Lowe Roughneck 1455 - Problems With Cracking?

Came across a cool Lowe roughneck 1455 with an all welded hull. The rig checks off everything on my list right now and for space reasons I need to keep it to a 14’ boat.

But while I was researching the hull, I came across a couple of older threads that said they had problems with the welds cracking. Lowe did not build this boat very long and I think it was discontinued in 2012.

I have had a 16’ roughneck and it was a fantastic boat. 20 years old and never leaked a drop.

Just not sure if this specific hull had some design problems and that’s why it was more prone to cracking.

Wondering if you have any experience or know anyone with this specific hull and how it has held up. Thanks.

I have that exact boat. Mine cracked right where the front deck meets the floor but underneath on the bottom of the hull. I took the floor out and all the braces in that area broke loose from the hull. I could have sent it back to Lowe but didn't want to wait that long. I just welded mine back and so far has been good to go. Rough water is what got mine. I would definitely check it over good before buying.

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Originally Posted by castin4five

I have that exact boat. Mine cracked right where the front deck meets the floor but underneath on the bottom of the hull. I took the floor out and all the braces in that area broke loose from the hull. I could have sent it back to Lowe but didn't want to wait that long. I just welded mine back and so far has been good to go. Rough water is what got mine. I would definitely check it over good before buying.

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Thanks, that’s a real concern for me. Hmm.