“This is an exciting milestone in Lowe’s 50+ year history to unleash our next era of our rich legacy with the launch of the SS Pontoon and Bay Boat Series,” said Greg Falkner, General Manager, Lowe Boats. “The launch represents a culmination of outstanding work from our talented team of researchers, stylists and engineers who built upon the strong foundation we have in place. We listened to customers and dealers to understand their evolving needs and preferences with these reimagined designs. The early feedback from everyone has been overwhelmingly positive, and we couldn’t be more excited to officially introduce this bold new direction to the marketplace.”

SS Pontoon Series

An all-new series within the Lowe lineup, the SS Pontoon Series features bold new designs with 16 different lengths and floorplan options to choose from, including a Walkthrough, Conversion Lounge and L-Shape lounge layouts, each at various lengths ranging from 17′10″ to 27′11″ providing ample space and storage to enjoy a full day on the water with friends and family. Features include:

• All new styled interior features plush marine grade vinyl, quilted insets, a wide range of tasteful color options, and plenty of chrome cup-holders everywhere. Conversion lounge layouts feature a queen-size lounge for relaxing and huge storage underneath.
  
• Sleek new premium design full height fences with a range of exciting color combinations.
  
• Full-featured console designed with captain ergonomics in mind for great visibility on gauges, and a steering wheel and throttle in perfect position. Featuring ample storage, GPS gages, and an integrated Simrad option.
  
• Blackout option completes the look with black trim bands, logos, fence rails, and cleats.
  
• Standard 200-watt Kicker sound system with four speakers and an all-new optional app-controlled LED lighting system which can match any color you want.
  

The SS Pontoon Series is powered by 25HP – 300HP Mercury Marine outboard engine offering award-winning performance and reliability.

Bay Boat Series

Lowe’s redesigned Bay Boat Series includes a trio of fast and fishable all-welded aluminum boats featuring a lightweight design and a durable build. Available in 18′, 20′ and the monstrous 22′ length, the Bay Series offers unmatched performance and enhanced fishing features from bow to stern, including:

• Feature-rich, premium, fiber-glass console enabling you to command from the center of the boat, controlling the throttle, instrument panel and electronics.
  
• A spacious open cockpit offering clever battery storage underneath the console, a 30-gallon aerated aft livewell located behind the leaning post.
  
• Water-resistant gasketed storage at the bow to ensure belongings stay dry.
  
• Six vertical rod holders in addition to port and starboard rod lockers to keep your favorite rods rigged and ready.
  
• A pair of aft fold-down jump seats provide extra seating while underway without giving up casting space when fishing.
  
• Reinforced, single piece cockpit floor that offers refined fit and finish while allowing for a dealer installed t-top option.
  

All three models are powered by a Mercury Marine max horsepower of 200HP (22′), 150HP (20′) and 115HP (18′) outboard engine offering award-winning performance and reliability.

To learn more about the all-new SS Pontoon, click here.

And to learn more about the redesigned Bay Boat Series, click here.

About Lowe Boats

For more than 50 years, Lowe Boats has been delivering exciting boats to passionate anglers, hunters, adventurers, and fun-seekers. The Lowe lineup includes tournament ready bass boats, heavy water ready deep-V, tough built Roughnecks, and family friendly pontoons, as well as utility and jon boats. Founded in 1971 and headquartered in Lebanon, Mo., the company’s state-of-the-art facility builds boats that are inspired by our customers and engineered for lifetime durability. The current product line is distributed around the world by a network of exceptional dealers. For more information about Lowe heritage and passion for our customers, please visit loweboats.com. Lowe is part of the Brunswick Corporation, the largest marine manufacturer in the world.

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A 25-foot, 7-inch pontoon boat makes an enormous playground on the water for families and friends. The performance that comes from the added buoyancy of a third pontoon and the reduced drag from strakes that lift the tubes to the surface of the water optimize horsepower and increase the fun.

At speed, the SS 250 WS presses you back against the lush living room of upholstery surrounding the crew.

In turns, the power steering gives smooth control and Mercury’s dynamic throttle easily maintains torque by feeding in throttle to keep the boat turning smoothly instead of dumping speed and wallowing through the turn. In straightaways, each nudge of the throttle returns rewarding acceleration.

