Matching a modified vee Lowe 170 Stinger Bass 2008 against a flat Lowe L1436 2009 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 170 Stinger Bass 2008 at 17,0 ft versus Lowe L1436 2009 at 14,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Lowe 170 Stinger Bass 2008 tips the scales at 995 lbs — 850 lbs more than the Lowe L1436 2009 at 145 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 55-hp advantage over the Lowe L1436 2009's 20-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 L1436 2009 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 L1436 2009 comes in at 7 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.