I'm looking at a alumacraft 1648 ncs or a lowe 1648 aura.   What are the differences or are there other options.  I'm moving up from a 1448

Roughly the same boat made by two different companies. These are just well made jon boats.

More important is what you are looking for and what you can afford?  What type of water do you fish and what is your budget.  Are you going with just electric motors, or are you adding a gas outboard? 

There are several other companies who make well made jon boats. Unlike some companies, like Lowe, or Alumacraft, other makers offer an unlimited number of options as far as layout is concerned. You can set one up exactly the way you want it. It all depends on how much you want to spend and how you want to use it.  

It's going to have a 20hp outboard and a electric motor.  I fish electric lakes to the Susquehanna river. 

Just a thought. Check out this boat from Lakeside Marine PA in Harrisburg. I know it has a 25 on it but you could do different decals. I did that on my old 25 Merc when I fished lake Marburg.

 

It may be more than you are thinking about but consider the fact that the price includes a boat, seats, some electronics, a trolling motor, a gas engine and a trailer. They are asking $4000.  You may end up spending more than you think.  That is an older boat but a 2006 motor and a nice trolling motor.

Just a thought.

 

http://www.lakesidemarinepa.com/index.php?view=inventory&viewid=847

If you redo the decal, you could fish 20 hp lakes, electric lakes and the river. That covers all your bases up there.

 

What are your thoughts on a g3 1652 vbw with a 20hp motor and bow trolling motor?

That looks fine but how much do they want for it?

6000 for boat and trailer.  I'm still leaning towards a lowe 1648 aura.