Enhancing comfort on board this speedster are dual acrylic and fiberglass consoles, complete with a beam-to-beam windshield that protects from wind while its low-profile design adds to its sleek appearance. Also benefitting from the power are watersports enthusiasts who might enjoy skiing, wakeboarding or riding a tube at the end of a rope secured to the optional pylon.

The triple pontoons are 25 inches in diameter and made of .080-gauge aluminum; a protective keel guards the leading edge from impact. Those triple tubes also enhance capacity for crew and buoyancy to ride clear of rough wakes.

Style points at the helm include optional reclining chairs for the captain and mate. Arm rests automatically adjust for comfort. Lounge seating surrounds the area forward of the windshield— but the windshield’s low-profile design keeps captain and crew in touch. The elevation of both consoles also enhances the view forward.

Aft seating is just as luxurious and divided at the center stern boarding gate. A standard acrylic cocktail table was upgraded on our test boat: a clear acrylic table with stainless-steel cup holders and wineglass holders for four.

Lowe’s durable construction, reliable power and luxury on the water make performance, fun and comfort a given on the SS 250 WS.

High Points

⋅Side gates are recessed to reduce abrasions when docking.

⋅Side boarding gate is wheelchair accessible.

⋅Mercury power adds smooth, robust operating control.

Specs

LOA: 25′7″

Beam: 8′6″

Draft: NA

Dry Weight: 2,715 lb.

Seat/Weight Capacity: 13/1,813 lb.

Fuel Capacity: 50 gal.

Price: $53,287

How We Tested

Engine: Mercury 300 hp FourStroke V-8

Drive/Prop: Enertia 16″ pitch 3-blade stainless steel

Gear Ratio: 1.75:1

Fuel Load: 20 gal.

Crew Weight: 200 lb.

More Information

Lowe Boats – Lebanon, Missouri; 800-641-4372; loweboats.com

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Most prominent among the SS series of Lowe pontoons is the stainless-steel aft-railing system, which adds durability, good looks and a better view over the transom thanks to the open rails. That view will be particularly relished from the conversion-lounge seating arrangement at the transom that gives this boat its “CL” initials. Flip both seatbacks forward and forward-facing benches become aft-facing lounges. Flip just one and two can recline facing each other—a romantic touch for a sunset cruise.

That view will be even more exciting thanks to the added speed and buoyance provided by the third (middle) tube. All three tubes are 25 inches in diameter and stoutly made from .080-gauge aluminum. Lifting strakes on each tube aid in buoyancy, lifting them to a planing attitude to increase speed. The strakes also assist in control, helping the boat heel into turns instead of awkwardly outward.

The control helm is acrylic, durable and sleek, sporting analog gauges, 12-volt and USB ports, a smooth throttle and hydraulic steering with a tilt wheel.

A large swim platform allows easy passage from port to stern and a powder-coated boarding ladder allows easy reboarding after towed watersports using the stainless-steel tow pylon.

Aside from the stainless-steel aft rails, powder-coated side and bow rails are an option, as are two-tone side panels. Anodized aluminum and a single color are standard.00 Added comfort for the captain comes from the helm seat upgrade, a living-room-quality recliner with self-adjusting arm rests. Bow seating has thickly padded cushions with ample stowage underneath and the backrests fold out easily, offering excellent stowage access for fenders or other gear.

There was a vinyl sea-weave matt on the deck of our tester that is optional, but after experiencing it, we don’t know how you could go back to carpet—it’s soft on the feet, nonskid and easy to clean. It remained cool to bare feet in the hot sun, but a large stowaway Bimini top offers plenty of shade to the cockpit.

Lowe’s expertise in creating luxury and performance is clear in the SS 210 CL.

High Points

⋅Stainless-steel aft rails add durable good looks and opens view over the transom.

⋅Conversion lounge allows fore- or aft-facing seating or a combination of fore- and aft-facing seating.

Specs

LOA: 21′4″

Beam: 8′6″

Draft (max): 1′0″

Dry Weight: 2,230 lb. (plus engine)

Seat/Weight Capacity: 11/1,318 lb.

