Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Lowe JM252 2005 vs Lowe L1648M 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Lowe JM252 2005 vs Lowe L1648M 2006 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 JM252 2005 measures 25,0 feet overall (2005), giving it roughly 10,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Lowe L1648M 2006 at 15,0 feet (2006). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Lowe JM252 2005 tips the scales at 2 784 lbs — 2 509 lbs more than the Lowe L1648M 2006 at 275 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 135 hp, the Lowe JM252 2005 has a 100-hp advantage over the Lowe L1648M 2006's 35-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 JM252 2005 is rated for 16 passengers, while the Lowe L1648M 2006 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Lowe JM252 2005 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Lowe JM252 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 16 passengers and at 25,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Lowe L1648M 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
Model Year2005
Model Year2006
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.45 m)
Beam70 in. (1.77 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters1.78
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches7
Weight - DetailStandard: 2,548 lbs. (1,155.7 kg) XL Option: 2,784 lbs. (1,262.7 kg)
Weight - Detail275 lbs. (125 kg)
Weight - kg1262.8
Weight - kg124.74
Weight - lbs.2784
Weight - lbs.275
Length [deck]25 ft. 0 in. (7.62 m)
Length [deck]not available
Length - Meters7.62
Length - Meters4.82
Length - Feet25
Length - Feet15
Length overall - Detail25 ft. 0 in. (7.62 m)
Length overall - Detail15 ft. 10 in. (4.82 m)
Length overall - Meters7.62
Length overall - Meters4.83
Length overall - Inches3
Length overall - Inches19
Depth - Detailnot available
Depth - Detail21 in. (.53 m)
Depth - Centimetersnot available
Depth - Centimeters53.34
Depth - Inchesnot available
Depth - Inches21
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - Detail48 in. (1.2 m)
Height [transom]not available
Height [transom]15 in. (.38 m)
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches1
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameter25 in. (.63 m)
Tube diameternot available
Tube gauge.080 in
Tube gaugenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail31 gal. (117 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters117.35
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal31
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine maxStandard: 135 hp (100 kw) XL Option: 150 hp (111 kw)
Engine max35 hp (26 kW)
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Operational Info
Maximum capacityStandard: 2,708 lbs. (1,228 kg) XL Option: 2,857 lbs. (1,296 kg)
Maximum capacity973 lbs. (441 kg)
Maximum peopleStandard: 16 XL Option: 17
Maximum people4
Trailer Info
Trailer - Length over all31 ft. 6 in
Trailer - Length over allnot available
Trailer - Width8 ft. 6 in
Trailer - Widthnot available
Body / Hull
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull thickness.072 in. (.183 cm)