The Lowe FM165S 2005 vs Lowe ST190 2011 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 FM165S 2005 at 16,0 ft versus Lowe ST190 2011 at 18,7 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Lowe FM165S 2005 tips the scales at 955 lbs — 849 lbs more than the Lowe ST190 2011 at 106 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 ST190 2011 has a 40-hp advantage over the Lowe FM165S 2005's 75-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 FM165S 2005 carries 27 gallons versus 2 gallons in the Lowe ST190 2011. 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 FM165S 2005 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Lowe ST190 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 FM165S 2005 could be the deciding factor.