The Lowe FM165 2011 vs Lowe FS175 2005 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 FM165 2011 at 16,4 ft versus Lowe FS175 2005 at 17,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Lowe FM165 2011 tips the scales at 955 lbs — 840 lbs more than the Lowe FS175 2005 at 115 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 115 hp, the Lowe FS175 2005 has a 40-hp advantage over the Lowe FM165 2011's 75-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 27 gal and 27 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Lowe FM165 2011 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Lowe FS175 2005 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 2011 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Lowe FS175 2005 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 13 lbs per hp for the Lowe FM165 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.
Bottom line: Choose the Lowe FM165 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 16,4 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Lowe FS175 2005 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.