I put a refundable hold deposit on it and will test drive in a week from Saturday to see if I want it.

It is a 2005 Lowe 160W.

I think the price is VERY good at $11,999.

It is a new boat, from a dealer, and full warranty's will apply at date of purchase.

It has the Evinrude E-Tec 50.

What do you think?

The seats are kinda "off color" but oh well.

I am a bit excited I found this.

Not a bad looking boat at all.  Price seems good enough to me.

For that price I'd be all over it.

Seat color actually matches the pin striping on the Etec.  go for it.

2 of my buddies have the 170w and love them. from what I have heard they are nice boats. go for it.

A extra $1000 could buy you a new 07 Stratos 176XT and its glass...haven't ridden in one but they looked very sweet at the boat show a few weeks back http://www.stratosboats.com/modelIntro.cfm?mid=5013

Another option might be a new  Alumacraft Pro 175 for $12,495 http://www.alumacraft.com/package_pro.html

A extra $1000 could buy you a new 07 Stratos 176XT and its glass...haven't ridden in one but they looked very sweet at the boat show a few weeks back http://www.stratosboats.com/modelIntro.cfm?mid=5013

Another option might be a new  Alumacraft Pro 175 for $12,495 http://www.alumacraft.com/package_pro.html

I am out here in California where 2-stokes laws are do not allow for all makes and models.

The only 2-Stroke, that I am aware of at this HP rating, that is 3 Star compliant is the E-Tec.

You can't even get a 50 hp 2 stroke from a dealer here.

Also my old Toyota truck needs a lighter boat to tow.

Plus I will be fishing lots of stick-ups and shallow so the durability of a tin boat draws me.

These lakes around here are small with 35 mph speed limits. This boat is perfect.

Thanks for the advice however!

2 of my buddies have the 170w and love them. from what I have heard they are nice boats. go for it.

It feels real solid. All aluminum storage area and deck I believe.

I go for a test run with the dealer, at a local lake, Feb 10th.

I can hardly wait.

Used to fish out of a 170 with a guy.  Good boat.  Have a friend that has an e-Tec.  He's very happy with it.  Good luck with your decision

Its a good looking boat Ted.  If im seeing it correctly the boat is tan, the tan and red actually look great together.  Good Luck!!

I'm just jealous that your going to be able to drive any boat a week from Saturday! Our lakes are just starting to freeze up for the first time this winter. :'(

Good Luck and having that warranty really sweetens the deal.

I have got the exact same boat. Same year and model only mine has a 25hp on it.  Its an awesome boat and thats pretty much the same price i paid for mine. I couldnt be any happier with it. Good luck!

I think it is a very good deal. One suggestion I would make is adding a water pressure guage, especially if you are fishing shallow weedy lakes...................Al

Water pressure? or temp?  

Great looking boat, once you put your team name on the side in a big red decal, the seats will blend right in!

PS- That's onehelluva avatar!  Nice!

Thanks again guys for all the compliments and tips!

I have one week to go and I am like a nervous little kid awaiting Christmas Day.

8-)

Water pressure? or temp?  

Great looking boat, once you put your team name on the side in a big red decal, the seats will blend right in!

PS- That's onehelluva avatar!  Nice!

Thanks!

It does have these "idiot" lights and safety features built in to the engine.

I have got the exact same boat. Same year and model only mine has a 25hp on it.  Its an awesome boat and thats pretty much the same price i paid for mine. I couldnt be any happier with it. Good luck!

Is there any advice or tips that you could give?

Maybe any modifications you have made?

I tried to install the baffle/dividers in the livewell with no luck. How the heck do you get them in the slots?

Thanks

My Dad has a 170W.Great boat!Lowe has thicker guage alluminum than alot of the alluminum boat manufacturers.I feel for a 17' boat it rides as good as a glass boat.The 170 has 2 different livewells.If I were going to buy a smaller boat,it's what I would buy.I haven't seen many of the smaller E-Tec motors(Dad has a Yamaha).There has been some problems with their 225.

Regardless,sounds like a good deal.I would jump on it.

Great looking and great price.

I have got the exact same boat. Same year and model only mine has a 25hp on it. Its an awesome boat and thats pretty much the same price i paid for mine. I couldnt be any happier with it. Good luck!

Is there any advice or tips that you could give?

Maybe any modifications you have made?

I tried to install the baffle/dividers in the livewell with no luck. How the heck do you get them in the slots?

Thanks

The only advice i can give is on your test run be sure to fill that live well up with water and see how the boat planes. Mine took forever to get on plane with the livewell full but the dealership i bought mine from got that fixed for me and now she planes out awesome. I dont remember what they had to do but they got it fixed for me. Other than that i dont really know of anything because i have absolutely no complaints what so ever with it. Though it may only be a 16' boat it rides awesome. I take mine out on big lakes with unlimited hp all the time and she takes it without any problems. I couldnt be happier. I cant really help you out with the livewell divider problem because mine was already installed. Hope this helps! Good luck!

Looks great go for it the color combo also looks good to me. Make the move or one day your going to kick yourself for not pulling the trigger on it.