Lonnie Clemens

I have a Minn Kota power center battery box. Might be a good idea to keep the side with the outside posts away from the gas tank side. I am also wondering about the U shaped framework at the transom. The 12 footer is the only model to have it.

Hi Folks, I am curious why Lowe chose to build a U shaped framework at the transom end of the 1236. There is a small hole designed to put a gas tank and 12 volt battery into. The battery would be snugged right against the gas tank. I would say that it is common for a little gasoline residue to cover the outside of the gas tank. What would happen if a spark flew from the battery? Curious to hear your opinions on this boat. The 12 footer is the only boat that comes with this U shaped design on the back. Why is that?

Hi Fishnkamp, I live in Springfield, Illinois. Wish I lived closer to you. Would take one of those boats. I like the 14 foot with the 9.9. All of them are ideal. Thank you for sharing.

I know about the scaring the wife on a boat ride experience.

Will consider that Slonezp.

Thank you Way2slow You might be right Tom. Was planning on buying a boat this morning. But came home empty handed. Decided to put the purchase off because I want to think it over. I like taking family and friends out for boat rides. Wouldn't be able to do that with a Lowe 3210.

Hi Folks, Tomorrow morning I will be purchasing a Lowe 3210 Jon boat. It is 10 feet long and the bottom measurement is 32'' wide. Weight capacity is 275 lbs or two 180 lbs people. I weigh 200 lbs. Will be powering this boat with a Minn Kota 40# trolling motor. Trying my best to keep the weight of accessories down. Just looked at a class 27 Marine battery and it weighs 54 lbs. This is the recommended battery size for my trolling motor. Walmart sells a smaller size marine battery for $59.00. It is 3/4 size of the class 27 battery. Looks like it might be a better choice because of the weight issue. I could buy two of those $59.00 batteries and keep one in the truck while out on the boat. Could switch them out if I had too. I wonder what battery people are using on their kayaks, canoes, and other small craft. Any thoughts or suggestions?

Sounds like you made the right choice.

What interesting replies. Thank you for sharing your experiences.

Thanks for the reply. I'm afraid the condition of these outboards might not be as good as you described. Just watched a You Tube video of a guy that bought a Hangkai outboard off eBay. It looked just like the Mapi in design. It was also made by Parsun corporation. I think I will stick with Mercury and Johnson. I also had a Sears Gamefisher 9.9 a few years ago. It was a lemon! I took it to a couple different mechanics and it could never be fixed. I do not need that nightmare again.

Hi Folks, Someone just offered to sell me a Mapi 4 stroke outboard motor. I said what is a Mapi? Mapi turned out to be the name brand. Has anyone ever heard of it? Are they any good? Thank you, Lonnie

Hi Folks, Just thought I would pass along a word of caution that has been given to me. This time of year a lot of us are looking at purchasing pre-owned boats or trailers. Keep in mind. That if you purchase a boat without a title. You just may be in for the biggest headache of your life. In many cases the 'no title' situation can never be resolved. I have a feeling that a lot of sellers are aware of this. But it is up to the buyer to know his own state's regulations on 'no title' boats and trailers. Before you hunt for a boat in the classified ads or Craigslist. Please call or visit your local state DNR office. Get a pamphlet on your states regulations on untitled boats and trailers. Thank you, Lonnie

My favorites are jon boats. Have owned 3 boats in my life. Never bought a new one. Would recommend you doing the same. The market is flooded with nice used boats and lower prices. Please beware of boats or trailers with no titles. A lot of people have been burned by purchasing a boat with no title. Next Saturday I plan on buying my 4th boat. It will be a 10 foot Lowe jon boat. Will be using a 40# thrust Minn Kota trolling motor on it and no motor. Lonnie

If it is a closeout price, maybe they won't be carrying that particular model.

I use a no name battery charger from Harbour Freight. I hook it up to the battery on the evening before I go fishing. Never had a problem.

Hi Folks, I am all for supporting privately owned businesses and would like to see them succeed. But Walmart prices keep dropping while the local boat shop prices remain the same or go up. I will give you an example: The local boat shop is charging $167.00 for a 40# Minn Kota trolling motor. Yesterday Walmart was charging $153.00 for the same motor. Today I was shopping at the Walmart on Dirksen Parkway and the 40# Minn Kota was $124.00. I know the local boat dealership is always there for me, if I have a problem with my boat, have questions, or need something worked on. But sometimes the Walmart prices tempt me to cross over. Two days ago I went to Gander Mountain and looked at Vinyl boat seats. They were $49.00 each. At Walmart the Cushioned Vinyl seats are $30.00. Pretty much the same seat. The seats are cushioned and vinyl. Very comfortable seats. Lonnie

Hi Roger, I will have to see what the "Digital Maximizer" is. I don't not have a trolling motor yet. But I am up for saving on battery life etc.... Hi Minnow, I went to a boat show yesterday. The only trolling motors that I saw were Minn Kota's. My first and only trolling motor was a Motor Guide and it was an excellent motor. Lonnie

Boat show in Springfield, Illinois February 24-26th. Will be held at the Illinois State Fairgrounds at the Orr Building. 18 exhibitors will be there. More information on the internet. theboatshowinspringfield.com

It is not uncommon to find anchors. I usually keep what I find or take it back to the boat ramp.

I didn't know that Kayaks had come so far. Will have to check them out. Thank you, Lonnie

Hi Folks, New to this website. But have enjoyed reading posts by other people. Have had a few different boats in my life. But have always wanted a small boat to carry in my pickup truck. I want the convenience of having a boat on hand. If I happen to see a ditch or a slew that I want to access, I just want to be able to do it without a boat ramp. Have recently found a small jon boat at a local dealership. It is a Lowe 3210. It is 10 feet long and 32 inches wide. Has anyone ever been in a boat that small? What are your thoughts and experiences if you have. They are asking $599.00 for it and I'm getting spring fever. Looking forward to hearing from you. Thanks, Lonnie

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