout hull and great for shortails but sure adds a heck of a lot of weight. Down here, it is usually shallower than deep and hard bottom and those thick-skinned welded boats become a liabilty and you have to add more horsepower and winches and cost. You are doing fine with the 1648 and since I am 6' 4" and want my fishing and hunting room and comfort, is why I want to go 18'.

_________________
Sailing in the sawgrass /1648 grizzly and Swomp 26.5 EFI


Thu Dec 19, 2013 7:24 am
Profile
MMT 1000 Club
User avatar

Joined: Thu Dec 02, 2010 9:51 am
Posts: 1404
Location: Northern Wisconsin
Post Re: thinking about a bigger boat
I know where an old one is sitting Glades, but it's a long haul from Florida to Wisconsin.


Thu Dec 19, 2013 8:13 am
Profile
MMT 1000 Club

Joined: Mon Sep 19, 2011 6:32 pm
Posts: 1490
Location: south Florida
Post Re: thinking about a bigger boat
Thanks, Goose! Just might be worth the trip if I can see the fabled Horicon marsh! I also love fromage and I hear there's plenty in Wisconsin. :mrgreen:

_________________
Sailing in the sawgrass /1648 grizzly and Swomp 26.5 EFI


Thu Dec 19, 2013 10:28 am
Profile
MMT 1000 Club
User avatar

Joined: Thu Dec 02, 2010 9:51 am
Posts: 1404
Location: Northern Wisconsin
Post Re: thinking about a bigger boat
Horicon isn't what it used to be, I haven't been over there in 20 years. I go to Green Bay now to shoot geese and ducks.


Thu Dec 19, 2013 10:40 am
Profile
MMT Pro Member
User avatar

Joined: Fri Feb 22, 2013 3:41 pm
Posts: 227
Location: Mankato, MN
Post Re: thinking about a bigger boat
Glades, that's encouraging to know there is the potential to get that many years out of a Lowe. I stumbled into the 1448 on Craigslist and had no brand loyalty just jumped at a good price. All the years I have owned it, it has never sprung a leak despite the run-ins with rocks and deadheads here and there when the river gets low. I really like it. With the mods I've done, I like it even more. It's a very basic setup and all i did was add a hatch in the front deck and take out the middle section of the benches leaving pods for seats on the sides. Also added a light bar up front. I plan on doing the same on the next boat. My bro in law wants to buy my boat if I decide to sell so I will still be able to enjoy it for many years after I sell it. I'm 6'2" 240 but never run more than me and a buddy in the boat. I think the 1648 will be about perfect. Then again next year I may be posting about needing an 18 footer and a 35hp motor!

_________________
Backwater Swomp 23 / Lowe L1448M


Thu Dec 19, 2013 5:11 pm
Profile
MMT Pro Member
User avatar

Joined: Fri Feb 22, 2013 3:41 pm
Posts: 227
Location: Mankato, MN
Post Re: thinking about a bigger boat
After reading a couple other fellas posts asking about mod-v's, I'm wondering if some of the replies on my post are from guys believing the mod-v is not a flat bottom. It looks like guys refer to them as hybrids. Which in essence is what I'm talking about when I say mod-v. Because my boat is called a mod-v by the manufacturer and it has a flat bottom after the v at the rake, where as it seems guys think the mod-v has a v all the way to the transom. At any rate I'm just curious if there is confusion and if it changes how guys would answer my question.

_________________
Backwater Swomp 23 / Lowe L1448M


Thu Jan 09, 2014 7:19 pm
Profile
MMT Elite Member

Joined: Wed Mar 11, 2009 12:45 pm
Posts: 9869
Post Re: thinking about a bigger boat
18x40


Thu Jan 09, 2014 8:10 pm
Profile
MMT Elite Member

Joined: Wed Mar 03, 2010 7:00 pm
Posts: 6060
Location: Choudrant, La
Post Re: thinking about a bigger boat
18x42 :mrgreen:


A flatbottom will outperform a mod-v with a mudmotor in every aspect. Get a flatbottom with a pointed bow and keep splittin your cattails.

