The Lowe 170 Stinger Bass 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Lowe 170 Stinger Bass 2008 measures 17,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 6,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Lowe L1236 2005 at 11,0 feet (2005). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Lowe 170 Stinger Bass 2008 tips the scales at 995 lbs — 981 lbs more than the Lowe L1236 2005 at 14 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.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 75 hp, the Lowe 170 Stinger Bass 2008 has a 65-hp advantage over the Lowe L1236 2005's 10-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Lowe 170 Stinger Bass 2008 is rated for 4 passengers, while the Lowe L1236 2005 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Lowe 170 Stinger Bass 2008 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Lowe L1236 2005 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 13 lbs per hp for the Lowe 170 Stinger Bass 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: Choose the Lowe 170 Stinger Bass 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 4 passengers and at 17,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Lowe L1236 2005 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 3 that costs less to run day-to-day.