Matching a deep vee Lowe FM165T 2011 against a modified vee Lowe R1760CJ 2009 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 FM165T 2011 at 16,4 ft versus Lowe R1760CJ 2009 at 17,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Lowe FM165T 2011 tips the scales at 955 lbs — 116 lbs more than the Lowe R1760CJ 2009 at 839 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 — 50 hp for the Lowe FM165T 2011 and 40 hp for the Lowe R1760CJ 2009. 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.

Both boats are rated for 6 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Lowe FM165T 2011 comes in at 19 lbs per hp versus 21 lbs per hp for the Lowe R1760CJ 2009. 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.