Fuel Capacity: 30 gal.

Price: $32,094

How We Tested

Engine: Mercury FourStroke 150

Drive/Prop: Enertia 15″ pitch 3-blade stainless steel

Gear Ratio: 1.92:1

Fuel Load: 15 gal.

Crew Weight: 250 lb.

More Information

Lowe Boats – Lebanon, Missouri; 800-641-4372; loweboats.com

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Our test boat included a Lowrance Hook 5 fish finder/chart plotter at the fiberglass-reinforced acrylic helm, plus a full complement of ­gauges to monitor your engine and speed. A foot-operated ­MotorGuide electric trolling motor on the bow positions the SF212 W on the edges of productive weed beds, lily pads or rock piles. A special compartment in the port bow secures the trolling-motor batteries. A 13-gallon aerated livewell forward of the helm console keeps live bait frisky, just what you need to tempt a wary walleye.

A pair of comfy swiveling pedestal seats, each with fold-down armrests, let the kids or gramps take a load off while waiting for a bite in the bow. A locker in the starboard bow secures rods and ­tackle. Vinyl mat flooring makes cleanup easy should the young’uns spill a box of night crawlers on the deck.

Amidships, we found a pair of richly upholstered captain’s chairs that recline, swivel, and offer fold-down armrests. Aft quarters feature a pair of loungers that wrap you in luxury. Within the bases ­resides a tremendous amount of stowage. You can also set up a snack table between the loungers.

Want to take a dip? Check out the aft swim platform spanning the beam with a fold-up aluminum boarding ladder in the starboard quarter that makes it a cinch to climb back aboard. On those hot, sultry days, put up the standard Bimini top for some shade relief.

Powered by a Mercury 115 FourStroke outboard, our twin-tube test boat planed in just 2.5 seconds and reached 20 mph in 5.5 seconds. Our top speed was a sedate 30 mph at 5,800 rpm. We loved the fuel efficiency. At 3,500 rpm and 15.3 mph, the SF212 W achieved nearly 5 mpg during our day of testing.

High Points
* Two fishing chairs, a trolling motor, livewell and tackle center make this an ideal fish ‘toon.
* Aft wraparound lounges appeal to the non-anglers in the family.
* Outstanding fuel efficiency means this boat won’t tax your credit card at the fuel dock.

Price: $37,025 (as tested)

How We Tested
Engine: Mercury 115 FourStroke
Drive/Prop: Outboard/13.8″ x 13″ 4-blade aluminum
Gear Ratio: 2.07:1
Fuel Load: 20 gal.
Crew Weight: 400 lb.

More Information
Lowe Boats – Lebanon, Missouri; 800-641-4372; loweboats.com

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zachstovall.com +1 407-492-8774 1877 Karolina Ave. Winter Park, FL 32789 USA

We get only so much time with each boat we test for this guide, but when we climbed aboard this Infinity 270 RFL, we pushed the deadline as long as we could. We did that so we could continue to enjoy the air-cushioned soft ride as the three tubes slid over the chop. And no matter where we sat, the thick upholstery dampened the vibration even more.

At the helm in the captain’s seat, armrests, a reclining back, and fore-and-aft adjustments provide the ideal driving position regardless of the skipper’s height. A tilt wheel ensures additional ease, plus an unobstructed view of the instrumentation and the Lowrance Elite 5 GPS/sonar on our tester’s helm. Navigational visibility forward was also enhanced by the raised platform, upon which the skipper’s chair stood. That visibility lets passengers unwind, worry-free, on the lounge seats ahead of the wheel — which are long enough for a relaxing snooze, but we suspect most riders will lean back against the bolsters and enjoy the view forward.

The passenger seat is like an overstuffed living-room armchair. It could be comfortable for two in a cozy way, and a hassock pulls out on the floor so you can put your feet up. Our favorite seating feature on the Infinity 270 RFL, though, was the pair of aft-facing lounge seats with armrests. Swing them up for easy entry and lower them for a secure, pleasant ride. There’s a wide walkway between them to access the swim platform. The arrangement is perfect for watching board riders. Add the included cocktail table, and the living room on the water becomes the dining room, with cup holders to keep drinks in easy reach.

