Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Lowe 185 Fishing Machine 2008 vs Lowe Frontier 1860 CC 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a deep vee Lowe 185 Fishing Machine 2008 against a modified vee Lowe Frontier 1860 CC 2013 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 185 Fishing Machine 2008 at 18,0 ft versus Lowe Frontier 1860 CC 2013 at 18,0 ft. At 121 lbs and 95 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.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 150 hp, the Lowe 185 Fishing Machine 2008 has a 60-hp advantage over the Lowe Frontier 1860 CC 2013's 90-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
Both boats are rated for 7 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 185 Fishing Machine 2008 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 1 lbs per hp for the Lowe Frontier 1860 CC 2013. 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: Performance buyers should lean toward the Lowe 185 Fishing Machine 2008 and its 150-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Lowe Frontier 1860 CC 2013 with its 90-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
Model185 Fishing Machine
ModelFrontier 1860 CC
Model Year2008
Model Year2013
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam95 in. (2.41 m)
Beam85 in. (2.16 m)
Beam - Meters2.41
Beam - Meters2.16
Beam - Inches95
Beam - Inches85
Weight - Detail1,210 lbs. (549 kg)
Weight - Detail950 lbs. (431 kg)
Weight - kg548.85
Weight - kg430.91
Weight - lbs.121
Weight - lbs.95
Width [transom] - Detail83 in. (2.1 m)
Width [transom] - Detail60 in. (1.52 m) bottom
Height - Detail41 in. (1 m)
Height - Detailnot available
Height - Meters1.04
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Inches41
Height - Inchesnot available
Height [transom]20 in. (.53 m)
Height [transom]20 in. (0.5 m)
Length - Meters5.56
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet18
Length - Feet18
Length - Inches3
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 3 in. (5.56 m)
Length overall - Detail18 ft. (5.49 m)
Length overall - Meters5.56
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Inches219
Length overall - Inches216
Depth - Detailnot available
Depth - Detail24 in. (0.61 m)
Depth - Centimetersnot available
Depth - Centimeters60.96
Depth - Inchesnot available
Depth - Inches24
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thickness.100 in. (2.5 mm)
Hull thickness0.100 in. (2.54 mm)
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail38 gal. (144 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters143.85
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal38
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max150 hp (111 kW)
Engine max90 hp (67 kW)
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,759 lbs. (798 kg)
Maximum capacity1,552 lbs. (704 kg)
Maximum people7 / 1,115 lbs. (798 kg)
Maximum people7 / 950 lbs. (704 kg)
Trailer Info
Trailer - Length over allTongue in: 22 ft. 7 in. (6.9 m)
Trailer - Length over allnot available
Trailer - Width102 in. (2.59 m)
Trailer - Widthnot available