Lowe Frontier 1546 2012 boat specs
Lowe
Lowe Frontier 1546 2012
2012
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VS
Lowe L1448 2011 boat specs
Lowe
Lowe L1448 2011
2011
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Lowe Frontier 1546 2012 vs Lowe L1448 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a modified vee Lowe Frontier 1546 2012 against a flat Lowe L1448 2011 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 Frontier 1546 2012 at 15,1 ft versus Lowe L1448 2011 at 14,0 ft. At 29 lbs and 26 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 25 hp for the Lowe Frontier 1546 2012 and 25 hp for the Lowe L1448 2011. 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 4 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 L1448 2011 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 1 lbs per hp for the Lowe Frontier 1546 2012. 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: The Lowe Frontier 1546 2012 and Lowe L1448 2011 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.
General Boat Info
MakeLowe
MakeLowe
ModelFrontier 1546
ModelL1448
Model Year2012
Model Year2011
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam70 in. (1.78 m)
Beam70 in. (1.77 m)
Beam - Meters1.78
Beam - Meters1.78
Beam - Inches7
Beam - Inches7
Depth - Detail20 in. (0.5 m)
Depth - Detail19 in. (0.48 m)
Depth - Centimeters50.8
Depth - Centimeters48.26
Depth - Inches2
Depth - Inches19
Weight - Detail290 lbs. (132 kg)
Weight - Detail260 lbs. (118 kg)
Weight - kg131.54
Weight - kg117.93
Weight - lbs.29
Weight - lbs.26
Width [transom] - Detail46 in. (1.17 m) bottom
Width [transom] - Detail48 in. (1.2 m) bottom
Height [transom]20 in. (0.5 m)
Height [transom]15 in. (0.38 m)
Length - Feet15.08
Length - Feet14
Length overall - Detail15 ft. 1 in. (4.6 m)
Length overall - Detail14 ft. (4.27 m)
Length overall - Meters4.6
Length overall - Meters4.27
Length overall - Inches181
Length overall - Inches168
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thickness0.080 in. (2.03 mm)
Hull thickness0.072 in. (1.83 mm)
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeFlat
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max25 hp (19 kW)
Engine max25 hp (19 kW)
Operational Info
Maximum capacity825 lbs. (374 kg)
Maximum capacity825 lbs. (374 kg)
Maximum people4 / 500 lbs. (227 kg)
Maximum people4 / 500 lbs. (227 kg)
Trailer Info
Trailer - Length over allnot available
Trailer - Length over all19 ft. (5.79 m)

Lowe Frontier 1546 2012 vs Lowe L1448 2011 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Lowe Frontier 1546 2012 or the Lowe L1448 2011?
The Lowe Frontier 1546 2012 is the longer of the two at 15,1 feet overall. The Lowe L1448 2011 comes in at 14,0 feet, making it roughly 1,1 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Lowe Frontier 1546 2012 or the Lowe L1448 2011?
For trailering, the Lowe L1448 2011 has the edge at 26 lbs dry weight versus 29 lbs for the Lowe Frontier 1546 2012. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Lowe Frontier 1546 2012 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Lowe L1448 2011 is certified for 4. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Which boat has the better power-to-weight ratio?
The Lowe L1448 2011 has a better power-to-weight ratio at 1 lbs per hp compared to 1 lbs per hp for the Lowe Frontier 1546 2012. A lower number means quicker acceleration and faster time to plane — the number that actually matters most on short, sporty boats like these.
Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?
Both the Lowe Frontier 1546 2012 and Lowe L1448 2011 share an 70 in. (1.78 m) beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.
Are the Lowe Frontier 1546 2012 and Lowe L1448 2011 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Lowe Frontier 1546 2012 and the Lowe L1448 2011 are built by Lowe. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.