Storage is typical for a pontoon, with plenty under all the seats, as well as the added advantage only a triple-tube version brings: a ski locker in the center tube accessible through the deck. For good looks and easy cleaning, the deck is made of vinyl sea-weave flooring, with faux wood surface on the boarding platform.

The look is all luxury, the performance all fun, and the style is head-turning.

High Points
* Stainless-steel bow grille is stylish; rails astern provide safe enclosure and improve visibility when docking.
* Swim platform has ample walking space between motor and rails.
* Foredeck allows for easier docking and mooring.
* Dual Biminis offer maximum shade over the deck.

How We Tested
Engine: Mercury Verado 300
Drive/Prop: Enertia 15″ x 15″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.85:1
Fuel Load: 35 gal.
Crew Weight: 375 lb.

Price
$65,893 (as tested)

Contact
Lowe Boats Lebanon, Missouri; 417-532-9101; loweboats.com

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Who says boating has to be expensive? The capable Ultra 180 Cruise costs just over $15,000 with our test power. It possesses the oomph to move around the lake at a stately pace and enough in reserve to give tube-riding kids the giggles. Everything a family needs to go boating is included, even the trailer.

A forward boarding deck makes anchoring easy, and three gates, one forward, one aft and one amidships, offer ample access no matter the docking situation. The gates are solid to avoid pinching while under power. Side panels are pressed in with adhesive for a rattle-free ride.

Underway, a forward bench offers a chaise-lounge back for reclined seating. Side-by-side lounges port and starboard allow several passengers to ride comfortably. A swivel bucket seat for the skipper and first mate provides two more seats, and the aft bench offers several more. All told, Lowe calculates that nine passengers can enjoy the cruise, and, after our test, we agree.

Storage compartments underneath feature drainage gutters at the top and bottom to carry moisture away from your gear. We’d choose the vinyl deck option ($133) to ease cleanup at the end of the day, but only $93 will get the tidier cruisers an upgraded plush carpet. To add ritz, go with the sea mat. We didn’t deploy the standard Bimini top in our test, but it will be welcome in warmer climes — you may never want to tuck it away in its included boot.

At such a comfortable price, you might expect the Ultra 180 Cruise to have a Spartan exterior, but we noticed a nice gleam to the colored side panels, and you can choose from eight different color schemes. Rails were shaped and then anodized for a corrosion-resistant and finely finished look. Underdeck connections were solid, evidenced by the feel of the vessel on the rough water on test day. The protective rub rail surrounding the deck enhanced the sleekness. This one is definitely champagne pontooning on a beer budget.

High Points
*Full-size boarding ladder on the stern platform
*Spacers hold gates one-quarter inch above the deck for fast draining and drying.
*Fiberglass helm station is rot-proof.
*Mercury FourStroke is quiet for easy conversation.
*Portable fuel tank is convenient for trailer boaters.

How We Tested
Engine: Mercury 40 hp
Drive/Prop: Outboard/13.8″ x 11″ 3-blade aluminum
Gear Ratio: 2.33:1
Fuel Load: 6 gal.
Crew Weight: 375 lb.

Price
$15,810 (as tested)

Contact
Lowe Boats Lebanon, Missouri; 417-532-9101; loweboats.com

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Lowe’s SS pontoon series is designed to bring a higher level of luxury to the boater while conserving both investment and operating costs. Sure, you could pop more horsepower on the transom, but why do it when our tests show that the boat steps up to brisk cruising and snappy hole shots for water sports? And Mercury’s fuel-sipping 90 hp outboard with its 24-gallon fuel capacity means you could run all weekend without fueling up.

Water sports are enhanced with the tow pylon over the outboard. It is designed to keep the rope high for tricks and out of the outboard for safety. The double Biminis on our test model shaded the deck.

We liked the rounded edges of the SS 230; it trades the common boxy look that plagues pontoons for a sleek, luxury look that is more pleasing to the eye. Our tester’s color scheme was a study in tasteful contrasts. Dark, glossy side panels were accented with anodized rails. Interior upholstery was rich, thick and flawlessly double stitched — a mark of excellent craftsmanship.

