Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Lowe FM175DC 2010 vs Lowe R1652VPT 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Lowe FM175DC 2010 vs Lowe R1652VPT 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 FM175DC 2010 at 17,3 ft versus Lowe R1652VPT 2005 at 16,0 ft. At 113 lbs and 43 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 115 hp, the Lowe FM175DC 2010 has a 65-hp advantage over the Lowe R1652VPT 2005's 50-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Lowe FM175DC 2010 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Lowe R1652VPT 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 FM175DC 2010 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Lowe R1652VPT 2005 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 1 lbs per hp for the Lowe FM175DC 2010. 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 FM175DC 2010 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 17,3 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Lowe R1652VPT 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.
General Boat Info
ModelFM175DC
ModelR1652VPT
Model Year201
Model Year2005
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam92 in. (2.33 m)
Beam75 in. (1.9 m)
Beam - Meters2.34
Beam - Meters1.91
Beam - Inches92
Beam - Inches75
Weight - Detail1,130 lbs. (512 kg)
Weight - Detail430 lbs. (195 kg)
Weight - kg512.56
Weight - kg195.04
Weight - lbs.113
Weight - lbs.43
Width [transom] - DetailBottom Width: 80 in. (2 m)
Width [transom] - Detail55 in. (1.52 m)
Height - DetailBow Height: 40 in. (1.01 m)
Height - Detailnot available
Height - Meters1.02
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Inches4
Height - Inchesnot available
Height [transom]20 in. (0.5 m)
Height [transom]20 in. (.50 m)
Length - Feet17.25
Length - Feet16
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 3 in. (5.25 m)
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 0 in. (4.87 m)
Length overall - Meters5.26
Length overall - Meters4.88
Length overall - Inches207
Length overall - Inches192
Depth - Detailnot available
Depth - Detail21 in. (.53 m)
Depth - Centimetersnot available
Depth - Centimeters53.34
Depth - Inchesnot available
Depth - Inches21
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Meters4.87
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialnot available
Hull thickness0.100 in. (2.5 mm)
Hull thickness.100 in. (.25 cm)
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail27 gal. (144 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters102.21
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal27
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typenot available
Engine max115 hp (86 kW)
Engine max50 hp (37 kw)
Drive typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,600 lbs. (726 kg)
Maximum capacity1,145 lbs. (519 kg)
Maximum people6 / 960 lbs. (435 kg)
Maximum people5
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailPainted bunk trailer with swing tongue
Trailer - Detailnot available
Trailer - Length over all20 ft. 11 in. (6.4 m)
Trailer - Length over allnot available
Trailer - Width102 in. (2.59 m)
Trailer - Widthnot available