Lowell Yachts Review

Summary

Lowell Yachts makes fishing boats or yachts out of wood or glass. It has also designed a new line of fiberglass boats. It is based out of Yarmouth, ME and is currently under the direction of Jamie and Joe Lowell. They are furthering the boat-building heritage that spans six generations and over a century since Will Frost, the recognized forefather of Maine lobster-style boats, entered the boat building market. Will’s oldest daughter married Riley Lowell, a boat builder and fisherman. Riley helped alongside of Will when he established business in Portland, ME, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island during the Depression. The subsequent decades witnessed the birth of family members who would begin taking roles in the Lowell Yacht company. Royal, Daniel, and Carroll Lowell all got involved in the business. Carroll established Even Keel Marine Specialties, Inc. in Yarmouth in 1961, building boats designed by his brother Royal. This is where Lowell Yachts operates from today. After the death of Riley and Will (1963 and 1967, respectively), Jamie, Jesse, and Joseph Lowell were born (1972, 1974, 1977, respectively) to Carroll Lowell. Upon his passing in 1997, his three sons took over Even Keel Marine. Jamie and Joe are in charge, producing custom boats, designing fiberglass, wood, and cold-molded boats, and repairing boats.

Pricing

The price range for older used Lowell boats ranges from $14,000 to $65,000. Newer used Lowell boats range from $100,000 to $500,000.

Pros

• A family company that has a rich history.
• Good handling.
• Safe in any sea.

Cons

• Water going through fillings is known to cause core damage.
• Designed for seas only.
• May be better deals out there on similar boats.

Featured Models

One featured model is the Merganser. It is 34’10” long and was designed by William Frost himself well into his 70s. It has served as an example for other boat models such as the Osprey, Calliope, Timberwolf, and Grand Season. At the time of its creation (around 1970s), it cost $3000. In a nutshell, the story of the boat goes like this: when Frost was ready to retire, a friend of his came and asked Frost to build just one more boat for him. Frost declined. But, with increased pressure from others, Frost built a boat and sold one each to his friends. This boat was called the Merganser and became such a hit that Frost built 100 more after stating that he would retire. Upon the completion of the hundred, he retired. But Merganser production has continued into the new millennium. In the Lowell line (designed by Carroll Lowell), featured models include the 26, the 26 Whimbrel, the 36JL, and the 43.

Conclusion

Lowell Yachts is a family-owned company that has six generations and over 100 years of history in the boat-building industry. Their timeless designs are strong, handle well, and are safe. The company improves its boats with each passing year (e.g., a new cabin was just made for the Merganser).