Matching a deep vee Lowe FM165 Pro WT 2013 against a tunnel Lowe Frontier 1860 Tunnel Jet 2012 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 FM165 Pro WT 2013 at 16,4 ft versus Lowe Frontier 1860 Tunnel Jet 2012 at 18,0 ft. At 125 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 90 hp for the Lowe FM165 Pro WT 2013 and 90 hp for the Lowe Frontier 1860 Tunnel Jet 2012. 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. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Lowe FM165 Pro WT 2013 carries 26 gallons versus 19 gallons in the Lowe Frontier 1860 Tunnel Jet 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 Frontier 1860 Tunnel Jet 2012 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Lowe FM165 Pro WT 2013 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Lowe Frontier 1860 Tunnel Jet 2012 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Lowe Frontier 1860 Tunnel Jet 2012 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 1 lbs per hp for the Lowe FM165 Pro WT 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.