LOWE SD224 SPORT DECK Is Indeed Your Best Friend on the Water!

LOWE SD224 SPORT DECK Review

Price: From $49,070

Type: Deck Boat

Weight: 2180 lbs.

Number of persons carried: 12

WHAT we like about it: Deck boats are versatile and suitable for a wide range of water activities.

What we didn’t like about it: The not-so-large fuel tank capacity means the boat’s range is somewhat limited.

Rating (4.7/5)

The LOWE SD224 falls under the category of Deck Boats in the Boat Classification and combines the features of an aluminum Deep V and a pontoon, perfect for enjoying a day on the water in a unique way.

The powerful powertrain provides the basis for a wide range of recreational activities, and even if you just want to lay back and relax and not engage in any sports, the boat’s soft sofas will give you a comfortable experience.

If you are interested in this boat then the rest of the article may be helpful. Below I will give a brief overview of the LOWE SD224 in terms of how it drives, how it entertains and the specification layout.

Driving Experience

My college life has just started and I am not familiar with my classmates. In order to promote mutual understanding, I, as the class president, planned a group building activity.

For the specific way to build the group, we had different opinions, and after the final vote we chose to go out on a boat trip. Going out on a boat was a novel experience for me who lives in an area where lakes and rivers are rare.

In order to meet the needs of as many people as possible, after communicating with the rental company, I finally chose a deck boat as the traveling tool for this activity. Compared with other boats, deck boats have the advantages of both comfort and entertainment, and are more adaptable to diversified needs.

The LOWE SD224 was the boat I chose for this event, and the power and spaciousness of this boat immediately appealed to me. There is a large enough lake around the school that is particularly suitable for our outing, not only is it close by, but the various protection measures around the area are also done properly to ensure our safety.

Soon it was the day of our appointment and the LOWE SD224 was resting peacefully on the lake, waiting for us to arrive. The smooth shape of this boat and the V-shaped structure of the hull were still very satisfying. I was the first to board the boat and greeted everyone on board.

I sat on the L-shaped sofa at the stern, after all, the task of steering the boat was a bit difficult for someone with almost no experience on the water. Our captain for the day was Daniel, a boy who often fished with his father on cruises and was the most experienced of the group, so it was only natural that he took on the responsibility of captaining the boat.

Cockpit Details

Daniel turned the key to start the engine after briefly familiarizing himself with the cockpit components. Thanks to the excellent performance of the engine, the boat’s acceleration time is very short, and the boat speed reaches a good level in a short time.

I was excited by this novel experience and tried to get next to Daniel, envious of his skillful and smooth maneuvers.

When I asked him how he felt about the ride, his voice blew into my ears along with the whistling wind, “This boat is fantastic to ride, much more comfortable than the Jon boats I’ve driven before, especially since the V-shaped hull design cuts through the water much more efficiently than a flat-bottomed boat.

The cockpit is also very comfortable to ride in, with seats with sliders and folding armrests that can be changed to my liking. There’s also a dashboard in front of me spread out on the right side of the console, simple and clear, making it easy for me to easily access parameter information.

The chrome-plated bezel not only makes the dials more beautiful and shiny, but also protects them from corrosion and rust. Look! There’s a cup holder next to the dashboard, so I can get a drink at my fingertips.”

Experience of Entertainment

A snow-white wave cut across the stern of the boat under Daniel’s smooth steering. I took out the pre-prepared food and drinks from the storage space under the sofa and piled them up on the foldable tabletop, while Daniel switched on the Bluetooth®-compatible stereo system in time. The high-quality stereo sound surrounded the cabin through the four 50-watt Jensen speakers.

There’s nothing better than to raise a glass of wine and have a drink in such an upbeat atmosphere. I saw my roommate Dick taking a nap on the couch, feeling the fresh breeze on his face, and even his hair was blowing in the air, revealing his happiness.

Some of those who enjoy fishing have stored a variety of fishing gear below decks, and with their skillful handling, they were soon assembling their equipment to stand on the foredeck and fish. The spacious bow deck is equipped with two swivel fishing chairs to accommodate as many anglers as possible in comfort.

It didn’t take long for me to see a fish dangling from someone’s hook. The fish was still alive and kicking, and the skilled veteran accurately grabbed the trophy and placed it in the inflatable LIVE WELL on the bow. Of course, it’s not just the bow, but the stern of the boat could be fished as well and the storage tanks functioned to keep the trophies alive.

Specification

The LOWE SD224 offers both an exciting and relaxing platform that helps passengers maximize their enjoyment of the water.

First of all, in the cockpit of the boat, the driver’s seat is not only very soft and comfortable to ride, but also adjustable to take into account the differences in size and driving habits of different people.

The captain can use the instrument panel on the console to know the vessel’s RPM, speed, voltage and fuel balance. The wide space under the console is also very favorable to the captain, making it easy for him to stretch his legs during the driving process.

Of course, the ship in also highly entertaining. The cozy L-shaped lounge and the two long sofas in the bow provide space for relaxation. If you like fishing, the two fishing chairs in the bow and the live well can bring you a more professional fishing experience.

Or maybe you like some water sports. The powerful engine is enough to support water skiing activities, and the foldable ladder at the stern provides convenience for swimming.

