Get Tough With The Roughneck

A duck hunter and his boat are inseparable. Whether hunting mallards in the icy Missouri River or divers over big water, a sturdy boat is an absolute must. That's why any dyed-in-the-wool waterfowler should consider Lowe Boats' Roughneck Duck Hunter series boats. New for 2005, the 16-foot boat (pictured) with a 20-inch transom and 75-inch beam has a bottom width of 52 inches. The Roughneck has room for six hunters. The all-welded, .100-inch-gauge aluminum hull has a maximum capacity weight of 1,352 pounds, making it safe to pack dogs, guys and gear. Experiencing a good chop while on the water? No problem; the Roughneck's generous transom and sideboards with formed-in spray rails, protect you and your gear from getting soaked. This duck-hunting boat is built to last: a heavy-duty bow and stern; an extruded aluminum keel and four heavy-duty transom knee braces. Other features include: navigation lights; 12-volt trolling motor harness with plug; forward, center console with steering wheel (tiller-only model available) and center seat with slider-seat storage. The Roughneck Duck Hunter comes in olive drab green, Mossy Oak Shadow Grass or Mossy Oak Break Up.

Contact: Lowe Boats, Dept. WF, 2900 Industrial Dr. Lebanon, MO 65536; (417) 532-9101; www.lowe.com.