2010 Lowe Roughneck RV170SC

By Mike Milne

Most Canadians don’t know jack about jons – jon boats, that is. Lowe’s 2010 Roughneck series – which combines the stability, durability, low freeboard and deck space of a jon boat with a moderate-V hull –  could change that.

Jon boats are modern developments of flat-bottom punts once used to navigate shallow waters of southern bayous or swamps. Today’s versions, though, are aluminum and come in tiller, centre console, side-console and even tunnel-hull versions, with features that appeal to a wide variety of anglers and hunters.

A few Canadian anglers who also hunt waterfowl and need boats that work well in marshy areas are already familiar with jon boats. Lowe thinks a small yet significant design change may make them more appealing to many more boaters.

Lowe completely revamped its lineup of jon boats and added a 31⁄2-degree V hull in 2009. For 2010, it adds nine 16-, 17- and 19-foot models with a more pronounced eight-degree V-bottom to the Roughneck jon boat lineup. The boats will be available in centre console, tiller and side console versions. The added deadrise means the boats sacrifice some carrying capacity and stability, but gain comfort and sea-keeping ability. Last year’s redesign had already beefed up the all-welded construction.

The new Roughneck RV170SC would make an ideal all-round fishing boat for many Canadian inland anglers. Fishing features and deck space make it an ideal platform for cruising the shallower waters anglers often seek in pursuit of crappie, bass or muskie. At the same time, the V-hull would allow more secure
passage to and from those favourite fishing spots. Add a camouflage paint job and the boat can do double duty for hunting.

The spacious fore and aft casting platforms provide plenty of room to move and there’s a 23-gallon livewell forward plus plenty of storage space in foredeck lockers. There’s an 8-foot, 4-inch rod or gun locker to port and sockets for additional swivel seats fore and aft.

The standard painted aluminum is tough, but optional spray-on Gator-Skin non-skid takes low maintenance to new heights. Other options range from a trolling motor to a platform for your hunting dog.

Even with a few extras, the boat is very affordable. With a trailer and 50-hp two-stroke outboard, it sells for $13,700. The four-stroke 50-hp outboard is an extra $1,900, but will likely pay off in lower fuel costs and long-term satisfaction.

Either way, the RV170SC is an affordable multi-purpose boat that can live on its trailer and will never need wax. Now you know.