The Lowe Boats FM 1800 SC 2021 vs Lowe Stryker 16 SS 2012 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Lowe Boats FM 1800 SC 2021 at 17,1 ft versus Lowe Stryker 16 SS 2012 at 16,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Lowe Boats FM 1800 SC 2021 tips the scales at 1 668 lbs — 1 607 lbs more than the Lowe Stryker 16 SS 2012 at 61 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 150 hp, the Lowe Boats FM 1800 SC 2021 has a 100-hp advantage over the Lowe Stryker 16 SS 2012's 50-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Lowe Boats FM 1800 SC 2021 carries 26 gallons versus 6 gallons in the Lowe Stryker 16 SS 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Lowe Boats FM 1800 SC 2021 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Lowe Stryker 16 SS 2012 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Lowe Boats FM 1800 SC 2021 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Lowe Stryker 16 SS 2012 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 11 lbs per hp for the Lowe Boats FM 1800 SC 2021. 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.
The Lowe Boats FM 1800 SC 2021 is trailerable — a genuine lifestyle advantage at this size. The Lowe Stryker 16 SS 2012 isn't listed as trailerable, which may mean a permanent berth or mooring is required.
Bottom line: Choose the Lowe Boats FM 1800 SC 2021 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 5 passengers and at 17,1 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Lowe Stryker 16 SS 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 3 that costs less to run day-to-day.