Lowe L1448M JON – Is It Worth Getting?

Lowe L1448M JON Review

Reference price: from $4,619 (excluding trailer)

Type: Jon Boat

Weight: 260 pounds (net)

Capacity: 4 persons

What we like about it: Affordable and how stable it is on the water.

What we don’t like about it: The limited storage options, having to choose between livewell and storage area.

Rating (4.7/5)

With over 50 years of history, Lowe Boats can be considered a pioneer in the modern aluminum boat industry. Their jon boats, known for their durability and stability, are well-loved by the public.

The sturdy and stable Lowe L1448M Jon, made of aluminum, not only comes at an affordable price but also offers lasting performance and excellent value. Its 13’8″ length makes it easy to transport and launch. The dead grass green color of its hull blends in with the water, ensuring that it doesn’t startle the fish below. The Lowe L1448M Jon’s Mod-V hull also impresses, providing stability on the water even in rough conditions.

Now let’s analyze the driving experience, passenger experience, and other versions of the Lowe L1448M JON.

If you want to learn more about similar boats or find one that suits you, be sure to follow us. We will continue to publish blogs on different types of boats.

Driving Experience

I have a sweet big family, two handsome sons, Logan and Magnus, and a lovely daughter, Emma. I often take my kids to the nearby reservoir for fishing. However, my boat has limited capacity, accommodating only 2-3 people at most. So, I have to leave two of them behind on each trip, which is difficult for both me and my kids. Therefore, after discussing it with my wife, we decided to get a Lowe L1448M JON.

After waiting for four months, I finally got the boat. Its size was just right, and I easily brought it home with the trailer. Meanwhile, I planned a fishing trip with my kids to Toledo Bend Reservoir, Texas/Louisiana.

The day finally came, and we couldn’t wait to sit in our new boat on the water and enjoy the thrill of catching fish. When we arrived at the shallow bay entrance, I first had my kids put on life jackets and then maneuvered the Lowe L1448M Jon into the water. Luckily, the boat itself is not heavy, and there are sturdy handles at the stern, making this process very easy for us.

Emma and I sat at the stern since I needed to operate the tiller, and I wanted to protect her. Logan and Magnus sat on the bench in the middle of the boat. I had installed a Mercury®25ELPT FourStroke outboard at the stern. The 15″ tiller at the stern can be easily folded down and doesn’t interfere with our space. As I started turning the tiller, beautiful splashes trailed behind the boat as it smoothly glided on the water. My kids laughed with excitement at the long white wakes at the stern.

Riding Experience

Soon, we arrived at a suitable fishing spot. I gently stopped the boat on the water, and it remained very stable. Logan and Magnus stood up first and took out the bait from the storage area. Emma also joined in and picked up her fishing rod on the right side of the boat. It seemed like my kids couldn’t wait any longer.

Unfortunately, we could only sit in our positions to fish, as the boat didn’t have enough storage space. I had to choose between converting the only storage area into a livewell or storage compartment. After considering it, I thought it was more important to have a dry storage compartment. So, we had to bring our fish bucket and place it in the boat.

My sons cast their lines first. They had become quite skilled at fishing through my guidance. Emma watched her brothers sitting patiently, waiting for the fish to bite, and quickly took out her small fishing rod. I helped her with the bait, and Logan and Magnus assisted in securing the float for her. She was truly our little princess. The boat was indeed stable, and we could easily keep an eye on her, which put my mind at ease. When I go out with my kids, I don’t care about catching a lot of fish. I just hope that fishing can help them develop patience and perseverance and strengthen our family bonds.

Specifications

The Lowe L1448M JON features a 13’8″ long hull with a Mod-V design, providing a stable and easy navigation experience on the water. It is well-suited for fishing in shallow waters, and you don’t have to worry about capsizing as long as the load is balanced. However, its limited size and shallow draft make it unsuitable for rough waters.

While the Lowe L1448M Jon offers optional motors with not too high horsepower, it provides sufficient speed for cruising around lakes or rivers. However, you should be prepared so that it can’t carry too much weight. Nevertheless, basic fishing gear, bait, and a fishing bucket can still be accommodated.

Other Versions

Unlike the Lowe L1448M JON, the Lowe L1448 JON comes at a cheaper price but may not handle rough waters as well. It lacks the Mod-V hull design and is a flat-bottom boat, making it ideal for calm waters, while the Lowe L1448M JON is more suitable for rough conditions.

In windy weather, users of the Lowe L1448 JON may face more resistance compared to the longer Lowe L1448M JON. Therefore, the weather conditions of your destination should be one of the factors to consider when making a choice. If you occasionally go out and only fish in nearby familiar waters, it may be more suitable than the Lowe L1448M JON, as it comes with a price that is $1000 lower while almost maintaining similar features.

If you’re not satisfied with either of these boats, no worries. Stay tuned to our homepage as we will continue publishing blogs about different types of boats. We believe you’ll find a boat that suits you. Additionally, you can also consider a similar boat, ThrustTrek, which offers a similar layout and a more budget-friendly price.

