Matching a deep vee Lowe FM175 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 FM175 2011 at 17,3 ft versus Lowe R1760CJ 2009 at 17,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Lowe R1760CJ 2009 tips the scales at 839 lbs — 726 lbs less than the Lowe FM175 2011 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 115 hp, the Lowe FM175 2011 has a 75-hp advantage over the Lowe R1760CJ 2009's 40-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

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 FM175 2011 comes in at 1 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.