_________________
CSM Custom 18x42 Battleship with a 36 PD beating you to the hole
My Rig (Old Motor) viewtopic.php?f=5&t=45193

(New Motor) viewtopic.php?f=5&t=54733

Stumps Fear Me


Thu Jan 09, 2014 8:22 pm
Profile
MMT Addict
User avatar

Joined: Wed Aug 28, 2013 10:40 pm
Posts: 717
Location: Louisiana
Post Re: thinking about a bigger boat
Adding to the width at this point will help you plane far more than adding length (with a load)


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD


Thu Jan 09, 2014 9:42 pm
Profile
MMT Pro Member
User avatar

Joined: Fri Feb 22, 2013 3:41 pm
Posts: 227
Location: Mankato, MN
Post Re: thinking about a bigger boat

_________________
Backwater Swomp 23 / Lowe L1448M


Fri Jan 10, 2014 1:21 am
Profile
MMT Pro Member
User avatar

Joined: Fri Feb 22, 2013 3:41 pm
Posts: 227
Location: Mankato, MN
Post Re: thinking about a bigger boat

_________________
Backwater Swomp 23 / Lowe L1448M


Fri Jan 10, 2014 1:34 am
Profile
MMT Pro Member
User avatar

Joined: Fri Feb 22, 2013 3:41 pm
Posts: 227
Location: Mankato, MN
Post Re: thinking about a bigger boat

_________________
Backwater Swomp 23 / Lowe L1448M


Fri Jan 10, 2014 1:39 am
Profile
MMT 1000 Club
User avatar

Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2011 10:30 pm
Posts: 1386
Location: West TN
Post Re: thinking about a bigger boat
My boat is a mod-v. IMO, A hybrid is best explained as a flat bottom boat with a pointed nose. If you wanna chat about my boat specifically, shoot me a PM and I'll get you my contact info and I'll be more than happy to go over pros and cons, etc.

_________________
40 Backwater SWOMP Lite / 1752 Alweld Mud

6.5 Backwater SWOMP Lite / 1440 PolarKraft


Fri Jan 10, 2014 6:08 pm
Profile
MMT Pro Member
User avatar

Joined: Fri Feb 22, 2013 3:41 pm
Posts: 227
Location: Mankato, MN
Post Re: thinking about a bigger boat

_________________
Backwater Swomp 23 / Lowe L1448M


Fri Jan 10, 2014 6:59 pm
Profile
MMT 1000 Club
User avatar

Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2011 10:30 pm
Posts: 1386
Location: West TN
Post Re: thinking about a bigger boat
Yes. Gimme a shout tomorrow.

_________________
40 Backwater SWOMP Lite / 1752 Alweld Mud

6.5 Backwater SWOMP Lite / 1440 PolarKraft


Fri Jan 10, 2014 9:15 pm
Profile
MMT Pro Member

Joined: Fri Oct 02, 2009 4:46 pm
Posts: 79
Location: Otter Tail County, MN
Post Re: thinking about a bigger boat


Sat Jan 11, 2014 10:13 pm
Profile
MMT Pro Member
User avatar

Joined: Fri Feb 22, 2013 3:41 pm
Posts: 227
Location: Mankato, MN
Post Re: thinking about a bigger boat
Strange that it wasn't built in St Peter. Maybe they only build certain models over there. I drive by there all the time. An 18 is just a bit more boat than i want, but I do get out in a 20 footer a few times every duck season and I like the roomy feel. A 16 is what I suspect to be the perfect size for me. Only run me and one other guy or me and the wife. Just think a couple more feet will be nice and i wont be too big to get in some of the skinny spots I hunt. Run a lot of trails thru than cattails to hunt pockets on a big marsh. The 20 footer can't get to half the spots I get in with the 14.

_________________
Backwater Swomp 23 / Lowe L1448M


Sun Jan 12, 2014 12:20 am
Profile
MMT Pro Member
User avatar

Joined: Fri Feb 22, 2013 3:41 pm
Posts: 227
Location: Mankato, MN
Post Re: thinking about a bigger boat
Frank, it was great to chat with you this afternoon. Just wanna say thank you again for the insight and tryin to help a brother out. I really appreciate it and hopefully one day I can buy ya a beer and go out for a rip on the water.

_________________
Backwater Swomp 23 / Lowe L1448M


Sun Jan 12, 2014 12:26 am
Profile
MMT 1000 Club

Joined: Mon Sep 19, 2011 6:32 pm
Posts: 1490
Location: south Florida
Post Re: thinking about a bigger boat
Otter, thanks for the info on the 18 special order Alumacraft! What is the configuration? Does it come with an open floor plan or middle bench? What is the ballpark weight? I would have to cut down the 20" to 16" for the LT and remove the center of the bench and if it has a rear bench I suppose I could bend the tiller arm so it won't hit. I figure with a 27 or 35 LT it should move well with a hunting load. That price is also a big plus! I figure steelflex the bottom and that will help with those rivets and improve shallow running.