The aft platform is accessible from port or starboard, making it easy to board through the stern door. A portside gate and a bow gate on the centerline mean there is an easy way to disembark no matter how the dockmaster guides you to the waterfront eatery.

The ride is made more pleasant by the careful construction of the tubes and cross members, and the connection points between them. We experienced no rattling or creaking, and the rigid construction was evident in its resistance to flex as we quartered over oncoming wakes. For entertainment purposes, our tester had a Jensen stereo with Bluetooth connectivity — currently a standard in stereo control and music access.

There are more luxurious pontoons out there — Lowe even makes one in its Infinity Series — but at this price point, Lowe is providing a terrific return on your boating investment.

High Points
*Fiberglass-reinforced acrylic console gives an excellent view over forward passengers.
*Bluetooth-compatible Jensen MS230 stereo lets the crew DJ the boat.
*Great performance and efficient fuel economy from a dual-tube pontoon that utilizes midrange power.

How We Tested
Engine: Mercury 90 hp
Drive/Prop: Outboard with Command Thrust/Enertia 14″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 2.07:1
Fuel Load: 24 gal.
Crew Weight: 240 lb.

Price
$35,019 (as tested)

Contact
Lowe Boats Lebanon, Missouri; 417-532-9101; loweboats.com

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There are pontoons that fish. Then there are fishing pontoons. Lowe’s all-new SF234 falls into the latter category.

For serious anglers, the SF234 offers premium amenities, versatility and excellent value, all in a comfortable, spacious pontoon. With ample storage and seating capacity for 13 passengers, you can invite your fishing buddies with all their gear and still have room to fish.

The SF234 comes standard with a 13-gallon livewell located in the bow and three angled, stern rod holders. Add the optional features to make the boat a true fishing machine. These features include a fish station with a livewell; your choice of a Minn Kota or MotorGuide trolling motor; and either a Lowrance Elite or Mark-5x fish finder.

Since the SF234 is a Lowe, you can count on durability and value to go along with that fishability. The tubes are 25 inches in diameter, the console is a fiberglass-reinforced acrylic fabrication served by a swiveling barrel chair, and the heavy-duty Bimini top is 9 feet long (and comes in your choice of three colors).

Ride in comfort; fish in style. Check out a Lowe SF234.

Buyer’s Spotlight
*The optional fish station, when installed aboard a Lowe SF234, ensures the avid angler of having a truly fish-equipped pontoon boat.
*The stylish and ergonomic helm station aboard the Lowe SF234 is part of the fiberglass-reinforced acrylic console. Note the venture windscreen.
*Lowe equips this fishing ‘toon with optional high-tech electronics from Lowrance, allowing you to really zero in on that big catch and ensure that your crew is happy.

Price
$31,181 (with Mercury 150L FourStroke and optional fish station and Lowrance Mark-5x)

Contact
Lowe Boats Lebanon, Missouri; 417-532-9101; loweboats.com

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It takes more than flashy colors and cushy upholstery to make a luxury performance pontoon that can keep a boating family happy. But Lowe knows how to combine those two attributes, plus reliable durability, and has been doing this for 40 years. Its new Xtreme 230, a part of the Xtreme series, builds beautifully on the company’s expertise.

Triple tubes are fastened and welded to channel beams, giving the Xtreme 230 added buoyancy, lift to operate like a planing boat, and the rigidity needed to manage high horsepower. Its all-welded engine pod is secure, holding the motor at the optimum level for solid hookup of the prop. That’s what made it jump to 20 miles per hour and corner like a slalom skier during our test. And while the Verado outboard was expected to be quiet, the low sound numbers we got also attest to the rattle- and squeak-free chassis.

We piloted the boat from the new fiberglass-reinforced acrylic console with chrome bezels on the instruments and a chrome-accented helm. The tunes were easily monitored and changed on the Jensen MS30 stereo with AM/FM tuner and the ability to receive Bluetooth transmission from pods and phones — so anybody can be the DJ.

