Matching a modified vee Lowe A160S 2012 against a flat Lowe L1448T Jon Boat 2008 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 L1448T Jon Boat 2008 at 14,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Lowe A160S 2012 tips the scales at 711 lbs — 346 lbs more than the Lowe L1448T Jon Boat 2008 at 365 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 50 hp, the Lowe A160S 2012 has a 25-hp advantage over the Lowe L1448T Jon Boat 2008's 25-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 A160S 2012 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Lowe L1448T Jon Boat 2008 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Lowe A160S 2012 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 15 lbs per hp for the Lowe L1448T Jon Boat 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 A160S 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 5 passengers and at 16,1 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Lowe L1448T Jon Boat 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.