What do we like about it

• Affordable price, within the budget of many people.
• Very stable on the water, with almost no risk of capsizing as long as the positions are balanced.
• Ample seating area on the boat, comfortably accommodating four people.
• The aluminum hull is sturdy, and the dead grass green paint color blends well with the water.
• Sturdy handles at the stern for easy boat entry into the water.

What we don’t like about it

• Limited storage areas on the boat, only one available, and can be used for a single purpose.

FAQ

1. How much does a 14 foot jon boat weigh?

The average dry weight of a 14-foot aluminum jon boat is 167 pounds. However, some jon boats with sturdier construction may weigh more. The Lowe L1448M JON, for example, weighs 260 pounds, thanks to its heavy-duty build, providing more stability and a weight capacity of 831 pounds.

2. How much does it cost to register a jon boat?

The registration cost for a boat varies by state and depends on the boat’s length and type. On average, the cost ranges from $25 to $250.

3. Why are jon boats called jon boats?

There are several explanations for the origin of the name “jon boat.” One popular theory is that in the late 19th century, flat-bottom boats were mostly made from green wood and pine, and they would rot after being downstream for a trip. The low-cost construction made them a viable choice, and these boats were later referred to as “jack boats.” However, over time, “jack” became “John” (a common variant of the name), and they became known as “oak-saw John boats.” Over the following decades, the name was shortened to “Jon boat,” encompassing all flat-bottom boats.

Lowe L1448M JON SPECS

Overall Boat Length	13′ 8″
Transom Height	15″
Beam	70″
Hull Gauge	072″
Side Depth	21″
Boat Weight	260 lb
Max Person Weight	500 lb
Max HP Capacity	25 HP

Video

Comparison Table

Boats	Lengths	Maximum Horsepowerlimit	Maximum number of people carrying capacity
Alumacraft 1448 JON	14′ 2″	25HP	4 persons
Crestliner 1469 Outreach	14′ 6″	25HP	4 persons
Lund 1448M Jon Boat	13′ 8″	25HP	4 persons

Lowe L1448M JON vs Alumacraft 1448 JON

Alumacraft 1448 JON is a 14′ 2″ long aluminum boat that can accommodate 4 people and has a draft of 1′. The boat features an aluminum hull and holds a CE certification level (D), allowing it to navigate in protected waters. However, it is no longer in production. Initially, it was priced at only $1900, making it much cheaper compared to the Lowe L1448M JON.

The Alumacraft 1448 JON has a flat bow instead of a V-shaped one. As a result, it is more suitable for calm waters in contrast to the Lowe L1448M JON. It is worth noting that the interior design of the Alumacraft 1448 JON is almost identical to the latter, both featuring two long benches. However, the seating experience on the bow deck of the Alumacraft 1448 JON feels more stable compared to the Lowe L1448M JON, as it is not too far from the mid-boat bench.

If your budget is limited, a second-hand Alumacraft 1448 JON would be a great choice for you. However, this means you cannot navigate it in rough waters.

Lowe L1448M JON vs Crestliner 1469 Outreach

Crestliner 1469 Outreach, despite being almost the same price as the Lowe L1448M JON, focuses more on providing you with comfort during your trips.

The long benches equipped on the Crestliner 1469 Outreach are all wrapped in marine-grade vinyl, not only giving them an attractive and easy-to-clean appearance but also providing excellent comfort for your buttocks. The split-style long bench at the stern is also very convenient for engine maintenance, showing great thoughtfulness. Although its hull is larger, you don’t need to worry about how to get it into the water because there are transom handles for easy transportation.

Unfortunately, this boat does not have a dedicated storage area. Your belongings will have to be placed on the boat, exposed to the air. If you don’t mind the possibility of your belongings getting wet, I believe this boat will be more satisfying to you than the Lowe L1448M JON.

Lowe L1448M JON vs Lund 1448M Jon Boat

The Lund 1448M Jon Boat has almost the same configuration as the Lowe L1448M JON. Not only the seating layout but also the storage area setup and color choices are identical between the two.

The biggest advantage of this boat is that it is not only cheaper than the Lowe L1448M JON, but the price also includes the steering handle. However, you will need to choose and install an outboard motor separately. But having the steering handle included means you will save on that expense. If you have a limited budget and are not specifically looking for a well-known brand, the Lund 1448M Jon Boat is a better choice than the Lowe L1448M JON.

Summary

If you are also looking forward to spending every enjoyable vacation on the water with your small family, you should consider the Lowe L1448M JON. Its sturdy hull and spacious body will be excellent companions for your trips. However, if you value the comfort of seating or prefer a different storage setup, it may not fully meet your expectations. But considering the configuration and material of the Lowe L1448M JON about its price, it is indeed a very suitable option for most people.

If you want to learn more about boats, please follow our homepage. If you are interested in purchasing a boat, you can also contact us directly. We would be very happy to assist you.