Our deck was covered with sea-grass flooring, a wovenlike vinyl that looks so much like sisal mat that I had to get down close to be sure of what it was. It’s a luxury look, for sure. More important, it offers great traction even when wet but hoses or sweeps off easily, fending off the stains of spilled Cokes or smashed Cheetos.

Upholstery was cool to the touch and inviting to the body, hugging passengers in a soft embrace and molding to them in a way that enhances their confidence in the boat’s solid ride. Naturally, storage abounds below the seats.

Whether you are hitching a line to the custom tow point or putting along for a sunset cruise, the Xtreme has the comfort and the performance to meet the demands.

Buyer’s Spotlight
*We were impressed with the logical, organized manner in which all components were wired together beneath the helm — it’s the mark of professional experience in manufacturing.
*Our stereo featured a subwoofer to add depth to the crystal-clear music from the Jensen stereo.
*Passenger and skipper get custom reclining and swiveling chairs that include armrests.
*Internal side-gate frames add a sleek look to the deck.
*Beams and pontoon connection points are hidden behind contoured skirting.
*Aluminum sheeting beneath the deck prevents water from forcing up through the decks and eliminates “surging” from wakes interfering with the ride.

How We Tested
Engine: Mercury 250 Verado
Drive/Prop: Mercury Enertia 15″
Gear Ratio: 1.85:1
Fuel Load: 35 gal.
Crew Weight: 400 lb.

Price
$47,671 (with Verado 250, subwoofer, sea-grass flooring and deluxe ski tow)

Contact
Lowe Boats Lebanon, Missouri; 417-532-9101; loweboats.com

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The Infinity 270 CL is well named for a pontoon bursting with uncounted luxuries. It’s one of the sleekest in this popular category of day-cruising vessels, and it’s bristling with features to make your day on the water complete.

The Infinity’s sleek look comes from the swept-forward styling of the side gates and rails. Panels are set inside the finished D-channel rails, and the palette of paints serves to streamline the profile. The side gates curve forward amidships, and stainless-steel rails aft meet them in complementary curves. Even the stainless-steel Bimini frame sweeps forward to match the lines.

Our test boat was carpeted but the swim platform was covered with tough, beautiful sea-grass vinyl flooring that drains and dries quickly. That sea-grass flooring could be brought forward throughout the passenger seating area and is a top option to consider for easy care and good looks.

Seating features pillow-top backrests and contoured seat bottoms to hug the passengers for a comfortable, secure ride. Sea-grass kick panels at the bottom complement the look and provide tough resistance to scuffing. The coolest features are found amidships, and high on our list is the first mate’s seat to port of the helm. It’s an L-shaped affair that offers cozy seating facing the helm or facing forward. In the latter position, the rider can drop down an armrest from the seat back and pull a hassock from beneath to rest the feet.

Aft of that you’ll find the boat’s namesake feature: the conversion lounge. It can be configured as dual couches facing each other — seating for up to six people — or you can flip the aft backrest forward and it converts the dual couches to a double sun pad with a backrest. This is the spot from which to enjoy watching the wakeboarders or tube riders attached to the standard ski pylon on the deck.

Lowe’s experience of four decades in the boatbuilding business has come together beautifully in this new luxury ride.

Buyer’s Spotlight
*Soft blue LED lighting throughout the boat provides a moody glow to the evening.
*Rope lights surrounding the seat edges ensure confident footing during night cruises.
*LED cup holders add even more excitement to the look.
*Polk’s PA 450 UM stereo is one of the best in the entertainment business and boasts LED backlit speakers as well.
*Bluetooth connectivity allows anyone with a Bluetooth MP3 player to be the DJ.
*Aft, bow and amidships gates give plenty of boarding options for any docking situation.
*Verado power was so quiet it could hardly be heard — check that out on our video.

How We Tested
Engine: Mercury Verado 250
Prop: Mercury Enertia 15″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.85:1
Fuel Load: 35 gal.
Crew Weight: 400 lb.

Price
$61,636 (with Verado 250 and optional LED light package)

Contact
Lowe Boats Lebanon, Missouri; 417-532-9101; loweboats.com

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