Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Lowe FS185 2005 vs Lowe R1960MT Roughneck 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Lowe FS185 2005 vs Lowe R1960MT Roughneck 2008 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Lowe FS185 2005 at 18,0 ft versus Lowe R1960MT Roughneck 2008 at 19,0 ft. At 12 lbs and 71 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 150 hp, the Lowe FS185 2005 has a 45-hp advantage over the Lowe R1960MT Roughneck 2008's 105-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Lowe R1960MT Roughneck 2008 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Lowe FS185 2005 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Lowe R1960MT Roughneck 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Lowe R1960MT Roughneck 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 19,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Lowe FS185 2005 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
ModelFS185
ModelR1960MT Roughneck
Model Year2005
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam95 in. (2.41 m)
Beam83 in. (2.1 m)
Beam - Meters2.41
Beam - Meters2.11
Beam - Inches95
Beam - Inches83
Weight - Detail1,200 lbs. (544 kg)
Weight - Detail710 lbs. (322 kg)
Weight - kg544.31
Weight - kg322.05
Weight - lbs.12
Weight - lbs.71
Width [transom] - Detail83 in. (2.1 m)
Width [transom] - Detail60 in. (1.52 m)
Height - DetailBow: 41 in. (1.04 m)
Height - Detailnot available
Height - Meters1.04
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Inches41
Height - Inchesnot available
Height [transom]20 in. (.50 m)
Height [transom]20 in. (.5 m)
Length - Meters5.53
Length - Meters5.79
Length - Feet18
Length - Feet19
Length - Inches2
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 2 in. (5.53 m)
Length overall - Detail19 ft. (5.79 m)
Length overall - Meters5.54
Length overall - Meters5.79
Length overall - Inches218
Length overall - Inches228
Depth - Detailnot available
Depth - Detail21.5 in. (.55 m)
Depth - Centimetersnot available
Depth - Centimeters55.88
Depth - Inchesnot available
Depth - Inches21.5
Body / Hull
Hull thickness.100 in. (2.5 mm)
Hull thickness.100 in. (2.5 mm)
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialAluminum
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standard90 hp Mercury Two-Stroke
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail38 gal. (144 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters143.85
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal38
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max150 hp (111 kw)
Engine maxRemote: 105 hp (78 kW) Tiller: 50 hp (37 kW)
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,759 lbs. (798 kg)
Maximum capacity1,898 lbs. (861 kg)
Maximum people7
Maximum people8 / 1,185 lbs. (538 kg)
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailPainted Bunk Trailer
Trailer - Detailnot available
Trailer - Length over all23 ft. 6 in. (7.16 m)
Trailer - Length over all21 ft. 2 in. (6.45 m)