What we like about it

• The optional Bimini top keeps you relatively cool even in hot weather.
• All-vinyl flooring is not only more visually pleasing, but also has the advantage of being waterproof and easy to clean.
• There is plenty of storage space in the sofa seats and under the deck for your various personal belongings.
• The V-shaped hull is easy to adapt to rougher waters and offers greater maneuverability.
• The versatility of a deck boat adds to its appeal and can accommodate a wide range of water sports.

What we don’t like about it

• Compared to other recreational boats, deck boat can be a bit higher in price and less accessible to those with a limited budget.
• Larger vessel sizes and weights result in higher vessel fuel consumption and subsequent increased costs.

FAQ

1. What are the disadvantages of a deck boat?

As a multi-purpose vessel with a wide range of recreational amenities, a deck boat will still have certain drawbacks. First, compared to other recreational vessels, deck boats can be slightly more expensive, possibly due to the accumulation of multiple additional features.

Also, resulting from the larger vessel size and powerful engine setup, deck boats may consume more fuel than smaller recreational boats, costing more in subsequent use, which is also a concern for many.

2. What is a deck boat used for?

Deck boats are actually a great choice for people who enjoy water sports. The open deck provides spacious activities such as swimming and fishing, and a variety of recreational equipment can be stored well below the deck. Plus the powerful motor can bring a more exciting experience for water skiing activities.

In addition, the deck boat’s V-shaped hull is more conducive to boats traveling in rough waters and is more adaptable to the surrounding environment.

3. How fast does a deck boat go?

The speed at which a boat can travel depends largely on its own factors such as the horsepower of the engine and the weight and size of the boat.

Generally speaking, the speed of a common deck boat today is in the range of 30-60 miles per hour. When powered by more top-of-the-line engines, boats can even reach speeds of 70 mph or more.

LOWE SD224 Specs

Standard

Fuel Capacity	32 gal	121.13 l
Max HP Capacity	200 HP	149.14 kw
Max Weight Capacity	2,423 lbs	1,099.05 kg
Beam	8’6″	2.59 m
Chine Width	85″	215.90 cm
Hull Gauge	.110″	2.79 mm
Transom Height	20″	50.80 cm
Overall Boat Length	22′	6.71 m
Boat Weight	2,180 lbs	988.83 kg

Options

Mercury® FourStroke

Mercury 115 HP ELPT FourStroke

Mercury 150L FourStroke

Mercury 200L FourStroke 4.8″1.85

Video

Comparison Table

Boats	Deck	Maximum Horsepowerlimit	Maximum capacity limit
Princecraft Ventura 224	Total length 22’2”	200 HP	12 persons
Stingray 212SC Deck Boat	Overall length 21′ 11″	200 HP	12 persons
Crownline Eclipse E225 XS	Total length 22′	200 HP	13 persons

Princecraft Ventura 224 vs LOWE SD224

If you value the fishing features of a boat more than anything else, perhaps this Princecraft Ventura 224 can fulfill your requirements.

This boat is a bit bigger in terms of boat size compared to the Lowe SD224, and probably due to the abundance of space that comes with it, Princecraft has set up two more fishing chairs in the aft area to accommodate as many people as possible.

The 20 gallon fore and aft LIVE WELL also has an advantage over the other boat’s 11 gallon capacity.

Of course, I think the Princecraft’s most thoughtful design is still the optional removable privacy chamber. For someone who has just swum aboard from the water, this space provides a place to change, and is especially useful for the privacy-conscious.

Stingray 212SC Deck Boat vs LOWE SD224

The Stingray 212SC Deck Boat is a much more comfortable ride compared to the Lowe SD224, at least in my opinion. The beige color scheme of the Stingray 212SC Deck Boat immediately caught my attention, and the boat is visually a bit smaller.

The Stingray carries a cooler with an outboard drain to give passengers an ice-cold drink even on long voyages. In addition, the hull construction of the 20-degree deadrise provides a smooth ride in rougher waters.

Correspondingly, the higher camber brings with it the risk of the boat hitting the bottom in shallower waters.

Crownline Eclipse E225 XS vs LOWE SD224

If you are looking for a boat with outstanding performance, you may want to take a look at the Crownline Eclipse E225 XS.

The fiberglass material used in the Crownline brings a significant increase in the weight of the boat, but the smooth lines of the boat are still very attractive from a visual point of view.

The LOWE SD224 is mainly made of aluminum, more efficient in terms of fuel combustion. The heavier hull of the Crownline ensures a smoother and quieter ride on the one hand, but on the other hand increases fuel consumption even further.

Therefore, in order to maintain a considerable range, the boat’s fuel tank capacity is even higher at 53 gallon.

Summary

The unique V-shaped hull of the LOWE SD224 provides a certain degree of protection for the boat’s navigation in rough waters, and also takes into account the characteristics of pontoon boat leisure and comfort.

For those who love water sports, the LOWE SD224 is enough to meet your needs for recreational activities such as fishing and swimming, and allows you to enjoy the water to a greater extent.

However, LOWE SD224 is not really beautiful in terms of price, nearly $50,000 is not an advantage in the same kind of function of the boat.

If you’re looking for more value for money, you might want to take a look at our Water Monarch, which is similar in appearance but at a very favorable price. If you are interested, please contact us for more information.