Matching a deep vee Lowe FM165 2010 against a modified vee Lowe Frontier 1860 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 FM165 2010 at 16,4 ft versus Lowe Frontier 1860 2011 at 18,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Lowe FM165 2010 tips the scales at 955 lbs — 330 lbs more than the Lowe Frontier 1860 2011 at 625 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 — 75 hp for the Lowe FM165 2010 and 60 hp for the Lowe Frontier 1860 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.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Lowe FM165 2010 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Lowe Frontier 1860 2011 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Lowe FM165 2010 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Lowe Frontier 1860 2011 comes in at 10 lbs per hp versus 13 lbs per hp for the Lowe FM165 2010. 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.