_________________
Sailing in the sawgrass /1648 grizzly and Swomp 26.5 EFI


Sun Jan 12, 2014 4:46 am
Profile
MMT Pro Member

Joined: Fri Oct 02, 2009 4:46 pm
Posts: 79
Location: Otter Tail County, MN
Post Re: thinking about a bigger boat
Glades, no options, center bench and a 20" tramsom. Prob weights around 350lbs. I loaded it on the trailer when I picked it up by myself without a problem. I thought the high transom was going to be a problem with my 20 GDLT but it's really not. I just had to bend the cav plate a little. If you were to cut it down to 16" you would have to do something with your handle. It's rated for around 1200lbs. A few nights bow fishing last year I figured I had 1600lbs plus and it was fine yet. If I can find a pic of it from when i picked it up ill post it.

Honky, what's even stranger is that Lund makes a 1852 and I live 10 miles from the factory, I went over there to order one and they told me they make that boat in the southern US and I couldn't order one unless I could find a dealer who ordered at least 5 of them. I just said "WOW" and walked out.


Sun Jan 12, 2014 11:18 am
Profile
MMT Pro Member

Joined: Fri Oct 02, 2009 4:46 pm
Posts: 79
Location: Otter Tail County, MN
Post Re: thinking about a bigger boat




Pretty basic. The only pic I had from the front was with my bow fishing deck on it. The deck also fits and was originally on my 1448. I want to say the beam is 69" at its widest point.


Sun Jan 12, 2014 12:02 pm
Profile
MMT 1000 Club
User avatar

Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2011 10:30 pm
Posts: 1386
Location: West TN
Post Re: thinking about a bigger boat
I enjoyed it Colin! Like I said, if I can ever help you or anyone else, feel free to give me a shout!

_________________
40 Backwater SWOMP Lite / 1752 Alweld Mud

6.5 Backwater SWOMP Lite / 1440 PolarKraft


Sun Jan 12, 2014 6:12 pm
Profile
MMT Pro Member
User avatar

Joined: Fri Feb 22, 2013 3:41 pm
Posts: 227
Location: Mankato, MN
Post Re: thinking about a bigger boat
Honky, what's even stranger is that Lund makes a 1852 and I live 10 miles from the factory, I went over there to order one and they told me they make that boat in the southern US and I couldn't order one unless I could find a dealer who ordered at least 5 of them. I just said "WOW" and walked out.

That is ridiculous. I woulda probably done the same thing.
You would think they would try a little harder to help ya out if you are basically waving money in their face.

_________________
Backwater Swomp 23 / Lowe L1448M


Mon Jan 13, 2014 1:27 am
Profile
MMT Pro Member
User avatar

Joined: Wed Jan 22, 2014 2:46 pm
Posts: 304
Location: Martin, MI
Post Re: thinking about a bigger boat
Honkey, I've ran an 18 hp Go-Devil long tail on a 1638 RIVETED Lowe River Rover for over 35 years. It's a little tippy when you get 3 guys jumping around in it with bows in their hands, trying to land fish, but it has been a great boat. I put the Go-Devil on it in 1987 and the boat has taken all the beatings you could ever imagine and has never failed me, never leaked, even with all the dents in the bottom from running over log and stumps. I STILL use it and the motor still runs good. Other than changing the oil, air filter and spark plugs regularly, I have not had to do hardly any wrenching on the motor other than changing the lower and upper shaft seals in it ONCE and swapped the prop out ONCE in all those 25 + years. When loaded down with 2 guys, generator, front platform and lights, the boat will hit 15 mph. It ain't a speed demon but it sure can take the abuse. We shoot in a lot of flooded timber areas and the ground can be really hard with MANY stumps and obstacles in the water and we've never had a problem getting in and out of sticky situations that we shouldn't have gotten into in the first place. My only regret was that I didn't buy a bigger motor when they became available years later. 18 hp was as big as they offered way back when and I didn't have the funds to buy a bigger one later on.

I guess what I'm saying is if I had a want for another long tail, I'd go buy another Go-Devil in a heart beat! (I'm getting older and am looking to buy a surface drive for my other boat) But my advice would be to get a fairly large motor to start with; 23 0r 27 hp. And I don't know if Lowe still builds their boats like they used to, but if they do, I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one, possibly one wider than the one I own, probably one with a 6' beam rather than the 5' beam like I already have. Just my 2 cents worth...

_________________
1856 Go devil / Gator Glided
HD 4000 MB Sport


Wed Jan 29, 2014 8:30 pm
Profile
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Reply to topic   [ 43 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2  Next

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: Majestic-12 [Bot] and 42 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot post attachments in this forum

Jump to: