Lowe 1256 Sea Nymph 2008 boat specs
Lowe
Lowe 1256 Sea Nymph 2008
2008
View full specs →
VS
Lowe L1236 2005 boat specs
Lowe
Lowe L1236 2005
2005
View full specs →

Lowe 1256 Sea Nymph 2008 vs Lowe L1236 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Lowe 1256 Sea Nymph 2008 vs Lowe L1236 2005 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Lowe 1256 Sea Nymph 2008 at 12,0 ft versus Lowe L1236 2005 at 11,0 ft. At 104 lbs and 14 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 10 hp for the Lowe 1256 Sea Nymph 2008 and 10 hp for the Lowe L1236 2005. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup.

Both boats are rated for 3 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Lowe L1236 2005 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 10 lbs per hp for the Lowe 1256 Sea Nymph 2008. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.

Bottom line: The Lowe 1256 Sea Nymph 2008 and Lowe L1236 2005 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.
General Boat Info
MakeLowe
MakeLowe
Model1256 Sea Nymph
ModelL1236
Model Year2008
Model Year2005
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam56 in. (1.42 m)
Beam56 in. (1.42 m)
Beam - Meters1.42
Beam - Meters1.42
Beam - Inches56
Beam - Inches56
Weight - Detail104 lbs. (47 kg)
Weight - Detail140 lbs. (63 kg)
Weight - kg47.17
Weight - kg63.5
Weight - lbs.104
Weight - lbs.14
Height - Detail27 in. (.69 m)
Height - Detailnot available
Height - Meters0.69
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Inches27
Height - Inchesnot available
Height [transom]15 in. (.38 m)
Height [transom]15 in. (.38 m)
Length - Meters3.7
Length - Meters3.63
Length - Feet12
Length - Feet11
Length - Inches1
Length - Inches11
Length overall - Detail12 ft. 1 in. (3.7 m)
Length overall - Detail11 ft. 11 in. (3.63 m)
Length overall - Meters3.68
Length overall - Meters3.63
Length overall - Inches145
Length overall - Inches143
Depth - Detailnot available
Depth - Detail17 in. (.43 m)
Depth - Centimetersnot available
Depth - Centimeters43.18
Depth - Inchesnot available
Depth - Inches17
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - Detail36 in. (.91 m)
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialnot available
Hull thickness.050 in. (1.27 mm)
Hull thickness.050 in. (.127 cm)
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max10 hp (7.5 kW)
Engine max10 hp (7.5 kw)
Operational Info
Maximum capacity602 lbs. (273 kg)
Maximum capacity527 lbs. (239 kg)
Maximum people3 / 400 lbs. (181 kg)
Maximum people3

Lowe 1256 Sea Nymph 2008 vs Lowe L1236 2005 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Lowe 1256 Sea Nymph 2008 or the Lowe L1236 2005?
The Lowe 1256 Sea Nymph 2008 is the longer of the two at 12,0 feet overall. The Lowe L1236 2005 comes in at 11,0 feet, making it roughly 1,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Lowe 1256 Sea Nymph 2008 or the Lowe L1236 2005?
For trailering, the Lowe L1236 2005 has the edge at 14 lbs dry weight versus 104 lbs for the Lowe 1256 Sea Nymph 2008. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Lowe 1256 Sea Nymph 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 3 passengers, while the Lowe L1236 2005 is certified for 3. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Which boat has the better power-to-weight ratio?
The Lowe L1236 2005 has a better power-to-weight ratio at 1 lbs per hp compared to 10 lbs per hp for the Lowe 1256 Sea Nymph 2008. A lower number means quicker acceleration and faster time to plane — the number that actually matters most on short, sporty boats like these.
Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?
Both the Lowe 1256 Sea Nymph 2008 and Lowe L1236 2005 share an 56 in. (1.42 m) beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.
Are the Lowe 1256 Sea Nymph 2008 and Lowe L1236 2005 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Lowe 1256 Sea Nymph 2008 and the Lowe L1236 2005 are built by Lowe. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.