Matching a deep vee Lowe 165DC Angler 2008 against a modified vee Lowe RV170 2011 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Lowe 165DC Angler 2008 at 16,0 ft versus Lowe RV170 2011 at 17,3 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Lowe 165DC Angler 2008 tips the scales at 903 lbs — 164 lbs more than the Lowe RV170 2011 at 739 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 75 hp for the Lowe 165DC Angler 2008 and 60 hp for the Lowe RV170 2011. 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.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Lowe 165DC Angler 2008 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Lowe RV170 2011 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Lowe 165DC Angler 2008 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Lowe 165DC Angler 2008 comes in at 12 lbs per hp versus 12 lbs per hp for the Lowe RV170 2011. 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.