The Lowe X230 is a great pontoon boat for the younger generation and for those who simply want to look good and stand out in a crowd. It also suits a family who just wants to have a good time on the lake and take advantage of what the pontoon lifestyle has to offer.
“This boat appeals to the younger generation because it has flashy graphics and a big engine,” says Beverly Ramsey, a representative for Lowe. “Plus it appeals to families with the amount of space and room that you have. The X230 is a thrill-seeking boat for those who live for the water and who want to have a good time.”
With this aggressive and edgier look, the high-performance pontoon is sure to give you a thrill as you take it to the lake to enjoy your day out on the water.
“The first impressions we received from testing this boat were ones of excitement, enthusiasm and thrill,” says PDB Publisher Greg Larsen. “Once you step foot onto the boat you can’t help but feel in control and not only do you get plenty of great amenities, but you also look good and feel good doing it.”
Our Test
Upon testing the Lowe X230, there were many features and accessories that caught the attention of the PDB staff, including the power. The boat was equipped with a Mercury 250 Pro XS engine that really got us up on plane quickly. This engine can help you own the water when it comes to power, performance and fuel efficiency. The engine has a slim, light weight design to it, which makes it very appropriate for this particular style of pontoon boat. At full throttle we were able to reach speeds close to the 50 mph mark.
With the black and silver coloring, along with the skull design on the outside, the X230 provides a powerful and very slick look and feel to it that had nearby boaters and swimmers turning their heads as we flew by.
Inside Inspection
The thing that we liked most about the floor plan and the design of the boat was how it was laid out in a way where it is very spacious and provides plenty of room for your family and friends to move around. Plus inside the boat was a little more conservative compared to the exterior graphics. The tan, cream and blue furniture, complete with leg bolsters, tall seatbacks and good lumbar support, offered seating that was as posh and comfortable as it looked.
There are plenty of great places to sit, including the chaise lounge in the bow. As for the rear-facing lounges in the back, we love the comfort as well as the overall safe design that these seats offer.
Key Features
There is an accessible changing room located in the back of the bow chaise that is average in size, but still a welcome addition to the boat. Plus, because of its space-saving location, it’s also easily accessible.
At the helm, the steering wheel helps give the boat a more “muscle car” feel, which is visually appealing and helps give the boat a more masculine look. We also liked the helm bucket chair that is very comfortable and it slides as well as reclines. There is a head rest too, plus moveable arm rests. And because the chair is adjustable, the driver can make sure the throttle is in the perfect position for him.
The standard amenities that come with this Lowe—that is rated to up to 10 people—include a Fusion Marine audio system with an MP3 plug, an aft table with drink holders, dual rear-facing chaise lounges and ample storage space, just to name a few. Although available as an option, one of the things that is not included with the standard features is a depth finder. Not being able to gauge the depth can be a little difficult when it comes to determining when you are entering shallow waters, but again it is available as an option.
We love the swim deck on the back that is designed to accommodate more people and swimmers so you can get the most out of your boating experience. Included is a three-step ladder that accompanies the swim platform and makes re-boarding easy.
Other Factors
After a close inspection we found this boat to be safe for both children and adults, earning it a high family-friendly rating. And because the gates and railings are plenty tall, parents will know their children will remain safely inside while the boat is underway.
The X230 boat retails between $30K to $35K, depending on the engine and what accessories you choose to add on. These additional options include faux-teak wood decking, a custom wake tower with speakers and the horsepower-amping XL package. Adding these options to your boat will only increase the amount of fun you experience while in the water.
If you’re looking for a unique-looking boat that is safe, fun and grabs the attention of those around you, the Lowe X230 might just be the pontoon for you. This boat comes with all of the necessary tools and accessories to make sure you enjoy your time out on the water.
This boat screams fun and with flashy graphics, a wakeboard tower option, a big engine and a jammin' stereo. It’s safe to say this is not your grandpa's pontoon boat.
