Matching a modified vee Lowe A160S 2012 against a deep vee Lowe FM165T 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 A160S 2012 at 16,1 ft versus Lowe FM165T 2011 at 16,4 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Lowe FM165T 2011 tips the scales at 955 lbs — 244 lbs less than the Lowe A160S 2012 at 711 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 — 50 hp for the Lowe A160S 2012 and 50 hp for the Lowe FM165T 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. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 6 gal and 6 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Lowe FM165T 2011 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Lowe A160S 2012 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Lowe FM165T 2011 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Lowe A160S 2012 comes in at 14 lbs per hp versus 19 lbs per hp for the Lowe FM165T 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.