In the boats personal watercraft market, the hardest part of buying a used boat and trailer is choosing between a classic bowrider that's ready for family outings and a nimble jon boat that's perfect for tight, shallow waters. Here are two private-seller packages that show that trade-off in a nutshell.
Quick Verdict
The 1985 Sunrunner bowrider is the more complete day-boat for passengers and outboard power. The 2008 Lowe jon boat is the more budget-minded fishing platform with a new trolling motor and a trailer that's already been upgraded.
At a Glance
| 1985 Double Haul Sunrunner Boat | boat and trailer (2008 Lowe L1436-L) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | USD 4,000.00 | USD 2,500.00 |
| Condition | Used | Used |
| Seller | Private Seller | Private Seller |
| Trailer | Included | Included |
| Hull material | Fiberglass | Aluminum |
| Length | Not listed | 14 feet |
| Power | Large outboard | Electric trolling motor |
Where the Sunrunner Wins
- Turnkey family package: The bowrider comes with a white canvas bimini/cockpit cover, a single-axle roller trailer, and a spare tire mounted on the tongue, so it's ready to launch and protect while parked.
- Outboard power range: A large Evinrude or Johnson outboard lets you cover open water without worrying about battery range, which matters when you're pulling kids on a tube or crossing a wider lake.
- Passenger-friendly layout: The open bowrider design gives you extra seating up front, which is hard to beat for a day with friends or family.
Where the Lowe Wins
- Lower price by a clear margin: The Lowe package costs $1,500 less than the Sunrunner, leaving room in your budget for other gear.
- Lightweight aluminum hull: The 14-foot construction is easy to handle solo, launches in shallow spots, and needs less trailer to haul around.
- Fresh upgrades included: The trailer has been rewired with LED lights, the wheel bearings and seals were replaced, and it comes with new rims and tires plus a spare. A brand-new Newport Vessel 55lb trolling motor and new battery are also part of the deal.
1985 Double Haul Sunrunner Boat
This classic fiberglass bowrider is built for enjoying a full day on the water. The seller includes a canvas bimini/cockpit cover, a matching roller trailer, and a spare tire on the tongue, so you're not chasing down extras before your first outing. The boat is already registered with Washington state bow numbers, which is one less task for the next owner. The large Evinrude or Johnson outboard gives it real power for stretching out beyond the shore. The tradeoff is the higher asking price and the fact that this is a nearly 40-year-old boat, so you'll want to be comfortable with a project that's more about care than instant turnover. If you value classic styling, outboard range, and passenger space, this is the boat to consider.
boat and trailer (2008 Lowe L1436-L Jon Boat)
This package is all about practical, low-cost boating. The 2008 Lowe L1436-L has a 14-foot aluminum hull that's light enough for a solo trip to a quiet cove. It comes with a brand-new Newport Vessel 55lb trolling motor and a new battery, so you can start fishing right away. The trailer has been rewired with LED lights, and the wheel bearings, seals, rims, and tires were replaced, including a spare. The seller also includes a Garmin fish finder, life preservers, and a paddle, and says all the gear was purchased new and has only seen water twice in the last year or two. The limitation is the electric-only power: you won't be pulling skiers or crossing big open bays. But for calm lakes and shallow creeks, this is a turnkey jon boat at a friendlier price.
Final Choice by Use Case
Choose the 1985 Sunrunner if you want outboard power, room for passengers, and a bowrider that feels like a real family boat. Choose the 2008 Lowe jon boat if you'd rather spend less, keep maintenance simple, and fish or cruise in protected waters with a trolling motor. Let your weekend plan decide.
