Lowe GS202 2012 vs Lowe TH220 SD 2005 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Lowe GS202 2012 or the Lowe TH220 SD 2005?

The Lowe TH220 SD 2005 is the longer of the two at 22,0 feet overall. The Lowe GS202 2012 comes in at 17,9 feet, making it roughly 4,1 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Lowe GS202 2012 or the Lowe TH220 SD 2005?

For trailering, the Lowe GS202 2012 has the edge at 1 508 lbs dry weight versus 3 085 lbs for the Lowe TH220 SD 2005. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Lowe TH220 SD 2005 is rated to a maximum of 220 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Lowe GS202 2012 tops out at 60 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Lowe GS202 2012 is Coast Guard rated for 9 passengers, while the Lowe TH220 SD 2005 is certified for 9. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Q: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Lowe GS202 2012 and Lowe TH220 SD 2005 share an 8 ft. 6 in. (2.5 m) beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: Are the Lowe GS202 2012 and Lowe TH220 SD 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Lowe GS202 2012 and the Lowe TH220 SD 2005 are built by Lowe. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

Boat Comparison

Lowe GS202 2012 vs Lowe TH220 SD 2005

Lowe

Lowe GS202 2012

2012

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Lowe

Lowe TH220 SD 2005

2005

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Lowe GS202 2012 vs Lowe TH220 SD 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Lowe GS202 2012 vs Lowe TH220 SD 2005 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.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Lowe TH220 SD 2005 measures 22,0 feet overall (2005), giving it roughly 4,1 additional feet of deck space compared to the Lowe GS202 2012 at 17,9 feet (2012). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Lowe TH220 SD 2005 tips the scales at 3 085 lbs — 1 577 lbs less than the Lowe GS202 2012 at 1 508 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 220 hp, the Lowe TH220 SD 2005 has a 160-hp advantage over the Lowe GS202 2012's 60-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

Both boats are rated for 9 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: The Lowe TH220 SD 2005 at 22,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Lowe GS202 2012 at 17,9 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.

General Boat Info

MakeLowe

ModelGS202

ModelTH220 SD

Model Year2012

Model Year2005

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.5 m)

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.61 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Weight - Detail1,508 lbs. (684 kg)

Weight - Detail3,085 lbs. (1,399 kg)

Weight - kg684.02

Weight - kg1399.33

Weight - lbs.1508

Weight - lbs.3085

Length [at waterline]20 ft. (6.1 m) pontoon log

Length [at waterline]not available

Length [deck]17 ft. 11 in. (5.46 m)

Length [deck]not available

Length - Feet17.92

Length - Feet22

Width [transom] - Detailnot available

Width [transom] - Detail7 ft. 1 in. (2.15 m)

Height [transom]not available

Height [transom]20 in

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters6.7

Length overall - Detailnot available

Length overall - Detail22 ft. 0 in. (6.7 m)

Length overall - Metersnot available

Length overall - Meters6.71

Length overall - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Inches264

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull materialnot available

Hull typePontoon

Hull typenot available

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull thickness.110 in

Pontoon and Inflatable Specific

Tube diameter23 in. (0.58 m)

Tube diameternot available

Tube gauge0.080 in. (2.03 mm)

Tube gaugenot available

Number of tubes2

Number of tubesnot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Engine max60 hp (40 kW)

Engine max220 hp (164.1 kw)

Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail38 gal. (143.8 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Liters143.85

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal38

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,869 lbs. (848 kg)

Maximum capacity1,600 lbs. (725 kg)

Maximum people9 / 1,267 lbs. (575 kg)

Maximum people9

Storagenot available

Storage60 cu. ft

Trailer Info

Trailer - Detailnot available

Trailer - DetailB2138TB - painted tandem bunk trailer w/brakes

Trailer - Length over allnot available

Trailer - Length over all26 ft. 0 in

Trailer - Widthnot available

Trailer - Width8 ft. 6 in

Lowe GS202 2012 vs Lowe TH220 SD 2005 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Lowe GS202 2012 or the Lowe TH220 SD 2005?

The Lowe TH220 SD 2005 is the longer of the two at 22,0 feet overall. The Lowe GS202 2012 comes in at 17,9 feet, making it roughly 4,1 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Lowe GS202 2012 or the Lowe TH220 SD 2005?

For trailering, the Lowe GS202 2012 has the edge at 1 508 lbs dry weight versus 3 085 lbs for the Lowe TH220 SD 2005. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Lowe TH220 SD 2005 is rated to a maximum of 220 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Lowe GS202 2012 tops out at 60 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Lowe GS202 2012 is Coast Guard rated for 9 passengers, while the Lowe TH220 SD 2005 is certified for 9. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Lowe GS202 2012 and Lowe TH220 SD 2005 share an 8 ft. 6 in. (2.5 m) beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Are the Lowe GS202 2012 and Lowe TH220 SD 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Lowe GS202 2012 and the Lowe TH220 SD 2005 are built by Lowe. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

← Lowe GS202 2012 full specs ← Lowe TH220 SD 2005 full specs