Matching a deep vee Lowe FM175 2009 against a modified vee Lowe SD224 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.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Lowe SD224 2012 measures 22,0 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 5,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Lowe FM175 2009 at 17,0 feet (2009). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Lowe SD224 2012 tips the scales at 218 lbs — 105 lbs less than the Lowe FM175 2009 at 113 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 175 hp, the Lowe SD224 2012 has a 60-hp advantage over the Lowe FM175 2009's 115-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 SD224 2012 carries 38 gallons versus 27 gallons in the Lowe FM175 2009. 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 SD224 2012 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Lowe FM175 2009 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Lowe SD224 2012 could be the deciding factor.